Hillsborough County Courthouse

About the Hillsborough County Courthouse

The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court plays a vital role in the local justice system, serving as the official custodian of court records and the entity responsible for processing bail and bond payments. Operating within the 13th Judicial Circuit of Florida—which exclusively serves Hillsborough County and its county seat of Tampa—the Clerk ensures that all legal filings, case dockets, and financial transactions related to criminal charges are accurately documented and maintained.

Under Florida law, individuals who have been arrested must receive a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of their arrest. During this critical initial hearing, a judge reviews the arrest report to determine if probable cause exists, officially informs the defendant of the charges, and establishes the conditions of release, which often includes setting a specific bail amount. The Clerk's office records these judicial decisions, allowing defendants and their families to proceed with securing release.

Posting Bail in Hillsborough County

Once a judge sets a bail amount, you can secure a release by posting the full cash amount directly with the court or jail, or by utilizing a licensed bail bond agent. A bail bondsman typically charges a non-refundable fee—standardized at ten percent in Florida—to post a surety bond, allowing the defendant to be released quickly while guaranteeing their future court appearances.

How to Post Bail at Hillsborough County Courthouse

There are several ways to post bail in Hillsborough County:

• Through a bail bondsman (most common) — Pay 10% of the bail amount to a licensed agent. Call QuickBail at (941) 477-6888 for 24/7 service. This is the fastest method.
• Cash bond at the Clerk's office — Pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier's check, or money order at the Clerk of Court during business hours. The full amount is returned (minus fees) when the case concludes.
• Property bond — Use real property as collateral. Requires property appraisal and court approval. Takes longer to process.
• Surety bond — Posted through a licensed insurance company. Same as a bail bond but directly through the insurer.

Bail Payment Tips

• The Clerk's office typically accepts: cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and some credit cards
• Personal checks are usually NOT accepted for bail payments
• After-hours bail posting requires a bail bondsman — the Clerk's office is closed evenings/weekends
• Bond amounts are set by the judge or per the county's bail schedule

Hillsborough County Jail

Defendants arrested in Hillsborough County are booked into the Hillsborough County jail. For detailed jail information including inmate search, visitation hours, and bail schedules:

Cities in Hillsborough County