Search Brandon Court Records

Brandon court records are managed by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court in Tampa. Brandon is an unincorporated community in Hillsborough County, so all court filings go through the county clerk's office at 800 E. Twiggs Street.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court

Brandon does not have its own courthouse or clerk's office. As an unincorporated part of Hillsborough County, all court records for Brandon residents are filed with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. The main office is in Tampa, about 15 minutes west of Brandon.

The clerk handles every type of court record. Civil cases, criminal cases, family law, probate, and traffic tickets all go through this office. Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, these records are public. Anyone can ask to see them. You do not need to live in Brandon or even in Florida to look up a case.

The Hillsborough County Clerk website is where Brandon residents start when looking for court records online.

The site has links to court records, official records, jury duty, and other services. Brandon residents use the same tools and portals as everyone else in Hillsborough County.

Search Court Records for Brandon

The HOVER portal is the online tool for searching court records that involve Brandon residents. HOVER stands for Hillsborough Online Viewing and Electronic Records. You can search by name, case number, or date range.

The system is free to search. No account needed for basic lookups. You can check case status, view docket entries, and see scheduled court dates. HOVER covers all case types filed in Hillsborough County, which includes every case that comes out of Brandon.

Certified copies cost $1 per page. You can get them from the clerk's office in Tampa or by mail. The clerk also offers electronic copies through the website. Per Florida Statute 119.0714, personal data like social security numbers and bank account numbers are removed from online records. This happens automatically for Brandon cases and all other Hillsborough County cases.

If your search brings back too many results, try adding a middle name or a date range. The HOVER system works around the clock. You can search from home at any hour, which saves Brandon residents a drive to the Tampa courthouse.

Family Law Records

Family court cases for Brandon residents are filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit. This covers divorce, child custody, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence matters. The clerk's family law page has details on filing steps, required forms, and fees.

Brandon residents who need to file family law papers can do so at the Tampa courthouse or through the e-filing portal. Some family records have access limits. Child dependency files are confidential by law. Domestic violence injunctions are public, but the court may keep certain details out of the public file to protect victims.

Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 spells out the rules on sealing and making records confidential. If a judge seals a case involving a Brandon resident, it will not appear in a public search on HOVER.

Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases from Brandon are heard in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Tampa. Felony charges go to circuit court. Misdemeanors stay in county court. The clerk keeps records for both.

You can look up criminal case records for Brandon through the HOVER portal. Searches show charges, court dates, and case outcomes. Arrest records and jail booking data come from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, not the clerk.

Per Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14, the clerk can post court document images online. Sealed or expunged records are excluded. Brandon residents who have had a case sealed or expunged should not see those records in a public search. If they do appear, contact the clerk's office to have the issue fixed.

Court Resources for Brandon Residents

Brandon residents can file court documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. E-filing is required for attorneys. Self-represented parties can also use it. The portal runs 24/7. Court fees still apply even though filing is free.

The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers site links all 67 county clerks in the state. You can pay traffic fines, look up records, or check on jury duty. For Brandon, the site connects you to the Hillsborough County Clerk.

The Florida Courts Help center has free self-help guides and court forms. People who cannot afford a lawyer can find step-by-step instructions for filing common case types. The MyFloridaCounty.com portal lets you pay court fees and fines online. This is handy for Brandon residents who want to handle things without going to the Tampa courthouse.

The records and reports page on the clerk's site gives access to official records like deeds, liens, and recorded judgments. These are separate from court case records but still public. Brandon residents can search these records online for free.

Getting Copies of Court Records

There are a few ways to get court records for Brandon cases. Online is the quickest option. Use HOVER for case records. Use the records and reports tool for official records. Both are free to search.

In person, you need to go to the main courthouse in Tampa at 800 E. Twiggs Street. There is no branch office in Brandon itself. Plan for a short drive. The office is open weekdays during regular business hours. Bring a photo ID if you want certified copies.

You can also send a request by mail. Write to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court at the Tampa address. Include the case number or the full names of parties. Add payment for copies. Allow a week or two for processing and return mail. Brandon is part of Hillsborough County, and all records requests go through the one clerk's office.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Brandon in the Tampa Bay area. Court records for each city are handled by their county clerk.