Navigating the Pasco County Clerk of Court requires knowing where to find records, how to pay filing fees, and which office to contact. Whether you're pulling property deeds, paying a traffic ticket, or tracking a civil lawsuit, the clerk's office serves as the central hub for all judicial and official records in Pasco County, Florida.
The office operates dual primary locations—the East Pasco Government Center in Dade City and the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey. Public counters are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though specific transactions like passport processing close slightly earlier at 4:00 p.m.
Core Functions of the Clerk and Comptroller
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller functions as a multi-faceted county official. Beyond managing court files, the office handles county finances, audits, and official property recordings.
- Court Operations: Maintains records for civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims court divisions.
- Official Records: Records and preserves property deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps.
- Board Records: Acts as clerk to the Board of County Commissioners and manages the Value Adjustment Board.
- Financial Stewardship: Manages county accounts payable, payroll, and budget reporting.
Accessing Court and Official Records
Finding documents online saves a trip to the government center, but you need to know which database to check. The clerk splits records into two primary searchable categories: court case files and official records (property and public instruments).
Online Court Records
You can search court dockets, check case statuses, and view non-confidential filings through the Pasco County Clerk Records Search portal. Online searches for basic court dockets and computer records are free, though physical viewing at the terminals inside the office is also free.
Official Records and Property Documents
Property deeds, liens, and mortgages dating back to 1975 are indexed online through the Pasco County Official Records Search. Images from 1990 onward are generally viewable online, excluding sensitive case types like probate, family law, or military discharges. For older historical deeds between 1876 and 1974, the office provides free access via historical archiving tools.
Understanding Fees, Costs, and Payment Methods
Filing documents, requesting copies, or recording legal instruments involves specific statutory fees. Knowing these costs ahead of time prevents processing delays.
- Document Copies: Standard paper or digital copies of court and official records cost $1 per page.
- Certification: Certifying a document costs an additional $2 per document.
- Recording Property Documents: Recording the first page of a deed or mortgage costs $10, with each additional page priced at $8.50.
- Assisted Searches: Staff-assisted record searches cost $2 per name per year searched.
Accepted Payment Methods
The clerk accepts cash, money orders, bank checks, and in-state business checks. Personal in-state checks require proper identification. If you pay using a credit or debit card, a 3.5% transaction fee is charged by the processing vendor.
Physical Locations and Department Contacts
When phone calls or online tools don't resolve your issue, you must visit one of the two main physical hubs.
- East Pasco Government Center: Located at 14236 6th Street, Suite 201, Dade City, FL 33523. General court and official record inquiries can be reached at (352) 521-4408 or (352) 521-4542.
- West Pasco Government Center: Located at 8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 220, New Port Richey, FL 34654. Contact the main office at (727) 847-8086 or (727) 847-8031.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing errors or improper record searches frequently slow down legal processes. Keep these pitfalls in mind:
- Searching the Wrong Database: Don't look for property deeds in the court records portal, or traffic tickets in the official records database. They are managed in separate systems.
- Ignoring Confidential Redactions: Attempting to view restricted family law or juvenile records online will fail due to statutory privacy protections. You must appear in person with proper legal standing to access sealed files.
- Forgetting Transaction Fees: Mailing a check for the exact amount of a filing fee without accounting for separate recording surcharges or credit card processing fees will result in rejected paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get certified copies of court records online?
Yes. The office offers an E-Certify program that provides tamper-proof electronic certified documents featuring a digital clerk signature, which you can download immediately after purchase.
How do I clear a traffic ticket citation in Pasco County?
You can pay traffic fines online through the clerk's traffic division portal, by mail, or in person at either the Dade City or New Port Richey offices within 30 days of receiving the citation.
Are historical property records available to the public?
Yes. Pasco County provides free access to archived historical deeds and records dating back to 1876 through its historical records search platform.
How can I protect my personal information from public online viewing?
You can submit a request to redact exempt personal information, such as social security numbers or sensitive financial data, by visiting the clerk's protecting personal information page.
