Tampa Family Court Case Records Search
Tampa family court records are maintained by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. The city clerk does not keep these files. All family law cases for Tampa residents are filed at the county level. The 13th Judicial Circuit Court handles these matters. The county clerk serves as the official record keeper. City clerks handle municipal business only.
Tampa Quick Facts
Hillsborough County Clerk Maintains Tampa Family Court Records
Family court records for Tampa are maintained by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, not the Tampa City Clerk. Cindy Stuart serves as the elected clerk, and her office manages all court records for the 13th Judicial Circuit, encompassing cases from Tampa and all other cities and unincorporated areas within Hillsborough County. This centralized system ensures consistent record-keeping practices across the entire county, but it requires Tampa residents to understand that their family law documentation is housed at county facilities rather than city offices.
The county clerk's office is located at 800 E. Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa, positioned near the courthouse complex for convenient access to court-related services. This location serves as the primary repository for all family court records filed by Tampa residents, including divorce petitions, custody determinations, support orders, and domestic violence documentation. Staff members are available to assist with case searches using party names or specific case numbers, and they provide certified copies for legal proceedings. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Hillsborough County Clerk office maintains all family court records for Tampa residents.
| Office | Hillsborough County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Cindy Stuart |
| Address | 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone | (813) 276-8100 |
| Website | www.hillsclerk.com |
The Tampa City Clerk's office is located at 306 E. Jackson Street and can be reached at (813) 274-8211. This office maintains city council records, municipal contracts, business permits, and various local government documentation, but they do not possess any court files or family law records. Tampa residents seeking access to divorce decrees, custody orders, or any family court documentation must contact the Hillsborough County Clerk directly.
Online Access to Tampa Family Court Records
You can search Tampa family court records remotely through the Hillsborough County Clerk's comprehensive digital tools. The official website at www.hillsclerk.com provides case search functionality that allows you to look up family law matters using party names or case numbers. The site's dedicated family law page at hillsclerk.com/court-services/family-law offers specific resources including explanations of family court procedures, available record types, and downloadable forms that may be useful for your case.
The Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com also serves Tampa residents by providing statewide access to court records across all 67 Florida counties, including Hillsborough County. This broader search capability is particularly valuable when you need to verify whether a case was filed in Tampa or another jurisdiction. While online searches display case details, party names, and case status information, full document access may require an in-person visit, and certified copies must be obtained directly from the clerk's office.
Types of Family Court Records in Tampa
Tampa family courts within the 13th Judicial Circuit handle a comprehensive array of case types, each generating detailed records that are maintained by the Hillsborough County Clerk. Divorce cases are the most common filings, creating extensive documentation that includes initial petitions for dissolution, financial affidavits disclosing marital assets and liabilities, marital settlement agreements addressing property division and alimony, and final judgments that legally terminate marriages. Child custody proceedings produce parenting plans that establish time-sharing schedules, define decision-making authority for major life choices affecting children, and outline visitation arrangements for non-custodial parents.
Child support records contain payment orders calculated according to Florida's child support guidelines, along with supporting financial documentation and modification proceedings when circumstances change. Domestic violence cases are processed frequently through Tampa's family courts, with temporary injunctions available to offer immediate protection to victims. These protective orders can be granted quickly and are maintained as part of the permanent court record. Paternity actions establish legal fatherhood and associated rights and responsibilities, while adoption and guardianship proceedings create new family relationships under court supervision.
Tampa family law cases generate detailed records maintained by the Hillsborough County Clerk.
The majority of family court records in Tampa are public documents accessible to interested parties, though certain sensitive information receives protection. Social security numbers and bank account details are automatically redacted, and some files may be sealed by court order when privacy interests outweigh public access rights.
Tampa City Clerk vs County Clerk
Tampa operates separate city and county clerk offices with distinctly different responsibilities, and understanding these differences will help you locate the correct office for your record needs. The Tampa City Clerk serves the municipal government and handles administrative functions related to city operations, while the Hillsborough County Clerk serves the judicial system and maintains all court-related documentation. This distinction is critical for family law matters because city offices have no access to court records regardless of where Tampa residents live or where their cases were originally filed.
The Tampa City Clerk is located on Jackson Street in downtown Tampa and maintains city council minutes, municipal contracts, business permits, and various local government records. They do not possess family court files, divorce documentation, or any records related to judicial proceedings. The Hillsborough County Clerk is located on Twiggs Street, also in downtown Tampa, and serves as the official custodian of all court records for the 13th Judicial Circuit. This office maintains comprehensive files for every family law case filed by Tampa residents, including all divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence matters.
Both offices require photo identification for services, and the courthouse location has mandatory security screening that adds time to your visit. Arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking and security procedures. Downtown Tampa offers various parking options, and public transit serves both locations effectively.
How to Request Tampa Family Court Records
You have several options for obtaining Tampa family court records, each offering different benefits depending on your timeline and specific needs. In-person visits to the Hillsborough County Clerk's office at 800 E. Twiggs Street provide the fastest results and allow direct consultation with staff members who can assist with complex searches. Bring valid photo identification and any case information you possess, such as party names or case numbers. Staff can locate files quickly, allow on-site review, and produce both plain and certified copies while you wait, though certified copies carry additional fees required for official use.
Online searches offer convenience for Tampa residents who cannot visit during business hours or prefer remote access. The Hillsborough Clerk's website provides case lookup tools that display basic case information and some document availability. Mail requests are also accepted for those who prefer written documentation or need records sent to a specific address. Submit a detailed letter including case information, your contact details, and payment for copies, though this method requires additional processing time compared to in-person visits.
Hillsborough County Family Court Records
As the county seat of Hillsborough County, Tampa's family court records are fully integrated into the Hillsborough County court system. The Hillsborough County Clerk maintains comprehensive family law files for Tampa residents as well as residents of other communities throughout the county, including Brandon, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and various unincorporated areas. Understanding this county-level record maintenance structure is essential for efficiently accessing family court documentation in the Tampa Bay area.