Hillsborough County dissolution of marriage records are official court files that show when a marriage was legally ended inside Hillsborough County, Florida. These files are kept by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and tracked under Florida state law.
Anyone who needs to check if a divorce was final, pull a copy of a final judgment, or trace an old case can use these files.
This page covers where the files are stored, how to look them up online, how to ask for certified copies, and what laws control them in 2026. It also compares Hillsborough County with nearby Florida counties and lists the self-help tools people can use without a lawyer.
Where Hillsborough Dissolution Records Are Filed
Dissolution of marriage cases in Hillsborough County are filed at the county level through the Clerk of Court. City offices do not handle these court files. The clerk keeps the case docket, the index of all filings, and the final judgment that ends the marriage. The clerk works under the 13th Judicial Circuit, which covers Hillsborough County.
The Clerk of Court Role
The Hillsborough Clerk of Court is the main office for filing and pulling marriage dissolution case files. The clerk accepts new petitions, stores court orders, and issues certified copies of final judgments. The clerk also runs the official records search tool that lets people look up cases by name or case number.
The clerk’s office is split into different sections. One section handles new filings. Another section handles old records. A third section handles certified copy requests. Knowing which section to contact saves time when asking for a specific file.
Hillsborough County 13th Judicial Circuit
Hillsborough County sits inside Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit. All dissolution of marriage cases in the county are heard by judges in this circuit. The circuit court’s family division handles petitions, hearings, and final judgments. The clerk of court works closely with the family division to keep the case files accurate and complete.
People who need to attend a hearing or check a court date will work with the 13th Judicial Circuit. People who only need a copy of the final judgment will work with the clerk’s official records section.
Statewide Reporting to Florida Department of Health
After a Hillsborough County judge signs a final judgment, the clerk sends a report to the Florida Department of Health. The Department of Health uses this report to update statewide vital statistics. This means a divorce can appear in the county records before it shows up in the state system.
The statewide report feeds the Florida divorce certificate system. Anyone who needs a short certificate for name changes or other legal purposes will deal with the Department of Health. Anyone who needs the full court judgment will deal with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.
How to Search Hillsborough Dissolution Records Online
The fastest way to check for a Hillsborough County dissolution of marriage case is to use an online search tool. The main tool is the Hillsborough Clerk official records portal at hillsclerk.com. The portal lets users search by party name, case number, or date range. It shows case style, filing date, and judgment date for each match.
Online search tools work best when the searcher has at least one full name and a rough year of filing. Search tools can return partial matches if a name is spelled differently than expected. Searchers should review all matches before requesting a certified copy.
Hillsborough Clerk Official Records Portal
The Hillsborough Clerk official records portal is the first place to start any search. The portal lists cases filed in the county. It shows basic case details like party names, filing date, and case number. The portal is free to search, but certified copies cost a fee.
Users who do not know the exact filing year can try a wide date range first, then narrow the results. Users who know the case number can pull up the full docket in a single search. The portal covers older records that have been scanned into the digital system.
Florida e-Filing Portal
The Florida e-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com handles new filings and ongoing cases. Lawyers and self-represented filers use this portal to submit petitions, motions, and other court papers. The portal lets users check the status of a pending case and pull up hearing schedules.
Cases filed through the e-filing portal show up in the clerk’s official records search once they are processed. Processing times can vary. A new filing may take a few days to appear in the public search tool.
Using Case Number or Party Name
A case number search is the fastest way to pull up a specific file. The case number includes the year, a sequence number, and a case type code. Dissolution cases use the DR code for family court matters. A full case number looks like 2024-DR-001234.
A party name search works when the case number is unknown. The search tool checks the names of both spouses as they appear in the court file. Misspellings or name changes can affect the results. Searching with a few different spellings can help locate the right case.
Requesting Certified Copies and Official Documents
Many people who look up Hillsborough County dissolution of marriage records need more than a search result. They need a certified copy of the final judgment. A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp that proves it is a true copy of the court file. Banks, employers, and other agencies often require certified copies for legal use.
The clerk’s office handles all certified copy requests. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online through the clerk portal. Each method has its own processing time and fee schedule.
In-Person Requests at Clerk Locations
The Hillsborough Clerk of Court has multiple counter locations in Tampa. The main locations serve different record types. The official records desk handles certified copies of judgments. The court records desk handles pending case files.
Visitors should bring a valid photo ID, the case number or party names, and payment for copy fees. Most counter locations accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Visitors should call ahead to confirm hours and accepted payment methods.
Mail and Online Copy Requests
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the clerk’s office in person. The request should include the full names of both spouses, the case number if known, the approximate filing year, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment by check or money order is required for mail requests.
Online copy requests go through the Hillsborough Clerk portal. Users can select the records they need, pay the fee, and receive the copies by mail or download. Online requests are processed in the order they are received. Processing times for online and mail requests are longer than in-person visits.
Fees and Processing Times
The clerk charges per-page copy fees plus a certification fee. The exact fees can change over time. Users should check the clerk’s website for current fee schedules before sending payment. Sending the wrong amount can delay the request.
In-person requests are often completed the same day. Mail requests can take one to two weeks. Online requests usually take three to five business days. Rush services may be available for an extra fee.
Florida Laws That Govern Hillsborough Dissolution Cases
Florida state law controls every dissolution of marriage case in Hillsborough County. The main laws are in Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. These laws cover residency, grounds, timing, and property division. Anyone filing or responding to a case should know these basic rules.
The laws below apply to all Florida counties, not just Hillsborough. Local court rules can add details, but the main rules come from state law.
Residency Requirement Under Statute 61.021
Florida law requires at least one spouse to live in Florida for six months before filing a dissolution petition. The petition must be filed in the county where one spouse lives. For Hillsborough County cases, the filing spouse must live in Hillsborough County at the time of filing.
The six-month clock starts on the day the filing spouse became a Florida resident. The court can ask for proof of residency during the case. Common proof documents include a Florida driver’s license, voter registration, or utility bills.
Grounds for Dissolution Under Statute 61.052
Florida is a no-fault state for dissolution. The court can grant a dissolution when the marriage is irretrievably broken. Either spouse can state this reason in the petition. The court does not require proof of wrongdoing by either spouse.
The law lists specific incapacity grounds. A marriage can be dissolved when one spouse has been mentally incapacitated for at least three years. Most Hillsborough County cases use the no-fault ground for simplicity and speed.
Final Judgment Timing Under Statute 61.019
Florida law sets a minimum waiting period before a court can enter a final judgment of dissolution. For cases with minor children, the waiting period can be shorter in specific situations, but the case still must pass through required steps. The court can shorten or waive the waiting period in limited cases.
The waiting period starts when the petition is filed or when the other spouse is served, whichever is later. Simple cases often meet the minimum period. Contested cases can take much longer because of hearings and motions.
Property Division Under Statute 61.075
Florida law requires an equitable distribution of marital property and debts. Equitable means fair, not necessarily equal. The court looks at several factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and each spouse’s contributions to the marriage.
The court considers non-financial contributions, like raising children or supporting a spouse’s career. Separate property owned before the marriage is usually kept by the original owner. Marital property is divided based on the court’s evaluation of fairness.
Hillsborough County vs Other Florida Counties
All Florida counties handle dissolution of marriage records through their local Clerk of Court. The process is similar, but each county has its own portal, fee schedule, and search tools. People who move between counties or need records from more than one county should know the differences.
The sections below compare Hillsborough County with other large Florida counties. Each county has its own clerk website and search portal. The statewide search through the Florida Department of Health covers all counties but only shows limited details.
Miami-Dade County Divorce Records
Miami-Dade County dissolution of marriage cases are handled by the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. The clerk’s office is in downtown Miami. Miami-Dade has its own online search tool for official records. Fees and processing times are similar to Hillsborough County.
Miami-Dade County sits in the 11th Judicial Circuit. The court system handles family cases through a dedicated family division. People who need cases from both Hillsborough and Miami-Dade will need to contact each clerk separately.
Orange County Florida Divorce Records
Orange County dissolution of marriage cases go through the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The clerk’s office is in Orlando. Orange County uses the same statewide e-filing portal as Hillsborough County for new filings.
Orange County sits in the 9th Judicial Circuit. The county’s official records search tool covers cases filed in Orange County. Users who search across counties should run each search separately.
Broward and Palm Beach County Divorce Records
Broward County dissolution records are handled by the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. Palm Beach County records are handled by the Palm Beach County Clerk in West Palm Beach. Both counties have online search portals and certified copy services.
Broward sits in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Palm Beach sits in the 15th Judicial Circuit. Both circuits follow the same Chapter 61 Florida laws as Hillsborough County.
Pinellas County Divorce Records
Pinellas County dissolution records are handled by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clearwater. Pinellas is a neighboring county to Hillsborough. The clerk’s online portal allows name and case number searches.
Pinellas sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit. People who live near the Hillsborough-Pinellas border may have filed in either county. Checking both counties can help locate the right case file.
Self-Help Resources for Hillsborough Dissolution Filings
People who file for dissolution without a lawyer are called self-represented or pro se filers. Florida offers free self-help tools for these filers. The tools explain court procedures, help fill out forms, and answer common questions. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but the tools help filers understand the steps.
The self-help items below are free to use. They are maintained by the Florida Courts system and updated regularly. Filers should always check the most current forms before filing.
Florida Courts Self-Help Page
The Florida Courts self-help page at flcourts.gov covers family law topics. The page lists steps for filing a dissolution, required forms, and common court procedures. The page links to local self-help centers where staff can answer procedural questions.
Self-help centers cannot give legal advice. They can explain which forms to use, how to file them, and what to expect at a hearing. Many Hillsborough County filers use the state self-help page before contacting the clerk.
DIY Florida Document Interviews
DIY Florida is an interview tool that builds court forms based on user answers. The tool asks questions about the marriage, children, and property. Based on the answers, it creates the correct forms ready for filing. The tool is free and works for simple dissolution cases.
DIY Florida helps filers avoid common form errors. Errors can cause a case to be delayed or rejected. The tool flags situations where a filer should talk to a lawyer instead of going it alone.
Family Law Forms
The Florida Courts family law forms page lists every form used in dissolution cases. Forms cover petitions, responses, financial disclosures, child support, and parenting plans. Each form has instructions on how to fill it out and file it.
Filers should download the most current versions of the forms. Older versions may be rejected by the clerk. The forms page explains which forms are needed for different case types.
Common Questions About Hillsborough Divorce Records
People searching for Hillsborough County dissolution of marriage records often have similar questions. The questions below cover the most common topics. Each answer gives a clear, direct response based on Florida law and clerk procedures.
Are dissolution records public in Hillsborough?
Yes, most Hillsborough County dissolution of marriage records are public. The case docket, filing date, and final judgment can be viewed by anyone. Some details, like financial disclosures and children’s records, may be sealed by court order.
Sealing requires a court order. The person asking to seal must show a valid reason. Common reasons include protecting children or sensitive financial details. The court can seal all or part of a case file.
How long does a divorce take in Florida?
A simple uncontested dissolution in Florida can be final in about four to six weeks after filing. The shortest possible timeline includes the minimum waiting period plus processing time. Contested cases can take six months to over a year, depending on the issues.
The waiting period is set by statute. The court can waive the waiting period in limited cases. Most waivers involve emergency situations or agreements between the spouses.
Can I seal a Hillsborough divorce record?
Yes, but only with a court order. The person asking to seal must file a motion and show good cause. The court reviews the request and decides whether to seal the file. Sealed records are not shown in the public search tool.
Limited Sealing Options
Florida law allows partial sealing in some cases. A person can ask to seal only the financial disclosures or only the child-related documents. Full sealing is rare and reserved for cases with strong privacy needs.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court handles all dissolution of marriage records. The clerk’s office has multiple locations in Tampa for in-person service. Phone and online requests are available. Visitors should call ahead to confirm hours before traveling.
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Office | Hillsborough County Clerk of Court |
| Circuit | 13th Judicial Circuit |
| Address | Multiple locations in Tampa, FL |
| Phone | 813-276-8100 |
| Website | hillsclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on holidays) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Hillsborough County dissolution of marriage records. These answers reflect current Florida law and clerk procedures as of 2026. Each answer gives a direct response based on official sources.
Divorce Certificate vs Divorce Decree
A divorce certificate is a short document from the Florida Department of Health. It shows basic facts like the names of both spouses and the date the marriage ended. A divorce decree is the full court order signed by a judge. The decree includes all the court’s decisions about property, children, and support.
For most legal purposes, the full decree is required. Banks, employers, and courts usually want the decree. A divorce certificate is enough for simple name changes and some government paperwork.
Can I look up a Hillsborough divorce case for free?
Yes, the Hillsborough Clerk official records search is free to use. Users can look up cases by name or case number. The search shows basic case details. A fee applies only when ordering a certified copy.
The search may not show every detail of a case. Some documents, like financial disclosures, may be sealed or only available in person. Users with specific needs should contact the clerk directly.
How do I look up a divorce case number in Hillsborough?
The case number appears on any court paper related to the case. If you have a copy of the final judgment, the case number is at the top. If you do not have any papers, you can look up the case by name on the Hillsborough Clerk official records portal.
The case number format is the year, the court code, and a sequence number. For dissolution cases, the code is DR. An example case number is 2024-DR-001234.
Are online divorce records official in Florida?
Online search results are for reference only. A printed screen or downloaded page is not a certified copy. Certified copies must come from the Hillsborough Clerk of Court or the Florida Department of Health.
Many agencies will not accept a printed screen as proof of divorce. Users who need proof for legal purposes should order a certified copy through the clerk.
How long are Hillsborough divorce records kept?
Florida law requires the clerk to keep dissolution records permanently. Older paper records have been scanned into the digital system. Records from many decades ago are still available through the clerk’s office.
Records that have been sealed by court order are still kept by the clerk but are not shown in public searches. Sealed records can only be viewed with a court order.
Can a non-lawyer pull divorce records in Hillsborough?
Yes, anyone can pull public divorce records in Hillsborough County. The clerk’s office serves the public directly. No lawyer is needed to search, view, or request certified copies of public records.
Self-represented filers who need legal advice should talk to a licensed attorney. Court staff at the clerk’s office can answer procedural questions but cannot give legal advice.
What if the divorce happened in another Florida county?
Each Florida county keeps its own dissolution records. If the divorce was granted in another county, you must contact that county’s Clerk of Court. The Hillsborough Clerk only handles cases filed in Hillsborough County.
The Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide index of divorce certificates. A statewide search can confirm whether a divorce was granted anywhere in Florida. The statewide certificate is a short form, not the full decree.