Pasco County felony records are court files that track serious criminal cases in Dade City, New Port Richey, and other parts of Pasco County, Florida. These records show charges, hearings, pleas, trial results, and sentences.
Most felony records are open to the public under Florida law. You can look them up online through the Clerk of Court or visit a courthouse in person. This page shows you how to search, what you can find, and what each step costs.
Pasco County Clerk of Courts and Felony Records
The Pasco County Clerk of Courts keeps all felony case files for the county. Clerk Nichole “Nikki” Alvarez-Sowles leads this office. The clerk runs two public offices that help people search court records. Both offices give the same services and keep the same digital records system.
Office Locations and Contact
Pasco County has two clerk office locations. The main office sits in Dade City at 38053 Live Oak Avenue. The west side office sits in New Port Richey at 7530 Little Road. You can call either office at (352) 521-4408. Email support is also available through the clerk website. Staff can answer questions about case searches, copies, and fees.
Official Website and Online Portal
The clerk runs an online portal at pascoclerk.com. This site lets you search for felony cases from your home. The portal shows case numbers, party names, hearing dates, charges, and final orders. You can also view scanned court documents for many cases. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers. No account is needed for basic searches.
Office Hours and Access Details
Both clerk offices are open Monday through Friday. Doors open at 8:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. Some service windows close for lunch between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Public search computers are free to use inside both offices. Parking is free at both locations. Photo ID is required to enter the building.
How to Search Pasco County Felony Records Online
You can search Pasco County felony records from any device with internet. The clerk portal lets you look up cases by name or case number. Searches are free for basic case data. You only pay if you want to print or download copies of documents.
Using the Clerk’s Online Portal
Start at pascoclerk.com and click the court records search link. Choose the criminal case search option. A search box will appear. You can enter a name, case number, or date range. Results show up right away. Each result links to a full case page with charges, hearings, and rulings.
Searching by Name
To search by name, type the last name first. Add the first name if you know it. The portal shows all cases linked to that name. You can narrow results by adding a birth year. Names that match many people return longer lists. Use middle names or initials to cut down results.
Searching by Case Number
Case numbers in Pasco County follow a set pattern. Each felony case starts with a year code, then a case type code, then a number. An example looks like 2024-CF-001234. If you have the case number, type it into the search box. The portal will pull up the full case file right away.
What Information You Can See
Free online results show basic case data. You can see the defendant name, charges filed, arrest date, and court division. You can also see hearing dates, plea details, and sentence results. Many case files include scanned documents like motions, orders, and judgments. Some older cases may not have full scans yet.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, called FDLE, runs a statewide criminal history search. This search covers felony cases from all 67 Florida counties, including Pasco County. FDLE records show arrests, charges, and dispositions across a person’s life. The search costs a small fee per name.
Cost and Fee Structure
The FDLE criminal history search costs $24.00 per name searched. A $1.00 processing fee brings the total to $25.00. Payment is made by credit or debit card at the time of search. Results show up on screen right after payment. You can also print or save the results as a PDF.
Required Information for Search
You need a full legal name to run an FDLE search. Date of birth helps narrow down matches. Gender and race also help the system find the right person. A Social Security Number is optional but makes the search more exact. The system uses Florida and FBI records together.
Mail-in Request Option
You can request a criminal history record by mail if you cannot use the online system. Mail requests take 5 to 7 business days to process. The same $24.00 fee applies. You must send a check or money order. The FDLE mailing address is listed on their official site at fdle.state.fl.us.
Personal Review Rights
Florida law lets any person review their own criminal history record at no charge. You must show valid photo ID at an FDLE office. Staff will print your record while you wait. This option is good if you want to check your own file for errors before someone else runs a search.
Pasco County Court Records and the Sixth Judicial Circuit
Pasco County sits inside Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit. This circuit court handles all felony cases filed in the county. The circuit covers felony trials, sentencings, appeals, and post-conviction motions. All felony case files stay with the circuit clerk.
Felony Case Process in Pasco County
Felony cases start with an arrest or a warrant. The State Attorney’s Office files formal charges within 21 days. The case then moves to arraignment, where the defendant enters a plea. Pretrial hearings, motions, and discovery happen next. Many cases end in plea deals. Cases that go to trial end with a verdict and sentence.
Types of Felony Records Available
You can find many types of felony records through the clerk portal. The list includes arrest affidavits, charging documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and appeals. You can also find probation orders, restitution records, and post-conviction motions. Sealed or expunged cases do not appear in public searches.
Court Locations for In-Person Search
The Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City handles most felony hearings. The address is 38053 Live Oak Avenue. A second courthouse operates in New Port Richey at 7530 Little Road. Public terminals in both buildings let you search the same online database. Court staff can help you use the terminals during business hours.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in Pasco County
Some felony records in Pasco County are sealed or expunged by court order. Sealed records stay hidden from public view. Expunged records are destroyed in a legal sense. Only a few people can see these files, such as the person named in the case and certain law enforcement agencies.
Eligibility Requirements
Florida law limits who can seal or expunge a felony record. You must have no prior seal or expunge order on your record. You must complete all sentence terms first. The case must end with a withhold of adjudication, a nolle prosequi, or a full acquittal. Certain violent or sexual crimes cannot be sealed.
Certificate of Eligibility Process
You must get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE before you can ask a court to seal a record. The certificate costs $75.00 and stays valid for 12 months from the issue date. You must apply with FDLE first. After you get the certificate, you file a petition with the Pasco County Clerk of Courts. A judge makes the final call.
Fees and Processing Times
FDLE takes about 12 weeks to process a Certificate of Eligibility application. You must include fingerprints with your application. The clerk court filing fee for a petition to seal runs about $42.00. A separate court cost may apply. Lawyer fees are extra if you hire one to help with the process.
Florida Public Records Laws and Felony Access Rights
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives citizens the right to see most government records. Court records fall under this law. You can ask for records in person, by mail, or by email. Agencies must respond within a set time.
Chapter 119 Sunshine Law
The Florida Sunshine Law, Chapter 119, makes most government records open to public view. Court records, arrest records, and criminal history files fall under this rule. Agencies can charge only the actual cost of copying records. They cannot charge for the time it takes to search for files.
Victim Notification Services
Florida runs a free victim notification service called VINELink. Crime victims can sign up to get alerts about felony case events. Alerts cover court hearings, release dates, and escape notices. The service works by phone, email, or text. It covers all Florida counties, including Pasco.
Inmate Records Through Florida DOC
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks people convicted of state felonies. You can search the inmate database at dc.state.fl.us. The site shows current inmates, release dates, facility locations, and offense details. This tool is free to use. It does not cover people in county jails or on probation.
Requesting Certified Copies of Pasco County Felony Records
A certified copy of a felony record is a copy the clerk stamps with a raised seal. Courts, employers, and government agencies often ask for certified copies. The cost and wait time depend on how you order them.
Online Copy Requests
You can order certified copies through the clerk online portal. The cost is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. Most orders process within 24 hours. The portal mails paper copies to your address. You can also download digital certified copies in some cases for the same fee.
In-Person Copy Requests
You can walk into either Pasco County clerk office and ask for certified copies. Staff print the records while you wait. The same $1.00 per page and $2.00 certification fee applies. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or card. In-person orders often finish in under 30 minutes.
Mail-in Copy Requests
You can send a written request by mail to the clerk office. Include the case number, your name, and a check or money order for the total fee. Mail orders take 5 to 10 business days to process. The clerk mails the certified copies back to you. Use certified mail to track your request.
Costs for Certified Copies
The fee for certified copies in Pasco County follows a clear structure. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certification adds a $2.00 fee per document. Additional research time costs extra. The clerk will tell you the total before you pay.
| Record Type | Standard Copy | Certified Copy | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Docket | $1.00 per page | $2.00 extra per doc | Same day |
| Final Judgment | $1.00 per page | $2.00 extra per doc | Same day |
| Arrest Affidavit | $1.00 per page | $2.00 extra per doc | Same day |
| Sentencing Order | $1.00 per page | $2.00 extra per doc | Same day |
Common Reasons People Search Pasco County Felony Records
People search felony records in Pasco County for many reasons. The same records serve very different needs. Knowing why you need the record helps you pick the right search method.
Background Checks for Employment
Many Florida employers run background checks on job applicants. Felony records can affect hiring in fields like education, healthcare, finance, and child care. The FDLE criminal history search is the most common tool for this purpose. Some employers ask for certified copies of specific case files.
Tenant Screening
Landlords in Pasco County often check felony records before renting a home. Florida law limits how landlords can use criminal records. They cannot reject every applicant with any felony. They must follow fair housing rules and consider the type of crime and how long ago it happened.
Personal Research
People search their own records to check for errors. You can ask FDLE for a free personal review. You can also search the clerk portal to see what is on file. This helps you spot wrong charges, missing dispositions, or records that should have been sealed.
Legal Proceedings
Lawyers and legal teams search felony records to build cases. They may need records for appeals, sentence reviews, or new trials. Court filings often require certified copies. Attorneys can also request records through the clerk portal using their bar number.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasco County Felony Records
This section answers common questions people ask about felony records in Pasco County. Each answer gives clear facts based on current Florida law and clerk office rules. Use these answers to plan your search or request.
How long does it take to get felony records in Pasco County?
Online searches through the clerk portal show results right away. You can view case data, hearing dates, and basic documents in seconds. Certified copies ordered online process within 24 hours. Mail-in requests for certified copies take 5 to 10 business days. FDLE criminal history searches by mail take 5 to 7 business days. In-person visits to the clerk office give you copies the same day in most cases. Old paper files stored in archives may take a few extra days to pull.
Are all felony records public in Pasco County?
Most felony records in Pasco County are public under Florida law. The Sunshine Law in Chapter 119 makes court files open to view. Some records are not public. Sealed records by court order stay private. Expunged records are hidden from public search. Juvenile felony records have limits under Florida law. Active ongoing investigations may have restricted access. Cases under court seal for safety reasons stay closed to the public.
Can I search Pasco County felony records for free?
Yes. The Pasco County clerk portal lets you search felony case data at no cost. You can see defendant names, charges, hearing dates, and rulings without paying. You only pay if you want to print or download full document images. The FDLE charges $25.00 per name for a full criminal history search. You can also use public terminals at the courthouse for free.
What if I cannot find the felony record I am looking for?
Some felony cases may not show up in online searches. The case may still be too new. New filings take a few days to show in the system. The name spelling may differ from what you typed. Try alternate spellings, middle names, or birth years. The case may be sealed or expunged. Older cases may sit in physical archives. Call the clerk office at (352) 521-4408 for help with hard-to-find records.
How do I get a certified copy of a Pasco County felony record?
You can order certified copies online, in person, or by mail. Online orders go through the clerk portal at pascoclerk.com. In-person orders go to either the Dade City or New Port Richey office. Mail orders must include the case number, your contact info, and payment. The cost is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. You will get a stamped and sealed copy ready for legal use.
Can I remove a felony record from public view in Pasco County?
Yes, in some cases. Florida law lets certain people seal or expunge felony records. You must meet strict eligibility rules. You cannot have any prior seal or expunge order. You must finish all sentence terms. The charge must qualify under Florida Statute 943.059. You must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The process takes about 12 weeks before you can file a court petition.
Does a dropped felony charge still show up in records?
A dropped felony charge, called a nolle prosequi, does show up in court records. The clerk file shows the charge, the state filing, and the dismissal. The charge may still appear on a basic background check. You may be able to seal a dropped charge if you meet Florida’s rules. The record stays in court archives even after sealing. Only FDLE destroys records through formal expungement.
Pasco County Clerk of Courts Contact and Office Details
You can reach the Pasco County Clerk of Courts through the methods below. Both offices handle felony record searches, certified copies, and seal or expunge filings. Staff answer calls during normal business hours.
Main Office (Dade City): 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523
West Pasco Office (New Port Richey): 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654
Phone: (352) 521-4408
Website: pascoclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at some windows)
Authority and Entity Expansion List
The list below shows extra topics you can add to grow your topical authority. Add these in future updates to cover the full search space.
- Pasco County State Attorney’s Office and how felony charges get filed
- Pasco County Public Defender’s Office and felony defense process
- Differences between state felonies and federal felonies in Pasco County
- How probation violations appear in Pasco County felony records
- Pasco County Sheriff’s Office arrest logs and how they link to court records
- Felony expungement clinics and free legal aid in Pasco County
- How to challenge incorrect felony records in Pasco County court
- Warrant search tools in Pasco County and how to check active warrants
- How Florida’s Marsy’s Law affects felony record access for victims
- Pasco County felony record retention schedules for old cases
- How juvenile felony records differ from adult felony records in Pasco County
- Use of Pasco County felony records in immigration cases