Arrested at Port Tampa Bay or on a Cruise?

Arrested at Port Tampa Bay or on a cruise ship sailing from Tampa? Attorney Ron Frey defends people facing state and federal charges that start at the cruise terminals in Tampa’s Channel District, on board ship, or at customs when passengers return. Attorney Ron Frey has been practicing law for over two decades. He is licensed in Florida, Ohio and North Carolina and admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the U.S. Supreme Court.

A trip that was supposed to be a vacation can end with handcuffs at the gangway, and you don’t have to face it alone. If you face any stop, search, seizure, inquiry, investigation, arrest or target letter, contact a lawyer. Call or text (813) 775-2276 (answered 24/7) for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person. If you live out of state, you or a friend or family member can talk with Attorney Ron Frey by phone or video before you head home.

Facts about Port Tampa Bay and Tampa cruises

• Port Tampa Bay has three cruise terminals, all in the Channel District next to downtown Tampa: Terminal 2 (651 Channelside Drive), Terminal 3 (815 Channelside Drive) and Terminal 6 (1333 McKay Street).
• Five cruise lines homeport in Tampa: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Margaritaville at Sea.
• According to Port Tampa Bay, the port welcomed a record 1.66 million cruise passengers in 2025 on 368 cruise ship sailings, and it expects about 1.8 million passengers in 2026.
• Port Tampa Bay reports that Tampa International Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the Channel District.

Who may be involved at the port

Depending on where something happens and what it involves, several agencies may be involved:

• Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO): provides law enforcement at the port under agreements with Port Tampa Bay and has a Port Security Section.
• Port Tampa Bay Security Department: handles access control, gates and patrols on port property.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): inspects passengers and luggage when ships return from foreign ports.
• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): federal agents who investigate cross-border crimes. HCSO and federal agents work together on port investigations.

See also: Orient Road Jail · First appearance in Hillsborough County · First appearance in Pinellas County

Customs and re-entry

Coming back into the country by ship means going through a customs inspection. CBP says travelers, including U.S. citizens, are subject to inspection when they arrive, and that this can include luggage and electronic devices. CBP also says it is alerted when an arriving traveler has an outstanding warrant. Searches, questioning and statements made during an inspection can all matter later. Whether any of them was handled lawfully has to be reviewed in light of the specific facts.

State court, federal court, or both

A case connected to a cruise can end up in Florida state court, federal court, or both. Where the ship was, who was involved and what is alleged can all play a part. Learn more about federal offenses and the Middle District of Florida.

Common issues and crimes

Passengers and visitors may face allegations such as:

• Drugs or pills without a prescription found in luggage at customs. See drug charges and drug trafficking charges.
• Alcohol-related incidents, and DUI after leaving the terminals
• Assault or battery on board
• Theft
• Sex offense allegations
• Weapons or ammunition in luggage
• Outstanding warrants that come up at re-entry

What passengers can expect

A passenger may be held at the terminal while officers check luggage, devices or documents. Some cases go through Florida courts and others through federal court, and some charges are filed after the trip ends. Out-of-state visitors also have to think about court dates, release conditions and getting home. Many steps can be handled with a lawyer by phone or video.

Every situation needs its own review

Laws, regulations and procedures change, and small facts can change the outcome. Each situation has to be evaluated case by case under current laws and regulations, with a response tailored to it. Don’t rely on what the internet or AI says. Attorney Ron Frey reviews the full record, including how any stop or search was done, how evidence was handled and what records and video exist. Every case is different. Prosecutors still have to prove each charge with admissible evidence, and judges decide disputed issues.

Attorney Ron Frey’s office is at 625 E. Twiggs St. in downtown Tampa. If you or a friend or family member was stopped, searched or arrested at Port Tampa Bay or on a cruise ship, call or text (813) 775-2276 (answered 24/7) for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person.

Related: Arrested on vacation in Tampa Bay