The Tampa City Court Docket lists every hearing, filing, and court event for cases filed in Tampa, Florida. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court runs the docket system.
Tampa sits in the 13th Judicial Circuit, which covers only Hillsborough County. The clerk office keeps a public record of all court actions, and anyone can look up the docket online or at the office on Pierce Street.
This page shows how the Tampa City Court Docket works, what cases it covers, and how to search it. It also lists phone numbers, addresses, and hours so you can reach the clerk fast.
What the Tampa City Court Docket Tracks
The Tampa City Court Docket tracks every step of a court case. Each time a lawyer files a paper, a judge makes a ruling, or a hearing gets set, the clerk adds a line to the docket. The docket is a timeline of the case. It shows the date, what happened, and who was involved.
The docket covers traffic tickets, misdemeanors, ordinance violations, small claims, civil suits, evictions, and other county-level cases. Felonies and family law cases go to circuit court, but they show up in the same HOVER search system.
Each line on the docket has a date stamp and a short note. The notes say things like “motion filed,” “hearing held,” or “judgment entered.” This helps lawyers, parties, and the public see where a case stands at any time.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Role
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court runs the Tampa City Court Docket. The current clerk is Victor D. Crist. His office is the official record keeper for all court cases in the county. The clerk’s office does not decide cases. It files papers, keeps records, and runs the search systems.
The main clerk office sits at 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602. This is the Edgecomb Courthouse. You can visit this office to ask about cases, get copies of records, or file new papers. The clerk also has branch offices around the county for people who live in Plant City, Ruskin, and other areas.
The clerk follows Florida public records law. Court dockets are public records under Florida Statute Chapter 119. That means anyone can look them up without giving a reason. Some records stay sealed by court order, but most cases are open to the public.
HOVER Online Search System
HOVER is the free online search tool for the Tampa City Court Docket. It runs on the Hillsborough County Clerk website. You do not need an account to use it. You can search by case number, party name, attorney bar number, or date range.
To use HOVER:
- Go to hover.hillsclerk.com
- Pick the case type (civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, etc.)
- Type the search term
- Press search
- Click the case to see the full docket
The search results show the case number, filing date, case type, and status. Clicking the case opens a list of every docket entry. Each entry shows the date, who filed the paper, and a short note about the action.
HOVER updates daily. New filings show up within one business day. If you do not see a paper you just filed, wait 24 hours and check again.
Tampa Court Docket by Case Number
The fastest way to find a case on the Tampa City Court Docket is by case number. Every case gets a unique number when it gets filed. The number follows a set format. Tampa cases use codes like “24-CT-001234” for criminal traffic or “24-CC-005678” for county civil.
The first two digits show the year. The middle letters show the case type:
- CT: Criminal Traffic
- MM: Misdemeanor
- CC: County Civil
- SC: Small Claims
- TC: Traffic County
- EV: Eviction
- OV: Ordinance Violation
- DR: Domestic Relations
If you have the case number, type it into HOVER with dashes or without. Both work. The system pulls up the full docket in seconds.
Tampa Civil Court Docket
The Tampa civil court docket covers lawsuits between people or businesses where the claim is $50,000 or less. This includes contract disputes, property damage, debt collection, and personal injury cases. Claims over $50,000 go to circuit court.
Small claims cases are a type of civil case. These cover claims up to $8,000. People can file small claims without a lawyer. The docket for small claims lists the hearing date, any continuances, and the final judgment.
To check a Tampa civil court docket, search HOVER by case number or party name. The docket shows filings, motions, hearing dates, and the judge’s orders. If a judgment gets entered, the docket shows the amount and any payment terms.
Tampa Criminal Court Docket
The Tampa criminal court docket covers misdemeanors and ordinance violations. Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail. Examples include simple battery, petit theft, trespassing, and DUI.
The docket shows each step of the criminal case. It starts with the arrest or citation. Then it tracks first appearance, arraignment, pretrial hearings, motion filings, plea agreements, trial dates, and sentencing. Each event gets a docket entry with the date and result.
Felony cases start in county court for first appearance, then move to circuit court. The felony docket also lives in HOVER. You can search for felonies the same way you search for misdemeanors.
Tampa Traffic Court Docket
The Tampa traffic court docket handles moving violations, speeding tickets, and other traffic infractions. Most people get a traffic ticket and either pay the fine or fight it in court. Either way, the ticket creates a docket entry.
If you pay the fine, the docket shows the payment and the case closes. If you fight the ticket, the docket lists your hearing date, whether you showed up, and the judge’s decision. The docket also shows traffic school orders, withhold of adjudication, and license points.
Search the traffic docket by case number, driver license number, or name. The clerk office can also check traffic tickets by phone at (813) 276-8100.
Tampa Arraignment and Pretrial Dockets
Arraignment is the first court date in a criminal case. The judge reads the charges and the defendant pleads guilty, no contest, or not guilty. The Tampa arraignment docket lists every defendant scheduled to appear on a given day.
Pretrial hearings happen after arraignment. The lawyers meet with the judge to discuss motions, evidence, and plea deals. The Tampa pretrial docket shows when each case is set and what the judge ordered.
You can search the arraignment and pretrial dockets by date. HOVER lets you pull up all cases set for a specific day. This helps lawyers plan their day and helps the public see who is in court.
Tampa Motion, Bond, and Trial Dockets
The motion docket tracks all motions filed in Tampa cases. A motion is a written request to the judge. Lawyers file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss the case, or force the other side to share documents. Each motion gets a hearing date that shows up on the docket.
The bond hearing docket covers requests to set, lower, or raise bail. Defendants can ask the judge for a lower bond. Prosecutors can ask for a higher bond. The bond hearing docket shows who appeared, who argued, and what the judge decided.
The jury trial docket shows every case set for trial. It lists the trial date, the attorneys, the judge, and the courtroom. Trials can get continued (rescheduled) for many reasons. The docket shows each continuance and the new trial date.
Tampa Eviction and Ordinance Violation Dockets
The Tampa eviction court docket handles landlord-tenant disputes. Landlords file eviction cases to remove tenants for nonpayment of rent or lease violations. Tenants can file counterclaims. The docket shows the filing date, service of process, hearing date, and judgment.
Most eviction hearings happen within a few weeks of filing. The docket shows the writ of possession if the landlord wins. The writ tells the sheriff to remove the tenant if they do not leave on their own.
The Tampa ordinance violation docket covers city code violations. This includes noise complaints, building code violations, and business license issues. The City of Tampa code enforcement bureau files these cases. The docket shows the violation, fines, and compliance deadlines.
Tampa Daily Court Docket and Calendar
The Tampa daily court docket is the schedule of cases for a specific day. Courts publish the daily docket so lawyers and the public know when cases are set. You can pull up the daily docket by date on HOVER.
To see the daily docket:
- Open HOVER
- Pick the case type
- Set the date range to one day
- Press search
The daily docket shows the case number, parties, time, and courtroom. Court times change, so check the docket the day before your hearing. Some judges also post their daily docket on the court website.
Getting Certified Copies of Tampa Court Records
The Hillsborough County Clerk sells certified copies of court records. A certified copy has the clerk’s seal and signature. Courts and government agencies often require certified copies.
You can get certified copies three ways:
- Online through the clerk’s website, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- In person at the clerk’s office on Pierce Street
- By mail with a written request and payment
Electronic certified copies are available for most documents. These copies carry the same legal weight as paper copies. They never expire. The cost depends on the page count and the type of document.
Tampa Court Docket System and E-Filing
Lawyers file most Tampa court papers through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal connects to the Hillsborough County clerk system. Filings show up in HOVER within one business day.
Self-represented parties (people without lawyers) can also e-file. The portal works 24 hours a day. You need an account, but the account is free. Self-represented filers pick “Pro Se” when they set up the account.
Paper filings are still accepted at the clerk’s office. The clerk stamps the paper, scans it into the system, and adds the entry to the docket. Paper filings take longer to show up in HOVER than e-filings.
Tampa Courthouse Locations and Hours
The main Tampa courthouse for the 13th Judicial Circuit is the Edgecomb Courthouse at 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602. This is where the clerk’s main office sits. Most Tampa court hearings happen here.
The courthouse has two buildings: the main Edgecomb Courthouse and the nearby George E. Edgecomb Courthouse Annex. Both sit in downtown Tampa near the Hillsborough River. Parking is available in nearby garages for a fee.
Clerk office hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed on weekends and court holidays
Court hearings run from about 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Some judges start earlier. Check your case notice for the exact time.
How to Read a Tampa Court Docket Entry
Each Tampa City Court Docket entry has a date, a code, and a description. The code tells you what type of entry it is. Common codes include:
- FILING: New paper filed with the court
- HEARING: Court event held
- ORDER: Judge signed an order
- JUDGMENT: Final decision in the case
- DISPOSITION: Case outcome recorded
- CONTINUANCE: Hearing pushed to a new date
- WARRANT: Bench warrant or arrest warrant issued
- SATISFACTION: Judgment paid in full
The description gives more details. For a motion hearing, it might say “Motion to Suppress – Denied.” For a sentencing, it might say “Adjudication Guilty, 6 months probation, $500 fine.” Reading the docket helps you track your case without calling the clerk.
Public Access and Sealed Records
Most Tampa court records are public. The public can see case numbers, party names, docket entries, orders, and judgments. Some information stays hidden for privacy reasons. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s names get redacted.
Sealed records are different. A judge can order a case sealed for safety, privacy, or other good cause. Sealed cases do not show up in HOVER searches. Only parties to the case and their lawyers can see the docket.
Confidential records include adoption, juvenile delinquency, and certain mental health cases. These have higher access rules under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. The general public cannot see the dockets for these cases.
Contact the Hillsborough County Clerk for Tampa Court Docket Help
You can reach the Hillsborough County Clerk for help with the Tampa City Court Docket several ways:
- Phone: (813) 276-8100
- Website: hillsclerk.com
- In person: 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602
- HOVER search: hover.hillsclerk.com
- E-filing portal: myflcourtaccess.com
Clerk office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and court holidays. Phone lines get busy on Mondays, so call Tuesday through Thursday for faster service.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tampa City Court Docket
The Tampa City Court Docket is the public list of court events for cases filed in Tampa. People search it to check hearing dates, see filings, and track case progress. The next questions cover the most common things people ask about the Tampa docket system.
How Do I Find My Court Date on the Tampa City Court Docket?
You can find your court date on the Tampa City Court Docket by searching HOVER at hover.hillsclerk.com. Type your case number, full legal name, or the date of your hearing. The system shows every docket entry, including upcoming hearing dates. If you do not know your case number, call the clerk at (813) 276-8100 and give your name and date of birth. The clerk staff will look up your case and tell you the next court date. Court dates can change, so check the docket the day before your scheduled hearing. Some judges reset cases on short notice, and the clerk updates HOVER within hours of the change.
What Is the Difference Between the Circuit Court Docket and the County Court Docket in Tampa?
The circuit court docket in Tampa handles felonies, family law, probate, guardianship, and civil cases over $50,000. The county court docket, which is the Tampa City Court Docket, handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, county civil cases up to $50,000, and ordinance violations. Both dockets run through the Hillsborough County Clerk office, so you search them in the same HOVER system. The case number tells you which court the case sits in. Felony case numbers start with “CF,” and misdemeanor case numbers start with “MM.” Knowing the difference helps you pick the right search in HOVER and read the docket entries correctly.
Can I Search the Tampa City Court Docket for Free?
Yes, you can search the Tampa City Court Docket for free using HOVER. The system is open to the public with no account, no fee, and no login. You can run as many searches as you want. The only cost comes if you want to print or download documents. Certified copies cost money, but viewing the docket itself is free. You can also visit the clerk office at 419 Pierce Street and use the public computers to search the docket at no charge. The clerk staff will help you find the right case if you give them the case number or party name.
How Long Does It Take for a New Filing to Show Up on the Tampa Court Docket?
Electronic filings show up on the Tampa City Court Docket within one business day. Lawyers and self-represented filers who use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal see their filings appear in HOVER by the next morning. Paper filings take longer. The clerk office scans paper filings into the system, and the docket updates within two to three business days. If you filed a paper and do not see it on the docket, wait 72 hours and check again. If it still does not show up, call the clerk at (813) 276-8100 to confirm the filing got received and entered.
Are Tampa Misdemeanor Dockets Public Records?
Yes, Tampa misdemeanor dockets are public records under Florida law. Anyone can see the case number, defendant name, charges, hearing dates, and final outcome. Some details stay hidden for privacy. Victim names in sex crime cases, juvenile information, and personal identifiers like Social Security numbers get redacted. Sealed cases do not appear in HOVER at all. For open cases, the public can look up the docket online or at the clerk office. This openness helps journalists, researchers, lawyers, and regular citizens check the court system and hold it accountable.
What Happens If I Miss My Court Date on the Tampa City Court Docket?
If you miss your court date on the Tampa City Court Docket, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest in criminal cases. In civil cases, the judge can enter a default judgment against you. The docket will show a “Failure to Appear” entry. You can fix a missed court date by contacting the clerk office or your lawyer right away. You can ask the judge to recall the warrant or vacate the default judgment. The court has forms you can file to set aside the warrant. Speed matters. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to fix the problem. In traffic cases, missing court can lead to a license suspension and additional fines.
How Do I Get a Copy of a Court Order from the Tampa City Court Docket?
You can get a copy of a court order from the Tampa City Court Docket three ways. First, search the case in HOVER and download the order. Most orders are available as PDF files. Second, visit the clerk office at 419 Pierce Street and ask for a copy at the public counter. Third, order a certified copy through the clerk’s website for an extra fee. Certified copies have the clerk’s seal and are accepted by government agencies and other courts. Regular copies work for personal records. The clerk charges a small fee per page plus a search fee. Bring the case number to speed up the request.