Search Hillsborough County Civil Court Records

Hillsborough County civil court records are held by the Clerk of Court in Tampa. The 13th Judicial Circuit covers all civil cases filed in Hillsborough County, and the clerk's office gives public access to court files through online tools and in person at the courthouse.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court

Victor D. Crist serves as the Clerk of Court in Hillsborough County. This is one of the largest clerk's offices in Florida. The staff process thousands of civil court filings each year. They maintain court records, issue copies, and run the official records system for the county. The main office is in downtown Tampa. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records in Hillsborough County.

The Hillsborough County Clerk website has tools for searching court records and official records online. The site also covers traffic payments, jury service, marriage licenses, and more. Hillsborough County has one of the busiest court systems in the state, with well over a million residents filing civil cases ranging from small claims to major lawsuits.

The clerk has multiple locations around Hillsborough County. The main courthouse in Tampa is the central hub for all civil court records.

How to Search Hillsborough County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Hillsborough County in several ways. The clerk's website offers an online court records search tool. You can look up circuit civil, county civil, family law, probate, criminal, and traffic cases. Search by party name or case number. The online tool covers cases going back many years.

Hillsborough County has its own records search system on the clerk's website. This is separate from the OCRS tool used by some smaller counties. The results show case details, party names, filing dates, and docket entries for civil court records in Hillsborough County. The search is free and open to the public.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also connects to Hillsborough County. This statewide system links to all 67 county clerks. You can register for free, search existing cases, or file new civil documents. The portal runs 24 hours a day.

The clerk's website also has a separate section for official records searches. The Hillsborough County official records search covers deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. If a civil judgment has been recorded against a property, you can find it here.

Official records are separate from court case files but often relate to civil court outcomes in Hillsborough County.

For in-person searches, go to 800 E Twiggs St in Tampa. Staff at the clerk's office can look up civil cases and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Bring your ID. The Hillsborough County clerk also has branch offices around the county for some services.

Civil Court Structure in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County is the only county in the 13th Judicial Circuit. Because of the large population, the circuit has many judges assigned to civil divisions. Civil cases in Hillsborough County go to one of two court levels depending on the amount in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000. This covers contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property actions. Family law cases, probate, and guardianship matters also go through Circuit Court in Hillsborough County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Eviction cases and landlord-tenant disputes are heard in County Court as well.

The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for Hillsborough County and all other counties. With multiple courthouses spread across the county, the clerk's office can tell you which location handles your civil case type.

Confidential Information in Hillsborough County Civil Court Records

Certain details in civil court records must be kept private. Florida law says social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers cannot appear in public court files. If you find these numbers in a document, you can ask the clerk to redact them. There is no charge for this in Hillsborough County.

To request redaction, file a form with the clerk. List the case name, case number, document title, and page where the info appears. The clerk will strip it from the public version of the file. Attorneys and parties filing civil court papers in Hillsborough County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 to flag private data before it goes into the public record.

Sealed records are not available for public viewing. A judge must order a file sealed. Adoption records and certain other case types are also confidential under state law. The clerk's office can tell you if a given civil court file in Hillsborough County is open to the public.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County has many resources for people who want to handle a civil case without a lawyer. The Florida Courts website has forms and step-by-step guides for small claims, evictions, name changes, and other common matters. The clerk's office cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms and filing locations.

DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through questions and fills out court forms for you. More than 20 form types are available. File the completed forms through the portal to the Hillsborough County clerk. Standard filing fees apply.

The 13th Judicial Circuit also runs a self-help center in Tampa. This center helps people who do not have lawyers navigate the court system. Staff can explain filing steps and direct you to free legal clinics in Hillsborough County. Bay Area Legal Services is a local legal aid group that may take civil cases for people who cannot afford a lawyer. Call the clerk's office for a full list of resources.

Public Records Access in Hillsborough County

Florida has broad public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and city records are open for inspection and copying. This includes civil court records in Hillsborough County. You do not need to be a party in the case to view the file. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court record, and the clerk must respond in a reasonable time.

Some records are exempt. Social security numbers and bank account numbers listed in Section 119.0714 must be kept private. Sealed files are off limits. But the vast majority of civil court records in Hillsborough County are open to the public.

For in-person access, visit the main courthouse at 800 E Twiggs St in Tampa. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies run higher. The Find a Clerk directory has contact info for all 67 county clerks, including Hillsborough County.

Cities in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County has several cities and communities. All civil court cases go through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court in Tampa. Tampa is the county seat and by far the largest city in the county.

Other communities in Hillsborough County include Temple Terrace, Plant City, Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico. All civil court filings go through the Hillsborough County clerk's office in Tampa.

Nearby Counties

Hillsborough County is the sole county in the 13th Judicial Circuit. These adjacent counties share borders with Hillsborough County. If you are not sure which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place. You must file in the correct county.