Hillsborough County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Hillsborough County?

Public records in Hillsborough County encompass a wide range of official documents, files, and data maintained by county government agencies pursuant to Florida's Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). These records document government activities, transactions, and decisions that affect county residents. The following categories of public records are maintained and accessible through various Hillsborough County departments:

Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property tax information maintained by the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser and Hillsborough County Clerk.
Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and family court case files maintained by the 13th Judicial Circuit Court serving Hillsborough County.
Vital Records: Birth certificates (limited access), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees maintained by the Clerk of Court.
Business Records: Fictitious name registrations, business licenses, and corporate filings.
Tax Records: Property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies maintained by the Hillsborough County Tax Collector.
Law Enforcement Records: Arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Land Use Records: Zoning maps, building permits, code enforcement actions, and development plans.
Government Operations: County commission minutes, ordinances, resolutions, budgets, and financial reports.
Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports.
Environmental Records: Environmental permits, inspections, and compliance reports.
Public Health Records: Restaurant inspections, septic permits, and other health-related records.

These records are maintained in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules and are available for public inspection with certain statutory exemptions as provided by law.

Is Hillsborough County an Open Records County?

Hillsborough County operates under Florida's robust public records laws, making it an open records county with strong statutory requirements for transparency. The Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) establishes that all government records are presumptively open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Pursuant to § 119.01(1), Florida Statutes, "it is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This statutory mandate applies to all Hillsborough County agencies and departments, requiring them to:

Provide prompt access to public records upon request
Respond to records requests in a reasonable time frame
Charge only statutorily authorized fees for records reproduction
Provide records in the format requested when feasible
Cite specific statutory exemptions when denying access to records

Hillsborough County has implemented this mandate through comprehensive records management policies and online access systems. The county maintains an Open Data Portal providing public access to numerous datasets and geographic information. Additionally, the Hillsborough County Clerk's Public Records Portal offers extensive online access to official records.

The county's commitment to transparency is further evidenced by its compliance with Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law (Chapter 286, Florida Statutes), which requires open meetings and public notice of government proceedings.

How Do I Find Public Records in Hillsborough County in 2025

Hillsborough County offers multiple channels for accessing public records in 2025, with both digital and in-person options available to meet diverse public needs. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to locate and obtain county records:

Online Access:

The Hillsborough County Clerk's Records Search Portal provides 24/7 access to official records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and court documents.
Property information and tax records can be searched through the county's GIS portal.
Court records are accessible through the 13th Judicial Circuit's online case search.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains an online arrest inquiry system.

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court's Records Department at the County Center (601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602).
Court records can be viewed at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse (800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602).
Property records are available at the Property Appraiser's Office (601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602).

Written Requests:

Submit public records requests via mail to the specific department maintaining the desired records.
Include specific information about the records sought, including names, dates, and document types.
Provide contact information for response and delivery options.

Records Request Process:

Identify the specific records needed and the department likely to maintain them
Submit a request through the appropriate channel (online, in-person, or written)
Pay any applicable fees for reproduction or certification
Receive records in the requested format (digital or physical copies)

For specialized research assistance, the James J. Lunsford Law Library provides access to legal resources and guidance on locating public records.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Hillsborough County?

Fees for public records in Hillsborough County are established pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07(4) and county ordinances. The fee structure is designed to recover the actual cost of duplication rather than to generate revenue. Standard fees for common public records requests include:

Standard Reproduction Fees:

Paper copies (letter/legal size): $0.15 per one-sided page
Paper copies (letter/legal size): $0.20 per two-sided page
Certified copies: $1.00 per document plus copy charges
Large format documents (maps, plans): $5.00 per sheet
Digital records provided on CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
Digital records provided on USB drive: Actual cost of the drive

Special Service Charges:

Extensive use of agency resources (requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time): $20-$35 per hour depending on staff level required
Computer programming or specialized extraction: Actual cost based on IT staff hourly rates
Redaction of confidential information: May incur special service charges for extensive requests

Court Records Specific Fees:

Court case copies: $1.00 per page
Court docket printouts: $1.00 per page
Certification of court documents: $2.00 per document

Recording Fees (Clerk's Office):

Recording documents: $10.00 for first page, $8.50 for each additional page
Documentary stamp tax: $0.70 per $100 of consideration (for deeds)
Intangible tax: $0.002 per dollar of obligation (for mortgages)

Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and major credit cards. Fees may be waived for indigent persons upon submission of an affidavit of indigency pursuant to Florida Statutes § 57.081.

Does Hillsborough County Have Free Public Records?

Hillsborough County provides numerous free public records access options in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency. While certain reproduction costs apply as mandated by statute, the following free services are available to the public:

Free Online Access:

The Hillsborough County Clerk's Records Search provides free viewing of official records without download fees.
Property information including ownership, assessed values, and tax status is available at no cost through the Property Appraiser's website.
The Hillsborough County Open Data Portal offers free access to numerous datasets, maps, and public information.
Basic court case information through the 13th Judicial Circuit can be viewed without charge.
County commission agendas, minutes, and meeting videos are freely accessible online.

Free In-Person Inspection:

All public records may be inspected in person at no charge during regular business hours at the appropriate agency.
Public computer terminals are available at the Clerk's Office (601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602) for free records searches.
The James J. Lunsford Law Library (701 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602) provides free access to legal resources and public records research assistance.

Free Records for Qualifying Individuals:

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 57.081, individuals determined to be indigent may receive certain records without charge.
Veterans may obtain free copies of discharge documents (DD-214) for benefits purposes.
Victims of crimes may receive one free copy of incident reports related to their case.

While inspection of records is free, reproduction costs apply as outlined in the fee schedule established by Florida Statutes § 119.07(4) and county ordinances.

Who Can Request Public Records In Hillsborough County?

Under Florida's Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), any person, regardless of citizenship, residency, age, or purpose, may request access to public records maintained by Hillsborough County agencies. The statute establishes a broad right of access with minimal restrictions on who may make requests:

Eligible Requestors:

Florida residents and non-residents alike
U.S. citizens and foreign nationals
Individuals and organizational representatives
Media representatives and journalists
Commercial entities and businesses
Attorneys and legal representatives
Advocacy groups and non-profit organizations
Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)
Anonymous requestors (identification not required by law)

Florida Statutes § 119.01(1) explicitly states that public records are open for inspection "by any person," and § 119.07(1)(a) further clarifies that custodians "shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so." The law prohibits agencies from:

Requiring identification from requestors
Requiring written requests (though agencies may ask for written clarification)
Requiring disclosure of the purpose of the request
Requiring requestors to demonstrate "legitimate interest" in records
Discriminating based on the requestor's identity or intended use

While anyone may request records, certain specialized records may have additional requirements for access. For example, criminal history information, driver license records, and some vital records have statutory access restrictions based on the requestor's relationship to the subject of the records.

Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, by email, or through online portals depending on the specific agency maintaining the records.

What Records Are Confidential In Hillsborough County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption of openness for public records, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure under state law. Hillsborough County agencies must withhold or redact the following confidential records pursuant to statutory exemptions:

Personal Information Exemptions:

Social Security numbers (§ 119.071(5)(a))
Driver license numbers (§ 119.0712(2))
Medical and health information (§ 119.071(4)(a))
Bank account, debit, and credit card numbers (§ 119.071(5)(b))
Home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of certain protected classes including:
- Current and former law enforcement officers (§ 119.071(4)(d)2.a.)
- Judges and prosecutors (§ 119.071(4)(d)2.e.)
- Firefighters and paramedics (§ 119.071(4)(d)2.d.)
- Victims of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment (§ 119.071(2)(j))

Law Enforcement Exemptions:

Active criminal investigative information (§ 119.071(2)(c))
Confidential informant identities (§ 119.071(2)(f))
Surveillance techniques and procedures (§ 119.071(2)(d))
Juvenile offender records (§ 985.04)
Victim information in certain crimes (§ 119.071(2)(h))

Other Common Exemptions:

Child welfare records (§ 39.202)
Sealed and expunged criminal history records (§ 943.0585, § 943.059)
Trade secrets and confidential business information (§ 815.045)
Security system plans and vulnerability assessments (§ 119.071(3))
Attorney-client privileged communications (§ 119.071(1)(d))
Examination questions and answer keys (§ 119.071(1)(a))
Certain personnel records including evaluations (§ 119.071(4)(a))

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Hillsborough County agencies will redact only the confidential portions and provide the remainder of the record. Agencies must cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to records or redacting information.

The Florida Office of the Attorney General provides guidance on public records exemptions through advisory legal opinions and the Government in the Sunshine Manual.

Hillsborough County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the county recorder and maintains official records for the county. The Recording Department provides essential services related to land records, court documents, and other official filings.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court - Recording Department
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 1st Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 276-8100, ext. 4367
Hillsborough County Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Additional Recording Office Locations:

Brandon Office
Brandon Regional Service Center
311 Pauls Drive, Suite 110
Brandon, FL 33511
(813) 276-8100
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Plant City Office
Plant City Courthouse
301 N. Michigan Avenue, Room 1071
Plant City, FL 33563
(813) 276-8100
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SouthShore Regional Service Center
410 30th Street SE
Ruskin, FL 33570
(813) 276-8100
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Services Provided:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other official documents
Marriage license applications and ceremonies
Passport application processing
Tax deed sales
Documentary stamp and intangible tax collection
Certified copies of recorded documents
Records search assistance

Documents may be recorded in person, by mail, or through e-recording for authorized submitters. The Official Records Search Portal provides online access to recorded documents dating back to 1846.