Hillsborough County Public Records
Public records are a cornerstone of a modern democratic society. Florida is known this with its strong public records laws, often referred to as "Sunshine Laws." This is no different in Hillsborough County, one of the largest counties in the state. Public records are useful for many reasons, both for official and government uses, but also for personal reasons.
Public records provide transparency and accountability in government and are often used for conducting a background check, researching property details, or verifying legal documents. In this guide we will go through the process of searching for Hillsborough County public records, highlight the types of records available, and explain what information is sealed for privacy reasons.
Types of Public Records Commonly Searched For
Publicly available information encompass a wide array of documents, many of which define who a person is. From vital records, to criminal records, there are a multitude of records that anyone can view online. Here are some of the most commonly searched for records.
1). Property Records: Information on property ownership, assessments, and taxes.
2). Court Records: Details of civil and criminal cases, judgments, and legal filings.
3). Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
4). Driving Records: Include driver license records, traffic citations, and DUIs
5). Business Licenses: Records of business registrations and licenses.
6). Official Government Documents: Meeting minutes, agendas, and other government publications.
7). Incarceration Records: Prison and Jail inmate records, and probation and parole orders
How to Search Hillsborough County Public Records
Accessing public records in Hillsborough County can be done a few different ways. You can make a formal public records inquiry through the respective government agencies. You can also use third party public record websites that harvest records from multiple resources to make your search efforts easier. Here's a step-by-step guide run a Hillsborough County public records search from the various government agencies.
Online Public Records Search: Many records can be accessed online through various government websites. Here’s how you can start your search:
1). County Clerk of Court & Comptroller: This office is a valuable resource for accessing court records. You can visit their website to search for civil, criminal, and traffic court records. Use their online search tool by entering the case number or names involved.
2). County Property Appraiser: To find property records, visit the Property Appraiser's website, self-help section. You can search by owner name, address, or parcel number to view property details, assessed values, and tax information.
3). Florida Department of Health: For vital records such as birth and death certificates, you can request copies through the Florida Department of Health's website. Note that some records may require proof of eligibility due to privacy laws.
4). County Tax Collector: For business licenses and tax-related records, check the Tax Collector’s website. They provide information on local business tax receipts and license renewals.
5). Florida FLHSMV: This agency is tasked with managing driving records, traffic citations and vehicle records. The provide an online platform to lookup publicly available driving and vehicle records.
In-Person Public Records Access: If you prefer to access records in person or cannot find what you need online, you can visit the relevant government offices. If a record is not readily available online or in person, you may need to submit a formal request. Under Florida law, you can request records via mail, email, or in person. Be sure to provide specific details about the record you seek, such as names, dates, and document types, to expedite the process.
Information Sealed for Privacy Reasons
While Florida's public records laws promote transparency, certain information is protected to safeguard privacy and security. Understanding what is sealed can help manage expectations when searching for information online.
Examples of Sealed Information:
Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors are typically sealed to protect their privacy.
Victim Information: Details about victims of certain crimes, such as domestic violence, are protected.
Social Security Numbers and Financial Information: These details are often redacted from public records to prevent identity theft and fraud.
Medical Records: Protected under privacy laws like HIPAA, medical records are not publicly accessible.
Requesting Access to Sealed Records
In some cases, access to sealed records may be granted under specific conditions, such as for legal proceedings or with the consent of the parties involved. If you believe you have a legitimate need to access sealed information, you may need to file a petition with the court or obtain written consent from the individual whose information is protected.
How Do I Access Hillsborough County Florida Public Records?
If you want to lookup someone's complete public records profile, use a public records website. This is a much faster way to search for publicly available information than searching each government agency. With a simple name search, you can quickly find every publicly recorded record for any person.
