Hillsborough County Property Appraiser: Search Maps & Homestead

Whether you want to check a home’s tax history, look up boundary lines, or save thousands of dollars with a Homestead Exemption, this guide will show you exactly what to do.

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Property Search

If you are buying a home in Tampa or checking on a property you already own, the basic property search is your starting line.

What to Do: You need to search the Hillsborough County database using the property address, the owner’s name, or the Folio Number.

The Folio Number is a unique ID given to every single piece of real estate in the county.

How to Do It (Step-by-Step):

1. Open the Portal: Go directly to the official Hillsborough Property Search Page.

1. Select Your Search Type: Click the button for “Address,” “Name,” or “Folio.”

2. Type the Details Simply: When typing an address, never use full words like “Street,” “Avenue,” or “Drive.” Just use “ST,” “AVE,” or “DR” to prevent the system from giving you an error.

3. Search by Owner: Always type the Last Name first, then a space, and then the First Name (Example: Smith John).

4. Open the File: Click on the matching property in the list to see the owner details, the assessed value, and the full sales history.

Expert Local Insight: Pay close attention to the “Market Value” versus the “Assessed Value.” In Florida, the Assessed Value is what you actually pay taxes on.

If a house has a Homestead Exemption, the Assessed Value is legally capped and cannot jump up wildly.

But remember, when you buy the house, that cap resets. Your new tax bill will be based on the higher Market Value, not the old owner’s Assessed Value.

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Map Search

Sometimes you need to see the physical layout of the land. If you want to know where the property lines stop, check the zoning codes,

or see if a house is in a bad flood zone, you must use the visual map.

What to Do: You will use the county’s Geographic Information System (GIS). This tool puts colorful data layers over real aerial photos of the neighborhood.

How to Do It (Step-by-Step):

1. Open the Map Tool: Go to the Hillsborough GIS Map Viewer.

2. Find the Property: Use the search bar in the top corner to type the address or the Folio Number.

3. Open the Layer Menu: Look for the “Layers” icon on the side of your screen.

4. Turn on the Filters: Check the boxes for “FEMA Flood Zones” to see if you will be forced to buy expensive flood insurance.

5. Check Past Years: Use the “Aerial Imagery” dropdown to look at satellite photos of the house from 5 or 10 years ago.

Expert Local Insight: The historic aerial photos are a secret weapon for home buyers. You can click back through the years to see exactly when a pool, a new roof, or a backyard shed was added.

If you see a shed appear in a 2018 photo, but there are no building permits on file for 2018, you know it is an unpermitted structure.

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Homestead Exemption

If you own a home in Hillsborough County and live there as your permanent residence, you are throwing money away if you do not file for a Homestead Exemption.

This simple form reduces your property’s taxable value by up to $50,000.

What to Do: You must file your application with the Property Appraiser (Bob Henriquez) before the strict deadline of March 1st.

Once it is approved, it renews automatically every year.

How to Do It (Step-by-Step):

1. Update Your State IDs: Before applying, your Florida Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration must clearly show your new Hillsborough County address.

2. Go to the E-File Page: Visit the Hillsborough Exemptions Portal.

3. Start the Application: Click the button to E-file online. You will need your Social Security Number and your Folio Number.

4. Upload Your Documents: The system will ask you to attach clear photos of your updated driver’s license.

5. Save Your Confirmation: Always write down your tracking receipt number before you close the webpage.

Expert Local Insight: Are you moving from another home in Florida to this new house in Tampa? You must ask for “Portability” during your application.

Portability lets you transfer your old tax savings to your new property.

If you forget to check the Portability box, you will lose those savings forever.

Hillsborough County Property Tax Bill Search

The Property Appraiser decides how much your house is worth, but they do not collect your money.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector (Nancy C. Millan) is the office that actually takes your payment.

What to Do: If you want to view your actual tax bill, check for late fees, or pay online, you must use the Tax Collector’s website.

How to Do It (Step-by-Step):

1. Visit the Tax Collector: Go to the official Hillsborough Tax Collector site.

2. Click Pay Property Taxes: Select the option for real estate taxes.

3. Search Your Record: Enter your address, owner name, or Folio Number.

4. View and Pay: You can print a PDF copy of your bill or pay it instantly using a credit card or an eCheck.

Expert Local Insight: Property tax bills are mailed out on November 1st every year. If you pay your bill in November, the county gives you a 4% discount.

The discount gets smaller each month.

If you wait until March 31st, you get zero discount. Always pay in November to keep your money.

Hillsborough County Local Offices & Contact Details

If the online system is broken, or if your name is spelled wrong on the public record, do not waste time guessing.

It is always faster to call or visit a real person. Here are the exact local offices you need.

1. Hillsborough County Property Appraiser (Main Downtown Office)

• What they do: This is the headquarters. Go here to fix record errors, ask deep valuation questions, or file your exemptions in person.

• Physical Address: County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd, 15th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602

• Working Phone Number: 813-272-6100

• Website Link: hcpafl.org

2. Property Appraiser (Brandon Regional Office)

• What they do: Offers the exact same services as the main office, but much easier to visit if you live in East Hillsborough or Brandon.

• Physical Address: 311 Pauls Drive, Brandon, FL 33511

• Working Phone Number: 813-272-6100 (Routes to main system)

3. Hillsborough County Tax Collector (Downtown Office)

• What they do: Call this office only when you are ready to pay your tax bill or if you have questions about a late payment.

• Physical Address: County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd, 14th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602

• Working Phone Number: 813-307-2000

• Website Link: hillstax.org

4. Value Adjustment Board (VAB)

• What they do: If you strongly disagree with the value the appraiser put on your house, you must file a formal appeal here to fight your taxes.

• Physical Address: Clerk of Court, 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602

• Working Phone Number: 813-276-8100

• Website Link: Hillsborough VAB Page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Folio Number in Hillsborough County?

Yes, a Folio Number is a unique ID assigned to every piece of real estate in Hillsborough County.

It is the fastest way to search for your tax records. You can find your Folio Number at the top of your TRIM notice or tax bill.

When are property taxes due in Hillsborough County?

Property taxes are mailed on November 1st. You receive a 4% discount if you pay in November.

The final, absolute deadline to pay your taxes without getting hit with heavy late penalties is March 31st of the following year.

Can I file for Homestead Exemption online?

Yes, you can easily file online. Visit the HCPA website and click the E-File button. You will need your Social Security Number,

your Folio Number, and a Florida Driver’s License that matches your new property address to complete the form.

How do I change my mailing address on my property record?

Step one is to visit the Hillsborough Property Appraiser website. Search for your property, open the record, and look for the “Change of Address” link.

You must submit this digital form so your future tax bills go to the right place.