Hillsborough Public Records

Nestled on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Hillsborough County is the fourth most populated county in the state. As of the 2010 census, Hillsborough County boasted a total population of 1,229,226. This area is home to its county seat Tampa, as well as a host of lovely state parks. With a founding date in 1834, the county also offers a long and illustrious piece of American history from the south. Discovering this history often begins with a Hillsborough County public records search that delves into the lives and deaths of the people who lived and worked in this area for nearly two centuries. When you begin to search public records in Hillsborough County, FL, it helps to know where these records are kept on file and what is required to find them and request copies.

Hillsborough County When you launch a Hillsborough public records search, keep these tips in mind:

Access to some public records in Hillsborough County is restricted to authorized individuals.

Locate birth and death records through the Hillsborough County Health Department.

Some records are available as early as 1865, but availability of records is inconsistent.

Records are available in person, by mail and by phone (some online access also available).

Fees are also assessed for certified copies and verified letters, check agency for appropriate amount.

Restricted Access for a Hillsborough County Public Records

Not all public records in Hillsborough County are available to the general public. For example, Hillsborough County birth certificates are restricted for a full 100 years to the individual on the certificate, immediate family members and authorized representatives of any of those individuals. Persons can also gain access to birth records by court order.

Hillsborough County death records follow similar restrictions for 50 years after the death, but also include individuals with an active interest in the death certificate due to insurance or other reasons. After the specified time frame has passed, these documents become available to the general public with no more access restrictions.

Where to Launch a Hillsborough County Public Records Search

Many of the public records in Hillsborough County, FL are available through the Hillsborough County Health Department. This agency serves as the central archive primarily for birth and death certificates. Birth and death records can also be found through the Hillsborough County government website, as well as marriage licenses and court records like divorce proceedings. The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Hillsborough County also provides copies of some documents, including death certificates, marriage records and real estate records.

Hillsborough County Public Records Online Offer Convenience

At this time, it is difficult to conduct an online public records search for Hillsborough County, since most of the records are not online at this time. The exception is Hillsborough County gov public records offered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, which offers an online tool to search for and request copies of documents. Despite the lack of online services, applications for public records in Hillsborough County can be downloaded online and then mailed or faxed to the appropriate government office.