Pasco County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Pasco County?
Public records in Pasco County are defined according to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119, which states that all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency are considered public records.
Pasco County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records that are available to citizens and interested parties. These records include:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, family court cases, and traffic citations maintained by the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property assessments
- Vital Records: Birth certificates (limited to those born in Pasco County), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
- Tax Records: Property tax information, tax rolls, and assessment records
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Commission meetings, advisory boards, and committee proceedings
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain exemptions for active investigations)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land development records
The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller's Office maintains court records, official records, and financial records, while the Pasco County Property Appraiser maintains property assessment records. Other specialized records are maintained by their respective departments within the county government structure.
Is Pasco County an Open Records County?
Pasco County fully adheres to Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law." Under Florida Statutes § 119.01, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. The statute explicitly states that providing access to public records is a duty of each agency.
The law specifically provides that:
"It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."
Pasco County has implemented comprehensive policies to ensure compliance with these state requirements. The county maintains a dedicated public records request portal to facilitate citizen access to government information.
Additionally, Pasco County complies with Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, Florida Statutes § 286.011, which requires that meetings of public boards or commissions be open to the public, properly noticed, and minutes recorded.
The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its online records access systems and clear procedures for requesting records not available electronically.
How to Find Public Records in Pasco County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Pasco County may utilize several methods to access information. The county provides multiple avenues for obtaining public records:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the county's online portals:
- Search court records through the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller's website
- Access property records via the Pasco County Property Appraiser's online database
- View county commission meeting minutes and agendas on the Pasco County Government website
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In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:
- For court records: Visit the Clerk & Comptroller's Office
- For property information: Visit the Property Appraiser's Office
- For department-specific records: Visit the relevant department office
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Written Requests: Submit a formal public records request:
- Complete the county's public records request form
- Include specific details about the records sought
- Submit via email, mail, or in person to the appropriate department
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Telephone Requests: Contact the custodian of records for the specific department:
- Identify the records needed
- Provide contact information for response
- Follow up with written confirmation if necessary
When making a request, it is advisable to be as specific as possible about the records sought, including relevant dates, names, and document types. This specificity helps county staff locate and provide the requested information efficiently.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Pasco County?
Pasco County charges fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which establishes standard fee structures for public records throughout the state. Current fees for public records in Pasco County are as follows:
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Standard Copies:
- Letter/Legal size (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14"): $0.15 per one-sided page
- Double-sided copies: $0.20 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus copy charges
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Non-Standard Copies:
- Large format documents (maps, blueprints): Actual cost of duplication
- Digital media (CD/DVD): $1.00 per disc
- USB drives: Actual cost of the device
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Special Service Charges:
- Extensive use of staff time (generally over 30 minutes): Hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work
- Computer programming or specialized IT services: Actual cost based on staff time
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Record Search and Retrieval:
- Basic searches: No charge for reasonable searches
- Extensive searches: Special service charges may apply
Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (where available). Some departments may have specific payment requirements.
Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances, particularly for requests that serve a public purpose. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the custodian of records.
Does Pasco County Have Free Public Records?
Pasco County provides free inspection of public records in compliance with Florida law. Under Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), every person has the right to inspect public records at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions.
Free public records access in Pasco County includes:
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In-Person Inspection: Citizens may examine records at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office
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Online Records: Many records are available at no charge through county websites:
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at county facilities, including:
- Public libraries throughout Pasco County
- Clerk's Office locations
- Property Appraiser's Office
While inspection is free, fees apply when copies are requested or when extensive staff time is required to fulfill a request. Additionally, certain specialized records may have statutory fees regardless of the format in which they are provided.
Who Can Request Public Records in Pasco County?
Under Florida's Public Records Law, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Pasco County. As specified in Florida Statutes § 119.01(1), public records are open for inspection and copying "by any person."
Key points regarding eligibility to request records:
- No Residency Requirement: Requestors need not be Florida residents or U.S. citizens
- No Purpose Statement Required: Individuals do not need to explain why they want records or how they will use them
- No Identification Required: For most records, requestors are not required to provide identification
- Anonymous Requests Permitted: Requests may be made anonymously for most records
- Representatives May Request: Attorneys, researchers, or other representatives may request records on behalf of others
Exceptions to these general rules include:
- Certain Vital Records: Birth certificates may be restricted to the person named, parents, or legal representatives
- Criminal History Information: Some criminal justice information may have access restrictions
- Records with Exempt Information: When requesting records that may contain exempt information about oneself, identification may be required to verify eligibility to receive the unredacted information
Corporate entities, organizations, and government agencies may also request public records through authorized representatives.
What Records Are Confidential in Pasco County?
While Florida maintains a strong public records law, certain records are exempt from disclosure under state statutes. In Pasco County, the following records are confidential or exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071:
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Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account, debit, credit, and charge card numbers
- Medical and health information protected under HIPAA
- Personal information of certain government employees (law enforcement, judges, etc.)
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Criminal Justice Records:
- Active criminal investigative information
- Criminal intelligence information
- Confidential informant identities
- Juvenile offender records (with exceptions)
- Victim information in certain cases
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Court Records:
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Certain family court records
- Guardian ad litem records
- Adoption records
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Business Information:
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information
- Certain competitive solicitation documents until award
- Security system plans and vulnerability assessments
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Other Protected Records:
- Child welfare records
- Certain personnel records and evaluations
- Emergency management plans
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Certain audit workpapers until audit completion
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact only the exempt portions and provide the remainder of the record. The county must cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to records or redacting information.
Florida law requires agencies to apply a balancing test in some cases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests or potential harm from release.
Pasco County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller (East Pasco Government Center)
38053 Live Oak Avenue
Dade City, FL 33523
(352) 521-4542
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller (West Pasco Government Center)
8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 220
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8186
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Pasco County Property Appraiser (East Pasco Government Center)
14236 6th Street, Suite 101
Dade City, FL 33523
(352) 521-4433
Pasco County Property Appraiser
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Pasco County Property Appraiser (West Pasco Government Center)
8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 130
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8151
Pasco County Property Appraiser
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Lookup Public Records in Pasco County
Pasco County Property Records Search
Pasco County Public Records Request Portal