Hillsborough County probate help.

Clerk and filing

E-filing and records search

• Certified death certificates, the Oath of Personal Representative with Designation of Resident Agent and Acceptance, and the Oath of Guardian with Designation of Resident Agent and Acceptance can be filed through the E-Filing Portal; the clerk probate page says the originals do not have to be mailed to the clerk or the judge. hillsclerk.com
• The clerk's e-filing FAQ lists wills, codicils and separate writings, oaths of the personal representative and guardian, deeds, mortgages, bonds, commissions, authenticated and exemplified copies, death certificates and credit reports as documents to deliver to the clerk for safekeeping. hillsclerk.com
• Judges' pages for Divisions A, B, O, U and W say certified copies of death certificates and the Oath of Personal Representative with Designation of Resident Agent and Acceptance can be e-filed and should not be mailed to the clerk. fljud13.org
• File the Notice to Creditors only after it has been sent to the publication; it should show the date of first publication. File the Notice of Administration and the personal representative's Inventory in a formal administration after Letters of Administration are issued. hillsclerk.com
• File each exhibit separately within the same e-filing transaction. Guardianship audit fees are paid through the portal by choosing the matching document type. hillsclerk.com
• The clerk's e-filing FAQ lists death certificates and oaths for delivery to the clerk for safekeeping, while the clerk's probate page and the judges' pages say originals need not be mailed; the pages differ on this point. hillsclerk.com
• Each judge sets how unsigned (proposed) orders are received; the clerk sends filers to the judge's webpage. hillsclerk.com

Probate filing fees posted by the clerk

Source: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller (Hillsclerk) fee schedule, checked October 16, 2026. Each posted probate fee that has a § 28.2401 amount is $1 above that amount (plus the $4 petition charge where § 28.2401(3) applies). The page also lists Trusts at $400.00 and Notice of Trust at $41.00, which § 28.2401(1) does not list.

Judges and divisions

13th Judicial Circuit. Serves Hillsborough County alone (§ 26.021(13), Florida Statutes).

Courthouses that hear probate

• George Edgecomb Courthouse (Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Divisions A and B), 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 fljud13.org probate assignment
• Plant City Courthouse (East Circuit Probate Divisions O, U and W), 301 N. Michigan Avenue, Plant City, FL 33563 fljud13.org probate assignment

• Section 26.021 composes the thirteenth judicial circuit of Hillsborough County alone. flsenate.gov
• The circuit's administrative order list groups these orders under Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust: S-2026-008, S-2024-077, S-2024-017, S-2024-013, S-2022-020 and others; East Division is S-2024-079. fljud13.org
• Judge Michael S. Williams (East Circuit Division O) sits in the Plant City Courthouse, 301 N. Michigan Ave., Room 2006, Courtroom 3. fljud13.org
• Judge Cory L. Chandler (East Circuit Division U) sits in the Plant City Courthouse, 301 N. Michigan Ave., Room 2016, Courtroom 2. fljud13.org
• Judge James S. Moody III (East Circuit Division W) sits in the Plant City Courthouse, 301 N. Michigan Ave., Room 2011, Courtroom 4. fljud13.org
• Caroline Tesche Arkin is administrative judge of the Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Division through January 4, 2027; Cheryl K. Thomas takes that designation January 5, 2027. fljud13.org

Administrative orders

Orders of the 13th Judicial Circuit that apply to probate and guardianship cases in Hillsborough County. Circuit order index.

• A-2026-046 (amended), Judicial Assignments. Date: Entered August 19, 2026. Assigns judges to Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Divisions A and B and East Circuit Divisions O, U and W; names the division administrative judges; several assignments change January 5, 2027.
• A-2026-052, Judicial Assignments Update. Date: Entered September 24, 2026. Amends A-2026-046 for civil, family and trial divisions; the probate division assignments in A-2026-046 stay in effect.
• S-2024-013, Probate Proceedings. Date: Entered January 22, 2024; effective March 1, 2024. Sends Florida Probate Code cases to Tampa Divisions A and B (5:3) or, for East Division domiciliaries, to East Divisions O, U and W; sets hearing, order, adversary-proceeding and emergency rules.
• S-2024-017, Trust Administration Proceedings. Date: Entered January 22, 2024; effective March 1, 2024. Sends chapter 736 trust cases to Tampa Divisions A and B (5:3) or to East Divisions O, U and W when the trustee's business or residence is in the East Division.
• S-2024-079, East Division. Date: Entered November 25, 2024; effective January 1, 2025. Defines the East Division boundaries, places it in the Plant City Courthouse and routes East Division probate and trust cases to Divisions O, U and W.
• S-2022-020, General Magistrates in the Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health and Trust Division. Date: Effective October 3, 2022. Appoints general magistrates for probate, guardianship, mental health and trust matters; objections to a referral are due within 10 days of service.
• S-2026-008, Guardianship Proceedings. Date: Effective March 2, 2026. Sends chapter 744, chapter 747, section 393.12 and section 825.1035 proceedings to Probate Divisions A and B (5:3) and sets guardianship procedures.
• S-2024-077, Guardianship Examining Committee Fees. Date: Effective December 1, 2024. Sets the fees paid to members of guardianship examining committees under section 744.331(7).

Local requirements and forms

Filing and venue

• Probate proceedings are held in the circuit court of the county where the decedent was domiciled or owned property. hillsclerk.com
• Most probate cases and all guardianship matters require a Florida attorney under Florida Probate Rule 5.030 (cited by the clerk). A disposition of personal property without administration may be filed without an attorney and is handled by the clerk's probate department. hillsclerk.com
• The clerk assigns Florida Probate Code cases (chapters 731 to 735) to Tampa Probate Divisions A and B on a 5:3 ratio unless the decedent was domiciled in the East Division, where the clerk assigns the case to East Circuit Divisions O, U and W by random equitable distribution. fljud13.org
• The East Division is the place of filing for probate and trust administration when the decedent was domiciled in the East Division, or the trustee's usual place of business (or residence if none) is there. The East Divisions sit in the Plant City Courthouse. fljud13.org
• An East Division judge may transfer a case to a Tampa division, and a Tampa judge may transfer a case to the East Division, after hearing and on good cause. fljud13.org
• Independent tort actions filed by or against a personal representative, a beneficiary or an interested person go to the Circuit Civil Division. fljud13.org
• Trust Code (chapter 736) proceedings follow the same 5:3 Tampa assignment, with East Division assignment by the trustee's place of business or residence. fljud13.org

Wills

• The custodian of a will must deposit it with the clerk in the county where the decedent resided within 10 days after learning of the death, and give the date of death or Social Security number. The clerk charges no fee, and § 732.901 requires the clerk to keep the original for at least 20 years. hillsclerk.com
• An Acknowledgement of Venue form must accompany any will filed with the clerk. The clerk's mailing address for a will is PO Box 3360, Tampa, FL 33601. hillsclerk.com
• The clerk keeps redacted wills on deposit available for public viewing for 20 years from the filing date, and does not hold wills for safekeeping for living persons. hillsclerk.com
• Section 732.901 sets the 10-day deposit duty and the 20-year retention period. flsenate.gov

Petitions

• If the decedent died less than two years before filing, a petition for administration or summary administration must come with a paid funeral bill or other satisfactory proof that funeral expenses were paid. Petitions in intestate estates must come with an affidavit of heirs. Divisions O, U and W require notarized signatures on pro se petitions for administration and summary administration. fljud13.org
• Division A states the funeral-bill and affidavit-of-heirs requirements for petitions for administration and summary administration. fljud13.org
• Each item of real or personal property in a petition, order or other document must be listed with a complete and correct description (legal description and mailing address for real property); tangible personal property is itemized when valued over $500 or specifically devised. fljud13.org
• A stipulation substituting counsel for a personal representative must be signed by the attorneys and by the personal representative. fljud13.org
• Summary administration may be filed when the entire estate does not exceed $150,000.00 or the decedent has been dead more than two years, which matches § 735.201(2) as amended by chapter 2026-57. hillsclerk.com

Hearings

• Attorneys schedule hearings through the Judicial Automated Workflow System (JAWS) or by email to the judge's judicial assistant; a notice of hearing must state the time reserved and the matters to be heard, and "all pending motions" is not authorized. fljud13.org
• Any document that is the subject of a hearing must be filed no later than five days before the hearing; copies of authority relied on go to the judge at the hearing. fljud13.org
• The court does not provide court reporters; a party who wants one arranges for the reporter. fljud13.org
• Emergency relief in a probate case goes to the presiding judge of the division; an emergency hearing needs at least 48 hours' actual notice unless all interested persons agree. fljud13.org
• Division A prefers scheduling by email request rather than telephone, requires case law 5 business days before a contested hearing, and requires mediation before any hearing of 2 hours or more. fljud13.org
• Division B schedules through JAWS (hearings of 1 hour or longer are set with the judicial assistant and held in person), requires case law 3 days before a contested hearing, and requires mediation before any hearing of 2 hours or more. fljud13.org
• East Division O holds probate hearings of 30 minutes or less on the Division P docket through JAWS; contested evidentiary matters of 45 minutes or more are in person at the Plant City Courthouse, Courtroom 3. fljud13.org
• East Division U holds probate hearings of 30 minutes or less on the Division R docket through JAWS; contested evidentiary matters of 30 minutes or more are in person at the Plant City Courthouse, Courtroom 2. fljud13.org
• East Division W holds probate hearings of 30 minutes or less on the Division T docket through JAWS; contested evidentiary matters of 30 minutes or more are in person at the Plant City Courthouse, Courtroom 4. fljud13.org
• Documents filed in response to an order to show cause are due at least 5 business days before the hearing (stated on the Division O page and on the Division A, B, U and W pages). fljud13.org

Orders

• Counsel must consult opposing counsel within five days after the court's decision, and submit the proposed order within 10 days after the decision, through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in searchable PDF when every party has counsel. fljud13.org
• A proposed order must carry a cover letter certifying that all parties agreed to the content or that opposing counsel did not respond within five business days. fljud13.org
• A self-represented interested person, or an attorney excused from e-mail service, submits hard copies of the proposed order with stamped, addressed envelopes. fljud13.org
• The judicial division pages (A, B, O, U and W) require orders to be uploaded to the E-Filing Portal under the correct probate division, not mailed. fljud13.org
• Wait 3 business days after filing before uploading an order, put the hearing date in the opening paragraph, and upload no more than 2 days before the hearing (Divisions O, U and W); Division A requires PDF, not Word, and applies the same 3-business-day and 2-day timing. fljud13.org
• The signature page of a proposed order must also carry substantive language, so no order may end with a signature alone. fljud13.org

Adversary proceedings

• The petitioner schedules a case management conference within 60 days of the start of an adversary proceeding under Rule 5.025; uniform orders are on the circuit forms page. fljud13.org

Magistrates and dockets

• General magistrates hear probate, guardianship, mental health, trust and conservatorship matters on referral; objections to a referral are due within 10 days of service, and magistrate proceedings are electronically recorded. fljud13.org
• The clerk prepares an order to show cause docket under the Florida Probate Rules and the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. fljud13.org

Notices and records

• File the Notice to Creditors only after publication; file the Notice of Administration and the Inventory after Letters of Administration issue. hillsclerk.com
• Inventories and accountings filed in estates are confidential and open only to the personal representative, the personal representative's attorney or an interested party; Florida law bars the clerk from placing court-file images in probate cases on a public website. hillsclerk.com
• For a file that is not available online, allow four business days for redaction before on-site viewing or pick-up. hillsclerk.com

Forms and checklists

• Clerk probate forms: Acknowledgment of Venue, Disposition of Personal Property, Statement of Claim (Probate), Hillsborough County Clerk
• Acknowledgement of Venue (required with a deposited will), Hillsborough County Clerk
• Disposition of Personal Property without Administration (verified statement, PRO076), Hillsborough County Clerk
• Statement of Claim (probate), Hillsborough County Clerk
• Circuit forms list: Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
• Affidavit of Heirs, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
• Procedures and preferences, Probate Division A (Judge Catlin), Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
• Procedures and preferences, Probate Division B (Judge Tesche Arkin), Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
• Procedures and preferences, East Circuit Probate Division O (Judge Williams), Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
• Procedures and preferences, East Circuit Probate Division U (Judge Chandler), Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
• Procedures and preferences, East Circuit Probate Division W (Judge Moody), Thirteenth Judicial Circuit

Property and homestead

• Homestead: Florida law allows up to $50,000 off the assessed value of a primary residence; the owner needs legal or beneficial title by January 1, and the filing deadline is March 1. Applications are taken year round, and late applications are taken up to the 25th day after the TRIM notice mailing. hcpafl.org
• A $5,000 widow or widower exemption requires a permanent Florida resident who was married to the deceased at death; a death certificate or obituary is required, and divorce or remarriage ends eligibility. hcpafl.org
• If the homesteaded owner dies and the property keeps the homestead exemption in the deceased owner's name, the property appraiser lists that as an improper exemption; the owner must notify the office when the home stops being a permanent residence. hcpafl.org
• A trust beneficiary with the right to occupy the home may also qualify for homestead exemption. hcpafl.org
• The Property Appraiser's offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, in Downtown Tampa, Brandon, Ruskin (Southshore Regional Service Center, 410 30th St SE) and Plant City (307 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 230). hcpafl.org

Death certificates

• Death certificates are ordered through VitalChek, the only vendor the Department of Health authorizes online, or in person or by mail with a copy of valid photo identification. hillsborough.floridahealth.gov
• Certificates cover deaths in Florida from 2009 to the present; earlier deaths go to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Cause of death is released to family members and legal representatives. hillsborough.floridahealth.gov
• Mail requests to Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, Attn: Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 5135, Tampa, FL 33675-5135. hillsborough.floridahealth.gov
• The University Area Vital Statistics office, 13601 N. 22nd St., Tampa, is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. hillsborough.floridahealth.gov

Records and help

• The clerk's HOVER site shows many court records, indexes, dockets and non-confidential document images. hover.hillsclerk.com
• To learn whether probate was opened for a deceased person, the clerk's probate page says to search the Hillsborough County court records by name. hillsclerk.com
• The clerk posts daily probate filing lists as CSV files in a public directory. publicrec.hillsclerk.com
• The clerk's probate page prints $150,000.00 as the summary administration limit, the amount in § 735.201(2) as amended by chapter 2026-57, effective July 1, 2026. flsenate.gov
• Chapter 2026-57 amended § 735.201(2) and took effect July 1, 2026. laws.flrules.org
• The circuit's Contact Us page lists (813) 272-5894 as its General Inquiries line, under the George Edgecomb Courthouse address. fljud13.org
• The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service takes calls at 800-342-8011, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. floridabar.org

Sources

Last checked: October 16, 2026. Each source shows the text that supports the facts above.

1. Florida Statutes § 26.021, judicial circuits (2026), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • The state is divided into 20 judicial circuits
   • (13) The thirteenth circuit is composed of Hillsborough County.
2. Florida Statutes § 28.2401, probate service charges and filing fees (2026), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Fee for formal administration, guardianship, ancillary, curatorship, or conservatorship proceedings .......... $395
   • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at $1,000 or more .......... $340
   • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at less than $1,000 .......... $230
   • Charge for caveat .......... $40
   • Fee for disposition of personal property without administration .......... $230
   • Fee for guardianship proceedings of person only .......... $230
   • Fee for veterans' guardianship pursuant to chapter 744 .......... $230
   • Fee for petition for determination of incompetency .......... $230
   • An additional service charge of $4 on petitions seeking summary administration, formal administration, ancillary administration, guardianship, curatorship, and conservatorship shall be paid to the clerk.
   • Recording shall be required for all petitions opening and closing an estate; petitions regarding real estate; and orders, letters, bonds, oaths, wills, proofs of wills, returns, and such other papers as the judge shall deem advisable to record or that shall be required to be recorded under the Florida Probate Code.
3. Florida Statutes § 732.901, production of wills (2026), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • The custodian of a will must deposit the will with the clerk of the court having venue of the estate of the decedent within 10 days after receiving information that the testator is dead.
   • the clerk shall retain and preserve the original will in its original form for at least 20 years
4. Florida Statutes § 735.201, summary administration (2026), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • does not exceed $150,000 or that the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years
   • s. 7, ch. 2026-57
5. Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Section 7. Subsection (2) of section 735.201, Florida Statutes, is amended
   • Section 14. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
6. The Florida Bar, Lawyer Referral Service, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Call 800-342-8011, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
7. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal serves as a single, statewide access point connecting thousands of users to Florida's court system.
8. Hillsborough Clerk, Probate, Guardianship, and Trust, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • The Probate, Guardianship, and Trust Department maintains the files on probate estates, wills, trusts and guardianships for both minors and incapacitated persons.
   • Most probate cases and all Guardianship matters in the State of Florida require an attorney per Florida Probate Rule 5.030.
   • Disposition of Personal Property without Administration may be filed without the assistance of an attorney and are handled by the Clerks in the Probate Department.
   • Summary Administration may be filed when the value of the entire estate does not exceed $150,000.00 or when the decedent has been dead for more than two (2) years.
   • The will of the deceased person (decedent) must be deposited by the custodian with the Clerk's Office in the county where the decedent resided within ten (10) days after receiving information of the decedent's death.
   • There is no fee to deposit the will with the Clerk's Office. An Acknowledgement of Venue form must accompany any will filed with the Hillsborough County Clerk's Office.
   • PO Box 3360 Tampa, FL 33601
   • Redacted Wills on Deposit are available for public viewing for 20 years from the date of filing.
   • The court does not hold wills for safekeeping for living persons.
   • Proceedings are held in the Circuit Court of the county where the deceased was domiciled or owned property.
   • Yes, death certificates, Oath of Guardian Designation of Resident Agent Acceptance and Oath of Personal Representative Designation of Resident Agent Acceptance can be filed through the E-portal . You do not have to mail in the originals to the Clerk or Judge.
   • Florida law prohibits the Clerk from placing an image or copy of a court file, record or paper relating to matters or cases governed by the Florida Probate Rules on a publicly available website for general public display.
   • inventories and accountings filed in estates are confidential and may be viewed only by the personal representative, the personal representative's attorney or an "interested party,"
   • To allow adequate time for redaction processing, it may take four business days for your file to be available for on-site viewing and/or pick-up.
   • How do I determine if probate was opened for a deceased person? You can search the court records for Hillsborough County for probate cases by name.
   • The preferred format differs by judge.
   • Notify Caveators when personal representative is appointed and the Letters of Administration are issued so the creditor may file a Statement of Claim against the estate of the decedent.
   • After the Judge signs the Letter of Administration, you can obtain a certified copy from the Clerk's Office in person or through the mail.
9. Hillsborough Clerk, Service Options and Locations, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • The Brandon Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM.
   • Guardianship/Probate Brandon - 311 Pauls Drive Downtown Tampa - 800 E. Twiggs Street Plant City - 301 North Michigan Ave.
   • Edgecomb Courthouse 800 E. Twiggs Street Room 101 - Customer Service Center - Open Monday - Friday (8 AM - 5 PM)
   • Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: (813) 276-8100
   • Plant City Courthouse 301 North Michigan Ave, Room 1071 Plant City, FL 33563 Phone: (813) 276-8100 Open Monday - Friday (8 AM - 5 PM)
   • Brandon Regional Service Center 311 Pauls Drive, Suite 110 Brandon, FL 33511 Phone: (813) 276-8100 Open Monday - Friday (8 AM to 4 PM)
10. Hillsborough Clerk, Fees and Fines (Probate Guardianship and Trust), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Summary Administration: Estate valued at less than $1,000.00 $235.00 Summary Administration: Estate valued at $1,000.00 or more $345.00 Formal Administration $400.00 Ancillary Administration $400.00 Opening of any estate of guardianship of one document or more, but not to include issuance of letters or orders of summary $231.00 Petitions to admit foreign wills, authenticated or exemplified copies of transcripts or records $231.00 Caveat $41.00 Disposition of personal property, without administration $231.00 V.A. Guardianship $235.00 Guardianship of persons only $235.00 Guardianship of property only $400.00 Guardianship or person and property $400.00 Curatorship and Conservatorship $400.00 Petition to determine incapacity $231.00 Trusts $400.00 Notice of Trust $41.00
    • Guardianship accounting audit fee: Assets of $25,000 or less $20.00 Guardianship accounting audit fee: Assets over $25,000 to $100,000 $85.00 Assets over $100,000 to $500,000 $170.00 Guardianship accounting audit fee: Assets over $500,000 $250.00 Filing of Guardianship Inventories for all assets exceeding $25,000 $85.00
    • First page or fraction thereof $10.00 Each additional page or fraction thereof $8.50
11. Hillsborough Clerk, E-Filing, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Please view each judge's webpage to determine their preference for receiving unsigned orders.
    • You should submit Last Will and Testaments, Codicils and Separate Writings, Oaths of the Personal Representative and Guardian, Deeds, Mortgages, Surety Bonds and Cash Bonds, Commissions, Authenticated and Exemplified copies, Death Certificates and Credit Reports to
    • The Notice to Creditors should not be filed unless you have already sent it to the publication of your choice. The Notice to Creditors should reflect the date of first publication.
    • The Notice of Administration should be filed after Letters of Administration have been issued.
    • The Inventory of Personal Representative on a Formal Administration should be filed after Letters of Administration have been issued.
    • Each exhibit accompanying a document should be filed separately but under the same e-filing transaction.
    • Audit fees can be paid through the e-Filing Portal by selecting the correct document type.
12. Hillsborough Clerk, HOVER court records, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The Florida Supreme Court has authorized the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, 13th Judicial Circuit to provide electronic viewing to many court records, indexes and dockets as well as non-confidential document images through this website.
13. Hillsborough Clerk, daily probate filings list, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • publicrec.hillsclerk.com - /Probate/dailyfilings/
    • ProbateFiling_
14. Hillsborough Clerk, Forms, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • These are the forms that Clerk's office provides for probate.
15. Hillsborough Clerk, Acknowledgment of Venue (form), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENUE
    • IN THE CIRCUIT/COUNTY COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA
16. Hillsborough Clerk, Disposition of Personal Property without Administration (form), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION
    • PRO076 (Revised 03/18/2021)
17. Hillsborough Clerk, Statement of Claim, probate (form), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • STATEMENT OF CLAIM BY
    • THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
18. Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, home, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
19. Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Orders, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust S-2026-008 Guardianship Proceedings S-2026-007 Risk Protection Orders S-2024-077 Guardianship Examining Committee Fees S-2024-017 Trust Administraton Proceedings S-2024-013 Probate Proceedings S-2022-020 General Magistrates in the Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health and Trust Division
    • S-2024-079 East Division
    • A-2026-046 Judicial Assignments
    • A-2026-052 Judicial Assignment Update
20. Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Contact Us, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • General Inquires (813) 272-5894
    • Edgecomb Courthouse 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
    • Plant City Courthouse 301 N. Michigan Avenue Plant City, FL 33563
21. Administrative Order A-2026-046, Judicial Assignments (Thirteenth Circuit), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • AMENDED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER A-2026-046
    • JUDICIAL ASSIGNMENTS
    • Catherine M. Catlin is assigned to Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Division "A" through January 4, 2027. Effective January 5, 2027, Cheryl K. Thomas is assigned to Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Division "A."
    • Caroline Tesche Arkin is assigned to Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Division "B" through January 4, 2027. Effective January 5, 2027, Elizabeth G. Rice is assigned to Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Division "B."
    • Michael S. Williams is assigned to East Circuit Division "O" (Probate and Trust).
    • Cory L. Chandler is assigned to East Circuit Division "U" (Probate and Trust).
    • James S. Moody, III is assigned to East Circuit Division "W" (Probate and Trust).
    • Caroline Tesche Arkin is designated as administrative judge of the Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Division through January 4, 2027. Effective January 5, 2027, Cheryl K. Thomas is designated as administrative judge of the Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Division.
    • James S. Moody, III is designated as administrative judge of the East Division.

    Note: The signed page 9 shows "ENTERED on August 19th, 2026" and an effective date of January 1, 2027 except as otherwise indicated; those two lines are in the page image only, not the text layer. Entered date read against the page image on 2026-10-16.

22. Administrative Order A-2026-052, Judicial Assignments Update (Thirteenth Circuit), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER A-2026-052
    • Administrative Order A-2026-046 (Judicial Assignments) remains in effect except for amendments made via this administrative order.

    Note: The signed page 2 shows "ENTERED on September 24th, 2026"; that line is in the page image only, not the text layer. Entered date read against the page image on 2026-10-16.

23. Administrative Order S-2024-013, Probate Proceedings (Thirteenth Circuit), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER S-2024-013
    • PROBATE PROCEEDINGS
    • Clerk of the Circuit Court (clerk) will assign all proceedings under the Florida Probate Code (chapters 731, 732, 733, 734 and 735, Florida Statutes) to Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health and Trust Divisions "A" and "B" based on a 5:3 ratio unless the decedent was domiciled in the East Division boundaries.
    • If the decedent was domiciled in the East Division boundaries, the clerk will assign the probate proceedings to East Circuit Division "O," East Circuit Division "U," and East Circuit Division "W" based on a random equitable distribution.
    • Independent torts filed by or against a personal representative, a beneficiary, or an interested person are assigned to the Circuit Civil Division.
    • Each item of real or personal property identified in a petition, order or other document must be listed with a complete and correct description.
    • Each item of tangible personal property must be separately described if it is valued at more than $500 or specifically devised.
    • Any stipulation for the substitution of counsel for a personal representative or other represented person must be signed by the attorneys involved and by the personal representative or other represented person.
    • Attorneys may obtain available hearing times and schedule hearings on a judge's calendar by accessing the Judicial Automated Workflow System (JAWS) or by e-mailing the judge's judicial assistant at the appropriate divisional e-mail address
    • All notices of hearing must state the length of the time reserved on the judge's calendar for the hearing and specify the matters to be heard.
    • A notice indicating that the hearing will be on "all pending motions" is not authorized.
    • The court does not provide court reporters for hearings.
    • Any petition, pleading, motion, or other document that is the subject of a hearing or a conference set before the court must be filed with the clerk no later than five days before the hearing or conference.
    • Application for emergency relief in a probate case must be made to the presiding judge of the division in which the case is pending.
    • be heard with less than 48 hours' actual prior notice to an opposing interested person unless all interested persons agree.
    • must consult with opposing counsel or the appropriate interested person within five days after the court's decision and make a genuine effort to agree on the language of the proposed order.
    • All proposed orders must be submitted to the court by the attorney directed to prepare the order within 10 days after the court's decision.
    • an attorney who is requested to submit a proposed order must do so through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (Portal) in searchable PDF
    • All proposed orders submitted to the presiding judge must include a cover letter certifying that one of the following statements is true: (i) all parties have agreed to the content of the proposed order or (ii) opposing counsel has not responded within five business days of being provided the proposed order.
    • service under Rule 2.516, the interested person or attorney who is requested to submit a proposed order must do so by submitting to the presiding judge sufficient hard copies of the proposed order along with stamped, addressed envelopes.
    • In all proposed orders, the page containing the court's signature must also contain substantive language of the proposed order
    • A case management conference will be scheduled by the petitioner within 60 days of the commencement of an adversary proceeding as defined by Rule 5.025.
    • The clerk will prepare an order to show cause docket in accordance with the applicable Florida Probate Rules and the applicable Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

    Note: The signed page 10 shows "ENTERED on January 22nd, 2024" and "effective March 1, 2024"; the day number is handwritten and the text layer omits it. Entered and effective dates read against the page image on 2026-10-16.

24. Administrative Order S-2024-017, Trust Administration Proceedings (Thirteenth Circuit), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER S-2024-017
    • TRUST ADMINISTRATION PROCEEDINGS
    • The Clerk of the Circuit Court (clerk) will assign all proceedings filed under chapter 736, Florida Statutes (the Florida Trust Code) to Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health and Trust Divisions "A" and "B" based on a 5:3 ratio

    Note: The signed page 4 shows "ENTERED on January 22nd, 2024" and "effective March 1, 2024"; the day number is handwritten and the text layer omits it. Entered and effective dates read against the page image on 2026-10-16.

25. Administrative Order S-2024-079, East Division (Thirteenth Circuit), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER S-2024-079
    • EAST DIVISION
    • The East Divisions will be located in the Plant City Courthouse.
    • will consist of probate and trust cases.
    • Probate and Trust Administration Proceedings -The East Division is the location where (i) the decedent was domiciled; or (ii) the trustee's usual place of business is located
    • A judge of an East Division in whose division a case has been assigned may transfer the case, after hearing and upon a showing of good cause, to an appropriate Tampa division under the respective Tampa division's case assignment system.
    • This administrative order is effective January 1, 2025, except that

    Note: The text layer reads "ENTERED on Novem r 25, 2024" (damaged characters); the signed page 7 image reads "ENTERED on November 25, 2024." Entered date read against the page image on 2026-10-16.

26. Administrative Order S-2022-020, General Magistrates (Thirteenth Circuit), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER S-2022-020
    • GENERAL MAGISTRATES IN THE PROBATE, GUARDIANSHIP, MENTAL HEALTH AND TRUST DIVISION
    • to appoint general magistrates to hear and consider probate, guardianship, mental health, trust, involuntary treatment of communicable diseases, adult protective services and conservatorship proceedings
    • Any objection to a referral should be in writing and filed within 10 days of the date of service of the order of referral.
    • All proceedings conducted by the general magistrates will be electronically recorded.
    • This administrative order is effective October 3, 2022.
27. Administrative Order S-2026-008, Guardianship Proceedings (Thirteenth Circuit), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER S-2026-008
    • chapter 744 (Florida Guardianship Law); chapter 747 (conservatorship); and section 825.1035 (injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult) to Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Divisions "A" and "B" based on a 5:3 ratio.
    • is effective March 2, 2026.
28. Administrative Order S-2024-077, Guardianship Examining Committee Fees (Thirteenth Circuit), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER S-2024-077
    • GUARDIANSHIP EXAMINING COMMITTEE FEES
    • entitles members of Guardianship Examining Committees to reasonable fees as determined by the court.
    • This administrative order is effective December 1, 2024.
29. Thirteenth Circuit, Judge Catlin, Division A, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The Honorable Catherine M. Catlin Probate, Guardianship & Mental Health, Division A Edgecomb Courthouse 800 Twiggs Street, Room #445 Tampa, Florida 33602 Courtroom #415
    • Upload all orders in PDF format NOT MS Word.
    • Division A is electronic and ALL Orders MUST be uploaded to E-Portal
    • If the decedent died less than two years before the date of filing, the petition for administration must be accompanied by a paid funeral bill or other satisfactory proof that the funeral expenses have been paid. All petitions for administration in intestate estates must be accompanied by an affidavit of heirs.
    • Certified copies of Death Certificates can be e-filed.
    • Documents filed in response to an Order to Show Cause MUST be filed no later than 5 business days prior to the hearing.
    • The parties are required to attend mediation prior to attending any hearing for 2 hours or more.
    • CASE LAW MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 5 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE HEARING.
    • The preferred method for scheduling in Probate Division A is by email request rather than telephone.
    • Please wait 3 business days after filing through the e-portal or submitting original documents to upload the Order to allow time for the Clerk's office to docket same.
    • SHOULD NOT be uploaded more than 2 days before the hearing.
    • All Orders MUST carry something of substance on the judge's signature page
30. Thirteenth Circuit, Judge Tesche Arkin, Division B, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The Honorable Caroline Tesche Arkin Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust: Division B & N Edgecomb Courthouse 800 E. Twiggs St., Room #442 Tampa, Florida 33602 Courtroom #417
    • Probate Division B is electronic, and ALL Orders MUST be uploaded to the e-portal
    • The preferred method for scheduling in Probate Division B is by logging into JAWS and selecting the date and time that works for all parties.
    • 1-HOUR HEARINGS OR LONGER MUST BE SET WITH THE JA AND WILL BE "IN-PERSON" ONLY.
    • Proposed Orders must be uploaded in pdf format through the e-portal.
    • CASE LAW MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 3 DAYS BEFORE HEARING.
    • Documents filed in response to an Order to Show Cause MUST be filed no later than 5 business days prior to the hearing.
    • The parties are required to attend mediation prior to attending any hearing for 2 hours or more.
31. Thirteenth Circuit, Judge Williams, East Circuit Division O, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The Honorable Michael S. Williams East Circuit: Division O, Division P & Division Q Plant City Courthouse 301 N. Michigan Ave., Room #2006 Plant City, Florida 33563 Courtroom #3
32. Thirteenth Circuit, Judge Chandler, East Circuit Division U, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The Honorable Cory L. Chandler East Circuit: Divisions R, S & U Plant City Courthouse 301 N. Michigan Ave., Room #2016 Plant City, Florida 33563 Courtroom #2
33. Thirteenth Circuit, Judge Moody, East Circuit Division W, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The Honorable James Moody III East Circuit: General Civil & Unified Family, Division T East Circuit: Violence Injunction, Division V East Circuit: Probate, Guardianship & Mental Health, Division W Plant City Courthouse 301 N. Michigan Ave., Room #2011 Plant City, Florida 33563 Courtroom #4
34. Thirteenth Circuit, Procedures and Preferences, East Circuit Probate Division O (Judge Williams), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • PROCEDURES/PREFERENCES
    • East Circuit Probate Division O
    • Probate hearings will be scheduled on the same docket as Judge Williams' East Circuit Division P cases
    • All contested evidentiary matters of 45 minutes or more will be conducted in person at 301 N. Michigan Ave., Courtroom 3, Plant City, FL 33563.
    • PROBATE DIVISION O IS PAPERLESS.
    • Please wait 3 business days after filing through the e-portal or submitting original documents to upload the Order to allow time for the Clerk's office to docket same.
    • The parties are required to attend mediation prior to attending any hearing for 2 hours or more.
    • CASE LAW MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 3 DAYS BEFORE HEARING.
    • Every Order that is uploaded to e-portal as a result of a hearing MUST include the date of the hearing in the opening paragraph of the Order and SHOULD NOT be uploaded more than 2 days before the hearing.
    • Documents filed in response to an Order to Show Cause MUST be filed no later than 5 business days prior to the hearing.
    • 1. Certified copies of Death Certificates can be e-filed. 2. Oath of Personal Representative and Designation of Resident Agent and Acceptance can be e-filed.
    • If the decedent died less than two years before the date of filing, the petition for administration must be accompanied by a paid funeral bill or other satisfactory proof that the funeral expenses have been paid.
    • all signatures related to petitions for administration filed pro se must be notarized.
    • All petitions for administration in intestate estates must be accompanied by an affidavit of heirs.
    • the petition for summary administration must be accompanied by a paid funeral bill or other satisfactory proof that the funeral expenses have been paid.
    • all signatures related to petitions for summary administration filed pro se must be notarized.
    • therefore hearing times of 30 minutes or less are available through JAWS
35. Thirteenth Circuit, Procedures and Preferences, East Circuit Probate Division U (Judge Chandler), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • PROCEDURES/PREFERENCES
    • East Circuit Probate Division U
    • Probate hearings will be scheduled on the same docket as Judge Chandler's East Circuit Division R cases
    • All contested evidentiary matters of 30 minutes or more will be conducted in person at 301 N. Michigan Ave., Courtroom 2, Plant City, FL 33563.
    • PROBATE DIVISION U IS PAPERLESS.
    • Please wait 3 business days after filing through the e-portal or submitting original documents to upload the Order to allow time for the Clerk's office to docket same.
    • The parties are required to attend mediation prior to attending any hearing for 2 hours or more.
    • CASE LAW MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 3 DAYS BEFORE HEARING.
    • Every Order that is uploaded to e-Portal as a result of a hearing MUST include the date of the hearing in the opening paragraph of the Order and SHOULD NOT be uploaded more than 2 days before the hearing.
    • Documents filed in response to an Order to Show Cause MUST be filed no later than 5 business days prior to the hearing.
    • 1. Certified copies of Death Certificates can be e-filed.
    • If the decedent died less than two years before the date of filing, the petition for administration must be accompanied by a paid funeral bill or other satisfactory proof that the funeral expenses have been paid.
    • all signatures related to petitions for administration filed pro se must be notarized.
    • All petitions for administration in intestate estates must be accompanied by an affidavit of heirs.
    • the petition for summary administration must be accompanied by a paid funeral bill or other satisfactory proof that the funeral expenses have been paid.
    • all signatures related to petitions for summary administration filed pro se must be notarized.
    • therefore hearing times of 30 minutes or less are available through JAWS
36. Thirteenth Circuit, Procedures and Preferences, East Circuit Probate Division W (Judge Moody), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • PROCEDURES/PREFERENCES
    • East Circuit Probate Division W
    • Probate hearings will be scheduled on the same docket as Judge Moody's East Circuit Division T cases
    • All contested evidentiary matters of 30 minutes or more will be conducted in person at 301 N. Michigan Ave., Courtroom 4, Plant City, FL 33563.
    • PROBATE DIVISION W IS PAPERLESS.
    • Please wait 3 business days after filing through the e-portal or submitting original documents to upload the Order to allow time for the Clerk's office to docket same.
    • The parties are required to attend mediation prior to attending any hearing for 2 hours or more.
    • CASE LAW MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 3 DAYS BEFORE HEARING.
    • Every Order that is uploaded to e-portal as a result of a hearing MUST include the date of the hearing in the opening paragraph of the Order and SHOULD NOT be uploaded more than 2 days before the hearing.
    • Documents filed in response to an Order to Show Cause MUST be filed no later than 5 business days prior to the hearing.
    • If the decedent died less than two years before the date of filing, the petition for administration must be accompanied by a paid funeral bill or other satisfactory proof that the funeral expenses have been paid.
    • all signatures related to petitions for administration filed pro se must be notarized.
    • All petitions for administration in intestate estates must be accompanied by an affidavit of heirs.
    • the petition for summary administration must be accompanied by a paid funeral bill or other satisfactory proof that the funeral expenses have been paid.
    • all signatures related to petitions for summary administration filed pro se must be notarized.
    • therefore hearing times of 30 minutes or less are available through JAWS
37. Thirteenth Circuit, Forms (Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Guardian Advocacy Forms Packet Order of Referral to General Magistrate Uniform Order Setting Adversary Proceeding for Trial and Pre-Trial (Non-Jury Trial) Uniform Pre-Trial Conference Order (Non-Jury Trial) Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry (Probate Division) Disposition of Personal Property Statement of Claim Order Referring Litigants to Mediation of Adversary Proceedings Affidavit of Heirs Litigant Information Form For Cases Referred to Mediation Program
38. Thirteenth Circuit, Affidavit of Heirs (form), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA
    • PROBATE DIVISION
    • AFFIDAVIT OF HEIRS
39. Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, Homestead and Other Exemptions, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Florida law allows up to $50,000 to be deducted from the assessed value of a primary / permanent residence.
    • The owner must have legal or beneficial title by January 1 of the year of the application. The statutory filing deadline is March 1.
    • Applications are taken year round. The statutory filing deadline is March 1 with late-filed applications taken up to the 25th day after the mailing of the yearly Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM), which is typically mailed in August.
    • If the property is held by a Trust, the beneficiary of the trust with the right to occupy the home may also be entitled to homestead exemption.
    • Florida law states it is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the Property Appraiser's office when their homestead property is no longer their permanent residence.
    • If the homesteaded owner dies and the property continues to receive a Homestead Exemption in the name of the deceased owner.
    • $5,000 Widow / Widower Applicant must be a permanent Florida resident and married to the deceased at the time of death. If the applicant was divorced or remarries, he/she is not eligible for this exemption. A copy of the death certificate or obituary is required.
40. Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, home, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
41. Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, office locations, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • 15th Floor County Center
    • 601 E. Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33602-4932 Phone: (813) 272-6100
    • BRANDON 311 Pauls Drive Brandon, Florida 33511
    • SOUTH COUNTY Southshore Regional Service Center 410 30th St SE Ruskin, Florida 33570
    • PLANT CITY 307 N. Michigan Avenue 2nd Floor - Suite 230 Plant City, Florida 33563-3400
    • Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
42. Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, Death Certificates, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Order death certificates online through VitalChek® , the only vendor authorized by the Florida Department of Health.
    • Death Certificates are available for deaths occurring in the state of Florida from 2009 to present.
    • A legible copy of a valid driver's license, passport, state-issued ID, or military identification card must accompany all requests.
    • You must be a family member or legal representative when requesting cause of death.
    • Fees $10, Death Certificate $3, Certificate Protective Sheath
    • Mailing Address Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County Attn: Vital Statistics P.O. Box 5135 Tampa, FL 33675-5135
43. Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, University Area Vital Statistics, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • University Area Vital Statistics Physical Address: 13601 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33613-4427 Phone: 813-307-8002
    • Hours of Operation Monday 7:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Tuesday 7:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday Closed