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Hillsborough Clerk Courts Court Records | Free Public
Search Hillsborough County Clerk court records without guessing the wrong portal. This guide explains HOVER case lookup, court hearing search, certified copies, official recorded documents, fees, Clerk locations, and what to do when a record is not visible online.
Quick answer: Use HOVER, the Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records system, to search many non-confidential Hillsborough County court records, dockets, indexes, hearing information, and document images. Search by case number, citation number, party or business name, date range, court type, or case type. Use Clerk eCertify for eligible certified court records, and use Official Records Public Search for deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, notices, marriage records, and recorded instruments.
I Want To…
Search a court case
Use HOVER if you need civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, foreclosure, eviction, or other court case information.
Open case searchCheck a court date
Use the court date lookup for hearings within the next 30 days for traffic, criminal, or injunction matters in Hillsborough County.
Open court date lookupGet a certified copy
Use eCertify for eligible electronic certified copies, or request copies when a document is not imaged or not viewable online.
Open eCertifySearch deed or lien records
Use Official Records Public Search for recorded documents, not HOVER. This includes deeds, liens, plats, mortgages, and marriage records.
Open official recordsHow to Search Hillsborough Clerk Court Records in HOVER
HOVER is the official search system for many Hillsborough County court records. The fastest search is case number. If you do not have it, use citation number, party or business name, date range, court type, or case type.
Start from the official HOVER page
Open HOVER directly from the Clerk website or hover.hillsclerk.com. This helps avoid paid ads and private background-check websites.
Choose the best search option
Use case number for the most precise search. Use citation number for traffic tickets. Use party/business name when you do not know the case number.
Filter results before opening the wrong case
Check the case style, filed date, status, court type, case type, citation field, and party names before you print or order anything.
Allow pop-ups if images will not open
The HOVER results page says pop-ups must be allowed to view case information and images properly.
Use the correct copy route
Print a non-certified copy only when that is enough. Use eCertify or a copy request when an official certified court document is required.
Use This If-You-Need Table Before Searching
| If you need… | Use this official action | Search details to prepare | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court case docket, court image, case status, court hearing or party lookup | Use HOVER Court Records | Case number, citation number, party name, business name, date range, court type or case type. | Using Official Records search for a court case. |
| Certified electronic court document | Use Clerk eCertify | Exact record, case number, document name, email address, payment method. | Printing a free non-certified copy when an official copy is required. |
| Court document not imaged or not viewable | Request copies from Clerk | Case number, document title, filing date, contact method, delivery preference. | Assuming a missing image means the document does not exist. |
| Deed, mortgage, lien, plat, notice, marriage record or recorded instrument | Use Official Records Public Search | Party name, document type, recording date, instrument number, book/page. | Searching HOVER for property-record documents. |
| County department public records, not a court case | Use Hillsborough County public-record request | Department, date range, topic, address, record description. | Sending county-department requests to the Clerk case-search system. |
Which Hillsborough Court Record Type Matches Your Search?
Pick the court service that matches your problem. This keeps you from reading the wrong docket, calling the wrong office, or paying for the wrong document.
Civil / foreclosure
Use Circuit Civil for larger civil cases and foreclosure matters. Use County Civil or Small Claims for lower-value civil disputes, landlord-tenant, and smaller claims.
Criminal / traffic
Use Circuit Criminal for felony matters, County Criminal for misdemeanor matters, and Traffic for citations, ticket lookup, payments, and hearing requests.
Family / probate
Use Family Law for divorce, adoption, child support, and family filings. Use Probate, Guardianship, and Trust for estates, guardianship, and related matters.
How to Get Certified Hillsborough Court Records
Non-certified copies are useful for personal review. Certified copies are for official use, such as agency submission, legal matters, title work, immigration, employment review, school records, or court filing.
Use eCertify when the record is available online
Clerk eCertify provides eligible electronic certified court records and official records. The Clerk page explains that electronically certified documents use tamper-evident features and a unique digital signature.
Use copy request when the record is not viewable
If the document is not imaged or not available for viewing, submit the official copy request. The Clerk will compute the cost and contact you through your selected method.
Find the exact case or record first
Use HOVER for court records or Official Records Public Search for recorded documents.
Confirm the document title and filing date
Do not order just because the party name looks familiar. Match the case number, case style, document name, and filing date.
Check whether electronic certification is accepted
Some agencies accept electronic certified documents; others may still ask for paper. Ask the receiving agency before paying.
Save the payment and download emails
After purchase, keep the payment confirmation, certified-document email, download link, and a copy of the file.
Official Records Search: Deeds, Mortgages, Liens, Plats and Marriage Records
Official Records are recorded public documents, not court case dockets. Use the Official Records Public Search when you need deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, notices of commencement, marriage records, or other recorded instruments.
Search by name
Use direct party or reverse party fields when searching recorded documents by person or business name.
Search by document
Use instrument number, book/page, document type, or recording date when you have those details.
Request certified copy
Copies are separate from certification. Verify current copy and certification fees before ordering.
Hillsborough Clerk Court Records Fees: What Is Free and What Costs Money?
Many search actions are free. Official copies, certification, staff-assisted copy requests, recording copies, and electronic certification can cost money. Always verify the fee on the official Clerk page before paying.
| Action | Official guidance | Before you pay |
|---|---|---|
| View or print non-certified court documents | The Clerk says users can view and print non-certified court documents at no charge when available through HOVER. | Make sure a non-certified copy is acceptable for your purpose. |
| Certified electronic court document | eCertify lists a $6 vendor fee per electronically certified document plus the Clerk’s statutory $2 certification fee per document. | Confirm the record, page count, cart total, agency acceptance, and email address. |
| Public-record photocopy up to 8.5 x 14 inches | The Clerk’s fee page lists $1.00 per page for copying public records. | Verify page count, format, delivery method, and whether certification is needed. |
| Certification of public-record instrument | The Clerk’s fee page lists $2.00 for certifying copies of instruments in Public Records. | Confirm whether you need court-record certification or Official Records certification. |
| Court recordings or transcripts | The Clerk directs users to the 13th Judicial Circuit Court Reporting page for recordings and transcripts. | Confirm the hearing date, judge, courtroom, case number, transcript type, and turnaround. |
Checklist Before Visiting the Hillsborough Clerk Office
Most failed visits happen because the user picked the wrong location, forgot the case number, did not know whether they needed certification, or arrived during a holiday/limited-service window.
Bring the case number, citation number, book/page, instrument number, or party/business name.
Know whether you need a docket, judgment, divorce order, disposition, recorded deed, lien, or full case file.
Confirm plain copy, certified copy, electronic certified copy, transcript, or official-record copy.
Check Tampa, Plant City, or Brandon service hours and holiday schedule before traveling.
Bring a payment method that the Clerk accepts for the service you need.
Write down your phone and email in case staff must compute copy costs and contact you later.
Hillsborough Clerk Locations for Court Record Help
The Clerk lists service locations in downtown Tampa, Plant City, and Brandon. Services can vary by location, so check the official locations page or use ClerkExpress before visiting.
| Location | Address | Hours / phone | Useful for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edgecomb Courthouse | 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 | Customer Service Center Room 101, Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; (813) 276-8100. | Court records, civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, restraining-order services and file review. |
| Pat Collier Frank Courthouse | 419 Pierce Street, Room 140, Tampa, FL 33602 | Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; (813) 276-8100. | Recording, marriage licenses, passports, tax deeds and related Clerk services. |
| Plant City Courthouse | 301 North Michigan Ave., Room 1071, Plant City, FL 33563 | Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM; (813) 276-8100. | Civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, recording, marriage, restraining orders and Clerk services. |
| Brandon Regional Service Center | 311 Pauls Drive, Suite 110, Brandon, FL 33511 | Monday-Friday 8 AM-4 PM; (813) 276-8100. | Selected civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, recording, marriage and passport services. |
Map to Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa
For many in-person court-record services, start with the Edgecomb Courthouse location. Confirm your service and hours before leaving because some Clerk services are handled at different offices.
Common Mistakes That Waste Time
Using the wrong search
HOVER is for court cases. Official Records search is for recorded documents like deeds, liens, mortgages, and marriage records.
Forgetting pop-ups
HOVER says pop-ups must be allowed to view case information and images properly.
Ordering the wrong copy
A free non-certified printout is not the same as a certified electronic court document.
Ignoring restricted access
Some family, juvenile, sealed, confidential, victim-related or protected documents may not appear online.
Visiting without checking hours
Brandon hours differ from Tampa and Plant City. Holidays can close or change service availability.
Paying private sites first
Check HOVER, eCertify, and Official Records before using any paid private record website.
Hillsborough Court Record Not Found? Try This
| Problem | Likely reason | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Name search shows no result | Spelling, business name, middle initial, date range, or wrong party format. | Try case number, citation number, last name only, business name, or court type filter. |
| Case appears but image will not open | Pop-ups blocked, document unavailable, or access restriction. | Allow pop-ups, clear cache, or use the copy request page. |
| Need certified copy but only see print option | You may be viewing non-certified image access. | Use eCertify or request copies through the Clerk. |
| Need deed or mortgage but see court cases | Wrong portal. | Use Official Records Public Search instead of HOVER. |
| Need police, jail, warrant or arrest report | Law-enforcement records are separate from Clerk court records. | Use the Sheriff or law-enforcement public-record process, then check HOVER if a court case exists. |
After You Search or Request Records
Save proof and identifiers so you can track the case, download certified records, or call the Clerk without starting over.
Save case details
Case number, case style, filed date, citation number, court type, case type, and party names.
Save copy details
Document name, filing date, certification status, cart total, payment confirmation, and download email.
Save contact notes
Clerk location, phone number, staff instructions, appointment time, copy request confirmation, and fee estimate.
Public Access, Confidential Records and Scam Warning
HOVER gives electronic viewing to many court records, indexes, dockets, and non-confidential document images, but public access is governed by Florida court rules and access-security limits. Some records may be sealed, confidential, restricted, or not imaged.
Hillsborough Clerk Courts Court Records: Direct Answer
Hillsborough Clerk courts court records are searched through HOVER, the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court & Comptroller’s online court-record viewing system. Use HOVER for court cases, dockets, non-confidential images, and hearing lookup. Use eCertify for eligible certified court records. Use Official Records Public Search for recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, notices, and marriage records. For in-person help, the Clerk lists (813) 276-8100 and courthouse/service locations in Tampa, Plant City, and Brandon.
Official Hillsborough Clerk Record Links
HOVER Court Records
Search court records, dockets, indexes, document images, case details, and hearings.
Open HOVERCase Search
Search by case number, citation number, party/business name, date range, court type, or case type.
Open Case SearchCourt Date Lookup
Look up qualifying traffic, criminal, or injunction hearings within the next 30 days.
Open Court Date LookupRequest Copies
Request copies when court documents are not imaged or not available for viewing.
Request CopiesOfficial Records
Search deeds, liens, mortgages, plats, notices, marriage records, and recorded instruments.
Open Official RecordsFees and Fines
Check copy fees, certification fees, court costs, fines, and official fee guidance.
Open FeesHillsborough Clerk Courts Court Records FAQs
How do I search Hillsborough Clerk court records online?
Use the official HOVER system at hover.hillsclerk.com. You can search by case number, citation number, party or business name, date range, court type, case type, or court hearing lookup.
Is HOVER the official Hillsborough court record search?
Yes. HOVER is the Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records system provided by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court & Comptroller for many non-confidential court records, indexes, dockets, and document images.
Can I print Hillsborough court documents for free?
The Clerk says users can view and print non-certified copies of Hillsborough County court documents at no charge when those documents are available for viewing through HOVER.
How do I get certified Hillsborough court records?
Use Clerk eCertify for eligible electronically certified records, or submit the official court-document copy request if the document is not imaged or available for viewing online.
What is the difference between HOVER and Official Records Public Search?
HOVER is for court case records such as civil, criminal, divorce, traffic, foreclosure, eviction, family and probate matters. Official Records Public Search is for recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, notices of commencement and marriage records.
Why can’t I see a Hillsborough court document image online?
The document may not be imaged, may not be available for viewing, may require pop-ups to be enabled, or may be restricted by Florida court access rules, confidentiality rules, sealing orders or case-type limits.
What phone number should I call for Hillsborough Clerk court-record help?
The Clerk’s service locations list phone number (813) 276-8100 for downtown Tampa, Plant City and Brandon service locations.
Where is the main Tampa Clerk court-record location?
The Edgecomb Courthouse is listed at 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. The Customer Service Center is Room 101 and is listed as open Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Are Hillsborough County public records the same as Clerk court records?
No. Clerk court records are searched through Clerk systems like HOVER. Hillsborough County public records involving county business, county employees or county services may require a county public-records request through Hillsborough County.
What should I do if HOVER is not working?
Try clearing your browser cache, refreshing the page, allowing pop-ups from HOVER, using another browser, or starting again from the HOVER home page.
Best Next Step
Use HOVER first for Hillsborough court cases. Use Official Records Public Search for deeds, liens, mortgages and recorded documents. Use eCertify or the copy-request page when you need certified or official records. Before payment, filing, travel, or legal use, verify the case number, document type, fee, location, and current Clerk instructions on the official Hillsborough Clerk website.
Official-source check completed July 13, 2026. Court access rules, fees, certification options, office hours, locations and online tools can change. Verify through official Hillsborough Clerk sources before relying on records for legal, payment, filing, employment, housing, title, immigration or official use.