Find Civil Court Records in Tampa

Civil court records for Tampa are managed by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. Search these records online or visit the clerk's office at the downtown courthouse.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court

Tampa does not run its own civil court system. All civil court records in Tampa go through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. The clerk is Victor D. Crist. His office handles all civil case filings, court documents, and official records for Hillsborough County. Tampa is the county seat and largest city, so a huge share of the civil cases in the system come from Tampa residents and businesses.

The Hillsborough County Clerk website has tools for searching court records and official records online. The site has a comprehensive case search that covers circuit civil, county civil, family law, probate, criminal, and traffic cases. Tampa residents use this portal to look up civil court records.

The Hillsborough County Clerk website provides online access to court records and official records for Tampa residents.

The main courthouse is in downtown Tampa. The clerk's office is open on weekdays.

How to Search Tampa Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records for Tampa online through the Hillsborough County Clerk's website. The court records search lets you look up cases by name or case number. The tool covers all civil cases filed in the county. Since Tampa is the county seat, the bulk of cases in the system originate in Tampa.

The clerk's website also has an official records search. This covers recorded documents like deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments. Many of these tie to Tampa civil court cases. The official records search is separate from the court records search but both are free to use.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal gives statewide access to court records. This system connects to all 67 county clerks. You can search for Tampa civil court records and file new cases at any time. Creating an account is free. The DIY Florida tool in the portal walks you through court forms step by step.

For in-person searches, go to the Hillsborough County Courthouse at 800 E Twiggs St in downtown Tampa. This is the main location for all civil court records. Bring your ID. Staff can help you search cases and get copies. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more but carry the official seal.

Tampa also has the Hillsborough County Center at 601 E Kennedy Blvd. Some county services are available there. But the main courthouse on Twiggs Street is the primary place for civil court records.

Civil Court Structure for Tampa

Tampa is part of the 13th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers only Hillsborough County. That makes it one of the busiest single-county circuits in the state. Civil cases from Tampa go to one of two court levels.

Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. Contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions go to Circuit Court. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases are also in Circuit Court. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Eviction cases in Tampa are filed in County Court too.

Filing fees are set by state law. They vary based on the type of case and the amount at stake. The Hillsborough County Clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for filing fees on Tampa civil court cases. The clerk can also accept e-filing payments through the statewide portal.

Hillsborough County Civil Court Records

All civil court records in Tampa are handled at the county level. Visit our Hillsborough County civil court records page for complete details on the clerk's office, court procedures, fee schedules, and all available search tools.

Hillsborough County has about 1.5 million residents. Tampa is the county seat and the center of court operations. The courthouse on Twiggs Street handles the full range of civil court matters. Plant City and other smaller cities in the county also use this same clerk for their civil court records.

Public Records Law and Tampa Civil Court Records

Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This includes civil court records in Tampa. Anyone can ask to see a public court file. You do not need to be a party in the case.

The Hillsborough County Clerk makes most court records available online. This gives Tampa residents easy access to civil court records from home. The system shows case information, hearing dates, and many filed documents.

Some records are exempt from public view. Social security numbers and bank account numbers must stay out of public files. Records sealed by court order are also off limits. Parties who file papers must use the Notice of Confidential Information form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 to flag sensitive data in Tampa civil court records.

Self-Help Resources for Tampa Civil Cases

The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for people handling civil court matters without a lawyer. Packets for small claims, evictions, and other common case types are available. These forms work for Tampa civil court cases filed through the Hillsborough County Clerk.

DIY Florida is a free tool in the E-Filing Portal. It asks you questions and creates the right court forms. More than 20 form types cover common civil case situations. You can file the completed forms to the Hillsborough County clerk through the portal. Standard filing fees still apply for Tampa civil court cases.

The E-Filing Portal support desk is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. Call (850) 577-4609 for help with electronic filing. Training videos on the portal show how to set up an account, submit documents, and pay fees for civil court cases in Tampa.

The 13th Judicial Circuit also has resources for self-represented litigants. Check the circuit's website for local forms and procedures that apply to Tampa civil court cases.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Tampa. Each uses its own county clerk for civil court records. Clearwater, Largo, and St. Petersburg are all in Pinellas County across the bay.