Hillsborough County Court Records

Court records in Hillsborough County carry comprehensive information about legal actions or cases. These records are available in various forms, such as videotapes, transcripts, photographs, and documentary exhibits (Florida Statute 28.24). Court records may include petitions, complaints, dockets, affidavits, judgments, memorandums, summonses, orders, appearances, and other documentation reflecting the activities occurring in legal proceedings.

As one category of Florida court records, Hillsborough County court records are crucial for different reasons. For instance, a court record facilitates the appeals process, with parties able to review errors or inconsistencies in court judgments and pursue relief in a higher court. Furthermore, court records reassure the public of the judicial branch's integrity and dedication to justice. The public can also examine the documents to learn about the law's interpretations.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is responsible for properly maintaining and disseminating court records in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Are Court Records Public in Hillsborough County?

Yes. Under the Florida Sunshine Law, all governmental records, excluding those deemed confidential, are considered open records and are thus accessible to the public. Public access is further granted under court rules such as the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420.

However, there are exceptions to the public's accessibility. Rule 2.420 specifies court records or components that are not open to the public. These include:

• Adoption records
• Records related to dependency, guardians ad litem, neglect cases, termination of parental rights, child abuse, and abandonment matters
• Sensitive information, such as social security numbers, charge and credit card numbers, and bank details.

Hillsborough County Court Records Search

Hillsborough County court records can be searched for in-person, by mail, or online. The public can access these records through the Clerk of Court & Comptroller, at the court where the case was heard, or by accessing private websites that compile databases of court records for research purposes.

Hillsborough County Court Records Search by Name

The Clerk of Court and Comptroller's office can help inquirers locate court cases by various identifiers, including party or business names.

Researchers looking to access Hillsborough court records can conduct searches by name in person at the courthouse, by mail, or online. The most convenient way to search for court records by name is through the Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records (HOVER) search tool. On the other hand, individuals wishing to review paper case files must place an order beforehand before visiting the Tampa or Plant City court locations.

Individuals interested in accessing court records in paper format may verify availability by conducting a case search. The availability of the file will be displayed in the 'event and document' tab. Once confirmed, the individual can click the order button to specify their preferred inspection location. Furthermore, the researcher must provide their name and email address to receive notification about the opportunity to visit the selected courthouse for record inspection.

Visitors must join the queue or schedule an appointment before their visit, and an online guide is available for reference before the visit. For those unable to find the document online, a request can be submitted to the office through the online platform.

While public inspection and court record viewing are free, obtaining a certified copy incurs a fee. Certified case files can be ordered from HOVER for $2. Access to these records is regulated by the Standards for Access to Electronic Court Records and Access Security Matrix.

Hillsborough County Courts

Hillsborough County consists of two distinct courts: the circuit and county courts, each managing different categories of filed cases. The county court typically handles minor issues, while the circuit court oversees more significant matters and functions as an appellate court for cases from the county courts. Below are the addresses of the courts in Hillsborough County.

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Hillsborough
601 East Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100

Circuit Courts in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County Circuit Court
George E. Edgecomb Courthouse
800 East Twiggs Street
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100

Hillsborough County Circuit Court
Plant City Courthouse
301 North Michigan Avenue
Plant City, FL 33563
Phone: (813) 276-8100

Hillsborough County Circuit Court
Brandon Regional Service Center
311 Pauls Drive, Suite 110
Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: (813) 276-8100

Hillsborough County Circuit Court
Southshore Regional Service Center
410 30th Street South East
Ruskin, FL 33570
Phone: (813) 276-8100

County Courts in Hillsborough County

County Court of Hillsborough County
Old Courthouse
419 Pierce Street, Room 107
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100

County Court of Hillsborough County
George E. Edgecomb Courthouse
800 East Twiggs Street
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100

County Court of Hillsborough County
Plant City Courthouse
301 North Michigan Avenue
Plant City, FL 33563
Phone: (813) 276-8100

County Court of Hillsborough County
Brandon Regional Service Center
311 Pauls Drive, Suite 110
Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: (813) 276-8100

County Court of Hillsborough County
Southshore Regional Service Center
410 30th Street South East
Ruskin, FL 33571
Phone: (813) 276-8100

Hillsborough County Superior Court Case Search

In Hillsborough County, there is no separate superior court; instead, the circuit courts handle all cases not addressed by the county courts, which includes appeals from the county court. The circuit courts have jurisdiction over various cases, such as civil disputes involving claims valued at over $50,000, land disputes, cases concerning minors and juveniles, and felonies.

To access circuit court records, individuals can utilize the HOVER database, conduct searches via mail, or visit in person. The search can be performed using different identifiers, including case number, uniform case number, citation number, date range, court type, party or business names, and case type for court hearing information. The process for accessing these records follows the previously outlined steps.

Hillsborough County District Court Records

Although Florida has several district courts, none are situated in Hillsborough. As there is no superior court in the county, Hillsborough County does not feature a District court; instead, it is served by county courts specializing in specific and limited matters. These matters encompass county ordinances, misdemeanors, domestic violence-related misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses.

Individuals seeking information about cases handled by the county courts can review the HOVER database or contact the Clerk of the court to make inquiries.

Hillsborough County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Hillsborough County can be accessed through various means, including online, via mail, or in person, depending on the agency responsible for providing the records. For individuals seeking Hillsborough County criminal records, contacting the Department of Police or the sheriff's office within the county is advised. These records typically contain details of arrests and court dispositions specifically within the county. Interested persons may contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for broader state-wide coverage.

Researchers must bear in mind that unless they are the subject of the record, are part of law enforcement, the judiciary, or any authorized entity, they may only be able to obtain basic information regarding a specific Hillsborough County criminal record. Likewise, basic information regarding Hillsborough County arrest records can be accessed on the sheriff's office website, as detailed reports are typically limited to authorized personnel.

In adherence to the Florida Sunshine Law and to promote public safety, criminal and arrest records are generally considered open records and can be requested by interested residents. However, certain records may be confidential, sealed, or expunged as outlined by statute or court order.

Individuals have the option to conduct instant searches, certified/non-certified searches, and ORI searches for a fee of $24, along with a $1 credit card processing fee. Payments can only be processed using a debit or credit card.

Hillsborough County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Those seeking to perform a Hillsborough County criminal court case search can utilize the online database uniquely designed to cater to the needs of court case records inquirers. This database is structured to facilitate easy access to various case files, including criminal court cases, eliminating the need for physical visits to the office. However, individuals opting for an in-person visit to conduct a case search must adhere to the outlined process of joining the queue or scheduling an appointment as previously detailed.

How To Get Hillsborough County Civil Court Records

The Hillsborough County Civil Department is responsible for creating and maintaining records and documentation for a wide range of cases, including small claims, eviction, and other civil lawsuits with a value of up to $50,000. These cases cover disputes such as car repair issues, the release of personal property, and payment information related to judgments. Civil cases are typically adjudicated in county or circuit courts, depending on which court holds jurisdiction over the particular case.

Residents can access civil court records, indexes, dockets, and non-confidential document images through the HOVER database at no charge. However, when a case file is not available on the case management system or if a certified copy of the record is required, individuals can reach out to any courthouses in Tampa Edgecomb or Plant City. The processing time for these requests may take up to four working days. Furthermore, individuals must join a queue or schedule an appointment, as previously outlined, to access these records.

Hillsborough County Family Court Records

In Hillsborough County, there is no singular court exclusively designated for family law matters; instead, cases pertaining to family law fall under the jurisdiction of the county and circuit courts within the county. Consequently, the records of family cases are managed by the specific court that presided over the case. While certain open case files from the Hillsborough County Family Court are accessible to the public, others are exclusively available to parties that satisfy specific criteria. Additionally, some records are not accessible online.

Non-confidential family court records in Hillsborough County are accessible on HOVER for registered users. Nonetheless, per Florida Statute §28.2221(5)(a), unregistered members do not have access to images of records in cases governed by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, or Florida Probate Rules. Moreover, Civil Sexual Violence Injunction cases are not searchable or viewable online, although the case progress dockets are accessible.

Like other court records in Hillsborough, individuals authorized to view a specific case record who cannot do so online, or those seeking a copy can visit the courthouse where the case was handled. This involves following the established process, which includes pre-ordering and scheduling an appointment or joining the online queue. A certified copy of a record costs $2, and individuals will need to provide the case number or the name of a participant involved in the case to facilitate retrieval.

Hillsborough Dissolution of Marriage Records

The dissolution of marriage (divorce) proceedings in Hillsborough are integral to the family law domain. Access to the dissolution of marriage records in Hillsborough is facilitated for individuals authorized under specific provisions of the law. The process for accessing these records is governed by the Standards for Access to Electronic Court Records and Access Security Matrix, ensuring that only eligible individuals can obtain and view these records.

Hillsborough County Marriage and Divorce Records

Records dating back to 1836, including indexes and Hillsborough County marriage records, can be reviewed and requested at the Official Records Library. Marriage records dating from 1972 to the present can be accessed online or in person. To access these records, the requester would need to provide the names of one of the spouses at the time of marriage. Moreover, older marriage records can be examined online through the University of South Florida. Additionally, members of the public interested in accessing the statewide marriage records database can visit the web page of the state's Office for Vital Statistics.

For those wishing to obtain a certified copy of a marriage record, there are various avenues available, including on-site, online, through mail, or by phone. Copies can be requested online via eCertify for official records. The cost of a copy is $3.

Mail requests should be directed to:

Clerk of Court - Marriage
P.O. Box 3249
Tampa, FL 33601-3249

To request a marriage record, the requester must provide the names of the individuals recorded (including the maiden name if applicable) and the date of the marriage. Processing typically takes four to six working days. Payments can be made via money orders or checks payable to the "Clerk of the Circuit Court".

Alternatively, individuals ordering by phone can contact (813) 276-8100. The processing time is quicker, taking only two to three days. Payments over the phone can be made using a credit card, with an additional 3.5% fee for the processing.

Residents who prefer a walk-in visit can obtain their marriage records on the same day. Payment options include cash, check, money order, or credit card (with an additional 3.5% processing fee for credit card payments).

On the other hand, residents seeking Hillsborough divorce records can access them online through the HOVER database. Those requiring a copy of a divorce record can do so online, over the phone, by mail, or in person.

Members of the public can contact (813) 276-8100 to request a copy of a divorce record. Payment can be made using a credit card. For mail requests, include the name(s) and the marriage year. To inquire about the fee, reach out to the office at (813) 276-8100. In-person orders can be completed at any of the office locations.

Hillsborough Birth and Death Records

Hillsborough County birth certificates are not considered public records until 100 years after their creation. They are accessible only to the subject of the record who is 18 years and older, the parent of the subject of the record, or a legal guardian. On the other hand, Hillsborough County death records are generally available to the public, excluding details regarding the cause of death.

Residents can request a Hillsborough birth record or death certificate through online, mail, or in-person methods. Online orders can be made through the government-approved private vendor, while inquiries can also be directed via email to DLCHD29WebsiteDistribution@flhealth.gov. For mail requests, the address is

Florida Department of Health - Hillsborough County
Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 5135
Tampa, Florida 33675-5135
Phone: (813) 307-8002
Fax: (813) 903-3370

Individuals seeking further information on obtaining a birth or death certificate can visit the Florida Health webpage.

Moreover, Hillsborough County marriage and divorce records are part of the vital records for the county. These records play a crucial role in the administration of statutes and laws and also serve to safeguard the rights of residents. Additionally, the statistical data derived from these records are valuable to public health and other agencies.

Hillsborough County Probate Court Records

The 13th Judicial Circuit court oversees probate court hearings in Hillsborough, a responsibility that falls under the Probate, Guardianship, and Trust Department. This department is tasked with maintaining and storing all files of pending cases as well as deposited wills. While most probate documents are considered public records, inventories and accountings filed in estates are confidential and can only be accessed by authorized individuals, personal representatives, or "interested parties" as defined in Florida probate laws.

Furthermore, Florida law prohibits the Clerk from publicly displaying images or copies of court files, records, or papers related to matters governed by the Florida Probate Rules on accessible websites for general public viewing. However, non-confidential cases can be accessed by authorized parties online via the HOVER database. The process for retrieving a copy or conducting an in-person inspection is similar to obtaining other records, as previously outlined.

Hillsborough County Property Records

As the official custodian of Hillsborough County's property records, the Property Appraiser ensures that residents can access property records when needed. The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's website allows individuals to conduct property record searches online, while title searches can be performed on the website managed by the Office of the Tax Collector.

Additionally, requesters can contact any of the Appraiser's offices within the county to inquire about a property and the process for requesting a copy through alternative means, including the necessary information and applicable fees.

Conducting a county property record search provides valuable information about a property, including its location, ownership, tax records, physical attributes, and description, including its value. There are numerous reasons why one might choose to perform a property search, and if the goal is to acquire the property, due diligence dictates that a comprehensive search be conducted to ensure an informed decision.

Hillsborough County Court Records Online

In addition to government-provided access to county court records, third-party websites like courtrecords.us offer online access to court records.

One advantage of using private sites is their wide search scope. Unlike government sites, which are limited to specific sources, independent sites often have access to multiple sources of information and can offer search results beyond a particular county. This is especially beneficial when the exact county or courthouse that handled a case is unknown or if there are related cases in other countries apart from Hillsborough. Moreover, these sites are typically user-friendly and can be navigated efficiently, even by first-time users.

Notwithstanding, caution should be exercised as information obtained from some of these sites may not always be accurate and could potentially mislead the inquirer. It is advisable to verify any data obtained from an independent site. Additionally, while some of these sites offer limited free court record searches, more detailed and comprehensive searches often require payment of a fee or subscription to a specific plan.