Hillsborough County probate court records are public files kept by the Clerk of Circuit Court in Tampa, Florida. These records include wills, estate files, trust papers, and guardianship documents filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit.
Anyone can review most of these records online, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Tampa courthouse.
About the Hillsborough County Probate Court
The Hillsborough County probate court sits in Tampa, the county seat. The court handles every probate case in the county. The clerk’s office stores the files, processes new filings, and gives the public access to court records.
The 13th Judicial Circuit
Hillsborough County forms one single judicial circuit in Florida. This circuit is called the 13th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers only Hillsborough County. Probate cases follow the Florida Probate Code and the 13th Circuit’s local rules.
Tampa Courthouse Location
The main probate courthouse sits at 800 East Twiggs Street in Tampa, Florida 33602. The George E. Edgecomb Courthouse handles most civil and probate filings. Visitors should call before going to confirm the room, hours, and any ID rules.
Clerk Office Contact Details
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court runs the probate division. The main phone line is (813) 276-8100. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk’s website at hillsclerk.com has case search tools, forms, and fee schedules.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court |
| Address | 800 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone | (813) 276-8100 |
| Website | hillsclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The Hillsborough County Clerk’s website at hillsclerk.com provides online case search, e-filing access, and probate division tools directly from the official clerk portal.
How to Search Probate Court Records
The Hillsborough County Clerk’s office offers four main ways to look at probate records. People can search online, visit the courthouse in person, call the clerk’s office, or send a written request by mail. Each method works for different needs.
Online Records Search
The clerk’s website at hillsclerk.com has a free public case search tool. Users can search by name, case number, or attorney. The search results show the case type, filing date, judge, and current status. Many case files have scanned documents that anyone can view online. The system updates daily with new filings and orders.
To search online, go to hillsclerk.com and click on “Public Records” or “Case Search.” Enter the last name of the person whose probate case you want to review. Add a first name if you know it. The search returns a list of matching cases with case numbers and division codes.
For case status checks, the website shows the next hearing date, the personal representative’s name, and whether the case is open or closed. Users can also view the docket, which lists every document filed in the case in order by date.
In-Person Visit Steps
People who need certified copies or want to look at the full paper file can visit the Tampa courthouse. The clerk’s office has public terminals where visitors can search cases and print documents. Staff members can pull physical files for viewing in the clerk’s office.
- Go to the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602.
- Bring a valid photo ID to enter the building.
- Visit the probate division window on the designated floor.
- Tell the clerk the decedent’s name or case number.
- Pay the copy fee for any documents you need.
- Ask for certified copies if banks or other agencies require them.
The clerk’s office charges a fee per page for copies. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Call (813) 276-8100 ahead of time to confirm the current fee schedule and which payment methods the office accepts.
Phone and Mail Requests
Phone requests work for simple questions about case status. Call (813) 276-8100 during business hours. Staff can confirm whether a probate case has been filed, the case number, and the next hearing date. Staff cannot give legal advice over the phone.
Mail requests work for people who live outside the Tampa area. Send a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the decedent’s full name, the case number if known, the specific documents you need, and your return address. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing.
The Florida Clerks statewide directory at flclerks.com gives verified contact details for the Hillsborough County clerk and all other Florida county clerks.
Three Types of Probate in Florida
Florida law provides three probate tracks. Hillsborough County courts handle all three. The right track depends on the size of the estate and how long the person has been dead.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is the full court process. It applies to estates with non-exempt assets over $75,000. The court appoints a personal representative, often called an executor, to manage the estate. The personal representative must list all assets, notify creditors, pay valid debts, and distribute what remains to the heirs or beneficiaries.
Formal administration takes at least six months to complete. The 90-day creditor claim period starts when notice is published in a Hillsborough County newspaper. The personal representative files an inventory, pays any taxes due, and prepares a final accounting. Florida law requires a licensed attorney to represent most personal representatives in formal administration.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a simpler track. It applies when the non-exempt estate is $75,000 or less, or when the decedent died more than two years ago. No personal representative gets appointed. The beneficiaries file a petition directly with the clerk. The court enters a single order that distributes the assets.
Summary administration can be finished in a few weeks. The petitioners must notify known creditors. If a creditor objects, the court sets a hearing. Summary administration costs less than formal administration. It still requires court approval and a final order.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest track. It applies when the decedent left no real property and the non-exempt personal property totals $6,000 or less. The court does not appoint a personal representative. The person who paid the final medical or funeral bills files a petition to be repaid from the small estate.
This track works best for low-value estates with no real estate. Hillsborough County’s clerk staff processes these requests regularly. The petition must list the assets, the bills paid, and who should receive any remaining property. The court signs an order directing payment.
What Probate Records Include
Probate files in Hillsborough County contain many different documents. Most documents in the file are open to the public. A few sensitive items, like certain medical records in guardianship cases, may be sealed by court order.
Wills and Petitions
Every probate case starts with a petition. The petition names the decedent, lists the heirs or beneficiaries, describes the estate, and asks the court to open a probate case. If the decedent left a will, the original will is filed with the petition. The court enters an order admitting the will to probate. Once admitted, the will becomes a public record. Anyone can request a certified copy of a probated will from the clerk.
If no will exists, the court opens an intestate probate case. The petition follows the same format but explains that the decedent died without a will. Florida’s intestacy laws then decide who inherits the estate based on family relationships.
Inventories and Accountings
The personal representative files an inventory within 60 days of appointment. The inventory lists every asset the decedent owned at death, with fair market values. Real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and personal property all appear on the inventory. The court reviews the inventory for accuracy.
Accountings show all money that came in and went out of the estate. Interim accountings cover specific periods during administration. The final accounting covers the entire case. Accountings show income, expenses, creditor payments, and distributions to beneficiaries. Any beneficiary can ask the court to review an accounting.
Letters of Administration
Letters of administration are official court documents. They give the personal representative authority to act on behalf of the estate. Banks, brokerage firms, and title companies ask for letters of administration before they release assets or transfer property. The clerk issues these letters after the court appoints the personal representative.
Letters testamentary serve the same purpose when there is a will. The court issues letters testamentary to the person named as executor in the will. Both types of letters stay valid until the court issues a final discharge closing the estate. The clerk can issue certified copies of these letters for a fee.
Local Rules and Court Forms
The 13th Judicial Circuit has local rules that add detail to Florida’s statewide probate statutes. Local rules cover filing procedures, hearing schedules, required notices, and special forms. These rules can differ from circuit to circuit. Check the 13th Circuit’s website for the current local rules before filing anything.
Local Probate Rules
The 13th Circuit’s local probate rules cover many topics. They explain how to schedule hearings, what papers to bring, who must attend, and how to file motions. The rules also list the required format for petitions and orders. Failing to follow local rules can delay a case or lead to a rejected filing.
The clerk’s website posts the current local rules. The rules change from time to time. Review them before starting any new probate case. Local rules work alongside Florida’s statewide probate code. They never replace the state law.
Required Court Forms
The Florida Supreme Court approves standard probate forms. Hillsborough County uses these forms for most filings. The forms cover petitions, inventories, accountings, and final discharges. The clerk’s website has the current versions of all required forms.
Local forms may also be required for specific filings. The 13th Circuit has its own versions of certain forms. Check the clerk’s website for the full list of required forms for each type of probate case. Using the wrong form version can cause delays at the clerk’s office.
Florida Death Records and Probate
Probate cases often need a certified death certificate. Florida death records come from the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. The clerk’s office and other agencies ask for a certified death certificate to prove the death and start the probate process.
Death Certificate Basics
A Florida death certificate is the official proof that someone died. The certificate shows the person’s full name, date of birth, date of death, place of death, and cause of death. The Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps the original record. County health departments issue certified copies.
Certified copies of Florida death certificates cost a fee per copy. The fee varies by county. Most agencies need a certified copy, not a regular copy. A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp that proves it came from the official record. Regular photocopies of a death certificate are not accepted for legal use.
Florida Death Index Access
The Florida Statewide Death Index covers deaths from 1917 to the present. The index shows the name, date of death, county of death, and certificate number. Researchers and family members use the index to look up older death records. The Florida Department of Health maintains the index through the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Pre-1909 Florida death records are limited. Some church and cemetery records exist for earlier deaths. FamilySearch.org has many Florida death records and obituaries for genealogy research. The Social Security Death Index covers deaths reported to the Social Security Administration and includes many Florida residents.
Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics sits in Jacksonville. The bureau keeps all state birth and death records. People can order death certificates online, by mail, or in person. The bureau’s website lists the current fees, processing times, and accepted payment methods. County health departments can also issue death certificates for deaths that happened in their county.
For Tampa-area deaths, the Hillsborough County Health Department can issue certified death certificates. Visit their office or check their website for current fees and turnaround times. Mail orders work for people who live outside the area.
Legal Help in Hillsborough County
Probate cases can be complex. Hillsborough County has many legal options for people who need help. Free and low-cost choices exist for those who qualify. Private attorneys handle more complex cases.
Self-Help Centers
The Florida Courts Self-Help Center provides free forms and instructions online. The center covers all three probate tracks. The forms match the standard Florida probate forms. The 13th Circuit also offers self-help programs through the Tampa courthouse. These programs help people who want to handle a probate case without an attorney.
Self-help programs work best for simple cases. They include written instructions for summary administration and disposition without administration. Formal administration usually needs an attorney because the legal requirements are stricter.
Bay Area Legal Services
Bay Area Legal Services is the main legal aid provider in Hillsborough County. They help low-income residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. They handle some probate matters, including simple summary administrations and guardianship issues. People must meet income guidelines to qualify for free help.
Bay Area Legal Services has offices in Tampa. Their website has contact details and application forms. They also run clinics and workshops on probate topics. Call them or visit their website to see if your case qualifies for free legal help.
Finding a Probate Attorney
Formal administration, contested wills, and complex estates need a licensed Florida probate attorney. The Hillsborough County Bar Association can refer people to local probate attorneys. Local attorneys know the 13th Circuit’s rules and procedures. They can move through the Tampa probate docket more easily than out-of-town lawyers.
Most Hillsborough County probate attorneys offer free initial consultations. Ask about the attorney’s experience with cases similar to yours. Confirm the fee structure before signing any agreement. Florida’s Bar Association website lists attorney profiles and disciplinary records.
Nearby Counties and Probate Filings
Hillsborough County borders several other Florida counties. If a decedent owned property in a neighboring county, a separate probate filing may be needed there. This is called ancillary probate.
Pinellas County Probate
Pinellas County sits west of Hillsborough County across Tampa Bay. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court handles probate filings for that county. St. Petersburg and Clearwater are the main cities in Pinellas County. Property in Pinellas County may need a separate probate filing if the decedent lived in Hillsborough County.
Pasco County Probate
Pasco County sits north of Hillsborough County. The Pasco County Clerk of Court handles probate cases for that county. New Port Richey and Dade City are the main cities. Wesley Chapel is in Pasco County, not Hillsborough County. Property in Pasco County may need a separate probate filing.
Polk County Probate
Polk County sits east of Hillsborough County. The Polk County Clerk of Court handles probate cases for that county. Lakeland and Winter Haven are the main cities. Property in Polk County may need a separate probate filing if the decedent lived in Hillsborough County.
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website provides statewide tools, news, and links to the official clerk portals for all 67 Florida counties including Hillsborough.
Contact and Visit Hillsborough County
People who need to visit the Hillsborough County probate court should plan their trip. The courthouse has security screening. Bring a valid photo ID. Plan for parking and possible wait times. The clerk’s office recommends calling ahead for case-specific questions.
Official Website: hillsclerk.com
Phone Number: (813) 276-8100
Address: 800 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Hillsborough County probate court records. The answers cover searches, fees, timelines, and the role of death certificates in probate cases. People who need help with a specific case should contact the clerk’s office or a licensed attorney for advice tailored to their situation.
How to search for a probate case in Hillsborough
Search online at hillsclerk.com using the decedent’s name. The public case search shows the case number, type, judge, and current status. Many case files have scanned documents you can view online. You can also visit the Tampa courthouse at 800 E Twiggs St to search in person. The clerk’s office has public terminals and staff who can pull physical files. Phone inquiries work for simple status checks. Call (813) 276-8100 during business hours to ask whether a probate case has been filed in Hillsborough County.
Are Hillsborough County probate records public?
Most probate records in Hillsborough County are public. Anyone can look at the case docket, wills, petitions, inventories, accountings, and court orders. A few sensitive documents may be sealed by court order, such as certain medical records in guardianship cases. Sealed records need a court order to open. Public access helps heirs, creditors, researchers, and the public track estate cases filed in Tampa. Sealed records are rare and only happen when a judge decides privacy outweighs public access.
Cost of a certified will copy
The Hillsborough County Clerk charges a per-page fee for copies and an extra fee for certification. The current fees are listed on the clerk’s website at hillsclerk.com. Call (813) 276-8100 to confirm the exact cost before requesting certified copies of a probated will. Most agencies require certified copies, not regular photocopies. Banks and title companies will not accept regular copies for legal use. Certified copies have a raised seal or stamp that proves they came from the official court record.
Do I need a death certificate to open a probate case?
Yes, a certified death certificate is required to open most probate cases in Hillsborough County. The clerk’s office will not accept a regular photocopy. Order the certified death certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or the county health department where the death occurred. Most certified copies arrive within a few weeks when ordered online or by mail. Tampa-area deaths can be ordered through the Hillsborough County Health Department for faster local pickup.
Can I search Hillsborough County probate records for free?
Yes, the online case search at hillsclerk.com is free. You can view case details and scanned documents without paying a fee. Copy fees and certification fees apply only when you need paper copies or certified documents. The clerk’s public terminals at the Tampa courthouse are also free to use. Bring a USB drive if you want to save digital copies of public records. Staff can show you how to use the terminals during your visit.
How long does formal probate take in Hillsborough County?
Formal administration takes at least six months under Florida law. The 90-day creditor claim period starts when the personal representative publishes notice in a Hillsborough County newspaper. After the claim period ends, the personal representative files the final accounting and asks the court to close the estate. Tampa’s busy probate docket can add extra time for hearings and filings. Most formal administration cases take eight to twelve months to complete from start to finish.
Florida death records for genealogy
FamilySearch.org has many Florida death records and obituaries for genealogy research. The Florida Statewide Death Index covers deaths from 1917 to the present. The Social Security Death Index covers deaths reported to the Social Security Administration. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville keeps the official state records. Pre-1909 death records are limited, but church and cemetery records may help with older research. Many of these sources are free to search online.