The Pasco County court docket is the official list of cases, hearing dates, and court actions managed by the Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court. People use this docket to check case status, find hearing times, or see what documents have been filed.
Records are open to the public under Florida law, and most searches take only a few minutes online.
What a Court Docket Shows
A court docket is a running log of everything that happens in a case. Each time a party files a paper, a judge sets a hearing, or a ruling goes on the record, a new line gets added to the docket. The Pasco County court docket lists the case number, names of people involved, the type of case, the division of court, the assigned judge, and the next scheduled event.
Most docket entries in Pasco County include a short description of the action. Words like “motion,” “summons,” “order,” “hearing,” and “judgment” show up often. The date of each action is listed, along with the party who filed the paper. Public users can view these entries through the clerk’s online portal or at the courthouse in Dade City.
Types of Cases on the Docket
Pasco County handles many kinds of cases. Each type goes to a specific division, and each division keeps its own docket. The main categories are civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate, small claims, juvenile, and domestic relations.
- Pasco County civil court docket covers lawsuits between people or businesses, usually over $8,000
- Pasco County criminal docket tracks felony and misdemeanor cases brought by the state
- Pasco County traffic court docket lists moving violations, DUI charges, and traffic infractions
- Pasco County family court docket covers divorce, custody, child support, and adoption
- Pasco County probate court docket deals with wills, estates, and guardianships
- Pasco County small claims docket covers civil disputes for $8,000 or less
- Pasco County juvenile docket handles cases involving minors, including delinquency and dependency
- Pasco County domestic relations docket focuses on family violence, injunctions, and paternity
Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs the docket system. This office files new cases, logs every court action, stores case files, and issues certified copies. The clerk is an elected official who serves a four-year term. The clerk’s main office sits in Dade City, with branch offices in New Port Richey and other parts of the county.
Pasco County belongs to the 6th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Pinellas County. Both counties share the same chief judge for court administration. The clerk’s office handles records for both circuit-level and county-level cases. Circuit cases include felonies, family law, probate, and civil disputes over $50,000. County cases include misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, and civil disputes up to $50,000.
Office Location and Hours
The Pasco County Clerk’s main office is at 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Suite 207, Dade City, FL 33523. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The phone number for the clerk’s office is (352) 521-4274. The official website is pascoclerk.com, which has a case search tool, fee schedule, and contact forms.
How to Search the Pasco County Court Docket
Anyone can search the Pasco County court docket without paying a fee. Three main ways exist to look up records: the clerk’s online portal, the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, and a visit to the courthouse. Each method gives access to the same public docket data.
Online Search by Name
The clerk’s website has a free case search tool. To run a Pasco County court docket search by name, type the last name of a party into the search box. The system returns a list of cases that match. Click on a case number to open the full docket.
For best results, have the full legal name ready. Common names may return many results. Adding a first name or middle initial helps narrow the list. The search tool also accepts business names for civil and probate cases.
Online Search by Case Number
Searching the Pasco County docket by case number is faster. Case numbers follow a set format, starting with the year, court type code, and a sequence number. For example, a 2024 felony case might read “2024-CF-001234.” Typing the full case number into the search bar pulls up the exact record.
People who do not know the case number can still search by name and then note the number for future use. Attorneys of record get full access to documents in their active cases. The general public sees the docket entries and basic case details.
In-Person Search at the Courthouse
Visitors can use public computer terminals at the Pasco County courthouse in Dade City. Staff at the clerk’s office can help locate a case, pull docket entries, and print copies. Older records that have not been digitized may take extra time to find.
Certified copies of docket entries or documents cost a fee. The standard fee is $1.00 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost more. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards. Bring a photo ID for any records that require identity verification.
Florida Public Records Law and Court Dockets
Florida law makes most court docket records public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying. This includes court docket entries filed with the Pasco County Clerk.
The law also says that putting records into electronic form must not reduce the public’s right to see them. Online access to court dockets is protected the same way as paper access. Anyone can view docket entries without giving a reason.
Records That Stay Sealed
Some records are not open to the public. Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration lists what stays sealed. Sealed records include:
- Cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Juvenile delinquency records in most cases
- Dependency court records involving children
- Family court records involving minors
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment records
- Records protected by specific state laws
People who need access to sealed records must ask the court for permission. A judge reviews each request and decides based on the facts.
Administrative Order AOSC24-65
Administrative Order AOSC24-65 from the Florida Supreme Court sets rules for electronic access to court records. The order lists 15 user roles, ranging from the general public to judges and law enforcement. The general public can view case numbers, party names, and docket entries without an account. Registered users, like attorneys, get broader access to documents in their cases.
What You Can Find in a Pasco County Docket
Each entry in the Pasco County court docket shows a piece of the case history. The first entry lists the date the case was filed. The next entries show what has happened since then. Common items include:
- Initial filings: complaints, petitions, indictments, or charges
- Service of process: proof that the other side was notified
- Answers and responses: filings from the defense or respondent
- Motions: requests for the judge to make a ruling
- Orders: written rulings from the judge
- Hearing dates: scheduled times for arguments or trials
- Judgments: final decisions in the case
- Sentences: penalties in criminal cases
Understanding Docket Codes
Court docket entries often use short codes. “MOT” means motion. “ORD” means order. “HRG” means hearing. “JDG” means judgment. Each code gives a quick look at what kind of action took place. The clerk’s portal lists the full text of each entry below the code.
Case Status Terms
The Pasco County court docket status field shows where the case stands. Common status terms include:
- Open/Active: the case is still moving through court
- Pending: waiting for a hearing or ruling
- Disposed: the case has reached a final judgment
- Dismissed: the case was closed without a judgment on the merits
- Continued: a hearing was pushed to a new date
- Appealed: a party has asked a higher court to review the case
Pasco County Court Calendar and Hearing Schedule
The Pasco County court calendar docket shows the dates and times of upcoming hearings. Each division of court runs its own schedule. Civil cases are heard on certain days. Criminal cases have separate dockets. Family court has its own calendar.
The daily docket lists all cases set for that day. People who need to know when a case will be heard should check the Pasco County daily docket. The clerk’s website posts these schedules online, usually the day before or the morning of the hearing.
Types of Hearings on the Docket
Different hearings show up on the Pasco County court docket. Each type has its own purpose:
- Arraignment: the defendant enters a plea in a criminal case
- Preliminary hearing: a judge reviews evidence in a felony case
- Motion hearing: the judge hears arguments on a motion
- Trial: the case is decided before a judge or jury
- Status conference: a check-in on case progress
- Sentencing: a judge sets the penalty after a guilty plea or verdict
- Final hearing: a judge decides the last issues in a family or civil case
Court Appearances in Pasco County
Many court appearances in Pasco County can be done by video. The clerk’s office uses a virtual court system for some hearings. Check the docket entry to see if the hearing is set for in-person attendance or remote appearance. Remote hearings require a link or phone number, which the court provides ahead of time.
Anyone who must appear in person should arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring a photo ID, any required paperwork, and payment for any fees. Phones must be turned off in the courtroom. Dress should be business casual at minimum.
E-Filing in Pasco County
Most filings in Pasco County go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal is open all day, every day. Attorneys must use the portal for nearly all filings. Self-represented parties can also use the portal or file paper documents in person.
The portal handles over 30 million documents each year across all 67 Florida counties. Users create a free account, pick the court (Pasco County), pick the case type, and upload their filing. The system stamps the filing with a date and time. Filers pay a small convenience fee per document.
For help with the portal, call (850) 577-4609 on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The portal support team can walk users through the filing process.
How to Get Notifications About a Case
People who want to know when something new happens in a case can sign up for alerts. The clerk’s portal has a subscription feature. After looking up a case, click “Subscribe” to get email notices about new docket entries. The service is free.
Attorneys of record get automatic notifications through their e-filing accounts. The notifications tell them when new papers are filed or when hearings are set. Self-represented parties should set up their own subscriptions to stay current on their cases.
Fees for Court Records in Pasco County
The Pasco County Clerk charges fees for some record services. The fee schedule is posted on the clerk’s website. Common fees include:
- Standard copy: $1.00 per page
- Certified copy: $2.00 per page, plus a $2.00 certification fee
- Document search: $2.00 per year searched, per name
- Online docket search: free for basic case lookups
- Court filings: varies by case type and filing
Some records are free to view online. Printable copies through the online portal cost a small fee. The clerk accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card at the courthouse.
Common Court Locations in Pasco County
Pasco County has several court facilities. The main courthouse is in Dade City. Other court services run from branch offices in other parts of the county.
| Location | Address | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Pasco County Courthouse (Dade City) | 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523 | Clerk’s office, court hearings, records |
| West Pasco Judicial Center (New Port Richey) | 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654 | Civil, criminal, family, traffic court |
| East Pasco Judicial Center | 37845 Mercy Lane, Dade City, FL 33525 | Probate, family, civil court |
Nearby Counties for Court Docket Searches
People who live near county lines should make sure they search the right county. Court records stay in the county where the case was filed. Counties near Pasco include:
- Pinellas County (also in the 6th Judicial Circuit)
- Hillsborough County (13th Judicial Circuit)
- Hernando County (5th Judicial Circuit)
- Sumter County (5th Judicial Circuit)
- Polk County (10th Judicial Circuit)
Each county has its own clerk and its own docket search system. A case filed in Pasco County will not show up in a Pinellas County search, and the other way around.
How to Read a Pasco County Case Number
Pasco County case numbers follow a clear pattern. The first four digits are the year the case was filed. The next two or three letters show the case type. The last set of digits is the case’s sequence number for that year.
Common case type codes include:
- CF: Criminal Felony
- MM: Misdemeanor
- TC: Traffic Criminal
- DR: Domestic Relations
- CC: Civil Circuit
- SC: Small Claims
- CP: Civil County
- PR: Probate
- GA: Guardianship
- JU: Juvenile
Knowing the case number helps when calling the clerk’s office or using the online search tool. A 2025 misdemeanor case might look like “2025-MM-005678.”
Recent Updates to Pasco County Court Operations (2025-2026)
The Pasco County Clerk’s office made several updates in the last year. The online case search tool now shows more docket detail for family and probate cases. Registered users can view document images in more case types than before. The clerk also added a mobile-friendly version of the docket search page.
The 6th Judicial Circuit expanded the use of virtual hearings. Many civil motion hearings now allow remote appearance by default. Criminal arraignments for out-of-custody defendants also moved to virtual settings for most cases. Check the docket entry for the link or call-in number for each hearing.
Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC24-65 changed some rules for accessing family court records. As of 2025, family law case images require a registered user account. Basic docket entries remain free and public.
Scam Warnings for Pasco County Court Users
Scammers often target people with fake court notices. Common scams include emails about missed jury duty, text messages about warrants, and phone calls demanding payment for fines. Pasco County courts never ask for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
Real court notices come by U.S. mail or through the clerk’s e-filing system. Anyone who gets a suspicious message should call the clerk’s office at (352) 521-4274 to check if it is real. Do not click links in unexpected emails or texts about court cases.
Contact the Pasco County Clerk
The Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the best resource for docket questions. Staff can help with searches, copies, filings, and account issues.
- Office: Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Address: 38053 Live Oak Avenue, Suite 207, Dade City, FL 33523
- Phone: (352) 521-4274
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Website: pascoclerk.com
- E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about the Pasco County court docket. Each answer covers what users ask most when searching for case records or trying to understand court procedures in Pasco County, Florida.
How do I look up a case in Pasco County?
Go to the Pasco County Clerk’s website at pascoclerk.com and click on the case search link. Type a last name or full case number into the search box. The system returns a list of matching cases. Click on a case number to see the full docket. You can also visit the courthouse in Dade City and use a public terminal. Court staff can help if you have trouble finding a record. Have a photo ID ready for any records that need identity checks.
Are Pasco County court dockets free to search?
Yes. Basic case searches on the Pasco County Clerk’s website are free. You can view case numbers, party names, docket entries, and hearing dates without paying. Certified copies of documents cost a fee, and so do printed copies from the courthouse. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is also free for searching. There is no cost to set up a subscription for email alerts about a case.
What is the difference between circuit court and county court in Pasco County?
Pasco County has two levels of trial court. Circuit court handles felonies, family law, probate, guardianship, and civil cases over $50,000. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims up to $8,000, and civil cases up to $50,000. Both courts keep dockets, and both are open to the public. The 6th Judicial Circuit includes Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Can I see sealed or juvenile records in Pasco County?
No. Sealed records, expunged records, and most juvenile records are not open to the public. Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration lists what stays sealed. To view a sealed record, you must ask the court for permission. A judge will review the request and decide. Adoption records and certain mental health records also stay sealed by default.
How long does it take for a new filing to show up on the docket?
Most filings appear on the Pasco County court docket within a few hours of being processed. E-filed documents show up faster, often within 30 minutes. Paper filings take longer because staff must scan them into the system. Court orders entered by a judge appear the same day in most cases. Subscribed users get an email when a new entry is added.
What should I do if I have a court date in Pasco County?
Check the docket entry for the time, location, and format of the hearing. Many hearings are now virtual and include a link or phone number. For in-person hearings, arrive 30 minutes early at the right courthouse. Bring a photo ID and any required paperwork. If you cannot attend, contact your attorney or the clerk’s office as soon as possible. Missing a court date can lead to a warrant or default judgment.
Can I get a copy of a court order from Pasco County?
Yes. The clerk’s office can issue certified or regular copies of court orders. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a small certification fee. You can order copies online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. The online portal has a search tool to find the order by case number. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment.