Pasco County Florida divorce records are official court files that show every divorce case filed in the county. These records come from the Pasco County Clerk of Court.
They hold the full case history, the final judgment, and all papers filed by both spouses. People need these records to prove a divorce happened, to change a name, to remarry, or to update legal files. This page shows how to search, request, and get certified copies of Pasco County Florida divorce records.
What Divorce Records Show in Pasco County
Divorce records in Pasco County come from the local court system. Each record shows who filed the case, the case number, the judge’s name, and the date the divorce became final. The full case file has every paper filed by either side. This includes petitions, responses, motions, financial forms, and the signed final judgment that ends the marriage.
Types of Divorce Records Available
Three main types of divorce records are available to the public in Pasco County. Each one serves a different purpose. Knowing the type you need saves time and fees.
- Case docket: a list of every filing in the case with dates and document titles
- Final judgment of dissolution: the signed court order that ends the marriage
- Certified copy of the final judgment: a stamped and signed copy used for legal proof
Who Files Divorce Cases in Pasco
All divorce cases in Pasco County start at the county courthouse. The Sixth Judicial Circuit serves Pasco County. The Clerk of Court stores all the case papers. The clerk keeps both paper files from older cases and electronic files from recent cases. Most cases filed after 2010 are stored in the electronic court system.
Where Divorce Records Are Stored
Divorce records live in two main places in Florida. The county clerk holds the full case file. The state vital records office holds a shorter certificate. People who need proof of divorce for legal matters usually need the county copy. People who need a simple confirmation of the divorce date may use the state certificate instead.
Pasco County Clerk of Court
The Pasco County Clerk of Court is the main place for divorce records. The office keeps the full court file for every divorce case filed in the county. The clerk staff can search for cases by name, case number, or filing year. They can also issue certified copies of the final judgment. The clerk office is open five days a week and handles walk-in and mail requests.
Florida State Vital Records Office
The Florida Department of Health runs the state vital records office. This office holds divorce certificates for events across the state. The state certificate shows the names, the county where the divorce was granted, and the date. It does not show the terms of the divorce settlement. State certificates cost more than county docket searches but work as proof in most legal settings.
How to Search Records Online
Online search is the fastest way to check for Pasco County Florida divorce records. The county clerk runs an online portal. The state also runs search tools for all Florida counties. Free searches can show case activity and basic file data. Paid searches can pull document images. Certified copies must still be ordered from the clerk office.
Pasco Clerk Online Portal
The Pasco County Clerk runs an online portal at pascoclerk.com. Users can search court records by name or case number. The portal shows case type, filing date, judge, and event history. Users can view document images for a small fee per page. Certified copies must still be ordered from the clerk office in person, by mail, or via the portal’s certified copy request form.
Florida State Records Search
The Florida Courts system offers a statewide search tool. This tool shows case data from all 67 Florida counties. It can help confirm which county holds the case file. Users looking for old cases from the 1990s or 2000s may find this tool useful when the county of filing is not known. Each case link leads to the county’s online docket for further records.
Requesting Certified Copies
A certified copy of a divorce judgment is the most common request. A certified copy has the court seal, the clerk’s signature, and a stamp that proves it is a true copy. Banks, government agencies, and other courts often ask for a certified copy. A plain copy will not work in most legal filings.
What You Need to Request
To get a certified copy, the clerk needs enough data to find the case. Providing the case number helps the most. If the case number is unknown, the clerk needs the full legal names of both spouses and the year the case was filed. A photo ID is required for in-person requests.
- Full legal name of each spouse as shown on the case
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number if known
- Photo ID for in-person requests
- Payment for certified copy fees
Fees for Certified Copies
Fees for certified copies follow Florida law. The standard fee is set by the Florida Legislature and updated each year. As of 2026, the standard fee per certified copy is around two dollars per page plus a small clerk service fee. Exact fees should be confirmed with the clerk office before placing an order. Online orders often include a small credit card processing fee.
Walk-in and Mail Request Steps
Records can be requested in person, by mail, or online. In-person visits give the fastest result. Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the courthouse. Online requests work for those who pay by card and accept emailed or mailed delivery. Each method has its own form and payment rules.
In-Person at the Clerk Office
The Pasco County Clerk has offices in Dade City and New Port Richey. The main office in Dade City handles most divorce record requests. Visitors should bring a photo ID, the spouse names, and the case year. Staff will search the system and pull the file the same day in most cases. The east office in New Port Richey also handles record requests and may have shorter wait times.
Mail Request Method
Mail requests need a signed written request, a copy of a photo ID, and a check or money order for the fees. The request should list the names of both spouses, the year, and the case number if known. The clerk will mail back the certified copy. Self-addressed stamped envelopes speed up the return delivery.
Records From Other Florida Counties
Many Florida residents search for divorce records in counties other than where they live. Cases are filed in the county where the divorce petition was filed. If the spouses lived in another county at the time of filing, that county may hold the file. Knowing the filing county is the first step.
Neighboring County Clerks
Pasco County borders Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando, and Sumter counties. Each neighboring county has its own clerk office. Records from these counties follow the same process as Pasco records. A quick check of the filing county can save hours of search time. The Florida Courts statewide search helps confirm which county holds the file.
| County | Clerk Website | Main Office City |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough | hillsclerk.com | Tampa |
| Pinellas | pinellasclerk.org | Clearwater |
| Hernando | hernandoclerk.com | Brooksville |
| Sumter | sumterclerk.com | Bushnell |
Common Uses for Divorce Records
Divorce records serve many legal and personal needs. Banks, insurers, and government agencies ask for these records to update accounts. People also use them for personal records and family history research. Each use case points to the same source: the Pasco County Clerk of Court.
Name Change After Divorce
Many people return to a former name after divorce. The final judgment acts as proof of the name change for the Social Security Administration, the DMV, and banks. A certified copy of the judgment is the document most agencies ask for. The clerk office can issue extra certified copies for multiple agencies at the same time.
Remarriage and Legal Proof
A certified divorce judgment is required before a person can remarry. The marriage license office asks for proof that any prior marriage has ended. The judgment shows the date the divorce became final. People who plan to remarry should request at least two certified copies of the judgment: one for the marriage license office and one for personal records.
Florida Divorce Law Background
Florida divorce law is set by state law. The Florida Statutes define the rules, the forms, and the court process. The Clerk of Court applies these rules when accepting filings and issuing copies. Knowing the basic law helps requesters pick the right document.
Chapter 61 Dissolution Rules
Florida Statute Chapter 61 covers all family law cases, including divorce. The chapter lists the grounds for divorce, the residency rules, the forms, and the waiting period. Most cases are no-fault divorces. Florida requires at least one spouse to live in the state for six months before filing. Chapter 61 also covers related cases like annulment and separate maintenance.
Pasco County Clerk Contact Details
The Pasco County Clerk of Court has two main offices. The main courthouse is in Dade City. The east side office is in New Port Richey. Both offices handle divorce record requests during regular business hours. Online requests can be placed at any time via the official website.
Pasco County Clerk of Court – Main Office
38053 Live Oak Avenue
Dade City, FL 33523
Phone: (352) 521-4274
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: pascoclerk.com
Pasco County Clerk of Court – East Office
38045 Live Oak Avenue
Dade City, FL 33523
Phone: (352) 521-4274
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Pasco County divorce records. These answers cover search methods, fees, processing times, and document types. Each answer gives clear, direct facts based on current Florida law and clerk office practice. Review these answers before placing a request to avoid delays and extra fees.
How long does it take to get a certified divorce copy?
In-person requests at the Pasco County Clerk office can be filled the same day for cases filed in recent years. Older cases stored off-site may take two to five business days to retrieve. Mail requests usually take seven to ten business days from the date the clerk office receives the request. Online requests depend on the delivery option chosen at checkout. Standard mail adds another three to five days after the clerk processes the order.
Can I search for divorce records by name only?
Yes. The Pasco County Clerk online portal lets users search by name. A name search works best when the full legal name is used. Searches can be narrowed by year or case type. Results show case numbers, filing dates, and judge assignments. People who share common last names may see many results and need to filter by first name, middle name, or year to find the right case.
Are divorce records public in Pasco County?
Yes. Florida law makes court records public. Most divorce case files can be viewed by any adult. Some sensitive data, like Social Security numbers and minor children’s details, is redacted before public copies are issued. Sealed cases remain private and require a court order to open. Anyone can request to view the public parts of a case file at the clerk office during business hours.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a decree?
A divorce certificate is a short state-issued paper that confirms a divorce happened. It shows names, county, and date. A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage and lists terms like custody and support. The decree is the document most legal agencies ask for. The certificate works for simple proof of divorce in cases where the case terms are not needed.
Can I get a divorce record from another Florida county?
Yes. Each Florida county holds its own divorce records. The request process is similar across counties. You must contact the clerk office in the county where the divorce was filed. The state vital records office can help locate the filing county when the filing location is unknown. Fees and processing times vary by county, but the document types are the same statewide.
Do I need a lawyer to request a divorce record?
No. Most people can request divorce records on their own. The clerk staff will help locate the case and process the request. A lawyer is only needed if the case is sealed by court order or if the request is contested. People who need help with sealed cases should contact a family law attorney for guidance on filing a motion to unseal the records.
What if I cannot find the divorce record?
If a search returns no results, double-check the spelling of names. Try variations of the name, including maiden names and former married names. Search by year ranges. Contact the state vital records office to confirm the filing county. Older cases from the 1900s may be stored in archives that need extra time to retrieve. The clerk office can run a manual search when online tools miss a match.