Hills County divorce decree records are official court files that prove a marriage has legally ended in Hillsborough County, Florida. These records are kept by the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Anyone can look up basic case data online. Certified copies need a direct request to the clerk office. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit handles all family law matters for this county. Tampa is the main county seat where most divorce cases are filed and decided.
What Are Hills County Divorce Decree Records
A divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage. It lists the names of both spouses, the date of the final judgment, and all orders about property, children, and support. These records are public court files. They stay on file at the county courthouse where the case was heard. People need them for name changes, remarriage, tax matters, and legal proof of single status.
Definition of a Divorce Decree
A divorce decree is a written order signed by a circuit court judge. It marks the legal end of a marriage. The decree includes the case number, the names of the petitioner and respondent, the date the judge signed the order, and the terms of the settlement. In Florida, this document is sometimes called a “final judgment of dissolution of marriage.” Both names appear on the decree, even if only one spouse filed the case.
Why These Records Matter
People need a copy of a divorce decree for many legal and personal reasons. Banks and lenders often ask for a certified copy before removing a former spouse from a loan. The Social Security Administration requires it for a name change. A new marriage cannot take place without proof that a prior marriage ended. Insurance companies, employers, and government agencies also ask for certified decrees to update records.
Who Maintains These Records
The Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all divorce decrees filed in the county. The clerk office is the official record keeper for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. This office is different from the Florida Department of Health, which handles birth and death certificates. The clerk office stores case files, indexes them by name, and issues certified copies to the public.
How to Search Hills County Divorce Records
Searching for divorce records in Hillsborough County starts with the clerk’s online tools. The clerk runs a free public search system that works around the clock. Users can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The system shows basic case data, hearing dates, and a list of filed documents. To see the full decree, users need to order a copy through the clerk.
Online Search via Clerk Portal
The official search portal is called HOVER. It lives on the Hillsborough County Clerk website. Users can access it through the Records and Reports page. The portal is free to use. No account is needed for a basic search. Users see a list of matching cases with party names, case numbers, filing dates, and judge names. A paid subscription is needed to view full document images.
Search by Party Name
Name-based searches work best with full legal names. The system can also search by last name only, which is useful when the spouse’s first name is unknown. Results may show several cases for people with the same name. Users should check the date of birth or middle name to confirm the right match. The clerk office can help confirm a match if details are unclear.
Search by Case Number
A case number search is the fastest way to find a specific file. The case number starts with “DR” for divorce, followed by a year code and a sequence number. For example, a 2024 divorce might be filed as DR-2024-001234. The case number appears on every court order in the file. People who have a copy of any prior order can use that number to pull up the full docket.
Search by Date Range
Date range searches help when only the filing year is known. Users can set a start date and end date in the portal. The system shows every divorce case filed in that window. This tool helps people who know roughly when a divorce was final but lost other details. A narrow date range gives cleaner results.
Requesting Certified Copies of Decrees
A certified copy of a divorce decree has an official court seal and a clerk signature. This stamped copy carries full legal weight. Most agencies and courts will not accept a plain printout. The clerk office offers three ways to request a certified copy: in person, by mail, or online. Each method has its own processing time and fee.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in requests are the fastest option. The main clerk office is in the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. The family law office is in Room 101 and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID. A certified copy costs fifteen dollars each, payable by cash, check, money order, or card.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests work for people who live far from Tampa. The mailing address is PO Box 3249, Tampa, FL 33601. The request letter should include both full legal names, the case number if known, the year of divorce, and a copy of a valid photo ID. A check or money order for fifteen dollars per copy should be made out to the Clerk of Court. Mail requests can take several weeks to process.
Online Certified Copy Requests
The clerk office accepts online certified copy orders through a separate portal. Users create a free account, search for the case, and place an order. The system charges the standard fifteen dollar fee plus a small card processing fee. Online orders are mailed to the address on file. Some documents can be downloaded as a certified electronic copy for an extra fee.
Fees and Payment Methods
The standard fee for a certified divorce decree in Hillsborough County is fifteen dollars per copy. Additional pages or extra documents may cost more. Florida statute section 28.24 sets the maximum fees that county clerks can charge. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards in person. Online orders are paid by card only. Mailing address checks should be made out to “Clerk of Circuit Court.”
Hills County Clerk Office Locations
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court has three main office locations across the county. Each office handles records, filings, and copy requests for that part of the county. The main office in Tampa is the largest and processes the most family law cases. Branch offices in Plant City and Brandon offer the same core services for residents who live closer to those areas.
Tampa Main Office
The main clerk office is at 419 Pierce Street, Room 140, Tampa, FL 33602. This building houses the main records department and the family law division. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Tampa office processes the highest volume of divorce cases in the county. The main courthouse for family law hearings is the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 E. Twiggs Street.
Plant City Branch
The Plant City branch is at 301 N. Michigan Avenue, Plant City, FL 33563. This office serves residents in eastern Hillsborough County. It offers the same records and copy services as the main office. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The branch can accept filings, take requests, and issue certified copies on site.
Brandon Branch Office
The Brandon branch sits at 311 Pauls Drive, Suite 110, Brandon, FL 33511. This office covers the eastern suburbs of Tampa. Visitors can request certified copies and file new family law papers here. The branch shares the same weekday hours as the other offices. Staff can search case files, print documents, and accept payment for records requests.
Florida Divorce Filing Process in Hills
People who need to file for divorce in Hillsborough County must follow Florida family law rules. The process starts with the right forms. Forms are filed with the clerk and then served on the other spouse. Local court rules add a few extra steps beyond state law. The family law division of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit hears all divorce cases filed in the county.
Required Forms for Filing
Florida requires a set of standard family law forms for every divorce. These forms come from the Florida Courts website. Key forms include Form 12.901 for the petition, Form 12.902 for financial disclosure, and Form 12.910 for the summons. Couples with minor children must also file Form 12.902(c) on parental responsibilities. All forms must be filled out completely before filing.
Filing Fees and Costs
The filing fee for a divorce in Hillsborough County is between 408 and 419 dollars. The exact amount depends on the type of case and current fee schedules. A fee waiver may be available for low-income filers. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, or card at the time of filing. A separate fee is charged for the summons, which is paid later in the case.
Service of Process
After filing, the petition must be served on the other spouse. The clerk issues a summons that the sheriff or a private process server delivers. Service proves the other side knew about the case. The filing spouse cannot serve the papers themselves. After service, the server files a proof of service form with the clerk. The case cannot move forward until service is complete.
Access Rules and Privacy for Records
Florida makes most court records public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Divorce decrees fall under this public records law. Anyone can see basic case data and order a copy of the decree. Some sensitive information can be sealed by court order. Parties who want to keep their records private must file a motion and show good cause.
Are Divorce Records Public
Yes, divorce records are public records in Florida. The clerk must allow public access under state law. Anyone can search the docket and order a certified copy. The names of both spouses, the case number, and the terms of the final decree are all open to the public. Financial records filed in the case may also be public unless sealed by the judge.
Sealing Divorce Records
A judge can seal a divorce file on a case-by-case basis. The party asking for sealing must file a written motion and explain why privacy is needed. Common reasons include threats, safety concerns, or sensitive financial data. Sealing is not automatic and not granted for every request. A sealed file can only be opened by a new court order.
Official Contact and Resources
People who need help with divorce records can reach the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court by phone, email, mail, or in person. The main customer service line connects to all three office locations. Email requests are accepted for public records questions. The clerk website has forms, fee schedules, and the online search portal. For vital records like marriage certificates, the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County can help at (813) 307-8002.
Official contact details for the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court are listed below for easy reference.
- Office: Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Address: 419 Pierce Street, Room 140, Tampa, FL 33602
- Mailing: PO Box 3249, Tampa, FL 33601
- Phone: (813) 276-8100
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Main Courthouse: George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
- Family Law Office: Room 101, Edgecomb Courthouse
- Website: hillsclerk.com
- Online Records Search: publicaccess.hillsclerk.com
- Vital Records Phone: (813) 307-8002
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common issues people face when they need a divorce decree from Hillsborough County. The answers below reflect the latest rules and contact paths available through the clerk office. People with unique cases should call the clerk directly for the most accurate guidance. State law and local court rules can change over time, so checking with the clerk before placing an order is always a good idea.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy?
In-person requests are often ready the same day if the file is on site. Mail requests can take two to four weeks depending on the post office and clerk workload. Online orders through the certified copy portal usually process within five business days. The clerk office may take longer if the case is very old and stored off site. Ordering well ahead of any deadline gives the best chance of getting the copy on time. People who need a copy for an emergency can visit the Tampa office in person and ask for a same-day rush.
What If the Divorce Records Are Missing?
Old divorce files may be stored off site or digitized under a different case index. The clerk office can pull the file even if it is not on the main system. People with missing records should contact the clerk with both full names and the year of divorce. The clerk search team can look up older indexes by hand. If the case was sealed or expunged, the clerk will explain the steps needed to unseal the file before any copy can be issued. Some very old files from before 1970 may need a state-level search through the Florida Department of Health.
Can Someone Else Get a Copy of My Decree?
Yes, divorce decrees are public records. Any adult can order a certified copy through the clerk office. The clerk does not require proof of relationship to issue the copy. People who want to keep their divorce private must ask the court to seal the file. A sealed file can only be opened by a new court order. A motion to seal must show good cause and may not be granted in every case.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Certified Copy?
No, a lawyer is not needed to order a certified copy. The clerk office handles requests from any member of the public. People who only need a copy of an old decree do not need legal help. A lawyer is useful for people who need to change or challenge the terms of the decree. For a simple copy request, the clerk walk-in, mail, or online process works for most people.
What Is the Difference Between a Divorce Decree and a Divorce Certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage and lists all terms. A divorce certificate is a shorter state-issued document that shows only the fact of divorce. The decree comes from the county clerk where the case was heard. The certificate comes from the Florida Department of Health or the Bureau of Vital Statistics. A certified copy of the decree is what most agencies want for legal proof.
Can I Search Divorce Records by Name for Free?
Yes, the HOVER online portal is free for basic name searches. Users see party names, case numbers, and hearing dates at no cost. Viewing the full document image requires a paid subscription. The clerk office also helps with free in-person searches during business hours. Free name search works best when the full legal name of either spouse is known.
What Forms Are Needed to File for Divorce in Hillsborough County?
Florida requires the standard family law forms from the Florida Courts website. Form 12.901 is the petition. Form 12.902 covers financial disclosure. Form 12.910 is the summons. Couples with children also need Form 12.902(c) on parental responsibility. The local family law division may require extra local forms that are listed on the clerk website.