Tampa City Probate Court Records are official files that show what happens to a person’s property, money, and debts after they die. These records live at the Hillsborough County Courthouse in downtown Tampa.
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts keeps them and lets the public look at most of them. Anyone can check these records to see if a probate case has been opened, what stage it is in, and who is handling the estate.
This page explains how to search Tampa probate case records online, what kinds of files exist, and what each type means. It also covers fees, filing steps, and where to get legal help in Tampa.
What Tampa City Probate Court Records Include
Probate court records in Tampa cover every step of handling a dead person’s estate. They start when someone files a petition to open a case. They end when the court closes the estate and gives a final discharge. Each file holds petitions, orders, notices, and the final decree.
Types of Cases You Will See
Most probate files in Tampa fall into three groups. Formal administration covers larger estates that need a personal representative. Summary administration handles smaller estates or those where the person died more than two years ago. Disposition without administration applies when the only assets are funds for final medical bills and funeral costs.
- Formal administration files for estates over $75,000
- Summary administration files for smaller or older estates
- Disposition files for simple medical and funeral claims
- Will deposit records for wills filed before probate opens
Who Can Look at These Records
Any member of the public can search Tampa probate case records. You do not need to be a family member, a lawyer, or a creditor. The court treats these files as public records under Florida law. The only exceptions are inventory forms, accountings, and certain sensitive filings the court seals by law.
Why People Search These Records
People search Tampa probate case records for many reasons. Heirs want to know if an estate has been opened. Creditors check whether to file a claim. Real estate buyers confirm property transfers. Genealogists track family history. Attorneys research prior rulings for their own cases.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts stores and manages all Tampa probate court records. Cindy Stuart holds the office of Clerk of Court. The probate division operates out of Room 202 on the second floor of the Hillsborough County Courthouse in downtown Tampa.
Office Location and Hours
The courthouse sits at 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. It is in the heart of downtown Tampa, close to bus lines and parking garages. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and on official state holidays.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk of Court | Cindy Stuart |
| Address | 800 E Twiggs St, Room 202, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone | (813) 276-8100 |
| Website | hillsclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 13th Circuit |
The 13th Judicial Circuit
Tampa probate cases stay inside the 13th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers only Hillsborough County. It does not reach Pinellas, Pasco, or Polk counties. If a Tampa resident owns property in another Florida county, that property may need a separate probate action there.
How to Search Tampa Probate Court Records Online
The fastest way to look up a probate case in Tampa is through the Hillsborough County Clerk’s online portal. The portal runs on the clerk’s main website. It lets you search by name, case number, or date range. Results load within seconds and show case type, parties, filing dates, and current status.
Searching by Decedent Name
Enter the last name and first name of the person who died. The system will pull up all probate cases tied to that name. You can narrow the list by year. The portal shows the case number, the personal representative if one has been named, and the judge assigned to the case.
Searching by Case Number
If you already have a case number, type it in the case number field. The format starts with the year, then the case type code, then a sequence number. A 2024 formal administration case might look like 2024-CP-001234. Case numbers help when you need a specific file fast.
Searching by Filing Date
The date search lets you look at all probate cases filed in a certain week, month, or year. This helps reporters, researchers, and lawyers who track new filings. The portal stores case data going back many years, though some very old files may not appear online.
Tampa Probate Case Status Updates
The clerk’s portal updates Tampa probate case status as new documents are filed. Each update shows the date, the type of document, and the party who filed it. You can track the case from petition to closing without visiting the courthouse.
Reading a Docket Entry
A docket entry is a single line on the case record. It lists the date, a short title of the paper filed, and who filed it. Common docket entries include “Petition for Administration,” “Letters of Administration,” “Inventory,” and “Order of Discharge.” These entries let you follow the case step by step.
Closed Versus Active Cases
The portal shows whether a case is open, closed, or inactive. An open case still has steps to complete. A closed case has received a final discharge from the court. Inactive cases often mean the personal representative stopped work and the court will dismiss the case after a long delay.
Tampa Probate Court Filings and Documents
Tampa probate court filings include petitions, orders, notices, and reports. Some filings stay public. Others stay sealed by Florida law. The clerk’s portal shows the title of each document and lets you view or buy copies of the public ones.
Public Documents
Public probate documents in Tampa include the petition to open the case, the will (once filed), the letters of administration, creditor notices, and the final discharge order. You can view most of these online. Some require a small fee per page.
Confidential Documents
Certain probate filings stay sealed in Tampa. The inventory of estate assets is not open to the public. Accountings filed by the personal representative are also sealed. Florida Statute section 733.604 keeps these records private to protect heirs and beneficiaries.
Will Deposit Filings
A will can be filed with the clerk before probate opens. Under Florida Statute section 732.901, the person holding the will must file it within 10 days of the testator’s death. This deposit does not open a probate case. It places the will in the public record so anyone can read it.
Tampa Probate Filing Fees and Copy Costs
Court filing fees in Tampa follow the Florida state fee schedule. The amount you pay depends on the type of case and the size of the estate. Copy fees are separate from filing fees.
Filing Fees by Case Type
Formal administration filing fees in Hillsborough County range from about $300 to over $1,000 based on estate value. Summary administration usually costs between $200 and $350. Disposition without administration often runs under $50. The clerk’s office gives the exact fee at the time of filing.
| Case Type | Typical Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration | $300 – $1,000+ |
| Summary Administration | $200 – $350 |
| Disposition Without Administration | Under $50 |
| Will Deposit | Small flat fee |
Copy and Certification Fees
Plain copies of probate documents cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each page after that. You can order copies at the clerk’s office, by mail, or through the online portal. Mail requests need a check payable to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts and a self-addressed envelope.
Attorney and Personal Representative Fees
Florida law sets attorney fees for probate work under section 733.6171. The fee scales with estate value. Personal representatives also earn a fee set by statute. These fees come out of the estate, not the heirs’ pockets. If you cannot pay the court filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver with the clerk.
The Probate Process for Tampa Estates
The Tampa probate process follows Florida law and local court rules. It starts with a petition and ends with a discharge. The timeline depends on the type of estate and whether anyone contests the case.
Opening the Estate
Someone files a petition for administration with the Hillsborough County probate court. The court reviews the petition, admits the will if one exists, and appoints a personal representative. The court then issues Letters of Administration. These letters give the representative the legal power to act for the estate.
Notifying Creditors
The personal representative must publish a notice to creditors in a local Hillsborough County newspaper. Creditors have three months from the first publication date to file a claim. Claims filed after the deadline are usually barred, with very narrow exceptions under Florida law.
Inventory and Accounting
The personal representative prepares an inventory of all estate assets and files it with the court. The inventory stays sealed under Florida law. Later, the representative files accountings showing money in and money out. These also stay sealed from the public.
Closing the Estate
After paying valid debts and resolving any disputes, the personal representative files a petition to close the estate. The court issues an order of discharge. The remaining assets pass to the heirs or beneficiaries named in the will or under Florida intestacy law.
Legal Help and Self-Help Resources in Tampa
You do not need a lawyer to file probate in Tampa, but most people benefit from one. The Florida court system offers free forms and self-help tools. Local legal aid groups help low-income residents. The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service.
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts website hosts approved probate forms at flcourts.gov. These forms work in every Florida county, including Hillsborough. The site also has step-by-step instructions for summary administration, formal administration, and will deposit.
Bay Area Legal Services
Bay Area Legal Services offers free civil legal help to qualifying low-income residents in Tampa. They handle some estate and probate matters, especially for surviving spouses, minor children, and elderly clients. Their main number is (813) 232-1343.
Hillsborough County Law Library
The law library inside the Hillsborough County Courthouse is open to the public. It stocks Florida probate statutes, practice guides, and form books. Library staff cannot give legal advice, but the collection covers most questions a self-represented filer might have.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Florida Bar operates a lawyer referral service at (800) 342-8011. The service connects you with licensed probate attorneys in Hillsborough County. Many attorneys in the program offer a low-cost first meeting so you can decide if you want to hire them.
Tampa Probate Records Online Access and Limits
Tampa probate records online access covers most active and recently closed cases. The clerk’s portal stores case data going back many years. Some limits apply to very old cases and to sealed records.
Records Available Online
Online access lets you see the case type, filing date, parties named, and docket entries. You can view many public documents directly in the portal. You can also order copies through the portal and pay with a credit card.
Records Only Available In Person
Very old Tampa probate cases may not appear online. These records may only exist in the clerk’s physical archives. To get them, you must visit the clerk’s office in Room 202 or send a written request by mail. The clerk charges a search fee for older files.
Privacy Rules and Sealed Records
Florida law seals certain probate records. Inventories, accountings, and some sensitive filings stay private. You cannot view these records even with a court order in most cases. The clerk’s portal marks sealed items so you know they exist but cannot be opened.
How to Get Help With Your Search
Most people can complete a Tampa probate records search on their own using the clerk’s online portal. If you hit a wall, several resources can help you move forward without paying high fees.
Contact the Clerk’s Office
Call the Hillsborough County Clerk’s office at (813) 276-8100 during business hours. The staff can answer questions about case status, filing fees, and copy costs. They cannot give legal advice, but they can point you to the right form or department.
Visit the Courthouse
You can visit Room 202 at the Hillsborough County Courthouse in person. The clerk’s staff can help you search the public terminals and pull older files from the archives. Bring a valid photo ID and the name or case number you are searching for.
Official Contact and Location
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts manages all Tampa probate court records. The office sits inside the Hillsborough County Courthouse in downtown Tampa. Public parking is available in nearby garages, and the office is close to major bus routes on East Twiggs Street.
Address: 800 E Twiggs St, Room 202, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100
Website: hillsclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers the most common questions people ask about Tampa City probate court records. The answers cover search methods, fees, timelines, and access rules. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and current Hillsborough County clerk procedures.
How do I search Tampa probate court records for free?
You can search Tampa probate court records for free using the Hillsborough County Clerk’s online portal at hillsclerk.com. The portal lets you look up cases by decedent name, case number, or filing date. You do not need an account or a fee to view basic case data. You only pay if you want to download or print copies of documents.
Can I view a Tampa probate file online if it is old?
Many old Tampa probate files do not appear in the online portal. The clerk’s office keeps physical records in its archives. To see an old file, visit Room 202 at the Hillsborough County Courthouse or send a written request by mail. The clerk charges a search fee for archive lookups. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit in person.
What does it cost to file a probate case in Tampa?
Filing fees in Hillsborough County depend on the case type. Formal administration usually costs between $300 and $1,000 based on estate value. Summary administration runs between $200 and $350. Disposition without administration costs under $50. The clerk gives the exact fee when you file your petition.
Are Tampa probate court records public?
Most Tampa probate court records are public under Florida law. Petitions, wills, letters of administration, and final orders are open to anyone. The clerk seals inventories, accountings, and certain sensitive filings. You cannot view sealed records even with a written request, unless a court order releases them.
How long does a Tampa probate case take to close?
A simple formal administration in Hillsborough County often closes in five to nine months. Summary administration wraps up in about four to six weeks once all documents are filed. Contested cases can take a year or more. The exact timeline depends on creditor claims, tax issues, and whether any heir challenges the will.
Can I search Tampa probate records by case number?
Yes. The Hillsborough County Clerk’s online portal accepts case number searches. A case number looks like 2024-CP-001234. The year comes first, then the case type code (CP for probate), then a sequence number. Case number searches are the fastest way to pull up a specific file.
Do I need a lawyer to file probate in Tampa?
Florida law does not require a lawyer for probate, but it helps in most formal administration cases. Summary administration for small estates is something many people handle on their own using forms from the Florida Courts website. For complex estates, hiring a probate attorney saves time and avoids costly errors.