Tampa city court records are public files held by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller. Anyone can view them.
You do not need a reason, a lawyer, or an ID. The records cover civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases filed in Tampa and the rest of Hillsborough County.
You can search these records online, in person, or by mail. The fastest way is through the HOVER portal on the Hillsborough County Clerk website. The clerk’s office sits at 800 E. Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa. This is the main courthouse for the 13th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
This page covers how to look up records, what each court type holds, fees for copies, and what stays sealed. It also lists the clerk’s contact details, phone number, hours, and a map of the downtown courthouse.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court: Official Record Holder for Tampa
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller is the office that keeps all Tampa court records. It is the official record holder for the entire county. Tampa is the county seat, so the main clerk’s office sits in downtown Tampa inside the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse.
This office files, indexes, and stores every court case type. Civil suits, criminal charges, divorces, traffic tickets, and probate matters all go through the same clerk. The clerk’s office runs under Florida state law. Florida Statute Chapter 119 makes court records public records. Florida Statute 28.13 gives the clerk the duty to record and maintain them.
The clerk also handles official records, which are different from court case records. Official records cover deeds, liens, mortgages, satisfaction of mortgages, and judgments recorded for public notice. Both types of records are open to the public. Each type has its own search tool on the clerk’s site.
The clerk’s office was first created by the Florida Constitution. It serves as the county recorder, the clerk of the circuit and county courts, the county comptroller, and the auditor. Pat Frank is the current Clerk of Court for Hillsborough County, serving in that role since 2019.
| Office | Hillsborough County Clerk of Court & Comptroller |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone | (813) 276-8100 |
| Website | hillsclerk.com |
| Records Portal | hover.hillsclerk.com |
| E-Filing Portal | myflcourtaccess.com |
How to Search Tampa Court Records Online
The HOVER portal is the main online search tool for Tampa court records. HOVER stands for “Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records.” It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can search by party name, case number, attorney bar number, or filing date range.
Basic searches on HOVER are free. You can check case status, court dates, and party names. The system shows docket entries, scheduled hearings, and filings. Many case documents are also available as viewable PDF images.
To use HOVER, go to hover.hillsclerk.com. Pick your search type from the menu. Enter the name, case number, or date range. Results load within seconds. For best results, use full last names. Add a middle name or narrow the date range if you get too many results. You can also filter by case type, such as civil, criminal, family, or probate.
Under Florida Statute 119.0714, the clerk must hide certain personal details from public online records. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and dates of birth do not show up in HOVER. You do not need to file a request for this redaction. The clerk removes this data before posting records online.
Sealed cases, expunged cases, and cases involving minors in certain family situations are also hidden. You cannot view them through HOVER or any other public search tool.
Other Online Search Tools for Tampa Records
Besides HOVER, you can use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. This portal lets attorneys and self-represented parties file new cases, view court filings, and serve documents. It is open 24/7. Filing fees apply for new cases. A 3.5% credit card processing fee is added to all online payments.
For state-level searches, the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers site at flclerks.com links all 67 county clerks. You can pay fines, check records, or find clerk contact details. For Tampa, the link takes you to the Hillsborough County site.
The Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov has free court forms and guides. People who handle their own cases use this site for instructions and templates. The site has fillable PDF forms for divorce, small claims, eviction, and other common case types.
For statewide criminal history checks, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Criminal History Search at fdle.state.fl.us. This shows arrests and dispositions across the state. FDLE charges a fee for this service.
Tampa Civil Court Records
Tampa civil court records cover lawsuits between people or businesses. These cases do not involve criminal charges. They include contract disputes, property damage claims, personal injury cases, debt collection matters, landlord-tenant disputes, and insurance claims.
Civil cases in Tampa are heard at the county court level for claims up to $50,000. Larger claims go to circuit court. Both levels store records with the Hillsborough County Clerk. You can search them through HOVER.
Civil case records show the names of the parties, the cause of action, and the case status. You can see the date the case was filed, the judge assigned, and hearing dates. Court orders, motions, and judgments are also part of the public file.
Civil suits can take months or years to finish. Older cases may show a “closed” status. Newer cases show active docket entries. Either way, the records stay public unless a judge seals them. A party can ask the court to seal sensitive records like trade secrets or medical details.
Tampa Criminal Court Records
Tampa criminal court records cover felony, misdemeanor, and ordinance violation cases. The 13th Judicial Circuit hears all felony cases. County court handles misdemeanors and city ordinance violations. The clerk stores records for both.
You can search criminal cases through HOVER. Results show the charges, court dates, and case status. Sealed or expunged cases do not show up. Per Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14, the clerk posts court document images online for public view.
Arrest records and booking data are not held by the clerk. Those records come from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at hcsoweb.tampa.fl.us. The clerk only holds court records, which start once charges are filed by the State Attorney’s Office.
Common criminal case types in Tampa include DUI, drug possession, theft, assault, battery, burglary, and traffic-related offenses. Each appears in HOVER with the case number, the defendant’s name, the charges, and the hearing schedule. The clerk stores these records for many years under Florida retention schedules.
Tampa Family Court Records
Tampa family court records cover divorce, child custody, paternity, adoption, and support cases. The clerk’s family law section files and stores these records. Domestic violence injunctions are also family court matters.
Most family records are public. Some have limits. Child abuse, dependency, and termination of parental rights files stay confidential by Florida law. Victim addresses in domestic violence cases may be redacted from public files. Adoption records are sealed under Florida Statute 63.162 and only released by court order.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists which records can be sealed. A judge must issue a written order to seal a file. Sealed records do not show up in HOVER searches.
People filing for divorce or custody in Tampa can use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Self-represented parties can file online. Court fees apply. A filing fee for a simple divorce with no children is $409. A filing fee for a divorce with minor children is $418. Credit card fees are added for online payments.
Tampa Probate Court Records
Tampa probate court records cover wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. These files show how a deceased person’s property is handled. They also cover guardianships for minors or adults who cannot manage their own affairs due to age or incapacity.
Probate cases are public. The clerk’s HOVER system lists open and closed probate files. You can view the petition, will, and court orders. The clerk’s probate page at hillsclerk.com has forms and instructions for filing new cases.
Some probate records include sensitive details. Bank account numbers and social security numbers are redacted. Personal health details may be sealed by a judge. Most other parts of the file stay public, including the names of heirs, the value of the estate, and the named executor.
Probate cases in Tampa go through the Circuit Civil / Probate division of the 13th Judicial Circuit. Hearings are held at the Edgecomb Courthouse. Most probate hearings are short and scheduled within a few weeks of filing.
Tampa Small Claims Court Records
Tampa small claims court records cover cases where the claim is $8,000 or less. These cases are simple disputes over money or property. Landlords, contractors, and consumers often use small claims court.
Small claims cases go through county court. Records are stored with the Hillsborough County Clerk. You can search them on HOVER by party name or case number. The filing fee for a small claims case in Tampa is $55 for claims up to $500, $80 for claims up to $2,500, and $175 for claims up to $8,000.
Small claims hearings are quick. Many cases settle or finish in one or two hearings. Records stay on file for years after the case closes. Judgments in small claims cases can result in liens on property, wage garnishment, or bank account levy.
Plaintiffs in small claims cases do not need a lawyer. Defendants can also represent themselves. The Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov has self-help guides for small claims cases.
Tampa Traffic Court Records
Tampa traffic court records cover traffic tickets, driving infractions, and DUI-related traffic cases. These cases are heard in county court. The clerk stores the records.
You can pay traffic fines online through MyFloridaCounty.com. The site links to Hillsborough County for Tampa cases. You can also check the status of a traffic citation through HOVER by entering the citation number or the defendant’s name.
Traffic records show the citation number, the violation, and the court date. They also show the outcome. A paid fine, a school completion, or a conviction all appear in the file. Points on a driver’s license are tracked by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, not the clerk.
Common traffic cases in Tampa include speeding, running a red light, careless driving, driving without a license, and DUI. Each has its own statute number in Florida law. The clerk’s office can tell you the fine amount and the court date for any traffic citation.
Tampa Court Records Fees and Copy Costs
Searching Tampa court records on HOVER is free. Viewing case data and docket entries costs nothing. You can check case status, party names, and hearing dates without paying.
Printed or certified copies cost money. A standard copy is $1 per page. A certified copy is $2 per page under Florida Statute 28.24. The clerk charges the same rate in person, by mail, or online. The clerk adds a $2 fee for each certification.
Electronic copies from the clerk’s website cost less than paper. You can request documents by case number. The clerk emails a PDF or stores it for download. Credit card fees apply for online orders. The clerk uses a third-party payment processor for online orders, which adds a small service charge.
Some documents are free to view. The clerk’s office posts many court orders and judgments online. You can read them without paying, but you cannot get a certified copy without the fee.
In-Person Records Requests at the Tampa Courthouse
You can request Tampa court records in person at the clerk’s office. The address is 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. The office is in the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in downtown Tampa.
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Bring a photo ID if you plan to pick up certified copies. You do not need a photo ID just to view public records.
Walk to the public terminal area on the second floor. Staff at the front desk can help you find the right records. Self-service computer terminals let you search HOVER for free. You can print what you need at the clerk’s print station. Print fees apply.
Public records are open to view. You can sit at a terminal and read case files. You can also request paper files from the records department. Files cannot leave the building. If you need a certified copy, ask the records clerk to certify it while you wait.
Tampa Court Records by Mail
You can request Tampa court records by mail. Send a written request to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court at 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Include the case number if you have it. If you do not have the case number, give the full names of the parties and an approximate filing date.
State what you want. You can ask for a copy of a document, a certified copy, or a record search. Add payment for copies and postage. Make checks or money orders payable to the “Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.” Do not send cash by mail.
Mail requests take longer than online or in-person requests. Allow extra time for processing and delivery. The clerk usually replies within one to two weeks for simple requests. Larger requests with many documents can take longer. You can call (813) 276-8100 to check on the status of a mail request.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Tampa
Some Tampa court records are sealed or expunged. These records are not public. They do not show up in HOVER. Only the judge who sealed the record can unseal it, except in narrow cases listed in Florida law.
A record is sealed by court order. Common reasons include juvenile cases, certain criminal cases, and personal safety issues. Florida Statute 943.059 lists which cases qualify for sealing or expunction. The applicant must file a petition and meet the legal rules. The court holds a hearing before sealing or expunging a record.
Sealed records stay with the clerk but cannot be viewed by the public. Expunged records are physically destroyed. The clerk keeps only a small notation that an expungement happened. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also gets a copy of the expungement order.
Law enforcement and certain agencies can still see sealed records in some cases. Crime victim compensation, witness protection, and certain licensing boards can ask the court to unseal a record. Members of the public cannot. HOVER blocks these cases from search results.
Florida Statewide Court Record Resources
For records outside Tampa, use the statewide systems. The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers site links to all 67 county clerks. You can search for a case filed in any Florida county. Each county has its own search portal.
The Florida Supreme Court and the District Courts of Appeal also post opinions online at flcourts.gov. These are court rulings, not case files. They show the legal reasoning behind court decisions. Most appellate opinions from 1997 to the present are posted online.
For background checks, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs criminal history searches. These searches show arrests and dispositions across the state. FDLE charges a $24 fee for a 5-year search and a $34 fee for a 10-year search. The results come by mail or email.
Tampa Courthouse Contact Details, Hours, and Map
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court main office sits at 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. This is the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in downtown Tampa. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on state and federal holidays.
Main phone line: (813) 276-8100. Records department: (813) 276-8100 ext. 4361. Official website: hillsclerk.com. Court records search portal: hover.hillsclerk.com. E-filing portal: myflcourtaccess.com. Mailing address: P.O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601.
Common Questions About Tampa City Court Records
People often have questions about how to find, read, and use Tampa court records. The following section answers the most common questions. Each answer gives you the facts you need based on Florida law and current Hillsborough County Clerk policies.
1. Are Tampa court records free to view?
Yes. Tampa court records are free to view. Florida law makes court records public. You can search and view case files at no cost on the HOVER portal. The only cost is for printed or certified copies. A standard copy costs $1 per page. A certified copy costs $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee. You can view case status, party names, docket entries, and hearing dates without paying anything. The clerk’s office also has self-service terminals at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse. You can use these terminals to search and read case files for free. You only pay if you print or request certified copies. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on weekends and state holidays. You do not need to give a reason to view public records under Florida Statute Chapter 119.
2. Can I view sealed Tampa court records?
No. You cannot view sealed Tampa court records. Sealed records are not public. They do not show up in HOVER. Only the judge who sealed the record can order it unsealed. The clerk hides these cases from public view by removing them from the online system. You can ask the clerk’s office if a record is sealed, but the staff cannot share the file with you. Some people qualify to file a petition to unseal a record. This takes a court order. Florida law lists who can ask for an unsealing. Common reasons are legal research, criminal appeals, and personal safety. You cannot view a sealed record just because you are a party to the case after sealing. Talk to a lawyer if you need to unseal a record. The clerk’s office does not give legal advice on this process. Most sealed records stay sealed forever unless a court changes the order.
3. How long does the clerk keep Tampa court records?
The clerk keeps Tampa court records for years based on Florida retention schedules. Most case files stay on file for 10 years or more. Some case types stay on file for longer. Felony case files are kept for 75 years under Florida law. Misdemeanor case files are kept for 5 years after the case closes. Traffic tickets stay on file for 5 years. Civil case files are kept for 10 years after the case closes. Probate files are kept for 20 years. Older records may move to the clerk’s archive. You can still request archived records. The clerk charges the same copy fees for archived files. Some very old records may no longer be available online. You may need to view them in person at the clerk’s office. You can call the records department at (813) 276-8100 to check on older cases. The clerk’s office can also pull microfilm records for cases filed before 1990.
4. Can I remove a Tampa court record from public view?
Yes, in some cases. Florida law lets you seal or expunge certain court records. You must file a petition with the court. The court holds a hearing. A judge decides if your case qualifies. Most misdemeanor and felony cases can be sealed or expunged if you meet the legal rules. You cannot seal a case if you were convicted of certain crimes listed in Florida Statute 943.059. You also cannot seal cases where you were found guilty by a jury for serious offenses. You must wait a set time after the case closes before you can file a petition. For misdemeanors, the wait is 3 years. For felonies, the wait is 5 to 10 years. A lawyer can help you file a petition to seal or expunge a Tampa court record. The clerk’s office does not give legal advice on this process. The filing fee for a sealing or expungement petition is typically $42 plus a $75 fee to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for certificate of eligibility.
5. What’s the difference between court records and official records in Tampa?
Court records and official records are two different types of public files. Court records cover cases filed in court. They include lawsuits, criminal charges, divorces, traffic cases, and probate cases. Official records cover documents recorded for public notice. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, and satisfaction of judgments. Both types are public. The clerk stores both in the same office. The search tools are separate. You use HOVER for court records. You use a different search tool at hillsclerk.com/official-records for official records. Make sure you search the right tool based on what you need. The clerk charges the same copy fees for both types. The clerk’s office also handles marriage license applications and passport applications. These are separate services from court records and official records.
6. Can I search Tampa court records by case number?
Yes. You can search Tampa court records by case number on the HOVER portal. The case number is a unique code for each court case. It usually has letters and numbers. A typical case number looks like “24-CA-001234.” The first two digits are the year. The next two letters show the case type. The last six digits are the case sequence. You can find the case number on a court summons, a citation, a prior court order, or a letter from a lawyer. Enter the full case number in the search bar on HOVER. The system pulls up the case file. This is the fastest way to find a specific case. If you do not have the case number, you can search by party name. You can also search by filing date range or by attorney bar number. The system saves your recent searches for quick access.
7. Does Tampa have a separate city court?
No. Tampa does not have a separate city court. Tampa cases go through the Hillsborough County court system. The main courthouse is the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 E. Twiggs Street. This building handles all circuit and county court matters for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Brandon, Riverview, and the rest of Hillsborough County all use the same court system. The clerk’s office at 800 E. Twiggs Street holds the records for all of these cases. If you need to file a case or view a file, you go to this single downtown location. The clerk also has a branch office at 410 30th Avenue SE in Ruskin for the South Shore area. Both offices can search and copy the same court records. Some hearings are held at satellite courthouses around the county, but the records are kept at the main Edgecomb Courthouse.