Pasco County County Criminal History records show arrest data, court filings, and case outcomes for people in Pasco County, Florida. These files are held by the Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
You can check them online, by mail, or in person. The main office sits at 38053 Live Oak Avenue in Dade City. Anyone can ask for these records for background checks, jobs, court cases, or personal knowledge. The Sixth Judicial Circuit covers both Pasco and Pinellas counties and keeps all court papers for past and current cases.
What Is Pasco County County Criminal History
A criminal history file holds a full list of arrests, charges, pleas, and court results for one person. Pasco County County Criminal History data comes from the Clerk of Court, local police, the Sheriff’s Office, and state courts. Each entry shows the date of arrest, the law broken, the court that heard the case, and the final outcome. You may see charges that were dropped, cases that ended in a plea, or trial verdicts. The records date back many years and still grow as new cases move through the courts.
Records Held by the Clerk of Court
The Pasco County Clerk of Court keeps the main set of court records for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. These files hold charging documents, motions, hearing notes, plea deals, sentences, and final judgments. The Clerk also stores traffic tickets, civil suits, and family court papers in separate sections. Court staff can point you to the right office for each record type. Most files are open to the public under Florida law.
- Arrest reports from local law enforcement
- Charging papers filed by the State Attorney
- Court motions and hearing records
- Plea agreements and sentence orders
- Final judgments and case dismissal notes
Types of Cases on File
Pasco County court files cover felony, misdemeanor, and county ordinance cases. Felonies are the most serious crimes and include things like drug trafficking, burglary, and assault. Misdemeanors cover smaller offenses like petty theft, simple battery, or DUI first offense. County ordinance cases may involve local rule violations. Traffic infractions handled in criminal court also appear in the system. Each case has a unique number that helps you track it through the system.
Who Maintains These Records
Two main agencies hold criminal history data in Florida. The Pasco County Clerk of Court keeps local court records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state computer system called FCIC, which stands for Florida Crime Information Center. FCIC pulls data from every county in Florida. Local police departments and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office add arrest data to this system. The State Attorney’s Office adds outcome data after each case ends.
How to Search Criminal Records in Pasco County
You have three main ways to search for criminal records in Pasco County. You can use the Clerk’s online portal, visit the office in person, or send a mail request. Each method has its own steps, fees, and wait times. Your choice depends on how fast you need the records and what form you need them in.
Online Court Records Search
The Pasco County Clerk runs an online portal that lets you search court cases by name or case number. This tool works from any computer or phone with internet access. You type in the person’s full name and date of birth to narrow the results. The system shows open and closed cases from the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Basic case data is free to view. You pay a small fee for printed copies or certified records.
The online portal updates daily as new cases enter the system. You can search by defendant name, case number, or citation number. Each result shows the charges, court dates, and current status. You can also view hearing schedules and upcoming court events. The portal covers both criminal and civil cases in the circuit.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
You can visit the Pasco County Clerk’s office at 38053 Live Oak Avenue in Dade City. The office opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Have the full name, date of birth, and any case numbers ready. Staff can help you find the right file, make copies, or get certified copies on the spot.
The Dade City office is the main hub for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. You can also visit branch offices in New Port Richey for some services. The lobby has public computers you can use to search records for free. Staff at the front desk can guide you through the process if you get stuck. You pay by cash, check, or credit card for copies and certifications.
Mail-In Record Requests
You can send a written request by mail if you cannot visit the office. Write a letter that includes the full name, date of birth, and any other facts you know about the person. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the reply. Include a check or money order for the search fee. Mail the request to the Pasco County Clerk of Court at the Dade City address.
Mail requests take longer than online or in-person searches. You may wait seven to ten business days for a response. The Clerk will mail you the records or a letter saying no records were found. Make sure your contact details are clear so the office can reach you with any questions. Mail is a good choice for people who live far from Pasco County.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state criminal history system. This system covers all 67 counties in Florida. An FDLE search shows arrests, charges, and outcomes from any Florida county, not just Pasco. You can order a name-based search or a certified search for jobs and licensing. The FDLE system is the best way to get a full picture of a person’s Florida record.
Name-Based Search Options
FDLE offers a name-based search through its public portal. You enter the person’s name, date of birth, and sex. The system checks the FCIC database for matching records. Results show up on screen in most cases. You pay $24 for each name search, plus a small processing fee. Results are available right away for most requests.
The instant name search works well for quick background checks. It pulls data from all Florida counties and state agencies. You see arrest dates, charges, and court outcomes in one report. The report is not certified for legal use. You can print it for your own records. Many employers and landlords accept this format for basic screening.
Certified Criminal Background Checks
You need a certified check for jobs in healthcare, childcare, education, or government licensing. FDLE runs these through the CCHInet portal, which stands for Computerized Criminal History Internet. You submit fingerprints along with the request form. A trained technician checks the results before sending them back. The certified report has an official stamp and signature.
Certified checks take longer than name searches. Most requests finish in five to seven business days. The fee for a certified check is higher than a name search. You pay for the fingerprint service, the state fee, and the FBI fee if you need a federal check. The final report is mailed to you or the agency that asked for it.
Fees and Processing Times
FDLE charges different fees based on the type of search you order. Name searches cost $24 each. Certified searches cost $24 plus vendor fees. Fingerprint-based checks add $14 for the state portion and $12 for the FBI portion. Processing times range from instant to ten business days. You can pay by credit card online or by check through the mail.
| Search Type | Fee | Processing Time | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name-Based Search | $24 | Instant | Personal use, basic screening |
| Certified Check | $24 plus fees | 5-7 business days | Employment, licensing |
| Fingerprint Check | $24 plus $14 state, $12 FBI | 5-10 business days | Federal jobs, adoptions |
| Mail-In Request | $24 per search | 7-14 business days | Out-of-state requests |
Criminal History Request Form and Fingerprint Checks
Florida uses a standard form for criminal history requests. The form is called the “Criminal History Record Request” and is available on the FDLE website. You fill out the person’s full legal name, date of birth, race, and sex. You sign the form and send it with payment. Fingerprint checks need a separate form and a visit to a live scan location.
Filling Out the Request Form
The Florida criminal history request form asks for basic facts about the person you are checking. You need the full legal name, any aliases, date of birth, race, and sex. You also sign a statement that says you have a right to the records under Florida law. A parent or guardian can sign for a minor child. The form must be complete or the office will send it back to you.
You can download the form from the FDLE website or pick one up at any local police station. The form is also available at the Clerk of Court office in Dade City. Make a copy of the form before you send it in. The Clerk keeps the original for their records. You can also use a third-party vendor that handles the paperwork for you.
Fingerprint-Based Background Checks
Fingerprint checks give the most accurate results. Your fingerprints go into a state and federal database. Trained staff match them to any past arrests. You need this type of check for many government jobs, professional licenses, and adoptions. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office offers live scan fingerprinting by appointment.
Live scan machines take your fingerprints electronically and send them to FDLE right away. The process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. You bring a valid photo ID and your payment. The results go directly to the agency that needs them. You can also get fingerprinted at private vendors approved by the state.
Florida Criminal Record Expungement and Sealing
Florida law lets you seal or expunge some criminal records. Sealing hides the record from public view but keeps it in the system. Expungement destroys the record so it looks like the arrest never happened. You can only seal or expunge records for certain charges. A lawyer can help you decide which path works for your case.
Who Can Seal or Expunge a Record
You can seal a record if you were found not guilty, charges were dropped, or you completed a diversion program. You can expunge a record if you were found not guilty at trial or charges were dropped before a plea. You cannot seal or expunge records for serious crimes like murder, sexual assault, or child abuse. Each person can only seal or expunge one case in their lifetime, with some narrow exceptions.
The application process starts with a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. You fill out a form, pay a fee, and send in fingerprints. FDLE reviews your case and either approves or denies the request. The review can take several months. You get a letter in the mail with the result. If approved, you take the certificate to the Clerk of Court in the county where the arrest happened.
How Sealed Records Work
A sealed record is hidden from most public searches. The Clerk of Court seals the file and removes it from the public online portal. Law enforcement can still see the record for criminal investigations. Some employers in certain fields can still ask about sealed records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps the record in its database for limited access.
You do not have to mention a sealed record on most job applications. You can say you have not been arrested when asked. There are limits to this rule. If you apply for law enforcement, a job with children, or certain professional licenses, you must still report the sealed record. A lawyer can explain which jobs still need full disclosure.
Florida Public Criminal Records Access Rules
Florida has strong public records laws. Most criminal court records are open to anyone who asks. Florida Statute 943.053 sets the rules for sharing criminal history data. The law protects some private facts but keeps most records open. You have the right to see court files, arrest reports, and disposition sheets.
Court Records and Disposition Data
Court records show the full story of a criminal case from start to finish. You can see the charging document, motions filed by both sides, hearing notes, and the final judgment. Disposition data shows how each case ended. It tells you if the person pled guilty, went to trial, or had charges dropped. Each court keeps its own records and makes them available on request.
Disposition data is a key part of any criminal history check. An arrest without a final outcome does not tell the full story. The disposition shows the result of the case. You can get disposition data from the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was heard. FDLE also includes disposition data in its statewide reports.
Background Checks for Employment
Florida law allows employers to run criminal background checks on job applicants. Some jobs require a check by state or federal law. These include jobs in healthcare, education, childcare, and financial services. Other employers can ask for a check but must follow federal rules from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Federal law says employers cannot use arrest records alone to make hiring decisions. They must look at the full picture, including the type of crime and how it relates to the job. A felony conviction for theft may matter for a cash handling job but not for a landscaping position. Florida has its own rules about how employers can use criminal records in hiring.
Pasco County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Pasco County Clerk of Court serves as the main record keeper for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. The office handles all court records, including criminal cases, civil cases, family cases, and traffic matters. You can reach the office by phone, mail, or in person. Public access computers are available in the lobby for people who need help searching records.
Office Location and Hours
The main office sits at 38053 Live Oak Avenue in Dade City, Florida 33523. The office opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office closes on state holidays. You can call the main line at (352) 521-4408 during business hours. Staff can answer questions about records, fees, and procedures.
You can also visit branch offices in New Port Richey for some services. The Clerk’s website at pascoclerk.com has the full list of services and locations. The site also has a search tool for court records. You can pay fees online for some services. The website is the fastest way to find basic facts about a court case.
Phone, Website, and Mailing Address
You can call the Pasco County Clerk of Court at (352) 521-4408. The official website is pascoclerk.com. The mailing address is 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523. The office accepts phone calls, online requests, and mail requests for criminal history records. Each method has its own fee and processing time.
Office hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on some days. Call ahead if you plan to visit for a specific service. Staff can set an appointment for certified copies and fingerprinting. The office has a public parking lot behind the building.
Official Website: https://www.pascoclerk.com
Phone Number: (352) 521-4408
Address: 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasco County County Criminal History
These questions cover the most common concerns about criminal history records in Pasco County. The answers explain the basic rules, fees, and steps for getting records. Each answer gives clear facts you can use right away. Contact the Clerk of Court or FDLE for the latest details on any case.
How long does a background check take in Florida?
A name-based search through FDLE takes just a few minutes and gives instant results online. A certified search that needs fingerprinting takes five to seven business days from the date FDLE gets your prints. Mail-in requests to the Pasco County Clerk take seven to ten business days. Add extra time if you need certified copies mailed to you. Plan ahead for jobs with tight deadlines.
Can I check criminal records for free in Pasco County?
You can view basic case data on the Pasco County Clerk’s online portal for free. The portal shows case numbers, charges, court dates, and outcomes. You pay a fee for printed copies or certified records. FDLE charges $24 for a name-based search through its public portal. Free searches give you the same data as paid searches, just without official certification.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history check?
A Florida criminal history check shows arrests, charges, court outcomes, and sentences for every Florida county. The report lists the date of arrest, the agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, the court that heard the case, and the final outcome. Sealed or expunged records do not show up on standard checks. The report does not show federal arrests, out-of-state convictions, or sealed juvenile records.
How do I seal a criminal record in Pasco County?
You first apply to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility. You fill out a form, pay a $75 fee, and submit fingerprints. FDLE reviews your case and sends you a certificate if you qualify. You take the certificate to the Pasco County Clerk of Court and pay a $42 filing fee. The Clerk seals the record and removes it from the public system. The whole process can take six months or more.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from public view. Law enforcement and some government agencies can still see them. Expunged records are destroyed so they look like they never happened. The Clerk removes the file and FDLE keeps a limited record. Both options limit who can see the past arrest. A lawyer can help you pick the right option for your case.
Can employers see sealed criminal records in Florida?
Most employers cannot see sealed records. You can say you have no criminal record on most job applications. Some jobs still need full disclosure even for sealed records. These include law enforcement, jobs with children, and some professional licenses. A lawyer can tell you which jobs need full disclosure for your sealed record.
Do I need a lawyer to get criminal records in Pasco County?
You do not need a lawyer to get criminal records. You can search the online portal, visit the Clerk’s office, or send a mail request on your own. A lawyer helps if you need a certified check for a court case or want to seal or expunge a record. A lawyer also helps if you have trouble getting records or need a court order to open sealed files.