About Pasco County
Pasco County is located on the west-central Gulf Coast of Florida, approximately 30 miles north of Tampa. Pasco County Seat is Dade City, while New Port Richey is a major population center. Established in 1887 from portions of Hernando County, Pasco County includes approximately 868 square miles with a population exceeding 560,000 residents as of recent estimates. Pasco County is named after Samuel Pasco, a U.S. Senator from Florida.
Geographically, Pasco County features diverse scenes including the Gulf of Mexico coastline, numerous freshwater springs, the Anclote and Pithlachascotee Rivers, and inland areas characterized by rolling hills, lakes, and pine forests. Major landmarks include Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, and historic downtown Dade City.
Pasco County is divided into distinct regions: West Dade City area along the coast with communities like New Port Richey, Port Richey, and Hudson; Central the local community including Land O' Lakes and Wesley Chapel; and East Pasco County featuring rural areas around Dade City and Zephyrhills. Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, located at 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523, maintains official court and public records. Pasco County Property Appraiser's office at 36702 State Road 52, Dade City, FL 33523, handles property assessments.
Pasco County Tax Collector manages tax collections with multiple offices throughout Pasco County. What makes Pasco County unique is its blend of coastal communities, rapid suburban growth in areas like Wesley Chapel and Land O'Lakes, agricultural heritage in East Dade City area, and the famous Zephyrhills bottled water springs.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Pasco County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Pasco County, responsible for patrolling unincorporated areas, managing Pasco County jail, and processing arrests. The Sheriff's Office is also tasked with maintaining criminal records and providing public safety services. Notable programs within the office include community policing initiatives and specialized divisions such as the Special Operations Division, which focuses on narcotics enforcement and tactical response.
Police Departments
In addition to Pasco County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Pasco County, including the New Port Richey Police Department, Zephyrhills Police Department, and Dade City Police Department. These city departments are responsible for law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, handling local crimes and community policing. Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments is crucial for addressing major crimes and making sure of public safety across Pasco County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Pasco County Sheriff's Office (PSO), headquartered at 8700 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34654, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and contract municipalities throughout Pasco County. The Sheriff's Office operates under Sheriff Chris Nocco and can be reached for Their official website at pascosheriff.com provides extensive public information resources. For inmate searches and jail information, Pasco County Detention facilities include the Land O' Lakes Detention Center at 3425 Land O' Lakes Boulevard, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639.
- Citizens can search for current inmates through the Sheriff's online inmate information system at pascosheriff.com/arrest-inquiry, which provides booking photos, charges, bond information, and release dates.
- Citizens can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Records Division at or visiting in person.
- Most requests are fulfilled within a few business days, though fees apply for copies.
Municipal police departments operate in several incorporated cities: the Dade City Police Department at 38030 Meridian Avenue, and the New Port Richey Police Department at 5919 Main Street. Arrest records are public under Florida Statute 119.011, the Florida Public Records Law, which mandates broad access to government records including arrest reports, booking information, and incident reports. Mugshots and booking photos are publicly accessible through the Sheriff's arrest inquiry portal and are considered public records upon booking.
The Sheriff's Office also maintains specialized units including marine patrol for the Gulf Coast, school resource officers, and a strong community policing program throughout Pasco County's diverse geographic regions.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Pasco County includes a range of documents, including felony and misdemeanor records, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Pasco County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides statewide criminal history information. Residents can conduct background checks through the FDLE's online portal, which includes records from Pasco County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pasco County are maintained by Pasco County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information about the individual arrested. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, either in person or via their online portal. Under the Florida Sunshine Law, these records are generally considered public information, although certain details may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Pasco County Detention Center, located in Land O' Lakes, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information from detainees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates by name or booking number. Visitation rules at the facility require scheduling in advance and adherence to specific guidelines regarding permissible items and conduct.
- The bond and bail process in Florida allows for the release of individuals pending trial, with bond amounts set by the court based on the charges and circumstances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pasco County are taken and retained by Pasco County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the detention center. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or third-party services that aggregate public records. Florida law allows for the publication of mugshots, but recent legislation provides for the removal of these images from certain websites upon request if the charges are dropped or the individual is acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Pasco County is served by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which covers both Pasco and Pinellas counties. Pasco County Courthouse is located at 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523, with a West Dade City area facility at 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654 for greater accessibility. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate proceedings, and appeals from county court. County Court addresses misdemeanors, civil disputes under $30,000, traffic violations, and small claims.
- Online access is free for basic searches, though certified copies require fees: $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page, plus applicable service charges.
- Florida Statute 28.24 establishes fee structures for court records, while Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 governs public access to court records with specific exemptions for confidential information.
- Remote electronic access is available 24/7, though some sealed or confidential records require in-person requests with proper authorization.
Property & Public Records
Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the official custodian of land and property records for Pasco County. The Official Records Division, located at 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523, maintains all recorded documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and subdivision records dating back to Pasco County's formation in 1887.
- Images of recorded documents are available online at no charge for viewing, though downloads and certified copies require payment.
- Recording fees are established by Florida Statute 28.24, with standard documents costing $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained in person, by mail with proper identification and fees, or through authorized online vendors.
The recording office can be reached for The Clerk's website at pascoclerk.com provides free public access to the Official Records Search system, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or instrument number. Pasco County Property Appraiser's office, separate from the Clerk, maintains property tax assessment records at 36702 State Road 52, Dade City, FL 33523, phone. Their website at pascopa.com features a full Property Search portal and interactive GIS mapping system providing parcel information, ownership history, assessed values, exemptions, aerial photography, and tax history completely free of charge.
Pasco County Tax Collector at pascotaxes.com handles tax payments and delinquent tax certificates. Pasco County's digital records system has significantly improved accessibility for title companies, real estate professionals, and the general public.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pasco County, Florida, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are available through the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County, with offices at 15505 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, FL 34613 (serving East Pasco) and other locations throughout Pasco County. For births and deaths occurring in Pasco County, certified copies can be requested locally or through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
- Birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously; death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks by mail or 2-3 business days in person with proper identification.
- Online ordering is available through the Florida Department of Health's VitalChek service at floridahealth.gov, though additional convenience fees apply (typically $10-15).
- The marriage license fee is $86.00, reduced to $61.00 if couples complete a premarital preparation course.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and prove direct and tangible interest as required by Florida Statute 382, which governs vital records access and confidentiality. Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court at either the Dade City courthouse (38053 Live Oak Avenue) or West the local community Government Center (7530 Little Road, New Port Richey). There is no waiting period in Florida.
Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance. Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are maintained by the Clerk of Court as court records and can be searched through the court records system. All vital records requests require proper identification to prevent fraud and protect privacy under Florida law.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Pasco County involves multiple jurisdictions and agencies. Local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) are administered by Pasco County Tax Collector's Office at various locations throughout Pasco County; applications and renewals can be completed at pascotaxes.com or by calling. The cost varies depending on business type, location, and gross receipts, with fees ranging from approximately $50 to several hundred dollars annually.
- Fictitious name registrations ("Doing Business As" or DBA) are filed with Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court and must also be registered with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations.
- The Clerk's office at 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, processes these filings with fees of approximately $50 plus publication requirements in a local newspaper.
- Their website pascocountyfl.net provides online permit searches and applications.
For full business entity searches including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and trademarks, the Florida Secretary of State Division of Corporations maintains a free searchable database at sunbiz.org, which provides registered agent information, filing history, annual reports, and corporate documents. Professional licenses (contractors, real estate agents, health professionals) are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at myfloridalicense.com. Building permits, zoning applications, and code compliance matters are handled by Pasco County Growth Management Department at 8731 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34654, phone.
Sales tax registration is required through the Florida Department of Revenue at floridarevenue.com. The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce (dadecitychamber.org), the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and the West the local community Chamber of Commerce (westPasco County.com) provide business support, networking, and economic development resources for entrepreneurs and established businesses throughout Pasco County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pasco County are administered by Pasco County Supervisor of Elections, currently Brian E. Corley, with the main office located at 41524 Pasco Avenue, Suite 210, Dade City, FL 33525. The office operates additional locations including the West Pasco County Government Center at 8731 Citizens Drive, Building C, New Port Richey, FL 34654. The Supervisor can be reached at or, and the official website pascovotes.gov provides full election information and services.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the Supervisor's website or by calling the office.
- Pasco County maintains approximately 400,000 registered voters across numerous precincts.
Voter registration in Pasco County can be completed online through the Florida Department of State at registertovoteflorida.gov, in person at the Supervisor of Elections offices, any Florida driver license office, or by mail using a Florida Voter Registration Application. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Public election records include voter registration lists (available for purchase under Florida Statute 97.0585 for political purposes), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees (searchable at dos.fl.gov/elections), candidate qualifying information, and detailed precinct-level election results.
In the November 2024 general election, Pasco County experienced approximately 72% voter turnout, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of presidential election years. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm races, Florida gubernatorial and cabinet positions, state legislative seats, and local county offices.
Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) can be requested through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, in writing, or in person; requests are valid through the end of the calendar year for the second ensuing regularly scheduled general election. Florida law requires vote-by-mail ballots to be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Early voting is offered at multiple sites across Pasco County typically beginning 10 days before Election Day.
Election transparency in Pasco County is strong, with public logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment, observer access during canvassing, detailed audit trails, and full post-election reporting. Citizens can request election records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), and the Supervisor of Elections maintains historical election data, maps, and statistical reports readily accessible to the public.
Economy & Demographics
Pasco County's economy has undergone significant transformation over recent decades, evolving from primarily agricultural roots to a diverse economic base. Pasco County's 2023 median household income is estimated at approximately $62,000, slightly below the Florida state average. Major economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, construction, accommodation and food services, and professional services.
Pasco County has experienced substantial population growth, particularly in Central Pasco communities like Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, and Trinity, driving strong construction and real estate development. Major employers include AdventHealth (multiple facilities), BayCare Health System, Pasco County School District (one of the largest employers with over 8,000 employees), Walmart, Publix Super Markets, and Amazon (fulfillment center in Pasco County). The eastern portion of Pasco County maintains agricultural operations including cattle ranching, citrus groves (though significantly reduced from historical levels), nurseries, and sod farming.
Zephyrhills is internationally known as the home of Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water, a Nestlé Waters North America brand and significant local employer. Tourism plays a moderate role, particularly along the Gulf Coast communities where fishing, boating, and seasonal visitors contribute to the economy. Pasco County has actively pursued economic diversification through Pasco County Economic Development Council (pascoedc.com), which promotes business attraction, retention, and expansion.
Recent developments include the expansion of medical facilities, logistics and distribution centers taking advantage of proximity to I-75 and the Tampa Bay region, and technology sector growth. The Tampa Bay region's economic influence significantly impacts Pasco County, with many residents commuting to Hillsborough and Pinellas counties for employment. Unemployment rates have generally tracked below national averages, ranging between 3-4% in recent years.
Pasco County's strategic location, relatively affordable housing compared to neighboring Tampa Bay counties, and ongoing infrastructure improvements position it for continued economic development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 9/10, Pasco County provides excellent digital access to public records with online portals for court documents, property information, inmate searches, and election data, demonstrating strong commitment to government transparency.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Pasco County
Explore public records for 16 cities and communities in Pasco County, Florida.