Hillsborough County family court records are official court files for family law cases filed in Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace, Florida. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court keeps these records at the main office on East Twiggs Street in Tampa.
The 13th Judicial Circuit Court handles all family law cases in the county. People can look at these records online through the HOVER system or by visiting the clerk’s office in person. These files include divorce papers, custody orders, child support records, paternity cases, adoption files, and domestic violence injunctions.
What Are Hillsborough County Family Court Records
Family court records are written documents created during family law cases. They show what happened in court, what the judge decided, and what paperwork each side filed. The clerk’s office stores these files after the case ends. Florida law says most of these records must be open for the public to see.
Types of Family Court Records Available
The clerk keeps many kinds of family court records. Each type of case creates its own set of documents. Below are the main types of records you can find in Hillsborough County.
- Divorce and dissolution of marriage papers
- Child custody and time-sharing orders
- Child support payment records and orders
- Paternity case files
- Adoption records and final judgments
- Domestic violence injunction files
- Name change petitions and orders
- Alimony and spousal support records
- Parenting plan documents
- Mediation reports
Why These Records Matter
Family court records help people check the status of a case. Lawyers use them to prepare for hearings. Parents use them to confirm child support payments. Journalists and researchers study them to understand local family law trends. The records also help people prepare their own legal filings by seeing how similar cases were handled.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Office
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court is the official keeper of all family court records. The clerk’s office handles filings, stores case files, and provides copies to the public. The main office is in downtown Tampa, but there are also branch locations in other parts of the county.
Location and Contact Details
The main clerk’s office is located at 800 East Twiggs Street in Tampa, Florida. The office sits near the Hillsborough County Courthouse complex. Visitors can reach the office by phone at (813) 276-8100. The official website is hillsclerk.com, where users can access the HOVER system and learn about clerk services.
The Hillsborough County Clerk website provides access to family court records and services through a simple online portal.
Office Hours and Services
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and official state holidays. Services include record searches, certified copies, e-filing help, and payment processing for court fees. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID when requesting records in person.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Office Address | 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone Number | (813) 276-8100 |
| Website | hillsclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Online System | HOVER (Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records) |
HOVER Online Records System
HOVER stands for Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records. It is a free online search tool run by the Hillsborough County Clerk. Users can search for family court cases, view basic case details, and read many court documents from home. The system works 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How HOVER Works
HOVER lets users search by name, case number, or court date. After a search, the system shows a list of matching cases. Users can click on a case to see the docket, which is a list of all filings and court actions. Many documents are scanned and available to view or print right from the website. Some older files may not be in the system yet.
The family law section of the Hillsborough Clerk website provides access to HOVER and case information through a simple search form.
What Records Are Available on HOVER
HOVER includes most family law case types. Users can search for divorce records, annulments, name changes, child support, custody matters, and paternity cases. Alimony records and parenting plans are also in the system. The database updates daily as new filings are processed and scanned into the system.
Records Not Available on HOVER
Some records cannot be viewed on HOVER due to privacy laws. Sexual violence injunction cases require an in-person visit to the clerk’s office. Sealed adoption records are also restricted. Cases involving minors may have parts that are hidden from public view. Redacted documents take about four business days to process before they appear online.
How to Search Family Court Records
There are three main ways to search for family court records in Hillsborough County. The best method depends on what you need, how fast you need it, and how old the case is. All three methods are free for basic searches, though copies and certified copies cost money.
Online Search Through HOVER
The fastest way to search is through HOVER. Go to hillsclerk.com and click on the HOVER link. Enter the full name of a party, the case number, or the date range. The system will show matching cases. Click on a case number to see the docket and available documents. You do not need an account to search.
In-Person Search at the Clerk’s Office
Some records are not online. For older cases, sealed files, or sensitive documents, you may need to visit the clerk’s office in person. The staff can help you search the public terminals. You can also request to look at the physical case file. Bring a photo ID and be ready to pay for copies.
The Hillsborough e-filing portal allows attorneys and the public to submit and view family court documents online.
Phone and Mail Requests
You can also call the clerk’s office or send a written request by mail. Phone requests work for basic case status checks. Mail requests can ask for copies of specific documents. Mail requests should include the case number, party names, and a check or money order for copy fees. Allow extra time for mail delivery.
Types of Family Law Cases
Family court in Hillsborough County covers many different legal matters. Each case type creates different records with different documents. The following sections explain the main case types and what records they produce.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce cases are also called dissolution of marriage cases. These files include the original petition, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and the final judgment of dissolution. Chapter 61 of Florida Statutes governs divorce proceedings in the state. Records may also include parenting plans, child support worksheets, and property division orders.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing
Custody cases create records about where children will live and how parents will share time. The court may issue a parenting plan, a time-sharing schedule, and detailed custody orders. These records show the judge’s decisions on parental responsibility, visitation rights, and decision-making for the child.
Child Support Records
Child support cases produce financial records and payment histories. The court calculates the support amount based on Florida’s child support guidelines. The Florida Department of Revenue may also be involved in enforcing support orders. Records include income withholding orders, payment ledgers, and contempt filings for unpaid support.
The Hillsborough Clerk provides access to child support case records and payment history through the public records system.
Paternity Cases
Paternity cases establish the legal father of a child. These records include DNA test results, petitions to establish paternity, and final judgments. Once paternity is established, the court may also decide on custody, time-sharing, and child support as part of the same case or a separate filing.
Adoption Records
Adoption records include the petition for adoption, home study reports, and the final adoption decree. Most adoption records are sealed after the adoption is finalized. Only the adoptive parents, the adopted person (after reaching adulthood), or a court order can open these sealed files.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence cases involve petitions for protection and final injunction orders. Florida Statute 741.30 governs these cases. Records include the petition, hearing transcripts, and the judge’s order. Sexual violence injunctions are kept more private and are not on HOVER.
Fees and Certified Copies
The clerk’s office charges fees for copies of court records. Basic copies are cheap, but certified copies cost more. Certified copies have an official court seal and are often needed for legal proceedings, immigration cases, or name changes.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular photocopies cost a small fee per page. You can pay at the clerk’s office with cash, check, money order, or credit card. The HOVER system allows you to print documents at home for free, using your own paper and printer.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies have the clerk’s seal and signature. They cost more than regular copies. You can order certified copies in person, by mail, or online through the clerk’s certified copy request system. Allow several business days for processing and mailing.
| Record Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Copy (per page) | Small per-page fee | Same day |
| Certified Copy | Higher fee per document | 3-5 business days |
| Online Search (HOVER) | Free | Instant |
| In-Person Search | Free | Same day |
| Redaction Processing | No extra fee | 4 business days |
Privacy and Sealed Records
Florida law balances public access with personal privacy. Most family court records are open, but some are sealed or redacted. The clerk follows strict rules about what can be shared and what must stay private.
Public Access Under Florida Law
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes creates the public’s right to see government records. This includes most court files. Section 119.0714 lists the court records that must be kept private, such as Social Security numbers and bank account details. The clerk removes this private data before putting records online.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some records are sealed by court order. Adoption records are automatically sealed after the final decree. Cases involving children may have parts that are hidden to protect the child. Mental health records and domestic violence files have extra protections. A judge can also seal other records if there is good reason.
13th Judicial Circuit Family Court
The 13th Judicial Circuit covers only Hillsborough County, which is different from most Florida circuits that cover multiple counties. This circuit handles all family law cases in the county. Circuit court judges with special training in family law hear these cases.
Court Structure and Jurisdiction
The family division of the circuit court handles divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Judges in this division have years of experience in family law. The court follows Florida’s family law statutes and local court rules.
Court Locations in Hillsborough County
The main family court is at the Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa, located at 800 East Twiggs Street. There is also a satellite courthouse in Plant City at 302 North Michigan Avenue. Cases may be assigned to either location based on the type of case and the judge’s schedule.
Contact Details and Office Hours
You can reach the Hillsborough County Clerk’s office and the family court through several methods. The main office in Tampa is the best place for in-person help. The HOVER system is the fastest way to search online.
- Clerk Main Office: 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
- Phone: (813) 276-8100
- Website: hillsclerk.com
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Online Portal: HOVER system, available 24/7
- Plant City Courthouse: 302 N. Michigan Avenue, Plant City, FL 33563
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common things people ask about Hillsborough County family court records. The answers below give clear, direct facts based on current Florida law and clerk office procedures as of August 2026.
How Do I Find My Court Date in Hillsborough County?
You can find your court date by searching HOVER with your case number or full name. The docket will list all upcoming hearings with dates, times, and the judge’s name. You can also call the clerk’s office at (813) 276-8100 during business hours. The clerk’s staff can look up your case and tell you when your next hearing is scheduled. Some judges also send hearing notices by mail or email, so check your court paperwork for contact instructions.
Are Divorce Records Public in Hillsborough County?
Yes, most divorce records are public. The petition, financial documents, and final judgment are all open to view. Sensitive data like Social Security numbers is redacted. The HOVER system shows most divorce cases from 1987 to the present. Older cases may only be available at the clerk’s office. Sealed divorce records require a court order to open.
Can I View Child Custody Records Online?
Yes, most child custody records are viewable on HOVER. The system shows parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and custody orders. Some parts of custody files involving minors may be restricted. For restricted parts, you must visit the clerk’s office and show valid ID. The full case file is open to parties named in the case.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy?
Certified copies take 3 to 5 business days when ordered by mail. In-person requests at the clerk’s office are often ready the same day. Online orders through the clerk’s website also take 3 to 5 business days plus mail time. Rush service may be available for an extra fee. Plan ahead if you need the copies for a deadline.
What Is the Cost of a Family Court Record Search?
Basic searches on HOVER are free. Viewing documents online is free. Regular copies cost a small per-page fee. Certified copies cost more, depending on the type of document. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the office. Online payments are accepted through the clerk’s payment portal.
Can I Remove My Name From Public Family Court Records?
In most cases, no. Florida public records law keeps family court files open. You can ask a judge to seal your records, but the judge must find a strong legal reason. Adoption records are automatically sealed. Domestic violence victim information is also kept private. For other cases, sealing is rare and requires a formal motion.
How Far Back Do Online Records Go?
HOVER contains family court records going back to the late 1980s. Records become available on HOVER after they are scanned and processed. Cases from the 1990s and later are usually in the system. Some very old paper files may not be digitized yet. These older cases can still be viewed in person at the clerk’s office.