Hillsborough County, Florida Structured Settlement Laws

Court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules for structured settlement transfers in Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court.

Get Instant QuoteChat with Mint

Table of Contents

Court Information

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Address: 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 272-5894
Clerk: Cindy Stuart
Jurisdiction: Hillsborough County
Established: Established 1845
Filing Fee: $400.00 (plus service and publication fees)
Processing Time: 45-75 days from filing to final order
Transfer Volume: high

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Petition filed with clerk and assigned to civil division judge within 24-48 hours
2.Notice issued to all interested parties within 5 business days
3.25-day response period for objections from annuity issuers and insurance companies
4.Financial discovery period typically 2-3 weeks
5.Pre-hearing conference scheduled 7-10 days before final hearing
6.Final hearing includes sworn testimony from payee and financial advisor
7.Court issues detailed written order with findings of fact
8.30-day appeal period from entry of final judgment
⚖️ Local Rules
  • •Online filing available through court portal but original documents may be required
  • •Hearing typically scheduled within 30-45 days of completed filing
  • •Court conducts thorough review of payee's financial situation and alternatives
  • •Mandatory mediation available for contested transfers
  • •Publication notice required in Tampa Bay Times if personal service not possible
  • •All transfer calculations must be clearly documented and verified

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • •Original signatures required on all petitions and affidavits
  • •Proof of service documentation mandatory for all parties
  • •Comprehensive financial impact analysis required including budget projections
  • •Independent financial advisor consultation mandatory
  • •Detailed explanation of transfer necessity and intended use of funds
  • •Court must make specific findings regarding payee's best interest

Assigned Judges

Hon. Ronald Ficarrotta
Circuit Court Judge · Civil Division - Complex Business Litigation
Hon. Cheryl Thomas
Circuit Court Judge · Civil Division - General Jurisdiction
Hon. Paul L. Huey
Circuit Court Judge · Civil Division - Probate and Guardianship

Local Resources & Links

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court Official Website
Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
Florida Statute 626.99296 - Structured Settlements
Hillsborough County Bar Association
Florida Department of Financial Services

Hillsborough County Quick Facts

Population1,489,634
Median Income$75,011
Median Age37.8
Housing Units618,220
Bachelor's Degree23.1%
Poverty Rate13%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023 (ACS 5-Year)

Venue Overview

The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court serves Hillsborough County with Tampa as the county seat. And major City area of West Central Florida.

As a major business and transportation hub. Hillsborough County processes Important numbers of structured settlement transfers from various industries.

Including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. The court maintains Focused civil divisions with judges experienced in Detailed Money transactions.

The civil division processes cases Well while maintaining thorough review standards for Seller. Protection under Florida's structured settlement protection act.

Major Cities Served:

Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview

← Back to Florida State Laws← Back to All States

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Florida Structured Settlement Information

For informational purposes only. This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Structured settlement laws vary by state and are subject to change.

Court approval required. All structured settlement transfers require court approval in every state to ensure the best interests of the payee and any dependents are protected.

Professional consultation recommended. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal and financial professionals before making any decisions regarding structured settlement transfers.

State-specific requirements. Each state has unique statutes, court procedures, and approval criteria. Always verify current requirements with official state resources.

Florida specific information. The information provided here is specific to Florida state laws and may not apply to other jurisdictions.

Contact information: For questions about structured settlements in your state, please contact your state insurance department or a qualified attorney.

Last updated:
Content last updated: April 15, 2026

Structured Settlement Transfer Procedures in Hillsborough County, Florida

Administrative efficiency in Hillsborough County, Florida Hillsborough County structured settlement transfer transfers depends heavily on understanding local court procedures and filing requirements specific to the jurisdiction. The Hillsborough County court system has developed specific protocols that reflect the county's approach to judicial administration and case management.

These procedures, while consistent with Florida law, include local variations that can significantly impact processing times and approval outcomes. Familiarity with Hillsborough County's administrative practices is essential for ensuring smooth case progression. Working with professionals who know the local system prevents common delays.

Filing procedures in Hillsborough County follow established protocols that have evolved based on the court's experience with settlement cases over time. The Hillsborough County clerk's office maintains specific requirements for document formatting, filing sequences, and administrative fees.

These must be followed precisely to avoid rejections or delays. Local court rules in Hillsborough County may specify particular forms, notarization requirements, or service procedures that differ from other counties. Understanding these administrative details ensures your petition meets all local requirements.

Case scheduling in Hillsborough County reflects the court's caseload and judicial calendar availability throughout the year. Hearing dates are typically available within 30-60 days of filing, though this can vary based on court workload.

The Hillsborough County court system's efficiency in processing settlement buyout cases has improved over time as procedures have been refined. Judges and staff have gained experience with these specialized proceedings. Local scheduling practices may include specific hearing days for settlement cases depending on volume.

In Hillsborough County, Florida, many structured settlement payment streams are backed by major insurers such as Independent Life Insurance Company and MassMutual Life Insurance Company.

Helpful resources:

sell structured settlement calculatorstructured settlement companies by statehow to sell your structured settlement paymentssell my structured settlement in Hillsborough Countystructured settlement buyout in Hillsborough Countycash out structured settlement in Hillsborough Countystructured settlement buyers in Hillsborough CountyFlorida state lawsFlorida settlement information