Hillsborough County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Hillsborough County?

Public records in Hillsborough County refer to documents, files, and information created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include court documents, property records, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, tax records, and various other official documents.

The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court maintains most of these records and makes them available through their office and online platforms. Public records are maintained to ensure transparency in government operations and to provide citizens with access to important information.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court: 419 N. Pierce St., Tampa, FL 33602

Is Hillsborough County an Open Records County?

Yes, Hillsborough County is an open records county. Florida has some of the most comprehensive public records laws in the United States, often referred to as "Sunshine Laws." These laws ensure that government activities and records are open and accessible to the public.

Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, most records created or received by Hillsborough County government agencies in the course of official business are considered public records and must be made available for inspection and copying upon request, with certain exceptions for confidential or exempt information.

Florida Division of Library and Information Services: 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399

How Do I Find Public Records in Hillsborough County in 2025

In 2025, Hillsborough County offers multiple ways to access public records:

Online Access: The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court's website provides a comprehensive online records search system where you can access court records, property records, and other official documents.
In-Person Requests: You can visit the Clerk's office in person to request and view public records.
Mail or Email Requests: Submit public records requests by mail or email to the appropriate county department.
Mobile Applications: The county has developed mobile applications that allow access to certain public records directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Automated Kiosks: Located throughout the county, these kiosks provide access to public records for those without internet access.

Hillsborough County Records Management Department: 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602

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

The cost of obtaining public records in Hillsborough County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Electronic Records: Many records can be accessed online for free, but downloading or printing may incur fees.
Paper Copies: $0.15 per one-sided page and $0.20 per two-sided page for standard letter-size documents.
Certified Copies: Additional fees apply for certified copies, typically $1-$2 per document plus the copy fee.
Research Fees: If extensive staff time is required to fulfill a request (typically more than 30 minutes), labor costs may be charged at the rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work.
Special Document Fees: Certain documents like marriage licenses, birth certificates, and death certificates have specific statutory fees.

Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card, depending on the method of request.

Hillsborough County Public Records Office: 419 N. Pierce St., Room 140, Tampa, FL 33602

Does Hillsborough County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Hillsborough County does provide free access to many public records:

The online records search portal allows free searching and viewing of many documents.
In-person inspection of records at the Clerk's office is free of charge.
Public access computers are available at county facilities, including libraries, for free access to online records.

However, while viewing records is often free, obtaining copies (physical or electronic) may incur fees as outlined in the previous section. The county also offers fee waivers in certain circumstances, particularly for requests that serve the public interest.

Hillsborough County Public Library: 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602

Who Can Request Public Records In Hillsborough County?

In Hillsborough County, anyone can request public records regardless of:

Citizenship status
Age (though minors may face some restrictions)
Residency (you don't need to be a Florida resident)
Purpose (requesters are not required to explain why they want the records)

The Florida Public Records Law does not restrict access based on who is making the request or why they want the information. Government agencies cannot require you to provide identification or submit requests in writing, although doing so may help facilitate the process.

Business entities, media organizations, and individuals all have equal rights to access public records in Hillsborough County.

Florida Attorney General's Office: 3507 E. Frontage Rd., Suite 325, Tampa, FL 33607

What Records Are Confidential In Hillsborough County?

While Hillsborough County maintains an open records policy, certain records are confidential or exempt from public disclosure under Florida law:

Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers
Medical and health information protected under HIPAA
Certain law enforcement records related to active investigations
Records related to security systems and emergency response plans
Juvenile criminal records (with some exceptions)
Child abuse reports and investigations
Personal information of certain government employees (judges, law enforcement officers, etc.)
Records related to competitive solicitations until contract award
Attorney-client privileged communications
Records specifically exempted by state or federal law

The list of exemptions continues to evolve as new legislation is passed. When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact the exempt information and provide the remainder.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 4211 N. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33614

Lookup Public Records in Hillsborough County

For comprehensive access to Hillsborough County public records, the following resources are available:

Records and Reports - Hillsborough County Clerk of Court - Access court records, reports, and data files, including electronic certified court documents.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts - The official website offering services such as marriage licenses, passports, and access to official records.
Recording - Hillsborough County Clerk of Court - Information on recording services, e-recording, and access to the official records library.
Official Records | Hillsborough County, FL - Access to county public records including birth records, death certificates, and marriage licenses.
County Public Records Search (Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court) - Search the Index of Official Records for information contained within county records.