Any property not being retained as evidence may be provided to the owner, authorized representative, or an adult custodian presenting proof of ownership and identification card. Any person acting as an authorized representative may be required present a letter of request from the owner. Owners may claim property by contacting or visiting the Evidence Section located at the Tallahassee Police Department between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed during holidays). Owners should present a case number if available when requesting receipt of property.

Property on Hold

If the property receipt indicates there is a "HOLD" on your property, it shall not be returned until the hold is released.

Only the impounding officer, case investigator, case investigator's supervisor, the Watch Commander, the State's Attorney Office or the Court may release the hold.

Once your case is disposed, you have sixty (60) days to claim your items.

Property Not on Hold

If the property receipt indicates there is "NO HOLD" on your property, or the "HOLD HAS BEEN RELEASED", you may claim your property.

Bring a copy of Property Receipt or a notice to claim letter, if you have one, and photo identification to the Tallahassee Police Department's Property and Evidence Section, Monday through Friday, between 7 am and 4 pm, excluding holidays.

Second Party Property Claims

If you cannot personally pick up your property, you may authorize someone to claim your property for you.

This person must bring a notarized letter, signed by the owner, authorizing them to pick up your belongings.

Please include the case number in your letter.

The authorized person must also present a driver's license or photo identification card.

Property Disposal

If your items are not claimed within sixty (60) days, they may be disposed of in accordance with Section 705.105, Florida Statutes, and/or Tallahassee Police Department General Order 42.

If you are unable to claim your property within sixty (60) days, you may write or call the Property and Evidence Section for a thirty (30) day extension.

Unclaimed Property and Surplus Property

Items that are not claimed and are of value are submitted to PropertyRoom.com for auction. Members of the public are allowed to bid on these items. Proceeds are turned over to the City of Tallahassee General Fund.

Surplus items, including surplus vehicles, which belong to the City of Tallahassee are also sold by auction at PublicSurplus.com.

Florida Statute 925.11, requires evidence be held for specified period of time upon conviction of defendant and may not be released without authorization from the court. Property held pursuant a felony criminal offense or case may be released by presenting a certified copy of a court order. The order must specify the name of the person who is authorized to receive the evidence. Evidence of a misdemeanor offense or case may be released or disposed with the authority of the case Investigator or impounding Officer. Unclaimed evidence released by an Investigator or Officer is subject to destruction at the time of release in accordance with State Statutes, City Ordinance, or department policy.

The Tallahassee Police Department does not maintain any list or indexes of persons whose firearm was impounded unless it is pursuant a criminal investigation or was used in a criminal offense.

The release of firearms is governed by how the weapon is classified: Evidence, Found Property, Safekeeping or Court Ordered Domestic Injunction. If you're uncertain as to the classification assigned to your property, contact the Investigator or Officer that impounded the firearm. Firearms are disposed in accordance with applicable federal and state law. NO finders' claim may be made on found firearms. No firearm may not be released to any person convicted of a felony or has an active Injunction for domestic violence except as directed by law. Other conditions may prevent the release of firearms from the Property and Evidence Section. If you have a question, please call the 850-891-4317.

Release of a Firearm
Prior to a firearm being returned to owner the following must be completed:

Any person claiming a firearm is subject to a background check to ensure they have not been convicted of any felony, are sought in connection to a crime pursuant a court issued warrant, or have an outstanding domestic violence injunction.

A check of Tallahassee Police Department records must be completed to determine the background information on the case. If there is any question about the adjudication of a charge(s), the weapon will not be released until the issue is resolved.

The Officer or Investigator who seized the weapon must authorize the release; or, a court has issued an order directing such weapon be released. Ammunition is not returned due to safety concerns, unless a court order specifies otherwise.

Evidence Firearms
Evidence firearms will not be returned without authorizing from the impounding Investigator, Officer or the Court of jurisdiction in the case directs. Proper photo identification must be presented and pursuant F.S.S. 790.08, the charges in the case must be concluded prior to release.

Safekeeping Firearms
Firearms on non-evidentiary nature (safekeeping, death investigations, suicidal incidents, etc.) shall be returned to the owner unless otherwise directed by an Investigator or Officer.

Firearms subject to Court Ordered Domestic Injunctions
Release requires a certified copy of the court order lifting the injunction prepared by the judge who issued the injunction. There are no exceptions.

What are the Evidence Unit's operating hours?

We're open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. We are located at 234 East Seventh Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303.and may be reached by phone at 850-891-4317.

I've been notified that you have property of mine and I no longer want it. What should I do?

Send a letter or email stating that you no longer want the property and we will dispose of the items for you. If the item is sold at auction, however, you are not entitled to any of the proceeds.

May I claim something that I found and turned in to the Tallahassee Police Department?

Yes, providing that certain conditions are met. You may contact the Evidence Section and discuss the circumstances or status of the property.

Does TPD donate unclaimed bicycles to charitable organizations?

Yes. If your organization is not-for-profit and classified as a charity, send a letter to the Chief of Police requesting the donation. Please include documentation that your organization is a not-for-profit business and it is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture as a charity.

Do I need an appointment to pick up property?

No, however; occasionally disruption of business hours occurs because of emergencies. It is advisable to call ahead to ensure that someone is available to assist you, and that your property is ready for release. Please have your case number available.

Do I need to bring identification?

Yes, you will need to bring valid picture identification with your correct address. If you do not have a photograph identification please call the Property and Evidence Section to discuss procedures to verify your identity.

Can someone other then myself pick up my property for me?

Yes, you may assign another person to retrieve your property with a notarized letter of authorization and photo identification. The letter must be addressed to the Tallahassee Police Department. The letter from you authorizing a proxy should include your case number, the name of the person you are granting authority, your signature, and Notary stamp and signature.

Can I get my property back if I am a minor?

Property will only be released to a parent or guardian.

How long is Property held?

Different types of property are held for different durations of time. Specifically items listed as "Found Property" are retained for a period of 90 days unless the owner claims it. Evidence items are held until such time as they are no longer needed for trial or the statute of limitations expires. The statute of limitations as described in Florida Statue may vary depending on the seriousness of the crime. Additionally, some items can be released pursuant to a court order or authorization from the State Attorneys Office.

What happens to unclaimed Property?

Property, which remains unclaimed by a legal owner, will be disposed of by destruction, conversion to City property, donation to charity, public auction, or returned to the finder if a claim was made when the property was recovered.