Hillsborough County deed records are public files that show who owns real property in Hillsborough County, Florida. These records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds filed with the county clerk.
Anyone can search Hillsborough County deed records online through the Clerk of Court official records portal. The records show the grantor (seller), grantee (buyer), recording date, legal description, and document type.
Who Records Deeds in Hillsborough County
Deeds in Hillsborough County are recorded by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court & Comptroller. This office keeps all real property records for the county. Florida law under section 28.222 gives county clerks the job of recording and indexing official records. The clerk’s office maintains a central database that the public can search by name, parcel number, or document type.
Clerk of Court Office Location
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court main office sits at 601 East Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa, Florida. The office handles recording, certified copies, and eRecording services for the entire county. You can visit in person, mail requests, or use the online portal for most needs.
Office Hours and Phone Contact
The recording office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. The main phone line is (813) 276-8100. You can also reach the official records department directly through the clerk’s website.
How to Search Hillsborough County Deed Records
You can search Hillsborough County deed records through the official online portal at hillsclerk.com. The portal gives free name searches and paid image access. You can also visit the clerk’s office in person or send a written request by mail. Each method works best for different situations.
Online Search by Name
The online portal lets you search by grantor or grantee name. Type the full name into the search box and pick a date range. The system returns a list of matching records with book and page numbers. Each result shows the recording date, document type, and party names.
Search by Parcel Number
A parcel number search gives the most accurate results. The parcel ID comes from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. Enter the parcel number into the official records portal to see all recorded deeds for that property. This method works well when you need full ownership history.
Search by Property Address
You can also search by street address through the property appraiser’s website first. Once you find the parcel number, switch to the clerk’s portal for deed records. This two-step process helps when you only know the address.
Types of Deeds in Hillsborough County
Florida law recognizes several deed types that appear in Hillsborough County records. Each deed type serves a different purpose and offers different levels of title protection. Knowing the deed type helps you read records correctly.
Warranty Deeds
A warranty deed is the most common deed in Florida real estate sales. The grantor promises the title is clear of all defects. This deed gives the buyer the strongest title protection. Most home sales use a general warranty deed.
Special Warranty Deeds
A special warranty deed only covers the time the seller owned it. The grantor only promises no defects arose during their ownership. This type often appears in commercial sales or bank-owned property transfers.
Quitclaim Deeds
A quitclaim deed transfers any interest the grantor has without any promises. Courts often use this deed type for divorce settlements, name corrections, or family transfers. It offers no title protection to the grantee.
Other Recorded Documents
The clerk also records mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, liens, easements, and tax deeds. These documents affect property ownership even though they are not deeds. Always check for mortgages and liens when reviewing property history.
| Deed Type | What It Does | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| General Warranty Deed | Grantor guarantees clear title for all time | Standard home sales |
| Special Warranty Deed | Grantor guarantees title only during their ownership | Commercial sales, bank sales |
| Quitclaim Deed | Transfers any present interest with no guarantee | Divorce, family transfers, corrections |
| Trustee’s Deed | Transfers property from a trust or estate sale | Foreclosure, estate sales |
Recording Fees and Costs in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County charges fees for recording deeds and providing certified copies. Florida statutes set standard recording fees that all counties follow. Knowing the costs helps you plan your recording budget.
Standard Recording Fees
The first page of a deed costs $10 to record in Hillsborough County. Each additional page costs $8.50. These fees match the statewide standard under Florida recording law. Additional fees apply for doc stamps and intangible taxes on most transfers.
Documentary Stamp Tax
Florida charges documentary stamp tax on most real estate transfers. The rate is $0.70 per $100 of value for deeds. The clerk collects this tax at recording. The tax applies to warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds when value is stated.
Intangible Tax
Mortgages recorded in Hillsborough County trigger intangible tax at $0.002 per dollar of the mortgage. The clerk collects this tax along with recording fees. Some mortgage types are exempt from intangible tax.
Certified Copy Fees
A certified copy of a recorded deed costs $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. You can order certified copies online, by mail, or in person. Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and serve as legal proof of the document.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Deed
You can request a certified copy of any recorded deed in Hillsborough County. Certified copies are needed for legal proceedings, title insurance, and property sales. Several methods work for getting these copies.
Online Certified Copy Requests
The clerk’s official records portal allows online certified copy orders. Search for the document, add it to your cart, and pay the fee. The system emails you a digital certified copy or mails a paper copy based on your choice.
In-Person Requests
Visit the clerk’s office at 601 East Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa. Bring the book and page number or document details. The staff will pull the document and provide a certified copy the same day in most cases.
Mail Requests
Send a written request to the clerk’s office with the document details. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process. Include a phone number in case staff need to reach you.
eRecording Services in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County accepts electronic recording through approved vendors. eRecording speeds up the recording process and reduces errors. Title companies and law firms use this method most often.
Approved eRecording Vendors
The clerk accepts submissions through Simplifile, CSC, and other state-approved vendors. These vendors charge separate fees for their services. Documents submitted by 5:00 PM on business days get recorded the same day in most cases.
Benefits of eRecording
eRecording eliminates mail time and physical trips to the office. Documents get recorded faster and with fewer rejections. You receive electronic confirmation when the recording completes. This method works best for title professionals with regular recording needs.
Hillsborough County Cities and Deed Records
Deed records for all cities in Hillsborough County are kept in one central system. You do not need to search city offices for property records. The county clerk maintains records for Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Town ‘n’ Country, Plant City, and all other cities and unincorporated areas.
Tampa Deed Records
Tampa property deeds are recorded at the county clerk’s office, not Tampa City Hall. Tampa city offices handle zoning and permits, not deed recording. All Tampa deeds appear in the same Hillsborough County official records database.
Other Cities and Communities
Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, and Town ‘n’ Country are all unincorporated areas or cities within Hillsborough County. Their deeds are recorded the same way. The property appraiser assigns parcel numbers that work across the whole county.
Document Requirements for Recording
Florida law sets specific requirements for documents to be recorded. Hillsborough County follows these standards to accept deeds for recording. Failing to meet requirements causes rejections.
Signature and Notarization
All deeds must have the grantor’s signature. The deed must be signed in front of a notary public. The notary must complete the acknowledgment section with their seal. Electronic signatures are accepted when properly notarized.
Legal Description Requirement
The deed must include a legal description of the property. A street address alone does not meet the requirement. The legal description can come from a prior deed, survey, or plat. Recording a deed without a legal description causes rejection.
Grantor and Grantee Names
Both grantor and grantee names must appear on the deed. Names must be spelled clearly and match prior records. Include mailing addresses for both parties to help with future tax and notice mailings.
Return Address
The deed must show a return address for the recorded document. This address tells the clerk where to mail the original after recording. Without a return address, the recording may be delayed.
Florida Recording Statutes
Florida statutes control how deeds get recorded in Hillsborough County. These laws apply to all 67 Florida counties. Knowing the key statutes helps you understand recording rules.
Florida Statute Chapter 695
Chapter 695 covers recording requirements for instruments affecting real property. This law lists what documents must contain to be recorded. It also covers the effects of recording on title disputes.
Florida Statute Chapter 119
Chapter 119 is Florida’s public records law. This law guarantees public access to recorded deeds. It also covers redaction rules for personal information. The clerk must follow these rules when providing records.
Florida Statute Section 28.222
Section 28.222 sets the duties of county clerks for official records. It lists the types of documents clerks must record. It also sets the standards for indexing and storing records.
Common Issues When Searching Deed Records
Users often run into problems when searching Hillsborough County deed records. Knowing the common issues helps you avoid delays and get the records you need.
Name Search Variations
Name searches work best with full legal names. Nicknames or shortened names may miss records. Try variations with and without middle names. Older records may use different name formats.
Date Range Limits
The portal allows searches within date ranges. Very wide date ranges return too many results. Very narrow ranges may miss the deed you need. Start with a 10-year range and adjust as needed.
Image Access Costs
Viewing document images costs $1 per page after the first page. Free searches only show index data. Plan a small budget for image access when researching multiple documents.
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Connection
The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser works with the clerk’s office but keeps separate records. The appraiser handles property values, ownership data, and parcel maps. The clerk handles deed recording and document images.
Finding Parcel Numbers
Use the property appraiser’s website to find parcel numbers by address or owner name. The parcel number links appraiser records to clerk deed records. This link helps you track complete property history.
Ownership Updates
The property appraiser updates ownership records based on recorded deeds. There is often a delay between recording and appraiser updates. The clerk’s records are the official source for ownership transfers.
Historical Deed Records
Hillsborough County keeps deed records going back many decades. Older records may exist in book and page format. These records are being digitized over time.
Book and Page System
Older Florida deeds use a book and page numbering system. The clerk assigned each recorded deed a book number and page number. These numbers appear in the online index for older records.
Online Historical Access
The online portal includes many historical records. Records from the 1900s and later are often available. Some very old records may only exist at the clerk’s office in physical books.
Free vs Paid Search Options
Hillsborough County deed records offer both free and paid search options. Free searches show basic index data. Paid access shows document images and certified copies.
What Free Searches Show
Free searches return grantor and grantee names, recording dates, document types, and book and page numbers. This data is enough to confirm a deed was recorded. You may not need image access for basic research.
When You Need Paid Access
You need paid access when you need to read the actual deed text. This includes the legal description, signature details, and any exceptions. Title searches and legal research usually require paid image access.
Contact Information for Hillsborough County Clerk
Official Website: https://www.hillsclerk.com/official-records Phone: (813) 276-8100 Address: 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602 Recording Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Official Records Search Portal: https://www.hillsclerk.com/official-records Florida Court Clerks Directory: https://www.flclerks.com/ MyFloridaCounty Records: https://www.myfloridacounty.com/official_records/index.html
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsborough County Deed Records
These questions cover common issues users face when searching Hillsborough County deed records. Each answer gives clear steps based on current Florida recording rules and Hillsborough County clerk procedures.
How long does it take to record a deed in Hillsborough County?
Most deeds recorded through eRecording get processed within one business day. Paper deeds mailed to the clerk take 5 to 10 business days for processing. Documents with errors take longer because the clerk must return them for correction. Same-day recording is possible for in-person submissions at the Tampa office before 4:00 PM on business days.
Can I search Hillsborough County deed records for free?
Yes, basic name searches are free through the clerk’s online system. You can search by grantor or grantee name without paying. Free searches show recording dates, document types, and party names. You pay only when you want to view or download document images.
What is the difference between the clerk and the property appraiser?
The clerk records deeds and keeps document images. The property appraiser tracks ownership, values, and parcel data. The clerk’s records are the official proof of ownership transfer. The appraiser’s records use clerk data to update tax rolls.
How do I find out who owns a property in Hillsborough County?
Search the property appraiser’s website by address first. The appraiser shows current ownership and tax data. For recorded deed history, search the clerk’s portal using the parcel number from the appraiser site. The clerk shows all recorded transfers.
What if I cannot find a deed in the online system?
Try different name spellings and wider date ranges. Check if the deed was recorded under a different name format. For very old records, contact the clerk’s office directly. Some pre-1900 records may not be in the online database.
Are Hillsborough County deed records available to the public?
Yes, all recorded deeds are public records under Florida law. Anyone can search, view, and request copies. Some personal information like Social Security numbers gets redacted before public access. Most deed data shows up in searches without restriction.
Can I get a deed recorded without a lawyer in Florida?
Yes, Florida allows property owners to record their own deeds. The deed must meet all statutory requirements for recording. Many people use title companies for sales but record simple quitclaim deeds on their own. The clerk checks documents for required elements before accepting them for recording.