The Hillsborough County court docket is a public list of every case filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit of Florida. It shows case numbers, party names, hearing dates, and court actions.
You can search it online for free or visit the clerk office in Tampa. The clerk, Victor D. Crist, keeps all docket records for Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, and Temple Terrace.
Hillsborough County Court Docket Search
You have three ways to search the Hillsborough County court docket. You can use the HOVER online system, visit the main courthouse, or call the clerk office. The HOVER system works 24 hours a day from any device. No account or fee is needed to view basic docket entries.
To start an online search, go to hover.hillsclerk.com. Type a name, case number, or attorney bar number. The system returns matching cases with filing dates, judge names, and hearing schedules. Each docket entry shows what happened in the case, such as motions filed, orders signed, or hearings held.
Florida law makes these records public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says anyone can view court docket entries. Sealed cases and expunged records stay hidden from public view under Rule 2.420.
HOVER Online Court Docket System
HOVER is the official case search tool for Hillsborough County court docket records. It covers all case types in the 13th Circuit. You can search by party name, case number, date range, or attorney information. The system updates docket entries in real time as new filings occur.
Each search result shows the case style, case number, filing date, division, judge, and current status. You can click on a case to see the full docket sheet. The docket sheet lists every paper filed, every hearing held, and every order entered in the case.
HOVER also offers electronic certified copies of court documents. These copies carry the same legal weight as paper copies. You can buy them online any time of day. The clerk charges a small fee for each certified copy.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Office
Victor D. Crist is the Clerk of Court and Comptroller for Hillsborough County. His office maintains every court docket record in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The main office sits at 419 Pierce Street in downtown Tampa.
You can reach the clerk office by phone at (813) 276-8100. Staff answer questions about case status, filing fees, and document requests. The office opens Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Court records and docket searches happen here in person as well.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Courthouse | 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone | (813) 276-8100 |
| Website | hillsclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Clerk | Victor D. Crist |
The clerk office also offers self-service kiosks inside the courthouse. These kiosks let you search the court docket and print documents. They work the same way as the HOVER online system.
Hillsborough County Civil Court Docket
The Hillsborough County civil court docket includes two main divisions. Circuit civil cases involve disputes over $50,000. County civil cases handle disputes up to $50,000, including landlord-tenant matters and small claims.
You can search civil docket entries by party name on HOVER. Each entry shows the cause of action, damages claimed, and hearing schedule. Civil cases follow the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. The court sets hearings for motions, trials, and settlement conferences.
Civil docket records stay public even after the case ends. You can view judgments, court orders, and final dispositions. Sealed civil records, such as those involving trade secrets, do not appear in public searches.
Hillsborough County Criminal Court Docket
The Hillsborough County criminal court docket covers both felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies go through circuit criminal court. Misdemeanors stay in county criminal court. Both divisions post docket entries to the HOVER system.
Criminal docket entries show charges, arraignment dates, plea hearings, trial dates, and sentencing. You can see the assigned judge, prosecuting attorney, and defense attorney for each case. Bond hearings and motion hearings also appear on the docket sheet.
Victims of crimes can sign up for case notifications through the Hillsborough County clerk. The notification system sends alerts when the court sets new dates or enters orders in a criminal case.
Hillsborough County Traffic Court Docket
The Hillsborough County traffic court docket handles traffic infractions, DUI cases, and criminal traffic offenses. Most traffic tickets filed in the county end up in county criminal court if the driver contests them.
You can search traffic court docket entries by driver name or citation number. The docket shows the charge, court date, fine amount, and traffic school options. If you miss a court date, the judge may issue a bench warrant that shows up on the docket.
Paying a traffic ticket online updates the docket entry within 24 hours. The clerk accepts payments through the hillsclerk.com website. You can also pay in person at any clerk location in the county.
Hillsborough County Family Court Docket
The Hillsborough County family court docket includes divorce, paternity, custody, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Family court cases stay in the circuit court division of the 13th Judicial Circuit.
Family docket entries show hearing dates for temporary relief, final hearings, and mediation sessions. Many family court hearings happen in the Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 East Twiggs Street in Tampa. The docket also shows parenting class requirements and counseling orders.
Adoption cases appear as sealed on the HOVER system. The public can see that an adoption filing exists but cannot see the details. Divorce and custody cases stay open to public view once the court enters a final judgment.
Hillsborough County Probate Court Docket
The Hillsborough County probate court docket covers wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. These cases go through the probate division of circuit court. The court appoints personal representatives to handle estate matters.
Probate docket entries show filings such as petitions for administration, inventory submissions, and creditor claims. You can search probate docket records by the name of the deceased person or the case number. The court also handles formal and informal probate proceedings.
Guardianship docket entries show appointments of guardians, annual reports, and accounting filings. These records help family members track the care of minors and incapacitated adults.
Hillsborough County Circuit Court Docket
The Hillsborough County circuit court docket covers all major case types in the 13th Judicial Circuit. This includes felonies, family law, probate, juvenile dependency, and civil cases over $50,000. Circuit court cases are heard by judges who serve six-year terms.
Circuit court hears cases in multiple courthouses across the county. The main location is 800 East Twiggs Street in Tampa. Other locations handle specific case types like juvenile matters and drug court.
You can view the circuit court docket for any specific judge on HOVER. The system shows pending cases, past hearings, and case outcomes. This helps attorneys prepare for trial and helps the public track high-profile cases.
Hillsborough County Daily Court Docket and Calendar
The Hillsborough County daily court docket shows every hearing scheduled for a particular day. You can view the daily docket by judge, division, or case type. The clerk posts the daily docket on the hillsclerk.com website each morning.
Court calendars cover arraignment dockets, motion hearing dockets, trial dockets, and plea dockets. The arraignment docket lists every defendant scheduled for first appearance. The trial docket shows every jury trial and bench trial set for a given week.
Hearing times and courtroom assignments appear on the calendar. If a judge cancels a docket, the clerk posts a notice on the website. You can also sign up for daily docket alerts by email through the clerk’s notification system.
13th Judicial Circuit Court System
The 13th Judicial Circuit covers only Hillsborough County. It is one of 20 judicial circuits in Florida. The circuit has more than 50 judges who handle thousands of cases each year.
Chief Judge Ron Ficarrotta leads the circuit. The circuit court handles appeals from county court and original cases in circuit divisions. Administrative orders from the chief judge control court operations and public access to records.
Administrative Order AOSC24-65 sets the rules for electronic access to court records. This order limits who can view certain sensitive information in docket entries. Protected data includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s names.
How to Search the Hillsborough County Court Docket by Case Number
Searching the Hillsborough County court docket by case number is the fastest way to find case details. Each case gets a unique number when filed. The number includes a prefix that shows the case type and a sequence number.
Case number prefixes in the 13th Circuit include:
- CF – Circuit Felony (criminal felony cases)
- MM – Misdemeanor (county criminal cases)
- CC – County Civil (civil cases under $50,000)
- SC – Small Claims (claims under $8,000)
- DR – Domestic Relations (divorce and family cases)
- CP – Circuit Probate (probate and guardianship cases)
- TC – Traffic Criminal (criminal traffic offenses)
- CT – Circuit Civil (civil cases over $50,000)
Type the full case number into the HOVER search box. The system pulls up the full docket sheet with all entries. You can also search by Uniform Case Number (UCN), which works in every Florida county court system.
Hillsborough County Court Docket Status
The court docket status tells you where a case stands in the court process. Common status codes include:
- Open / Active – Case is in progress
- Pending – Waiting for a hearing or ruling
- Disposed – Case has been closed with a final order
- Continued – Hearing has been moved to a new date
- Dismissed – Case ended without a final judgment
- Transferred – Case moved to a different court
You can check the current status of any Hillsborough County case on HOVER. The status updates each time the court enters a new order or schedules a new hearing. Attorneys and parties to the case can also get status updates by phone from the clerk office.
Hillsborough County E-Filing and Court Docket Updates
You can file new court documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. This portal sends filings directly to the Hillsborough County court docket. More than 770,000 users across Florida use this system.
E-filed documents appear on the docket within minutes. The system stamps each filing with a date and time. Attorneys must register for an e-filing account. Self-represented parties can also file documents electronically through the same portal.
Registered users get email alerts when new entries post to their cases. The alerts include hearing reminders, order notifications, and docket updates. You can set alert preferences for specific case types in your account settings.
Cities and Communities in Hillsborough County
All court cases from cities in Hillsborough County go through the 13th Judicial Circuit. The clerk office in Tampa keeps the docket records for every city. Major communities in the county include:
- Tampa (county seat)
- Brandon
- Riverview
- Plant City
- Temple Terrace
- Apollo Beach
- Ruskin
- Sun City Center
- Valrico
- Lutz
- Carrollwood
- Wesley Chapel (partial)
Each of these cities falls under Hillsborough County jurisdiction. If you get a traffic ticket in Brandon, the case files in Tampa. If you file for divorce in Plant City, it goes through the same family court in Tampa.
Florida Court System Background
Florida courts operate under a unified system set up by the Florida Constitution. The state Supreme Court oversees all lower courts. The 20 circuit courts sit below the Supreme Court and above the county courts.
Hillsborough County is unique because it forms its own judicial circuit. Most circuits cover multiple counties. The 13th Circuit serves only Hillsborough and handles the fifth-highest case load in Florida.
The Florida clerk of court system dates back to 1828. Each county elects its own clerk for a four-year term. The clerk serves as the official record keeper for the courts and county government.
Hillsborough County Courthouse Locations
The main Hillsborough County courthouse sits at 419 Pierce Street in Tampa. This is where the clerk office processes most filings. The Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 East Twiggs Street handles most criminal and family court hearings.
Other Hillsborough County court locations include:
- Plant City Courthouse – 301 North Michigan Avenue, Plant City
- Southshore Courthouse – 410 30th Street SE, Ruskin
- Juvenile Justice Center – 300 East Jackson Street, Tampa
Each location has public terminals where you can search the court docket. The clerk staff at each location can help you with case searches and document requests during business hours.
Public Access to Court Records in Florida
Florida has some of the strongest public records laws in the country. The Florida Constitution Article I, Section 24 says every person has the right to inspect public records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules for court record access.
The Hillsborough County court docket falls under these public records laws. Anyone can view docket entries, court orders, and case filings. The only records kept secret are those sealed by a court order or expunged under Florida law.
Records sealed by court order include adoption files, juvenile dependency records, and some family court matters. Expunged criminal records also stay out of public view. You need a court order to seal or expunge a record in Florida.
Common Hillsborough County Court Docket Search Questions
How much does it cost to search the Hillsborough County court docket?
Basic court docket searches on HOVER are free. You can view case information, party names, and hearing dates at no cost. Certified copies of court documents cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Electronic certified copies cost $8.50 per document plus a small processing fee.
How long does it take for new filings to show up on the docket?
Most new filings appear on the Hillsborough County court docket within minutes through e-filing. Paper filings take 24 to 48 hours to process. The clerk office processes paper filings in the order received.
Can I view sealed court records in Hillsborough County?
You cannot view sealed or expunged records without a court order. The HOVER system hides these cases from public search results. If you are a party to a sealed case, you can view your own records through the clerk office with proper ID.
What should I do if I cannot find a case on HOVER?
Check the spelling of party names and try alternate searches. Older cases filed before 1990 may not be on HOVER. Contact the clerk office at (813) 276-8100 for help finding older records. The clerk can pull archived files from storage.
Can I get notifications when a case updates?
Yes. The Hillsborough County clerk offers a case notification service. Sign up at hillsclerk.com to get email alerts when new entries post to cases you follow. The service is free for all users.
Hillsborough County Court Docket Contact and Location
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court office serves as the official record keeper for all court dockets in the 13th Judicial Circuit. You can visit, call, or search online for case information.
Address: 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100
Website: hillsclerk.com
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Search Portal: hover.hillsclerk.com
E-Filing: myflcourtaccess.com
The map below shows the location of the main Hillsborough County courthouse in downtown Tampa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsborough County Court Docket
The Hillsborough County court docket system raises many questions from residents, attorneys, and outside parties. The following questions cover the most common concerns about case searches, record access, and court procedures in the 13th Judicial Circuit.
What types of cases appear on the Hillsborough County court docket?
The Hillsborough County court docket includes every case type filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit. This includes circuit criminal cases, county criminal misdemeanors, traffic offenses, civil disputes, family law matters, probate cases, and small claims actions. Juvenile dependency filings also appear with limited public access. Each case type has its own prefix in the case number that helps identify the division and court that handles it. The HOVER system organizes results by case type for easier searching.
How do I find the hearing date for my case?
Search for your case on HOVER using your name or case number. The docket entry will show the next hearing date, time, and courtroom. Court hearing dates can change, so check the docket close to your court date. The clerk also offers a daily docket calendar on hillsclerk.com that lists every hearing scheduled for a particular day by judge and division. You can sign up for email alerts to get automatic updates when the court schedules new dates in your case.
Can I attend a public court hearing in Hillsborough County?
Yes, most court hearings in Hillsborough County are open to the public. Florida courts follow the presumption of open proceedings under the First Amendment and Florida Constitution. You can sit in the courtroom gallery during hearings, trials, and other public proceedings. Some hearings may be closed to the public, including juvenile matters, certain family court hearings, and any case where the judge orders closure for good cause. Sealed court records do not appear on HOVER, but sealed hearings may still be open to attend.
What is the difference between the circuit court and county court docket?
Circuit court handles serious criminal cases (felonies), family law, probate, juvenile dependency, and civil cases over $50,000. County court handles less serious criminal cases (misdemeanors), traffic offenses, small claims up to $8,000, and civil cases up to $50,000. Both courts post docket entries to HOVER. The case number prefix tells you which court is handling the matter. Circuit cases start with C (CF, CC, DR, CP) while county cases often start with M (MM) or TR.
How do I request copies of court docket documents?
You can buy certified copies of court docket documents online through HOVER. The system accepts credit card payments and delivers electronic copies within minutes. Paper certified copies are available at the clerk office for $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. You can also request regular (non-certified) copies for $0.50 per page. All copies are public records unless the case is sealed or the document has been designated confidential by court order.
What happens if I miss my court date in Hillsborough County?
Missing a court date in Hillsborough County can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest. The court will note your failure to appear on the docket. In criminal cases, the judge may issue a warrant and add a failure to appear charge. In civil cases, the court may dismiss your case or enter a judgment against you. If you miss a court date, contact the clerk office or your attorney right away. You can file a motion to set aside the warrant or reopen your case, but you must act quickly.
Are Hillsborough County court docket records accurate?
The Hillsborough County court docket is the official court record. The clerk office maintains these records under Florida law. Docket entries reflect what the court has actually done in each case. If you spot an error in a docket entry, contact the clerk office right away. The clerk can correct clerical mistakes with proper documentation. Substantive errors in court orders must be fixed through a motion to the court that entered the order.
Can I search Hillsborough County court docket records from another state?
Yes, the HOVER system works from anywhere with an internet connection. You can search Hillsborough County court docket records from any state or country. The system runs 24 hours a day with no geographic restrictions. All you need is a web browser and internet access. You do not need to be a Florida resident or have any special credentials to search the public docket.
Authority and Entity Expansion Topics
The Hillsborough County court docket topic connects to many related areas that strengthen topical authority. Consider adding these topics to expand coverage and signal deeper expertise to search engines.
- How to read and interpret Florida court docket entries (priority: high)
- Florida court system structure and jurisdiction rules (priority: high)
- How to prepare for a court hearing in Hillsborough County (priority: high)
- Steps to clear a bench warrant in the 13th Judicial Circuit (priority: medium)
- How to expunge or seal a criminal record in Florida (priority: medium)
- Differences between civil and criminal court procedures (priority: medium)
- How to file a small claims case in Hillsborough County (priority: medium)
- Florida Rules of Civil Procedure explained in simple terms (priority: low)
- How to find a licensed attorney in Hillsborough County (priority: low)
- Self-representation in Florida courts (priority: low)
- How to appeal a court decision in Florida (priority: low)
- Florida public records law and court document access (priority: low)
Adding these topics builds a complete resource for anyone dealing with the Hillsborough County court system. Each topic supports the main keyword cluster and signals deep expertise to both users and search engines.