This page helps you find Court Records in Hillsborough County, Florida and understand the main ways to search, view, and request case information. It points you to the official paths for case indexes, dockets, document images, and paper file viewing.

For most users, the starting point is HOVER from the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller. You can use it to search case records, check case progress, and review available document images based on your access level.

HOVER Case Search for Hillsborough County court records

HOVER is the main online tool for Hillsborough County court record searches. It offers public-facing search options for case records and related case details.

  • Case number or uniform case number
  • Citation number
  • Party or business name
  • Date range, court type, or case type
  • Court hearing lookup details

To begin, open search Hillsborough County court records. The search area includes options for party name, case number, date filed, court date, and citation number.

  • Open the Case Search tool.
  • Choose the search method that matches the information you have.
  • Review the case index and progress docket for the matching case.
  • Open available images if the record is not sealed or confidential.

Important: HOVER requires JavaScript to be enabled, and the site may ask you to clear your browser cache if pages do not load correctly.

Who can view Hillsborough County court records online

Access depends on your user role. Anonymous users can view non-confidential and non-sealed name indexes, progress dockets, and redacted images for cases, except Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile matters.

Registered users can view non-confidential and non-sealed name indexes, progress dockets, and redacted images for cases. Attorneys of record and self-represented litigants can view broader case information and un-redacted images on cases in which they appear, except where records are confidential or sealed by rule or court order.

Some criminal and civil cases involving sexual abuse may not have images available for remote viewing because of redaction and sensitivity limits.

Viewing documents and paper court files

You can view and print non-certified copies of Hillsborough County court documents at no charge through HOVER when images are available. Electronically certified copies can also be purchased online.

Paper case files can be ordered through HOVER for viewing at the Tampa or Plant City locations. If a case shows an option to order a paper file, you can choose the viewing location and enter your name and email address so you can be notified when the file is ready.

If you are not a party to the case, allow 4 business days for a paper file request so there is time for redaction. Paper case files are held for 10 business days from the date the file is received.

Note: If no images appear on the Events or Judgments tab, you may need to visit the office in person to view the record.

When search results are limited or a case does not appear

A “Case Not Found” message can mean the case number was entered incorrectly or the case is sealed. Access can also differ by user role, so you may see some cases or documents but not others.

If the document you need is not imaged or available for viewing, the Clerk can calculate copy costs after you submit a document copy request. For older paper files, HOVER may also show file location information or an option to order the paper file for viewing.

If the paper file button is not showing and you need file location or availability details, contact the Clerk before making a trip.

Technical and timing details

Once a document is filed and accepted by the Clerk, it is typically available in a reasonable amount of time. HOVER sessions reset after 30 minutes of inactivity.

The listed browser requirements include Chrome 97.0.4692.99 or newer, Firefox 96.0.3 or newer, and Microsoft Edge 97.0.1072.76 or newer. Java must also be enabled.

If you need to validate an electronically certified record after purchase, you can use the Clerk’s certified document validation page.

Clerk contact information for court records

Use these contacts for HOVER access issues, registration questions, and paper file availability.

  • Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller
    Phone: (813) 307-7180
    Email: hover@hillsclerk.com
  • Paper file availability help
    Email: filesordered@hillsclerk.com

Common questions

How do I search for court records in Hillsborough County, Florida?

Use HOVER Case Search to look up records by case number, uniform case number, citation number, party or business name, date range, court type, case type, or court hearing details.

Can I view Hillsborough County court documents online for free?

You can view and print non-certified copies at no charge when document images are available through HOVER. Electronically certified copies are available for purchase.

Why can’t I see some cases or documents?

Access depends on your role and on confidentiality rules. Sealed or confidential records are restricted, and some remotely viewable images are redacted.

What does “Case Not Found” usually mean?

It usually means the case number was entered incorrectly or the case is sealed.

How do I know whether a court file is in paper format?

After opening the case information, check the Events or File Location area. If the case shows the paper file ordering option, the file can be ordered for viewing at the Tampa or Plant City location.

What should I do if no images appear on the case?

If no images appear on the Events or Judgments tab, you may need to view the record in person at the Clerk’s office.

How long does a paper file request take?

If you are not a party to the case, allow 4 business days to complete the request so the file can go through the redaction process. Once received, paper case files are held for 10 business days.

Who do I contact if I have trouble with HOVER or registration?

Contact the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller at (813) 307-7180. For HOVER-related email help, use hover@hillsclerk.com.