Pasco County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Pasco County
Arrest records in Pasco County are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This statute establishes that records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are open for inspection by any person, unless specifically exempted by law. The Florida Constitution, under Article I, § 24, further reinforces the public's right to access government records.
Pursuant to Florida law, arrest records maintained by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county are generally accessible to the public. These records document the arrest and detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity but do not constitute proof of guilt. It is important to distinguish between arrest records, which document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause, and conviction records, which indicate that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense following due process.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information and provides guidance on public access to criminal justice information. While most arrest records are public, certain exemptions exist for juvenile records, active criminal investigations, and records that have been sealed or expunged by court order.
What's in Pasco County Arrest Records
Pasco County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Victim information (with certain privacy protections)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where individual was processed
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Whether bond was posted
- Bond conditions
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of judge assigned to case
- Prosecutor information
- Defense attorney information (if known)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where individual is being held
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
- Custody classification
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Out-of-county or out-of-state warrants
- Special custody requirements
- Risk assessment scores
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with privacy laws and exemptions under § 119.071 of the Florida Statutes.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pasco County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Pasco County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each with specific procedures and requirements.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Pasco County Sheriff's Office - Records Section
8700 Citizen Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8102
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
When requesting records in person, requestors should:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid photo identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for record reproduction
For written requests, individuals may submit a detailed letter including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the records being sought
- Date range of interest
- Preferred method of receiving records
Mail written requests to:
Pasco County Sheriff's Office - Records Custodian
8700 Citizen Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34654
Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and respond within a reasonable time. Fees for copies are established by § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, which allows agencies to charge up to $0.15 per one-sided copy for pages not exceeding 8½ × 14 inches, and $0.20 for two-sided copies. Additional charges may apply for certified copies or extensive research time.
For arrest records related to court proceedings, contact:
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
7530 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8186
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to criminal cases, including arrest information that becomes part of the court file once charges are formally filed.
How To Find Pasco County Arrest Records Online
Pasco County provides several digital platforms for accessing arrest records electronically. These online resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are available 24 hours a day.
The primary online resource for Pasco County arrest records is the Pasco County Sheriff's Office Jail Inquiry System, which allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released. This database is updated regularly and provides basic arrest and custody information.
To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Pasco Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Jail Inquiry" or "Inmate Search" function
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which typically include booking information, charges, and custody status
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a statewide database that includes Pasco County arrests. This service requires payment of a fee and submission of specific identifying information.
Court records related to arrests and subsequent criminal proceedings can be accessed through the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller's online records search. This system provides case information, including:
- Case numbers
- Charges filed
- Court dates
- Case status
- Disposition information
- Court documents (some may require in-person review)
Users should note that while many records are available online, certain information may be redacted in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.071, which protects confidential information such as social security numbers, bank account details, and information about certain protected individuals.
How To Search Pasco County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access Pasco County arrest records without charge through several available resources. Florida's strong public records laws facilitate free access to many criminal justice records.
The most direct method for free access is through the Pasco County Sheriff's Office Jail Inquiry System, which provides current inmate information and recent booking data at no cost. This searchable database includes:
- Arrestee name and demographic information
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release date (when applicable)
Another no-cost resource is the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller's Public Records Search, which allows users to search court cases related to arrests. While viewing basic case information is free, obtaining copies of documents may incur fees.
For in-person research, individuals may visit:
Pasco County Sheriff's Office - Records Section
8700 Citizen Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8102
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
7530 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8186
Both locations provide public access terminals where visitors may search records without charge. While inspection of records is free under Florida Statutes § 119.07, reproduction costs apply for copies requested.
The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search offers another free resource for information about individuals who have been sentenced to state prison or placed on state supervision following an arrest in Pasco County.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Pasco County
Florida law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through two distinct processes: expungement and sealing. These procedures are governed by Florida Statutes § 943.0585 (expungement) and § 943.059 (sealing).
Expungement results in the physical destruction of arrest records, while sealing restricts public access while maintaining the records for limited official use. Both processes require meeting specific eligibility criteria and following prescribed procedures.
Eligibility for expungement generally requires that:
- Charges were dismissed, dropped, or never filed
- The individual has no prior convictions for criminal offenses
- The case was not adjudicated guilty
- The arrest does not relate to certain disqualifying offenses
Eligibility for sealing typically requires:
- The case resulted in withholding of adjudication (not a conviction)
- The individual has no prior convictions for criminal offenses
- The offense is not among those statutorily prohibited from sealing
The process for either expungement or sealing in Pasco County involves:
- Obtaining a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Filing a petition with the court that handled the criminal case
- Attending a hearing before a judge (if required)
- If granted, ensuring the order is distributed to all agencies with records
Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records should contact:
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller - Criminal Division
7530 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8186
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating this complex process. The Sixth Judicial Circuit provides information about sealing and expungement procedures applicable to Pasco County.
Juvenile arrest records receive special handling under Florida law, with provisions for automatic expungement of certain records when individuals reach adulthood, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0515.
What Happens After Arrest in Pasco County?
Following an arrest in Pasco County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several key stages. This process begins immediately after physical custody and continues through case disposition.
The initial post-arrest phase involves:
-
Transport and Booking: The arrestee is transported to the Pasco County Detention Facility where they undergo booking procedures, including:
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
-
First Appearance Hearing: Within 24 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge who:
- Reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Considers pretrial release conditions
- Sets bail amounts if applicable
- Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
- Informs the defendant of the charges
-
Formal Charging Decision: The State Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Modify the charges
- Decline prosecution (nolle prosequi)
-
Arraignment: If charges are filed, the defendant appears in court to:
- Hear the formal charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Receive trial dates if pleading not guilty
-
Pretrial Proceedings: May include:
- Discovery exchange
- Motion hearings
- Pretrial conferences
- Plea negotiations
-
Case Resolution: Cases typically conclude through:
- Plea agreement
- Trial (jury or bench)
- Dismissal of charges
-
Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes penalties that may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and costs
- Restitution
- Treatment programs
- Community service
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights protected under both Florida and federal law, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a speedy trial. The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which includes Pasco County, oversees criminal proceedings and ensures due process.
For misdemeanor offenses, cases are typically handled in Pasco County Court, while felony cases proceed through Circuit Court. The timeline from arrest to disposition varies significantly based on case complexity, court caseloads, and whether the defendant is in custody or released pending trial.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pasco County?
Arrest records in Pasco County are maintained according to Florida's records retention requirements, primarily governed by Florida Statutes § 119.021, which establishes the framework for public records management. The specific retention periods are detailed in schedules developed by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
Law enforcement agencies in Pasco County, including the Sheriff's Office, must adhere to the General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, and District Medical Examiners. Under this schedule:
- Arrest records for adults are typically retained for a minimum of 100 years from the date of arrest
- Criminal investigative records for capital felonies must be kept permanently
- Records for other felonies are generally retained for at least 5 years after the offense date
- Misdemeanor records are typically kept for at least 3 years after the offense date
The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller maintains court records related to arrests according to the General Records Schedule GS11 for Clerk of Court, which prescribes:
- Felony case files: 75 years after final judgment
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after final judgment
- Traffic case files: 5 years after final judgment
Digital records maintained in databases may be retained indefinitely, even beyond the minimum retention requirements. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains criminal history information in its central repository permanently, unless records are sealed or expunged through court order.
These retention periods serve several important purposes:
- Preserving evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Supporting law enforcement investigations of related crimes
- Providing information for background checks and security clearances
- Maintaining historical documentation for statistical and research purposes
- Ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed in accordance with established procedures, but many criminal justice records are maintained well beyond minimum requirements due to their ongoing administrative and historical value.
How to Find Mugshots in Pasco County
Mugshots, the booking photographs taken during the arrest process, are considered public records in Pasco County under Florida's Public Records Law. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of booking into custody.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:
- A front-facing (portrait) view
- A profile (side) view
- A booking identification number
- Sometimes a height chart in the background
- Date of booking
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Pasco County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Pasco County Sheriff's Office - Records Section
8700 Citizen Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8102
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains these photographs as part of the official arrest record. Copies may also be included in court files if submitted as evidence or included in case documentation.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots officially, individuals may:
-
Submit a public records request to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office specifying:
- The full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
-
Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Section in person during business hours:
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Bring identification
- Be prepared to complete a request form
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
Can They Be Found Online
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office provides limited booking information online through their Jail Inquiry System, which may include mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office maintains an Arrest Inquiry database that may include booking photos.
Various third-party websites also aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records. However, the accuracy and currency of information on these sites cannot be guaranteed, and some may charge fees for removal of images.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For certified copies or to ensure accuracy, requesting mugshots directly from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office is recommended. Requests can be submitted:
- In person at the Records Section
- By mail with a detailed written request
- Through the agency's online public records request system
Standard fees apply for reproduction of photographs, typically $0.15 per page for standard copies or actual cost for specialized reproduction formats.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally public records, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records and mugshots are confidential under Florida law
- Images related to active criminal investigations may be temporarily exempt
- Mugshots of certain protected classes of individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers, judges) may have restricted access
- Photographs that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available to the public
Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059 provide the legal framework for sealing and expungement of criminal records, including mugshots, under qualifying circumstances.