Court records in Hillsborough County, Florida, can be searched through several channels. HillsboroughCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Clerk of Court's electronic viewing portal, visit the clerk's office in person, or use public terminals at the courthouse. Additional resources include the 13th Judicial Circuit website and state-level court databases.
Hillsborough Court System & Jurisdictions
Hillsborough County is served by the 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which operates both circuit-level and county-level divisions. Understanding which court handles your case type determines where to search for docket information.
Circuit Court
The circuit court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases — all felony charges filed in Hillsborough County
- Civil cases — disputes involving amounts greater than $50,000
- Family law — divorce, child custody, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions
- Probate — wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health proceedings
- Juvenile — delinquency and dependency cases (note: juvenile records are generally confidential under Florida law)
County Court
County court handles matters with lower thresholds:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes — claims of $50,000 or less, including small claims (up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions — civil and criminal traffic violations
- Ordinance violations
Appellate and Federal Courts
- Appeals from Hillsborough circuit and county courts go to Florida's Second District Court of Appeal, headquartered in Lakeland.
- Federal matters — including bankruptcy, federal criminal cases, and civil rights claims — are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Tampa Division). Federal dockets can be searched through PACER.
Hillsborough Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The 13th Judicial Circuit publishes court calendars and hearing schedules through its official website. To find today's or upcoming hearings:
- Visit the 13th Judicial Circuit website and look for the court calendar or judicial directory section.
- Individual judges typically post their division calendars, which list scheduled hearings by date and case number.
- You can also check the Clerk's HOVER portal for case-specific hearing dates by searching a case number or party name.
If you need to confirm a specific hearing time or courtroom assignment, call the Clerk of Court at 813-276-8100. Calendar information for criminal first-appearance hearings and arraignments may also be available through the clerk's criminal division.
How to Get a Copy of a Hillsborough Court Document
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller maintains all court files for the 13th Judicial Circuit. You can obtain copies in several ways:
Online
Use the HOVER electronic records portal to view many court documents at no charge. If you need an official copy, the clerk's office can process your request after you identify the case and documents needed.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court's main office:
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller
Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can look up records and print copies while you wait.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes the case number (or party names and approximate filing date), a description of the documents needed, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Mail to:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — suitable for personal review. Cost: $1.00 per page.
- Certified copies — required for legal proceedings, government submissions, or official use. An additional $2.00 certification fee applies per document, on top of the per-page charge.
Some records — including sealed or expunged cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family law filings — are restricted and may not be available without a court order. You can submit a public records request for other county-maintained documents.
Hillsborough Court Records Fees & Payment
The following fees are set by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and reflect standard charges under Florida Statutes (including § 28.24):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage license | $1.00/page + $2.00 certification |
| Certified copy of divorce decree | $1.00/page + $2.00 certification |
| Divorce certificate (FL Dept. of Health in Hillsborough) | $5.00 first certification; $4.00 each additional |
| Online court record viewing (HOVER portal) | No charge for viewing |
| Search fee (clerk-assisted) | Contact clerk for current amount |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Online payment options may vary by service. Call 813-276-8100, ext. 7805, to confirm accepted payment methods before mailing a request.
Divorce certificates issued by the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County carry separate fees from those charged by the clerk's office. For statewide criminal history records, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which maintains its own fee schedule.
Under the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119), court records are generally open to the public. However, certain records — including those involving minors, mental health proceedings, and sealed or expunged cases — are exempt from disclosure. If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk's office before submitting payment.