Probate Resources for Hillsborough County & Tampa, FL
If you are managing an estate in Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, or Riverview, your probate process will primarily take place at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in downtown Tampa. Navigating the Florida probate system in Hillsborough County requires local expertise, specifically regarding the court’s strict inventory deadlines and the state’s mandatory attorney requirements for most cases.
This resource center provides the essential 2025 local contacts and Florida-specific rules you need to manage the property and settle the estate in Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough County Probate Court Information
The Probate/Guardianship Department of the Clerk’s office is responsible for processing all estate-related filings.
- Office Name: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court & Comptroller
- Clerk of Court: Hon. Victor D. Crist
- Primary Physical Address: George E. Edgecomb Courthouse 800 E. Twiggs Street, Room 101, Tampa, FL 33602
- Phone: (813) 276-8100
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Regional Access: For those in eastern Hillsborough, some probate-related services may also be accessible at the Plant City Courthouse (301 N. Michigan Ave, Room 1071) during regular business hours.
Florida Probate: Key 2025 Rules for Hillsborough County
- Mandatory Attorney: Per Florida law, almost every Personal Representative (Executor) must be represented by a licensed attorney for formal probate administrations.
- Deposit of Will: You must deposit the original Will with the Clerk of Court within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death.
- Summary Administration ($75,000 threshold): A simplified, faster probate process is available if the estate’s total value (excluding exempt property like the primary home) is $75,000 or less, or if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.
- Homestead Property: If the inherited house was the decedent’s primary residence, it often qualifies as “Protected Homestead,” shielding it from certain creditors while requiring a specific court petition to legally transfer the title to heirs.
Local Hillsborough Resources & Quick Links
- Official Website: Hillsborough Clerk – Probate/Guardianship Section
- Property Appraiser: Hillsborough County Property Appraiser (HCPA) (Use this to verify the current 2025 tax assessment and legal description of the inherited home).
- Tax Collector: Hillsborough County Tax Collector (Check for any outstanding property tax liens or delinquent payments before selling the estate property).
Selling an Inherited House in Hillsborough County?
Real estate in Tampa or Brandon is often the most significant part of an estate. Once the court issues your Letters of Administration, you have the legal authority to manage and move toward a sale.
Why Hillsborough County Executors work with Consistent Homebuyers:
- We Buy 100% “As-Is”: Whether it’s an older home in South Tampa or a property in Riverview that needs a deep clean, we buy exactly as the house sits today.
- Stop Ongoing Estate Costs: High property taxes and insurance can quickly drain an estate’s cash while waiting for a traditional sale. A fast cash sale stops these expenses immediately.
- Neighborhood Experts: We understand the local market across Tampa, Plant City, and Westchase, providing fair offers without the need for commissions or realtor fees.
Areas We Serve in Hillsborough County
We provide solutions for families across the county, including:
Need a Hand with the Logistics?
Probate can be expensive, confusing, and emotionally draining. If you are struggling to find a reputable local attorney, need help covering upfront estate costs (like attorney retainers, property taxes, or professional clean-out and moving expenses) before the house is sold—we are here to support you.
We have built a network of trusted probate professionals across Hillsborough County. We can connect you with experts who understand the 13th Judicial Circuit’s specific requirements and, in many cases, we can help provide financial solutions to move the estate forward and protect your inheritance.
Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm or financial institution. We do not provide legal or tax advice. We recommend all clients consult with their own legal counsel regarding estate matters.