Eitel Friedrich succeeded his father as Count of Hohenzollern in 1512.

In 1515, he married Johanna of Witthem (d. 1544), the daughter of Philip, Lord of Beersel and Boutersem.

Eitel Friedrich III was top councillor and great chamberlain to Emperor Maximilian I, which demonstrates that he, like his father before him, had excellent relations with the Habsburgs.

He was also Imperial Archchamberlain and captain of the Lordship of Hohenberg.

He was buried in the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro of Pavia.