Tampa Elder Law Attorney

Hillsborough County is home to a growing number of older adults, and to many adult children who moved here for work while their parents stayed nearby. That makes elder law in Tampa very much a family matter. Often a son or daughter is juggling a job, children and a parent's care at the same time, and needs to know quickly who has authority to act. This page sets out how guardianship works in Hillsborough, the local help that exists, and the planning that can keep a family out of court.

Communities we serve in Hillsborough County

• Tampa, including South Tampa, Westchase and New Tampa
• Temple Terrace
• Brandon and Valrico
• Riverview and Apollo Beach
• Plant City
• Sun City Center and Ruskin

Where Hillsborough guardianship cases are handled

Under s. 26.021, the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit is made up of Hillsborough County only. Two offices are involved in every guardianship:

The Clerk states that all guardianship matters require an attorney. The Clerk also monitors every case and flags missed report deadlines so the court can issue orders to show cause. Guardianship Case Management was formerly known as the Elder Justice Center, and families may still see that name on older forms. In February 2026 the circuit posted a new administrative order on guardianship procedures, S-2026-008, alongside a separate order, S-2024-077, on examining committee fees. We work from the current versions.

What a family guardian in Tampa should expect

1. Application and screening. The proposed guardian completes the circuit's Application for Appointment as Guardian. The court may require credit and background checks for nonprofessional guardians, consistent with s. 744.3135.
2. The hearing. The court appoints an attorney for the person alleged to be incapacitated and an examining committee of three, and must consider whether an alternative to guardianship would be enough.
3. Training. Hillsborough's Guardianship Case Management office offers the 8 hour family guardian course, with a 4 hour course for guardians of a minor's property. Its page lists a $75 fee for the 8 hour class, including the book. You register in advance, and seats are limited to people with an active Hillsborough case.
4. Initial reports are due within 60 days of appointment.
5. Annual reports are due within 90 days after the end of each reporting period, and the circuit publishes a Guide to Filing Reports.

Case managers review plans and accountings at no charge, while the Clerk charges a fee for auditing inventories and accountings.

Alternatives that can avoid a guardianship

A guardianship is often avoidable when a parent signs documents while still able to. A durable power of attorney covers finances, a health care surrogate designation covers medical decisions, and a living will records end of life wishes. A preneed guardian declaration under s. 744.3045, signed before two witnesses and filed with the Clerk, names the person you would want if a guardian is ever needed.

Many Tampa parents already have documents, often signed years ago or in another state. They may still be valid, but the agent named may have moved, died or lost touch, and an older power of attorney may not include the powers that must be separately initialed under Florida law. Reviewing those papers, and naming a backup for each role, is one of the simplest ways to keep a family out of guardianship court.

Long term care and Medicaid in Hillsborough

Medicaid eligibility, including for nursing home care and the long term care waiver, is decided statewide by the Department of Children and Families. Applications are made through ACCESS Florida at myaccess.myflfamilies.com, where a long term care applicant checks HCBS/Waivers or Nursing Home on the Benefit Information screen, or by calling (850) 300-4323. DCF reviews asset transfers within 60 months before the application month for the Institutional Care Program, and the rules change and depend on each person.

Local help for planning around care includes:

• Senior Connection Center, the Area Agency on Aging for Hillsborough, (800) 336-2226.
• Bay Area Legal Services Senior Legal Helpline, listed by the circuit at 1-888-895-7873.
• Adult Protective Services, 1-800-96-ABUSE, for suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Medicaid planning is about understanding these rules before a move is made. We explain the options, but we do not promise eligibility.

Senior homestead exemptions in Hillsborough

The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser lists these additional exemptions for owners 65 and older whose household income is under the yearly limit, which the Department of Revenue sets at $38,686 for 2026:

• City of Tampa: up to $50,000.
• Unincorporated Hillsborough County: up to $50,000.
• Temple Terrace: up to $25,000.
• A long term resident exemption in Tampa and unincorporated Hillsborough, for owners who have lived in a home with a just value under $250,000 for 25 consecutive years.

The appraiser also lists $5,000 widow and widower, disability and blind exemptions. The filing deadline is March 1, with late filing accepted until the 25th day after TRIM notices are mailed. Our Florida homestead planning page explains how a Tampa home can be protected and passed on.

How we work with Hillsborough County clients

We do not have an office in Hillsborough County. Tampa clients meet with an attorney by phone or video, and you are welcome at any of our offices. Your first consultation is free, and because the firm limits its caseload, you work directly with an attorney rather than being passed between staff. For the rest of a parent's plan, see our Tampa estate planning page, and after a death, our Tampa probate page. Our Florida elder law page covers each service statewide. Contact us to talk it through.