Filing an eviction in Hillsborough County.

Filing details.

Clerk's office

800 E. Twiggs St., Room 101, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 276-8100

Filing fee

$185

Each additional summons

$10 per summons

Sheriff service

$40 per defendant

Writ of possession

$90 to the sheriff

Copies

The original complaint plus two copies per tenant, and for the notice and the lease one copy for the file plus two per tenant.

Envelopes

One legal-size (or larger) envelope per tenant, addressed, with correct postage. Without stamped envelopes the clerk may not mail the summons until the next business day.

Payment

The clerk’s fee page does not list payment types. Registry deposits are cash, cashier’s check or money order only, no checks.

E-filing

The complaint can be e-filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, but the summons must be submitted on paper with its issuance fee.

Response, default and judgment.

Tenant response

The tenant has 5 days, not counting weekends or court holidays, to respond to the summons (§ 83.60). A tenant who raises a defense other than payment must also deposit the rent in the court registry.

Default

After the 5 business days have passed (not counting the day of service, Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays). Use the clerk’s Motion for Immediate Default (COCV1118) if the tenant answered but did not deposit the rent.

Final judgment and writ

The clerk’s default packet uses its own Affidavit in Proof of Claim and Non-Military Service (COCV1241), signed before a notary or deputy clerk, and a Judgment for Possession (COCV1774).

Details were read from the Hillsborough County clerk’s published packet or fee pages in October 2026. Clerks change forms and fees, so confirm with the clerk before you file. Sources: hillsclerk.com, hillsclerk.com. Not legal advice.

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