Hillsborough County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Hillsborough County, encompassing Tampa, Brandon, and Plant City, operates within the 13th Judicial Circuit. Probate in this circuit is heavily specialized; unlike smaller counties, Hillsborough utilizes multiple dedicated probate divisions and a “paperless” electronic workflow that requires precise digital filing and specific administrative identifiers.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we help families manage the complexities of the Tampa and Plant City court systems. For a detailed breakdown of state requirements, visit our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. We offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested Hillsborough County cases, providing your family with total financial certainty in 2026.

🏛️ Hillsborough County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Hillsborough County has two primary locations for probate services. While filings are digital, the Clerk’s staff is available at both the Edgecomb Courthouse and the Plant City Courthouse.

• Main Probate Office: George Edgecomb Courthouse
• Address: 800 E. Twiggs Street, Room 101, Tampa, FL 33602
• Plant City Address: 301 N. Michigan Ave, Room 1071, Plant City, FL 33563
• Clerk of Court: Cindy Stuart
• Probate Department Phone: (813) 276-8100
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

[!IMPORTANT]

Will Deposit Rule: In Hillsborough County, original Wills should be mailed to P.O. Box 3360, Tampa, FL 33601 or delivered in person. The court requires an Acknowledgment of Venue form to accompany any Will filed. Our firm handles this filing and ensures the Clerk dockets the Will immediately to avoid delays.

⚖️ 13th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures

The 13th Circuit is highly structured, with specific divisions based on the case type and location.

• Judicial Divisions (2026):
  • Division A: The Honorable Catherine M. Catlin (Edgecomb Courthouse)
  • Division B: The Honorable Caroline Tesche Arkin (Administrative Judge)
  • Division W: The Honorable Jeffrey M. Rich (Plant City Courthouse)
• Paperless Mandate: Hillsborough is a leader in electronic courtrooms. All proposed orders must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in Word format. Hard copies are strictly rejected.
• Motion Identifiers: Under Administrative Order S-2010-091, every proposed order must include a specific “Petition or Motion Identifier” below the title to ensure it is routed to the correct judicial assistant.
• Affidavit of Heirs: In all intestate cases (where there is no Will), the court requires a formal Affidavit of Heirs to be filed before any Letters of Administration are issued.
• Virtual Appearances: Judge Catlin and Judge Tesche Arkin utilize Zoom for most routine hearings. Our firm leverages this to handle your case remotely, saving you time and travel expenses.

💰 2026 Hillsborough County Probate Filing Fees

Standard court costs for the 13th Judicial Circuit (as of early 2026):

❓ Hillsborough County Probate FAQ

Can I file a “Stand-Alone” Homestead Petition?

Generally, no. In Hillsborough County, a Petition to Determine Homestead must be filed within an open Summary or Formal Administration. The court needs a case number and a verified inventory or petition before it will rule on the protected status of a Tampa or Brandon home.

How long does probate take in Tampa?

Because of the high volume of cases, Summary Administrations typically take 4–8 weeks, while Formal Administrations average 6–12 months. Our firm works directly with the judicial assistants in Divisions A, B, and W to ensure your paperwork is processed as quickly as the court calendar allows.

What is the “Flat-Fee” model?

Probate in a major metro area like Tampa can be expensive if billed hourly. We offer a fixed flat fee for all uncontested matters. This covers everything from the initial filing to the final discharge of the Personal Representative, providing you with a clear budget from the start.

Who can serve as a Personal Representative in Hillsborough?

You must be a Florida resident OR a close family member (blood relative/spouse) to serve. If you are out of state, our firm can help you qualify and manage the estate without requiring you to fly into TPA for court dates.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?

The 13th Circuit is no place for “DIY” probate. The technical requirements for E-Portal submissions and specific judicial preferences are complex.

• Major Metro Expertise: We navigate the high-volume environment of the Tampa court system daily.
• Flat-Fee Value: We preserve the estate’s value by avoiding the high hourly rates common in the Tampa Bay area.
• Technology First: We are fully integrated with the 13th Circuit’s paperless systems, ensuring faster filings and quicker results.