St Petersburg City booking and release records are public files that show who was arrested, when they entered the Pinellas County jail, and when they got out. These records help families, lawyers, and the public check on someone in custody.
They also show charges, bond amounts, and court dates. The Pinellas County Sheriff Office runs the main database. You can search by name, booking number, or date. Results are free and show up right away on the official website.
What Are St Petersburg Booking and Release Records
St Petersburg booking and release records are official documents created each time a person is arrested and processed in the city. A booking record starts when police bring someone to jail. A release record shows when that person left jail. Both records stay on file for years. They are open to the public under Florida law.
Who Maintains These Records
The Pinellas County Sheriff Office manages all booking and release records for St Petersburg. St Petersburg Police make arrests in the city. Then they send the person to the county jail for booking. The Sheriff Office handles fingerprints, photos, and charges. They also track releases. The Clerk of Court keeps the case files once charges move to court.
What Data Each Record Contains
Each booking record shows the person’s full name, date of birth, and booking number. It lists the arrest date, arrest agency, and charges. You can see the bond amount set by a judge. Release records show the date and time of release. They also list the release type, such as bond posted, time served, or transfer. Some records include a mugshot.
Florida Public Records Law and Access Rights
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes gives anyone the right to see arrest and jail records. You do not need to say why you want them. You do not need to be a lawyer or family member. Records about adults are open. Records about minors are usually closed. Sealed or expunged records are also closed.
How to Search St Petersburg Inmate Records Online
You can search St Petersburg inmate records for free on several websites. The Pinellas County Sheriff has its own search tool. The State of Florida runs VINELink. The Department of Corrections has a separate search for state prisoners. Each tool gives different results based on where the person is held.
Pinellas County Sheriff Online Search
The Pinellas County Sheriff website lets you search current inmates and recent releases. Go to the “Who Is In Jail” page. Type a first and last name. You can also search by booking number or date. Results show booking date, charges, bond, and release status. The site updates every hour. No login or fee is needed.
VINELink Statewide Search Tool
VINELink is a free statewide service. It works in Florida and every other state. You can search by name or VIN number. It tells you if a person is in a county jail, state prison, or on probation. VINELink also sends alerts when someone’s custody status changes. This helps families track loved ones across Florida counties.
Florida Department of Corrections Lookup
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) runs a separate inmate search. This tool only shows people serving state prison sentences. It does not show county jail inmates. To use it, go to the FDC website and search by name or DC number. You can see facility, release date, and offense details.
Understanding Booking and Release Procedures
Every arrest in St Petersburg follows the same basic steps. Police arrest the person, take them to jail, and start the booking process. After booking, a judge reviews the case. The judge sets bond or orders no bond. The person can then be released or held in custody until trial.
The Booking Process Step by Step
When police arrest someone in St Petersburg, they bring the person to the Pinellas County jail. Staff record the person’s name, address, and date of birth. They take fingerprints and a photo. They list all charges from the arrest. They check for prior arrests and outstanding warrants. The whole process takes one to four hours.
Types of Release From Jail
There are several ways a person can leave jail. Bond posted means someone paid the full bond amount. Time served means the sentence is complete. Released on recognizance (ROR) means no bond was needed. Transfer means the person moved to state prison or another county. Case dismissed means charges were dropped. Each type shows on the record.
Bond and Bail Information in St Petersburg
A judge sets bond at the first court appearance. This usually happens within 24 hours of arrest. Bond amounts depend on the charge. Minor charges may have low bond. Serious charges like murder or trafficking have high bond or no bond at all. A bail bondsman can post bond for a fee, usually 10 percent of the total amount.
Pinellas County Jail System and Facilities
St Petersburg does not run its own city jail. All people arrested in St Petersburg go to the Pinellas County jail system. The main facility is the Pinellas County Jail in Largo. The Sheriff Office runs two main facilities. Both hold people awaiting trial or serving short county sentences.
Main Detention Center Details
The main Pinellas County jail is at 14400 49th Street North in Largo, Florida. The phone number is (727) 464-6415. The facility holds about 3,000 inmates each day. Staff process new bookings 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visitation, bonding, and inmate accounts are handled here. The second facility is the Central District Court building in Clearwater.
Contact Information and Hours
You can call the Pinellas County Sheriff records line at (727) 464-6415 during business hours. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The jail lobby stays open 24 hours for bonding and inmate drop-off. The records office handles public records requests in person or by mail.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Agency | Pinellas County Sheriff Office |
| Address | 14400 49th Street North, Largo, FL 33760 |
| Phone | (727) 464-6415 |
| Online Search | pinellassheriff.gov/who-is-in-jail |
| Hours | 24/7 lobby; 8 a.m.–5 p.m. records office |
| St Petersburg Police | 1301 1st Ave N, St Petersburg, FL 33705 |
| St Petersburg Police Phone | (727) 893-7780 |
Pinellas County Booking Releases Database
The Pinellas County booking releases page lets you search past releases. You can see who got out of jail each day. You can also search by month or year. This helps researchers, journalists, and family members track patterns. The database goes back several years. Some older records may be archived.
Other Florida County Inmate Search Options
People arrested in St Petersburg sometimes end up in other Florida jails. This happens with transfers, holds from other counties, or arrests outside the city. You may need to search other county databases. Florida has 67 counties. Each has its own inmate search system.
Miami-Dade County Inmate Search
Miami-Dade County runs Corrections and Rehabilitation. Their inmate search is at miamidade.gov. You can search by name, booking number, or DC number. The database covers both county jail and pretrial detainees. Records show charges, bond, and court dates. The site updates in real time.
Broward County Jail Records
Broward County Sheriff Office (BSO) runs the main jail in Fort Lauderdale. Their inmate search is at browardsheriff.org. You can search current inmates only. The site does not always show past releases. For older records, you need to file a public records request. Broward holds about 5,000 inmates daily.
Orange County Florida Inmate Lookup
Orange County runs the Orange County Corrections Department. Their search is at ocfl.net. The site shows current inmates at the Orange County Jail in Orlando. You can search by name or booking number. Records include charges, bond, and next court date. Pretrial and sentenced inmates both appear.
Hillsborough, Duval, Palm Beach, and Pinellas
Hillsborough County runs the Falkenberg Road Jail in Tampa. Duval County runs the John E. Goings Pretrial Detention Facility in Jacksonville. Palm Beach County runs the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach. Pinellas County runs the Largo jail for St Petersburg. Each county has its own search page and phone number.
Common Questions About Jail Records
Many people have questions about booking and release records. These come up often from family members and the public. Below are answers to the most common ones. Each answer uses Florida law and current Pinellas County rules as of 2026.
How to Find Out if Someone Was Released
The fastest way is to use the Pinellas County Sheriff inmate search. Type the person’s name. The status will show “In Custody” or “Released.” If the person is in another county, search that county’s site. VINELink also shows status across all Florida counties. You can sign up for free alerts by email or text.
How Long Do Booking Records Stay Public
Adult booking records stay public forever unless sealed by a court. Florida law does not require records to be deleted after a set time. Juvenile records are sealed automatically after the person turns 21 in most cases. Sealed records are hidden from the public. Expunged records are destroyed.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Florida
A person can ask a court to seal or expunge a record. Sealing hides the record from public view. Expungement destroys the record. To qualify, the case must have been dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a not guilty verdict. The person must not have any prior convictions. A lawyer can help file the paperwork.
Court and Clerk Records for St Petersburg Cases
Booking records only show the arrest. Court records show what happened after. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court handles all case files. You can search court records online at mypinellasclerk.gov. Records include arraignment dates, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentences.
How to Access Pinellas Court Records
Go to the Pinellas County Clerk website. Click on “Court Records Search.” Type the case number or person name. You can view documents, hearing dates, and rulings. Some records require a small fee to print. Older paper records may need an in-person request at the courthouse in Clearwater.
Linking Jail Records to Court Cases
Every booking record has a case number. That number links the jail record to the court file. Use the booking number to find the case on the Clerk site. You can see charges, attorney name, and next hearing. This helps you follow the full story from arrest to final ruling.
Privacy Rules and Record Restrictions
Most jail records are public, but some are private. Florida law lists the cases that stay sealed. Victim names are often redacted in sexual assault cases. Undercover officer names are kept private. Some witness information is also redacted. Juvenile records stay closed in all cases.
Who Can See Sealed Records
Only certain people can see sealed records. These include the person who was arrested, their attorney, law enforcement, and some court staff. The general public cannot see sealed records. Even with a public records request, sealed records will be denied. Expunged records cannot be seen by anyone except a judge’s order.
Victim Notification Services
Florida offers VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). It alerts victims when an inmate is released. Sign up at vinelink.com. The service is free. It covers county jails, state prisons, and juvenile facilities. Victims can get alerts by phone, email, or text.
How to Request Official Records by Mail
You can request jail records by mail if you cannot use the online search. Send a written request to the Pinellas County Sheriff records office. Include the inmate’s name, date of birth, and booking date if known. Include your contact info and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Most requests are processed within five business days.
Cost of Official Record Copies
Basic jail record copies cost about $1 per page. Certified copies cost more. Police reports from the St Petersburg Police Department have separate fees. Check the police website for current prices. Some records are free if viewed online.
Official Contact and Location Details
The Pinellas County Sheriff Office handles all booking and release records for St Petersburg. You can reach them by phone, in person, or online. Below is the most current contact data as of August 2026.
Address: 14400 49th Street North, Largo, FL 33760
Phone: (727) 464-6415
Online Search: www.pinellassheriff.gov/who-is-in-jail
St Petersburg Police: 1301 1st Ave N, St Petersburg, FL 33705
St Petersburg Police Phone: (727) 893-7780
Clerk of Court: www.mypinellasclerk.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common concerns about St Petersburg booking and release records. Each answer gives clear, direct facts based on Florida law and current Pinellas County practice. Use this section to solve specific issues fast.
Can I search St Petersburg booking records for free?
Yes. The Pinellas County Sheriff Office provides a free online search at pinellassheriff.gov. The tool shows current inmates, recent arrests, and release records. No account or fee is needed. You only need a name or booking number. The site runs 24 hours a day on phones and computers.
How do I find out if someone was released from a St Petersburg jail?
Use the Pinellas County Sheriff online search. Type the person’s full name. The status will say “In Custody” or “Released” with a date. If the person was moved to state prison, check the Florida Department of Corrections search. VINELink can also track status across all Florida facilities.
What is the difference between a booking record and an arrest record?
A booking record is created when someone enters jail. It includes fingerprints, photos, and charges. An arrest record is the police report from the arrest itself. Booking records come from the Sheriff Office. Arrest records come from the police agency. Both are public in Florida.
Can mugshots be removed from booking records?
Florida law changed in 2024. Websites that post mugshots for profit must remove photos if asked. Official government booking photos stay on file. You can ask the Sheriff Office to remove a mugshot if your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty. A written request is needed.
Are juvenile records in St Petersburg public?
No. Juvenile records are not public in Florida. They are sealed by law. Only the minor, their parents, their attorney, and the court can see them. A judge can order records opened in rare cases. Police cannot share juvenile booking data with the public.
What happens if someone is arrested in St Petersburg but lives in another county?
The person is booked into the Pinellas County jail. They stay there unless they post bond, finish their case, or are transferred. A transfer can happen if another county has a warrant. The home county does not take custody unless there is a separate hold. Records stay with Pinellas.
How long after release does the record show online?
Release records usually show up within one hour of release. The Pinellas County system updates in real time. Bond releases and time-served releases are posted right away. Transfers may take a few hours. Court dispositions take longer and show on the Clerk site, not the jail site.