Pinellas County Florida released inmates records are open to the public through free online search tools. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office runs a database called Who’s in Jail that shows every person booked into the county jail and every person released in the past 30 days.
Anyone can search by name, booking date, or other details to see if someone has been set free from custody.
How the Pinellas County Release Database Works
The Who’s in Jail system tracks two types of records at once. It shows people who are still in custody at the Pinellas County Jail. It also shows people who have been released within the past 30 days. The jail sits at 14400 49th Street North in Clearwater, Florida 33762. The phone number for non-emergency inmate questions is (727) 464-6415. The facility holds over 3,000 people on a normal day and ranks as the 28th largest jail in the United States.
What the Online Tool Shows
The online tool displays mugshots, full legal names, booking dates, listed charges, bond amounts, and current custody status. If someone has been released, the record shows the exact release date. The system updates throughout the day as new bookings and releases happen. Each search result gives you the most current data pulled from the sheriff’s office records.
Search Filters You Can Use
You can narrow your search using several built-in filters. The tool lets you search by first and last name. You can also filter by alias, booking date range, race, sex, docket number, agency, charge type, or arrest type. These filters help you locate the right person faster when names are common or repeated across the county system.
- First and last name search
- Alias search
- Booking date range filter
- Race and sex filter
- Docket number lookup
- Agency and arrest type filter
Step-by-Step Search for a Released Inmate
Searching for a Pinellas County released inmate takes only a few minutes. The Who’s in Jail tool sits on the sheriff’s official website and works on phones, tablets, and computers. No login or account creation is required to use the system.
Open the Official Search Page
Go to pinellassheriff.gov/who-is-in-jail from any web browser. The page loads a search bar at the top of the screen. Type the first and last name of the person you want to look up. You can use quotes for exact matches or leave the box empty to browse the full roster.
Read the Search Results
Each result shows a mugshot, name, booking number, charges, bond, and current status. Look for the field labeled “Release Date” or “Status” to confirm if the person is still in jail or has been released. Released inmates appear in the list with a clear release timestamp next to their name.
- Visit pinellassheriff.gov/who-is-in-jail
- Type the first and last name in the search bar
- Apply filters like date, race, or charge type if needed
- Review the mugshot, charges, bond, and release date
- Save or screenshot the record for your files
Records Older Than 30 Days
The Who’s in Jail tool only keeps release records for 30 days. If someone was released more than a month ago, the system no longer shows that person. You must file a public records request with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Records Division to get older release data.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Records Division
The Records Division handles all written requests for jail, arrest, and release records. The office sits at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo, FL 33778. You can request records in person, by mail, or online through the Records Request portal. Fees apply for printed copies, and certified copies cost extra.
How to File a Public Records Request
Visit the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office public records portal on their website. Fill out the request form with the person’s full name, date of birth, and the time period you want records for. Submit the form and wait for an email with the cost estimate. Pay the fee, and the office will send you the records by mail or email.
Costs for Records and Copies
The Records Division charges one dollar per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost two dollars per page extra. Long detention reports, full arrest reports, and booking photos carry higher fees based on the number of pages. Always confirm the total cost before sending payment.
| Record Type | Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Copy (per page) | $1.00 | 5 to 10 business days |
| Certified Copy (per page) | $3.00 total | 5 to 10 business days |
| Arrest Report | Varies by length | 7 to 14 business days |
| Booking Photo | $1.00 to $5.00 | 3 to 5 business days |
Florida Department of Corrections Released Inmates
People convicted of felonies and sentenced to state prison do not show up in the Pinellas County jail database. Their records sit in the Florida Department of Corrections system. FDC runs a separate search tool that shows current inmates and recent releases from state prisons across Florida.
FDC Offender Search Portal
The Florida Department of Corrections runs the public search tool at pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com. You can search by name or DC number to see if someone is in state prison or has been released. The database updates once per night, so new releases appear the day after the person leaves a state facility.
What the State Database Includes
The FDC search tool shows the inmate’s DC number, current facility, custody status, release date, supervision status, and remaining sentence. Released inmates appear with a status of “Released” and a release date. The tool also lists any post-release supervision like probation or parole.
- Full name and DC number
- Current prison facility or release status
- Release date and supervision type
- Remaining sentence and parole eligibility
- Custody level and disciplinary history
Contact for State Release Questions
For questions about a specific state release, contact the FDC Bureau of Admission and Release at (850) 488-9167. You can also email dc.release@fdc.myflorida.com for written answers. The bureau handles all release paperwork for inmates leaving Florida state prisons.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Records
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps the official court case records. These records show charges, plea deals, sentences, and case outcomes. You can search for criminal cases by name, case number, attorney name, or court date. No login is required for basic public searches.
What Court Records Show
The clerk’s portal shows case categories like felony, misdemeanor, and criminal traffic. Each case lists the defendant, charges, attorney, court dates, plea, and final sentence. Mental health, probate, juvenile, and domestic relations cases stay sealed under Florida law and do not appear in public search results.
How to Search Court Records
Visit the Pinellas County Clerk of Court public records website. Type the defendant’s full name in the search bar. Select the case type (felony, misdemeanor, criminal traffic) from the dropdown menu. The system pulls matching cases with charges, court dates, plea status, and final sentence details.
Vinelink and Release Notification Services
Vinelink is a free service that notifies you when an inmate gets released or transferred. The service works in every Florida county and state prison. You can sign up online or call the toll-free number to register for alerts by phone, email, or text message.
How Vinelink Works
Vinelink pulls data from county jails and the Florida Department of Corrections. You register with the inmate’s name and booking number. The system sends you an alert the moment the person is released, transferred, or moved to another facility. The service is free and available 24 hours a day.
Sign Up for Release Alerts
Go to vinelink.vineapps.com or call the toll-free number at 1-877-411-5588. Create a free account using your email address and phone number. Add the inmate’s full name and date of birth. Choose how you want to receive alerts: email, phone call, or text message. The system tracks the inmate and notifies you when their custody status changes.
Sealing and Expunging Arrest Records in Florida
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge old arrest records. Florida Statutes 943.0585 and 943.059 cover these processes. Sealing hides the record from public view. Expungement destroys the record so it no longer exists in public databases.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing
A person qualifies for sealing if they received a withhold of adjudication on a qualifying charge. A person qualifies for expungement if their charges were dismissed, dropped, or never filed. Some serious charges like murder, sex crimes, and child abuse do not qualify for either process under current Florida law.
Steps to Seal or Expunge a Record
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Submit fingerprints and a $75 processing fee. Once approved, file a petition with the Pinellas County Circuit Court. A judge reviews the petition and signs an order. All official agencies must remove the record from their databases once the court order is final.
- Get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE
- Pay the $75 processing fee
- File a petition with the Pinellas County Circuit Court
- Wait for a judge to sign the order
- Notify all official agencies to remove the record
Florida Reentry Programs for Released Inmates
Florida runs several reentry programs to help released inmates return to society. These programs offer job training, housing help, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment. The Florida Department of Corrections runs the main state reentry program. Local nonprofits in Pinellas County offer extra support.
State-Level Reentry Programs
The Florida Department of Corrections runs the Reentry and Transition Programs office. Inmates get help with job skills, education, and housing before release. After release, the office connects people with local resources for ongoing support. The program aims to lower the rate of people going back to prison after release.
Local Pinellas County Reentry Help
Several local groups in Pinellas County help released inmates with housing, jobs, food, and ID cards. The Pinellas Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition connects people with mentors, employers, and support services. Contact the clerk’s office or local nonprofits for a list of current reentry programs in the area.
- Job training and resume help
- Temporary housing assistance
- Mental health counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- State ID and birth certificate help
Florida Criminal History Background Checks
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the official criminal history database for the state. FDLE charges $24 per name-based search. The report shows arrests, convictions, and dispositions from every Florida county and state agency.
Name-Based Background Checks
FDLE accepts name-based search requests online, by mail, or in person. The fee is $24 per search. The report shows every arrest, charge, and court outcome linked to the person’s name in Florida. Results come back in 3 to 5 business days for online requests and longer for mail-in requests.
Fingerprint-Based Background Checks
FDLE also runs fingerprint-based checks through its Criminal Justice Information Services office. These checks give more accurate results than name searches. Fingerprint checks cost more and require the person to visit an approved Live Scan location in Pinellas County.
Active Warrants in Pinellas County
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office runs an Active Warrant Search tool on its website. The tool shows people with outstanding warrants for arrest in the county. You can search by name to see if someone has an open warrant.
What the Warrant Search Shows
The warrant search shows the person’s name, date of birth, charge, and case number. It does not show every detail of the warrant. For full case details, contact the Warrants Unit at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The phone number for the Warrants Unit is listed on the sheriff’s official website.
Limits of the Warrant Search
Law enforcement can confirm a warrant exists but will not give full details over the phone. Some warrants are sealed by the court and do not appear in the public search. If you need a full warrant check, contact a licensed attorney or the clerk of court for legal help.
Cities and Areas Served by the Pinellas County Jail
The Pinellas County Jail accepts all inmates booked by law enforcement agencies across the county. People arrested in major cities like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo are booked into the central jail in Clearwater. Smaller cities and unincorporated areas also send arrestees to the same facility.
Major Cities in Pinellas County
St. Petersburg is the largest city in Pinellas County. Clearwater is the county seat. Other major cities include Largo, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, and Gulfport. Each city has its own police department that handles arrests and sends inmates to the county jail.
Nearby Counties with Their Own Jail Systems
People arrested in nearby counties do not go to the Pinellas County Jail. Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and Manatee County each run their own jail systems. To search for releases in those counties, use their own sheriff’s office websites or state databases.
| County | Main Jail Location | Population Served |
|---|---|---|
| Pinellas County | Clearwater, FL | 959,000+ |
| Hillsborough County | Tampa, FL | 1,450,000+ |
| Pasco County | Land O’ Lakes, FL | 590,000+ |
| Manatee County | Bradenton, FL | 410,000+ |
Contact Details for Pinellas County Inmate Records
You can reach the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and jail by phone, mail, or in person. The jail operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for inmate intake and release. The Records Division handles public records requests during normal business hours.
Pinellas County Jail: 14400 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762 | Phone: (727) 464-6415
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Records Division: 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778 | Phone: (727) 582-7000
Pinellas County Clerk of Court: 14250 49th Street North, 4th Floor, Clearwater, FL 33762 | Phone: (727) 464-7000
Florida Department of Corrections: 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | Phone: (850) 488-9167
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common questions people ask about Pinellas County Florida released inmates. Each answer gives you the most current details about search tools, records requests, and state databases. Use these answers as a quick reference before you start your search.
How Long Does Pinellas County Keep Release Records Online?
The Pinellas County Who’s in Jail tool keeps release records for 30 days. After 30 days, the record drops off the public online system. To get release records older than 30 days, file a public records request with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Records Division at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo. The Records Division can pull older records from their archive. Expect a 5 to 14 business day turnaround depending on how old the record is and how many pages the report contains.
Can I Find Out Why Someone Was Released From Pinellas County Jail?
Yes. The Who’s in Jail tool shows the charge and bond amount at booking. The release reason shows up in the court records at the Pinellas County Clerk of Court. Common release reasons include posting bond, time served, court order, drop of charges, or transfer to state prison or another county. Court records give the most complete answer because they show the final case outcome.
Are Released Inmate Records Free to Search in Florida?
Yes. Most public inmate and release records in Florida are free to search. The Pinellas County Who’s in Jail tool is free. The Florida Department of Corrections search tool is free. Vinelink alerts are free. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges $24 per name-based criminal history check, and fingerprint checks cost extra. Court records cost one dollar per page for standard copies.
What Is the Difference Between a County Jail Release and a State Prison Release?
County jails hold people serving misdemeanor sentences, people waiting for trial, and people waiting to transfer to state prison. State prisons hold people convicted of felonies with sentences over one year. County jail release records sit in the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office database. State prison release records sit in the Florida Department of Corrections database. You must check both databases to cover all possible release types.
How Do I Sign Up for Release Notifications in Pinellas County?
Sign up for free Vinelink alerts at vinelink.vineapps.com or call 1-877-411-5588. Create a free account with your email and phone number. Add the inmate’s full name and date of birth. Vinelink sends you an alert the moment the person is released, transferred, or moved to another facility. The service is free for all Florida counties and state prisons.
Can I Remove My Arrest Record From the Internet After Release?
You have two paths. The legal path is to seal or expunge the record through FDLE and the Pinellas County Circuit Court. The court order forces official agencies to remove the record. Private background-check websites may still show old data. Contact each private site directly to ask for removal. You can also use Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool to ask Google to drop links to old arrest stories that no longer match the current public record.
Where Do I Go for a Florida Statewide Criminal Background Check?
Contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at 1-850-410-8100 or visit fdle.state.fl.us. Pay the $24 fee per name search. Submit your request online, by mail, or in person. Results show arrests, charges, and court outcomes from every Florida county and state agency. For fingerprint checks, visit an approved Live Scan location in Pinellas County for a more accurate result.