CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

If  your property was taken as evidence pertaining to a crime, these items will not be returned to you until the case has been researched and approval has been granted to return the property either by the deputy, detective, or investigator or the courts. This process can take several days. 

 We will need to conduct a criminal history report before releasing any firearm(s). We will need the Seminole County Sheriff's Office incident number for your case, your full name, date of birth, and social security number. We must confirm you are permitted to legally possess a firearm. The firearm will also be tracked through the ATF database and through the national crime database to confirm it has not been reported stolen. 

 If you have an item that was previously stolen and is now in possession of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, please contact the investigator assigned to your case. The investigator will establish ownership of the item and can then move forward with release. 

 Different types of property are held for various lengths of time. For instance, found property is held for 90 days unless it is claimed by the owner. Evidence items are held until they are no longer needed for court or the statute of limitations expires. The statute of limitations may vary depending on the seriousness of the crime. Additionally, some items can be released according to a court order or authorization from the District Attorney's Office.

 Yes. You may assign another person to retrieve your property with a notarized authorization letter and photo identification. The letter must be addressed to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office and include your case number, the name of the person you are granting permission to retrieve your property and a description of the property you are authorizing be retrieved by said party, your signature, and a Notary stamp with signature.

The property will only be released to a parent or guardian who must show proof of legal guardianship.