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Hillsborough Public Records /Hillsborough County Property Records

Hillsborough County Property Records

What Is Hillsborough County Property Records

Property records in Hillsborough County are official documents that contain detailed information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by several county offices and serve as the authoritative source of property-related information for the public, government agencies, and businesses.

Property records typically include:

  • Legal descriptions of land parcels
  • Ownership history and current ownership information
  • Property valuation and assessment data
  • Tax information and payment history
  • Recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens
  • Building permits and improvements

The primary agencies responsible for maintaining these records include:

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's Office
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 272-6100
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court
419 N. Pierce St.
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 276-8100
Hillsborough County Clerk

Hillsborough County Tax Collector
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 14th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 635-5200
Hillsborough County Tax Collector

These records serve multiple purposes, including establishing legal ownership, determining property tax obligations, facilitating real estate transactions, and providing transparency in property-related matters for the citizens of Hillsborough County.

Are Property Records Public Information In Hillsborough County?

Property records in Hillsborough County are considered public information pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," establishes the public's right to access government records, including property-related documents.

Under Florida Statute § 119.01, it is the policy of the state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. The following aspects of property record accessibility apply in Hillsborough County:

  • Any member of the public may request access to property records without providing identification or stating a reason for the request
  • Records must be provided in a reasonable time, at a reasonable cost
  • Certain personal information may be redacted from public records for security purposes
  • Electronic access is provided through various online portals maintained by county agencies

The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's database contains comprehensive information about all real property within the county, including ownership details, property characteristics, and assessed values.

For official recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the public may access the Hillsborough County Clerk's Official Records Search system. Property tax information is available through the Hillsborough County Tax Collector's Records Search.

Exceptions to public access may apply to certain information contained within property records, such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive personal data as specified in Florida Statute § 119.071.

How To Search Property Records in Hillsborough County in 2025

Searching property records in Hillsborough County in 2025 involves utilizing several resources provided by county agencies. The process has been streamlined to accommodate various search methods and user preferences.

To conduct a comprehensive property records search, members of the public may follow these procedures:

In-Person Search Options:

  • Visit the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's Office at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Request assistance from staff at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court at 419 N. Pierce St., Tampa, FL 33602. This office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Utilize public terminals available at both locations for self-service searches.

Online Search Methods:

Search Parameters Available:

  • Property address
  • Owner name
  • Parcel identification number
  • Legal description
  • Document type and recording information
  • Date ranges for recorded documents

Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 12D-1.009, the Property Appraiser's Office maintains current property ownership records and makes them available for public inspection. Users conducting searches should note that while basic search functions are available at no cost, fees may apply for certified copies or extensive research assistance as authorized by Florida Statute § 119.07(4).

How To Find Property Records in Hillsborough County Online?

Hillsborough County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official web portals. These digital resources enable efficient retrieval of property information without requiring in-person visits to county offices.

The primary online resources for accessing Hillsborough County property records include:

  1. Property Appraiser's Database

    • Navigate to the Hillsborough County Property Search portal
    • Enter search criteria such as address, owner name, or parcel ID
    • View detailed property information including ownership, assessed value, and property characteristics
    • Access property tax assessment data and exemption information

  2. Official Records Search

    • Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk's Official Records Search
    • Search by name, document type, or recording information
    • Access recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property-related filings
    • View and download document images in PDF format

  3. Tax Records Portal

  4. Property Tax Information

These online systems are maintained pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.01(2)(a), which encourages agencies to provide remote electronic access to public records. The systems operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except during scheduled maintenance periods. Users should note that while viewing records online is free, downloading or printing certain documents may incur nominal fees as established by Florida Statute § 28.24.

Can You Look Up Hillsborough County Property Records for Free?

Hillsborough County provides free access to most property records through various platforms, in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. The availability of free access is designed to promote transparency and public engagement with government records.

Free property record access options include:

  • Basic Online Searches: The Hillsborough County Property Search portal offers free access to property ownership, assessment, and characteristic information. Users may conduct unlimited searches without incurring fees.

  • Official Records Viewing: The Hillsborough County Clerk's Official Records Search provides free access to view recorded documents. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property-related filings.

  • Tax Information Access: Basic property tax information is available at no cost through the Hillsborough County Tax Collector's website.

  • In-Person Terminal Access: Public terminals at county offices provide free access to property records during regular business hours.

While basic access is free, certain services do incur fees as authorized by Florida Statute § 28.24:

  • Certified copies of documents: $2.00 per page plus $1.00 for certification
  • Printed copies from public terminals: $0.15 per page
  • Research assistance from staff: $2.00 per name search request
  • Bulk data requests or specialized reports: Fees vary based on complexity

The fee structure is established pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(4), which allows agencies to charge the actual cost of duplication for public records. However, inspection of records and basic online viewing remain free services provided to the public.

What's Included in a Hillsborough County Property Record?

Hillsborough County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple county agencies and include various data points relevant to property ownership, valuation, and taxation.

Standard components of Hillsborough County property records include:

Ownership Information:

  • Current property owner's name and mailing address
  • Previous ownership history and transfer dates
  • Deed information including recording date and document number
  • Type of ownership (individual, joint, corporate, trust)

Property Identification:

  • Parcel identification number (PIN)
  • Legal description of the property
  • Property address and location information
  • Subdivision or plat information where applicable

Physical Characteristics:

  • Land area (acreage or square footage)
  • Building size and dimensions
  • Year of construction
  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Construction materials and quality
  • Special features or improvements

Valuation and Assessment Data:

  • Market value assessment
  • Assessed value for tax purposes
  • Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, etc.)
  • Land value versus improvement value

Tax Information:

  • Current and historical tax rates
  • Annual tax amounts
  • Payment history
  • Tax certificate information if applicable

Recorded Documents:

  • Deeds and transfers
  • Mortgages and satisfactions
  • Liens and releases
  • Easements and restrictions
  • Judgments affecting the property

Permit and Zoning Information:

  • Building permits issued
  • Zoning classification
  • Land use designation
  • Development restrictions

These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statute § 193.114, which requires property appraisers to prepare and maintain property assessment rolls containing specified information. The records serve as the official documentation of property ownership and characteristics for legal and taxation purposes in Hillsborough County.

How Long Does Hillsborough County Keep Property Records?

Hillsborough County maintains property records in perpetuity, in accordance with Florida's records retention requirements. The preservation of these records ensures the continuity of property ownership history and provides a permanent legal record of real estate transactions within the county.

The retention schedule for property records follows these guidelines:

  • Recorded Documents: Pursuant to Florida Statute § 28.222, all officially recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and related instruments are permanently preserved by the Clerk of Circuit Court. These records date back to the county's establishment in 1834.

  • Property Tax Rolls: In accordance with General Records Schedule GS11 for Clerks of Court, property tax rolls are retained permanently. Historical tax rolls provide a chronological record of property ownership and valuation.

  • Property Appraiser Records: The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser maintains assessment records permanently, as required by Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-24.003. This includes property characteristics, ownership changes, and valuation history.

  • Building Permits and Inspections: Records of building permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy are retained for the life of the structure plus 10 years, per General Records Schedule GS1-SL for State and Local Government Agencies.

The county employs multiple preservation methods to ensure long-term access to these records:

  • Microfilming of historical documents
  • Digital scanning and conversion of paper records
  • Electronic backup systems with redundant storage
  • Climate-controlled archival storage for original documents

Members of the public seeking historical property records may access them through the Hillsborough County Clerk's Official Records Search for documents recorded after 1950. For older records, assistance is available at the County Clerk's Archives Section located at:

Hillsborough County Clerk's Archives
419 N. Pierce St., Room 140
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 276-8100 ext. 4367

How To Find Liens on Property In Hillsborough County?

Liens on property in Hillsborough County are recorded as public documents and can be located through several official channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred clear of such claims.

To locate liens on Hillsborough County property, interested parties may utilize the following methods:

Online Search Through Official Records:

  • Access the Hillsborough County Clerk's Official Records Search
  • Enter the property owner's name or property address
  • Filter search results by document type, selecting options such as:
    • Tax Liens
    • Judgment Liens
    • Mechanic's Liens
    • Homeowners Association Liens
    • Code Enforcement Liens
    • Federal Tax Liens

Tax Collector's Office:

In-Person Research:

  • Visit the Official Records Department at the Clerk of Circuit Court Hillsborough County Courthouse
    419 N. Pierce St.
    Tampa, FL 33602
    Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Request assistance with lien searches from staff

Types of Liens Commonly Found:

  • Tax liens (county, municipal, or federal)
  • Judgment liens resulting from court cases
  • Construction liens filed by contractors or suppliers
  • Homeowners or condominium association assessment liens
  • Code enforcement liens for violations of county ordinances
  • Child support or alimony liens
  • Utility liens for unpaid services

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 55.203, judgment liens are effective for an initial period of 10 years and may be extended for an additional 10 years. Tax liens generally remain in effect until satisfied or expired according to applicable statutes. Construction liens, governed by Florida Statute § 713.08, must be filed within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials and remain effective for one year unless extended through legal action.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Hillsborough County?

The Property Owner Rule in Hillsborough County refers to a set of regulations and principles that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and limitations. These rules are derived from Florida state statutes, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:

Ownership Rights and Protections:

  • Florida Statute § 689.01 establishes that property ownership must be transferred via written instrument
  • Property owners possess the right to use, enjoy, and dispose of their property within legal limitations
  • The Florida Constitution, Article X, Section 4, provides homestead protection against forced sale by creditors
  • Owners have the right to exclude others from their property, subject to legal easements and right-of-way provisions

Property Tax Obligations:

  • Pursuant to Florida Statute § 197.122, property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
  • Tax bills are mailed by November 1 each year and become delinquent if not paid by April 1 of the following year
  • The Hillsborough County Tax Collector administers tax collection and provides payment options
  • Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax certificate sales and eventual tax deed applications

Disclosure Requirements:

  • Florida Statute § 689.261 requires sellers to disclose known defects that materially affect property value
  • Hillsborough County Ordinance 93-20 requires disclosure of flood zone information
  • Property owners must disclose the presence of radon gas if known, per Florida Statute § 404.056(5)

Land Use Restrictions:

  • Property use is subject to zoning regulations established by Hillsborough County Land Development Code
  • Deed restrictions and covenants may impose additional limitations on property use
  • Historic district designations may restrict modifications to structures
  • Environmental regulations may limit development in wetlands or conservation areas

Maintenance Responsibilities:

  • Property owners must maintain their property in compliance with Hillsborough County Code Chapter 8, Article II
  • Failure to maintain property may result in code enforcement actions and potential liens
  • Owners are responsible for sidewalk maintenance adjacent to their property per County Ordinance 15-5

Property owners seeking information about specific regulations affecting their property may contact:

Hillsborough County Development Services Department
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 19th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 272-5600
Hillsborough County Development Services

Lookup Property Records in Hillsborough County

Search Hillsborough County parcel information

Access property tax records through City of Tampa

Search official property records in Hillsborough County

Visit Hillsborough County Tax Collector website

Search property tax and certificate records

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