Hillsborough County Family Court Record Repository

Hillsborough County family court records are maintained at the Clerk of Court office in Tampa. The county sits on Florida's west coast around Tampa Bay. The 13th Judicial Circuit presides over all family law matters here. The Clerk provides comprehensive record access through the HOVER system. These files include divorce, custody, adoption, and support cases.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Office

The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court maintains extensive family court records at their office located on East Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa. Staff process a large volume of filings for the 13th Judicial Circuit, handling the significant caseload that comes with serving one of Florida's most populous counties. The public can access records through multiple channels including in-person visits, the innovative HOVER online system, and traditional request methods. The clerk's office serves all of Hillsborough County, which encompasses the city of Tampa, the county seat and largest city in the region, as well as Plant City to the east known for its strawberry farms, and Temple Terrace to the north. Visitors to the office can expect professional assistance from knowledgeable staff who are experienced in helping individuals locate specific case files and obtain certified copies when needed for legal or administrative purposes.

The Hillsborough County Clerk website provides comprehensive access to family court records and services.

HOVER: Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records

Hillsborough County offers comprehensive online record access through HOVER, an innovative system that stands for Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records. This platform provides public access to most family court documents, allowing users to search cases from their home or office without needing to visit the courthouse in person. The HOVER system includes most family law case types, enabling you to search for Dissolution of Marriage records, annulment cases, name change petitions, and many other matters through a single integrated interface. Child support cases are included in the database, as are custody matters and paternity cases that establish legal parentage. Alimony records are also available for review through the system, providing comprehensive access to the financial aspects of family law cases.

The family law section of the Hillsborough Clerk website provides access to HOVER and case information.

However, Sexual Violence Injunction Cases are not available through HOVER due to their sensitive nature. These cases require in-person access at the clerk's office, where staff can assist with locating these specific files while maintaining appropriate confidentiality protections.

Redaction processing requires four business days to complete, as personal information must be carefully removed from public documents before they are released. This protects parties' sensitive data including social security numbers, financial account information, and other private details. The delay ensures proper review of all files before they become accessible.

How to Search Hillsborough County Family Court Records

You can search family court records in Hillsborough County through several methods designed to accommodate different research needs and preferences. The HOVER system provides convenient online access to most cases, allowing you to view documents from any internet connection at any time of day. The clerk's office also offers traditional in-person review for those who prefer to examine physical files or need access to records not available electronically. Phone inquiries can help you locate specific cases and verify file availability before making a trip to the courthouse. Each method serves different research needs depending on the urgency of your request, the age of the case, and the level of detail you require.

Using HOVER gives you immediate electronic access to a vast repository of family court documentation. The system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it convenient for those who cannot visit during regular business hours. Basic case information is free to view, while some document copies may require payment depending on the nature and length of the records requested. You will need a case number or party name to search effectively. Visiting the Tampa office provides complete access to all records, including those that may not yet be digitized. You can examine entire case files from start to finish with assistance from staff members who can help you locate specific documents. Certified copies are available for official purposes such as legal proceedings, and you should bring valid identification with you to the office.

The Hillsborough County Clerk website provides comprehensive information about court services, including HOVER access instructions, contact details, and family law forms. For broader searching across multiple jurisdictions, MyFloridaCourtAccess.com offers statewide access to court records through a portal maintained by the Florida Courts eFiling Authority.

Hillsborough County Family Court Record Types

Family courts in Hillsborough County generate various types of records that the clerk organizes and maintains as part of the official court archive. Each case type produces specific documentation that serves different legal purposes, and understanding what exists can help you know what to request when conducting your research. Dissolution of marriage cases create substantial files that document the entire process of ending a marriage, including the petition that initiates the divorce, financial affidavits that detail each spouse's economic circumstances, settlement agreements that show what the parties agreed upon, and the final judgment that legally terminates the marriage. Chapter 61 of Florida Statutes governs divorce proceedings and establishes the legal framework within which these cases are decided.

The Hillsborough e-filing portal enables attorneys and parties to submit documents electronically to family court.

Child custody matters involve detailed paperwork including parenting plans that establish children's primary residences, time-sharing schedules that specify each parent's visitation time, and support calculations that follow Florida's statutory guidelines. The Florida Department of Revenue assists with enforcement throughout the state. Domestic violence cases proceed through family court on an expedited basis, with Florida Statute 741.30 establishing procedures for protective orders. Adoption and name change cases have specific records involving detailed petitions and orders that the court reviews carefully before issuing final judgments.

Child Support Records in Hillsborough County

Child support cases form a significant portion of family court work in Hillsborough County, with the court handling many support matters each year involving parents throughout the Tampa Bay area. The court establishes and modifies support obligations based on detailed financial evidence presented by the parties, creating comprehensive records that document all payments and enforcement actions taken over the life of the case. Support orders specify monthly payment amounts based on both parents' incomes, with guidelines calculations determining base obligations and deviation factors potentially adjusting the final amount based on special circumstances such as extraordinary medical expenses or educational needs. All terms are carefully recorded in court documents that serve as the official record of the parties' obligations and rights.

The Hillsborough Clerk provides access to child support case records and payment information.

Enforcement actions create additional records when payments are not made as ordered. Income withholding orders are sent to employers to deduct support directly from paychecks, while contempt proceedings address persistent non-payment through court sanctions. License suspension cases may be filed when other enforcement methods prove ineffective. The Florida Department of Revenue assists with enforcement statewide, maintaining comprehensive support payment records that include Hillsborough cases in their system.

Public Access to Hillsborough County Court Records

Florida law guarantees access to most court records as a fundamental principle of government transparency, with Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes creating this right that applies to state and county records throughout the jurisdiction. This open government principle ensures that family court files in Hillsborough County are available for public inspection, promoting accountability in the judicial system. However, some information requires protection by law to safeguard sensitive personal data. Section 119.0714 outlines the specific court file restrictions, requiring that social security numbers remain confidential and that bank account information receive similar protection. Cases involving children may have sealed portions that are not accessible to the general public, and the clerk automatically removes sensitive information to comply with these statutory mandates.

Adoption records carry special protections under Florida law that exceed the standard privacy provisions applied to other family court matters. These files are automatically sealed when the adoption is finalized, and only direct parties may access them thereafter. This heightened protection safeguards the privacy of children and adoptive families during what is often a sensitive transition period. The clerk can provide information about sealed records if you have questions about accessing these restricted files.

13th Judicial Circuit Family Court Services

Hillsborough County belongs to the 13th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which uniquely encompasses Hillsborough County only, making it a single-county circuit unlike most others in the state that span multiple counties. Family law cases are decided by circuit court judges who have specialized knowledge and experience in this complex area of law. The circuit operates facilities throughout the county to ensure reasonable geographic access for residents in different parts of the Tampa area. The circuit addresses all types of family matters that come before the court, from divorce proceedings and custody disputes to adoption petitions, guardianship requests, and domestic violence cases requiring immediate judicial intervention. Each case generates records that are stored by the county clerk, creating a comprehensive archive of family court documentation.

The Tampa staff has developed extensive expertise in local procedures due to the high volume of cases they handle each day. They can guide you through the record request process and answer questions about filing requirements and access procedures. While patience may be needed during busy periods, the staff is committed to providing professional service to all who seek access to court records. The 13th Judicial Circuit operates under Florida law with local procedures that follow statewide standards, ensuring consistency with practices in other jurisdictions while accommodating the specific needs of Hillsborough County's diverse population.

Nearby Counties for Family Court Records

These counties border Hillsborough County and maintain their own family court records. Each clerk's office serves only its respective county.