Pasco County public records are documents created or kept by county agencies, courts, and law enforcement in Pasco County, Florida. These records include arrest logs, booking reports, court filings, property deeds, marriage licenses, and more.
Florida law gives every person the right to inspect and copy these records, with only a few narrow exceptions. This page covers how to search arrest records, inmate booking data, mugshots, and other public files held by Pasco County offices.
What Are Pasco County Public Records
Public records are any papers, emails, photos, videos, or data made or received by a government office in the course of its work. In Pasco County, these records are held by the Clerk of Court, the Sheriff’s Office, the Property Appraiser, the Supervisor of Elections, and many other local agencies. Most records are open for anyone to see or copy. A few are sealed by court order or protected by state law.
The main types of records people search for in Pasco County include arrest records, jail booking records, court case files, official property records, marriage records, divorce decrees, and probate documents. Each agency keeps its own set of files. Knowing which office holds the record you need saves time and effort.
Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119)
Florida’s Public Records Law is found in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law states that all records made or received by any public agency are open for inspection and copying, unless a specific exemption applies. The Florida Constitution also supports this right in Article I, Section 24. Pasco County offices must follow this law.
You do not need to give your name. You do not need to explain why you want a record. The agency must prove that an exemption applies if it wants to deny your request. If a request is denied, the agency must tell you which law it is using. The Florida Attorney General’s Office helps resolve disputes at no cost to the requester.
Common exemptions in Section 119.071 include active criminal investigation files, certain victim details, medical records, and some law enforcement personnel data. Sealed or expunged records are also closed to the public.
Pasco County Arrest Records and How They Work
Pasco County arrest records show when a person was taken into custody, the charges filed, and which agency made the arrest. These records are created and kept by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. They also include booking data, which covers fingerprints, photos, and personal details collected at the jail.
Arrest records are different from criminal history records. Arrest records only show the fact of an arrest, not the final outcome of a case. A criminal history record shows the full background, including past convictions. For a full background, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a statewide check.
Many people search Pasco County arrest records for personal reasons. Common reasons include checking on a family member, screening a tenant, running a background check on a date, or checking a neighbor. Florida law lets any member of the public view these records, even without a reason.
How to Search Pasco County Arrest Records
You can search Pasco County arrest records online, in person, or by mail. The fastest method is online through the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office website. The site has a daily arrest log and an inmate lookup tool. Both tools are free to use.
To run a name-based search, type the full name of the person into the search bar on the Sheriff’s website. Results show the booking date, charges, and bond amount. If you do not know the full name, you can search by date range to see who was arrested on a specific day.
For older arrest records, the Sheriff’s Office may need extra time to pull archived files. You can submit a written request for records older than a few years. There may be a small fee for staff time and copies.
Pasco County Recent Arrests and Booking Log
The Pasco County booking log is updated daily by the Sheriff’s Office. It shows the name of each person booked into the Pasco County Detention Facility, the date and time of booking, the charges, and the bond. This log is open to the public under Florida law.
Recent arrests are posted on the Sheriff’s Office website, usually within 24 hours of booking. The log resets each day. If you want to see arrests from a prior week or month, you may need to contact the Records Division directly.
Pasco County Mugshots
Booking photos, also called mugshots, are taken at the time of intake at the jail. Pasco County releases booking photos to the public unless a court has ordered them sealed. Mugshots are tied to the booking record and appear in the inmate lookup tool on the Sheriff’s website.
Mugshots show the front and side view of a person’s face at the time of arrest. They also show the person’s name, booking number, and physical details like height and weight. These photos are used by news media, legal teams, and the general public.
Pasco County Jail and Inmate Records
The Pasco County Detention Facility is located in Land O’ Lakes. It houses people charged with crimes in Pasco County. The facility is run by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Inmate records show who is currently in custody, their charges, bond amount, and court dates.
You can search current inmates online through the Sheriff’s website. The inmate search tool lets you look up a person by name or booking number. The tool shows the inmate’s status, housing location, and release date if known.
For inmates held by the Florida Department of Corrections, you must use the FDLE or DOC website. The Pasco County jail only holds people who have not yet been transferred to state prison or who are serving short county sentences.
Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller
The Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller is the main office for court records and official documents. The current Clerk is Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq. The office is located in Dade City, the county seat. It handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, and traffic court records for the 6th Judicial Circuit.
| Office | Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq. |
| Address | 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Ste 205, Dade City, FL 33523 |
| Phone | (727) 847-8199 |
| Website | pascoclerk.com |
The Clerk’s office records real estate documents like deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments. These records are critical for title searches and property buyers. The office also handles marriage licenses, divorce filings, and other family law documents.
Visit the Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller website to search court and official records 
The image above shows the official Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller website, which is the main online point of contact for court records and official records searches.
Searching Court Records Online
The Pasco County Clerk’s website at pascoclerk.com offers free online access to court records. You do not need an account to run a basic search. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number.
Court cases handled in the 6th Judicial Circuit are in the system, including civil cases, criminal cases, family law, probate, and traffic matters. Many scanned documents are linked to each case, so you can view the actual filings online.
Older cases that have not been digitized may need an in-person visit to the courthouse in Dade City. Call the Clerk’s office first to check if a record is available online or only in paper form.
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and inmate booking data. The office is led by Sheriff Chris Nocco. The Records Division handles public records requests related to law enforcement files.
| Agency | Pasco County Sheriff’s Office |
|---|---|
| Sheriff | Chris Nocco |
| Address | 8700 Citizen Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34654 |
| Phone (Non-Emergency) | (727) 847-8102 |
| Website | pascosheriff.com |
The Sheriff’s Office online tools include a daily arrest log, an inmate search, a most-wanted list, and a sex offender registry. Each tool is free to use. The website also has a crime mapping feature that shows recent reports by neighborhood.
How to Request Arrest Records from the Sheriff
To request an arrest record or incident report, you can submit a written request to the Records Division. Include the full name of the person, the date of the arrest, and the case number if known. The Records Division will tell you the cost and turn-around time.
Requests can be sent by email, fax, or mail. Most basic reports cost a few dollars per copy. Reports that need redaction or extra research may cost more. Allow several business days for the office to process your request.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the statewide Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. This database covers arrests and convictions from all 67 Florida counties, including Pasco. It is the best tool for a full Florida background check.
You can request a copy of your own criminal history record through the FDLE website. Third-party background checks require the written consent of the person being checked. FDLE charges a small fee for each search.
FDLE records are updated by county agencies. Pasco County sends booking data to FDLE after each arrest. The data is then searchable through the state system within a few days of the booking.
Fees and Copy Costs for Public Records
Florida law sets standard copy fees for public records. The base fee is $0.15 per one-sided page for standard copies. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Electronic copies may be cheaper than paper copies.
For records that need a lot of staff time, agencies can bill for the time beyond the first 30 free minutes. The rate must be reasonable and based on the salary of the lowest paid staff member who can do the work. Specialized redactions or programming may also be billed.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.15 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification statement fee | $5.00 |
| Staff research time (after 30 min) | Hourly rate based on staff salary |
| Electronic copies | Often free or low cost |
Check the specific agency for current fees and accepted payment methods. Many offices accept cash, check, money order, and credit card. Mail requests typically require prepayment.
How to Request Records in Person or by Mail
To request records in person, visit the agency that holds the record during business hours. Bring a photo ID. The staff will help you find the right records and tell you the cost. You can usually pay on the spot and walk out with copies.
To request records by mail, send a written request to the agency. Include your contact details, a clear description of the records you want, and payment for the estimated cost. The agency will mail the copies back to you once they process the request.
For email requests, many agencies accept them through their public records email address. Some agencies use online forms. Email requests often get faster responses because the agency can reply quickly and you can pay online.
Records Exempt from Public Access
Not all records are open to the public. Florida law lists specific exemptions in Section 119.071 and other statutes. Common exemptions include:
- Active criminal investigation files
- Medical and mental health records
- Social security numbers and financial account data
- Juvenile criminal records
- Sealed or expunged records
- Victim and witness details in certain cases
- Personnel files of law enforcement officers
Even exempt records may be released in part. Many agencies will redact sensitive parts and release the rest. If you ask for a record that is exempt, the agency must cite the specific law that allows the denial.
Record Sealing and Expungement in Pasco County
A person can ask a court to seal or expunge an arrest record under Florida law. Sealing hides the record from most public searches. Expungement destroys the record so that even the court cannot see it in most cases.
To seal or expunge a Pasco County arrest, the person must first get a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. Then they file a petition with the Clerk of Court in the county where the arrest happened. A judge reviews the petition and decides whether to grant it.
Not all records can be sealed or expunged. Certain violent crimes and certain types of convictions are not eligible. A sealed record is still available to law enforcement and some government agencies.
Pasco County Cities and Their Records
Pasco County includes several cities and unincorporated areas. Each city has its own police department that keeps arrest records. The main cities in Pasco County include:
- New Port Richey
- Dade City (county seat)
- Zephyrhills
- Port Richey
- San Antonio
Major unincorporated communities include Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Trinity, Spring Hill, and Holiday. Records from these areas are handled by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, since they fall outside city police jurisdictions.
Other Public Records Sources in Pasco County
Beyond arrest and court records, Pasco County agencies hold many other public records. The Property Appraiser’s office keeps real estate assessment data, ownership history, and parcel maps. The Tax Collector handles vehicle registration and tax records. The Supervisor of Elections maintains voter registration data.
For statewide records, the myfloridacounty.com portal lets you search across multiple Florida counties in one place. The Florida Department of Health holds birth and death certificates. The Bureau of Vital Statistics handles marriage and divorce records statewide.
Legal aid resources for Pasco County residents include Bay Area Legal Services and the Florida First Amendment Foundation. These groups help low-income residents with public records issues and disputes.
How to Dispute a Denied Records Request
If an agency denies your request for Pasco County public records, you can take several steps. First, ask for the specific exemption in writing. If the agency refuses to give an exemption, the denial may be improper.
You can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General runs a free mediation line at (850) 245-0140 for public records disputes. A mediator will contact the agency and try to resolve the issue.
As a last resort, you can file a civil lawsuit under Chapter 119 to force the agency to release the record. If you win, the court may order the agency to pay your attorney’s fees. Many lawsuits have been successful when agencies denied records without a clear exemption.
Privacy and Responsible Use of Records
Public records are open to all, but they can affect people’s lives. Florida law allows the use of arrest records and mugshots, but some websites have been sued for misuse. Always use public records for lawful purposes only.
You cannot use public records to stalk, harass, blackmail, or commit identity theft. Using records to harm someone can lead to civil and criminal penalties. Use the records you find responsibly and respect the privacy of others.
If you find that your own record is wrong, you can ask the agency to correct it. Most agencies have a process for disputing errors. You may need to provide proof to support your claim.
Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller Contact Details
The Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller is open on weekdays during regular business hours. The office handles walk-in requests, mail requests, and online requests. The mailing address and phone number for the office are listed below.
| Office | Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller |
|---|---|
| Address | 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Ste 205, Dade City, FL 33523 |
| Phone | (727) 847-8199 |
| Website | www.pascoclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Contact Details
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency and non-emergency calls. The Records Division handles public records requests during business hours. The address and phone number for the main office are listed below.
| Agency | Pasco County Sheriff’s Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 8700 Citizen Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34654 |
| Non-Emergency Phone | (727) 847-8102 |
| Emergency Phone | 911 |
| Website | www.pascosheriff.com |
| Records Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Nearby Counties and Their Records
Pasco County borders five other Florida counties. Each has its own Clerk and Sheriff records systems. Records from these counties are not in the Pasco County system. You must contact each county separately for its records.
- Hillsborough County (Tampa area)
- Pinellas County (St. Petersburg area)
- Hernando County (Brooksville area)
- Polk County (Bartow area)
- Sumter County (Bushnell area)
For searches across all Florida counties, the FDLE criminal history database is the best tool. It covers every county in the state and is updated regularly by local agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasco County Public Records
The FAQ section below answers common questions people ask about arrest records, booking records, and other public records in Pasco County. Each answer is based on Florida law and the current practices of local agencies.
How do I find recent arrests in Pasco County?
To find recent arrests in Pasco County, visit the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office website at pascosheriff.com and use the daily arrest log. The log is updated each day with new bookings at the Pasco County Detention Facility. You can search by name to see specific arrests or browse by date. The log shows the booking date, charges, and bond amount. For arrests from prior weeks, contact the Sheriff’s Records Division at (727) 847-8102. Older records may take a few days to retrieve from archives. The arrest log is free to view and does not require an account.
Are Pasco County mugshots free to view?
Yes, Pasco County mugshots are free to view on the Sheriff’s Office inmate lookup tool. The booking photo is linked to each inmate’s record and shows the front and side view taken at intake. Mugshots are public records under Florida law unless a court has sealed the case. You can search by name or booking number on the Sheriff’s website. Third-party websites also post mugshots, but they often charge a fee to remove them. Use the official Sheriff’s website to view mugshots at no cost.
Can I search Pasco County arrest records by name?
Yes, you can search Pasco County arrest records by name through the Sheriff’s Office inmate search tool. Type the full name of the person into the search bar. Results show all matching bookings, current and past. For a full Florida background check, the FDLE Computerized Criminal History system is the most complete tool. FDLE covers all 67 counties and requires written consent for third-party checks. You can run a name-based search on your own record at any time for a small fee.
How long does it take to get Pasco County arrest records?
Online arrest records are available instantly through the Sheriff’s Office website. The daily arrest log and inmate search are updated within 24 hours of booking. For written or in-person requests, the Sheriff’s Office has 10 business days to respond under Florida law. Complex requests that need research or redaction may take longer. The agency must tell you if it needs more time. For certified copies of arrest reports, the process usually takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of payment.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record?
An arrest record only shows that a person was taken into custody by police. It does not show what happened after the arrest. A criminal record shows the full history, including charges, pleas, convictions, sentences, and dismissals. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records. The Clerk of Court keeps court records that show the outcome of each case. For a full criminal record, the FDLE statewide check is the best option. FDLE combines arrest and court data into one report.
Can I get Pasco County arrest records sealed?
You can ask a court to seal or expunge a Pasco County arrest record under Florida law. The first step is to apply for a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. If FDLE approves, you file a petition with the Pasco County Clerk of Court. A judge will review the petition and decide. Not all cases qualify. You cannot seal or expunge a record if you were convicted of certain crimes or if the case is still open. Sealed records are hidden from the public but still available to law enforcement agencies.
Where do I report an error in a Pasco County arrest record?
To report an error in a Pasco County arrest record, contact the agency that created the record. For booking data and arrest reports, contact the Pasco County Sheriff’s Records Division. For court case data, contact the Pasco County Clerk of Court. Provide the case number, the person’s name, and proof of the error. The agency will review the request and correct the record if needed. You may need to provide court orders, dismissal papers, or other official documents to support the correction.