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Hillsborough County Court Records

What Is Hillsborough County Court Records

Hillsborough County court records are official documents created and maintained by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts that document legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case filings, judgments, orders, and other legal documents generated during civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts serves as the custodian of these records, ensuring they are properly maintained and accessible to the public as required by Florida law.

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

Are Court Records Public In Hillsborough County

Yes, court records in Hillsborough County are generally public under Florida's Sunshine Law and public records statutes. The Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes establish a presumption of openness for government records, including court documents. However, certain exceptions exist to protect privacy and sensitive information. Records that may be exempt or confidential include:

  • Juvenile records (with some exceptions)
  • Records sealed or expunged by court order
  • Documents containing social security numbers, bank account information, or other personal identifiers
  • Certain family court records involving minors
  • Records related to ongoing investigations

To access public court records, individuals can visit the Hillsborough County Clerk's office in person or use their online portal.

Florida Supreme Court: 500 S. Duval St., Tallahassee, FL 32399

How To Find Court Records in Hillsborough County in 2025

Finding court records in Hillsborough County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

  1. Online Access: The Hillsborough County Clerk's website offers comprehensive online search capabilities through their public access portal. Users can search by case number, party name, or date range.

  2. In-Person Requests: Visit the Clerk's office at the courthouse to request records in person. Staff can assist with locating specific documents.

  3. Mail Requests: Submit a written request to the Clerk's office with specific case information and the documents needed.

  4. E-Certify Service: For certified copies, use the Clerk's E-Certify service, which provides electronically certified documents 24/7.

  5. Mobile App: The Clerk's mobile application allows searching and viewing of court records from smartphones and tablets.

Hillsborough County Courthouse: 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602

How To Look Up Court Records in Hillsborough County Online?

Looking up court records online in Hillsborough County is straightforward through the Clerk's digital platforms:

  1. Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk's website (hillsclerk.com)
  2. Navigate to the "Records and Reports" section
  3. Select the appropriate search option based on your needs:
    • Public Access system for most court cases
    • Official Records Search for recorded documents
    • Case Search for specific case information
  4. Enter search criteria such as:
    • Case number
    • Party name (first and last)
    • Date range
    • Case type
  5. Review the search results and select specific documents to view
  6. Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)

The online system provides access to most public records, though some documents may only be available in person due to confidentiality restrictions.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts Records Department: 419 N. Pierce St., Room 140, Tampa, FL 33602

Can You Search Hillsborough County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Hillsborough County court records for free. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts provides several no-cost options for searching court records:

  • The online Public Access system allows free searches of case information
  • Basic case details and docket information are viewable at no charge
  • Public computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to the records database
  • In-person record searches at the Clerk's office are free of charge

While searching is free, there may be costs associated with:

  • Obtaining copies of documents (typically $1 per page)
  • Certified copies (additional certification fee)
  • Extensive research assistance from staff
  • Electronic certified documents through E-Certify service

The Clerk's office accepts various payment methods including credit cards, cash, and money orders for any applicable fees.

Hillsborough County Public Records Center: 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602

What's Included in a Hillsborough County Court Record?

A typical Hillsborough County court record contains comprehensive documentation of a case from filing to resolution. Contents generally include:

  1. Case Information

    • Case number and filing date
    • Court division assignment
    • Judge assigned to the case
    • Party names and contact information
    • Attorney information

  2. Legal Documents

    • Initial complaints or petitions
    • Summonses and service of process documentation
    • Motions filed by parties
    • Court orders and judicial rulings
    • Affidavits and sworn statements
    • Exhibits and evidence logs
    • Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)

  3. Case Progression

    • Docket entries showing chronological case activity
    • Scheduling information for hearings and trials
    • Continuance requests and rulings
    • Mediation or settlement conference outcomes

  4. Judgments and Outcomes

    • Final judgments and decrees
    • Sentencing information (in criminal cases)
    • Financial obligations and payment records
    • Appeal information if applicable

  5. Administrative Records

    • Filing fees and payment records
    • Jury information (in applicable cases)
    • Case status (active, closed, reopened)

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

How Long Does Hillsborough County Keep Court Records?

Hillsborough County retains court records according to Florida's records retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. Retention periods vary by case type:

  • Criminal Felony Cases: Permanently maintained
  • Criminal Misdemeanor Cases: Minimum of 5 years after final judgment
  • Civil Cases: Generally 5-10 years after case closure
  • Probate Cases: 10 years after case closure
  • Family Law Cases: Varies by case type; divorce records are permanent
  • Traffic Cases: 5 years for most violations
  • Small Claims: 5 years after final judgment

Historically significant cases are preserved permanently regardless of case type. The Clerk's office has digitized many older records, making them accessible even beyond the required retention periods. Records that have been sealed or expunged follow special handling procedures and are not publicly accessible.

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

Types of Courts In Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County's court system consists of several levels of courts, each with specific jurisdictions:

  1. Circuit Court (13th Judicial Circuit)

    • Highest trial court in the county
    • Handles major civil cases (over $30,000), felonies, family matters, probate
    • Divided into specialized divisions: Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, Juvenile

  2. County Court

    • Handles misdemeanors, small claims (up to $8,000), civil cases under $30,000
    • Traffic infractions and ordinance violations
    • Conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases

  3. Drug Court

    • Specialized court handling cases involving substance abuse
    • Focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration

  4. Veterans Treatment Court

    • Serves veterans with criminal cases related to service-connected issues
    • Provides specialized support and treatment options

  5. Mental Health Court

    • Addresses cases involving defendants with mental health issues
    • Coordinates treatment and support services

  6. Domestic Violence Court

    • Specialized handling of domestic violence cases
    • Coordinates protective orders and related matters

  7. Teen Court

    • Alternative program for juvenile offenders
    • Peers serve as attorneys and jurors under adult supervision

13th Judicial Circuit Court Administration: 800 E. Twiggs St., Room 604, Tampa, FL 33602

What Types of Cases Do Hillsborough County Courts Hear?

Hillsborough County courts hear a wide variety of cases across different jurisdictions:

Circuit Court Cases:

  • Felony criminal prosecutions
  • Civil disputes involving more than $30,000
  • Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, support)
  • Juvenile dependency and delinquency
  • Probate and guardianship matters
  • Real property and foreclosure cases
  • Appeals from county court decisions

County Court Cases:

  • Misdemeanor criminal cases
  • Traffic violations and infractions
  • Civil disputes up to $30,000
  • Small claims (up to $8,000)
  • Landlord/tenant disputes
  • Ordinance violations
  • Criminal traffic offenses

Specialized Court Programs:

  • Drug-related offenses (Drug Court)
  • Veterans with service-related issues (Veterans Court)
  • Mental health cases (Mental Health Court)
  • Domestic violence matters
  • Juvenile diversion programs

Each court division has specific procedures and requirements for case filing and management. The Clerk of Courts maintains records for all these case types according to Florida statutes and court rules.

Hillsborough County Criminal Court: 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602

How To Find a Court Docket In Hillsborough County

Finding a court docket in Hillsborough County can be accomplished through several methods:

  1. Online Docket Search

    • Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk's website
    • Navigate to the "Court Records" or "Case Search" section
    • Enter case number, party name, or date range
    • View the chronological listing of all case events

  2. In-Person at the Courthouse

    • Visit the appropriate courthouse location based on case type
    • Request docket information at the Clerk's office
    • Use public access terminals available in the courthouse

  3. Daily Court Calendars

    • Check the daily court calendar on the Clerk's website
    • Calendars show scheduled hearings by judge and courtroom
    • Updated daily for the following business day

  4. Mobile App Access

    • Download the Hillsborough County Clerk's mobile app
    • Search dockets and receive notifications about case updates

  5. By Phone

    • Contact the Clerk's office for basic docket information
    • Automated system may provide case status updates

Docket information typically includes filing dates, document titles, hearing dates, and judicial actions. Some sensitive cases may have restricted docket information available only to parties or attorneys of record.

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

Which Courts in Hillsborough County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Hillsborough County, certain judicial proceedings are not considered "courts of record," meaning they don't maintain official transcripts of proceedings or follow formal rules of evidence and procedure. These include:

  1. Small Claims Court

    • While technically part of County Court, small claims proceedings use simplified procedures
    • Cases involving disputes up to $8,000
    • Designed for self-represented litigants
    • No formal transcript unless specifically requested

  2. Traffic Hearing Officer Proceedings

    • Civil traffic infractions heard by hearing officers rather than judges
    • Informal proceedings without court reporters
    • No automatic record of proceedings

  3. Code Enforcement Hearings

    • Administrative hearings for county/city code violations
    • Conducted by appointed hearing officers
    • Less formal than traditional court proceedings

  4. Mediation Sessions

    • Court-ordered or voluntary mediation proceedings
    • Confidential settlement discussions
    • Not transcribed or recorded

  5. Teen Court Proceedings

    • Diversionary program for juvenile offenders
    • Peer-based alternative to formal juvenile court
    • Records are not maintained as official court records

While these proceedings may not be formal courts of record, the Clerk's office still maintains documentation of outcomes and final dispositions in most cases. Parties seeking a formal record in these proceedings must typically make special arrangements for a court reporter.

Hillsborough County Code Enforcement: 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602

Lookup Court Records in Hillsborough County

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

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