Pasco County divorce decree records are official court files that show when a marriage ended in Pasco County, Florida. The Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller keeps these records at the courthouse.
People search for these records to prove a divorce, fix legal papers, or check family history. This page shows how to look up records, request a certified copy, and contact the right office.
What Are Pasco County Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decree records are court papers that end a marriage in Pasco County. They come from the family court division of the circuit court. The clerk signs and stores the final decree. These records are open to the public under Florida law, but some details can stay private based on court order.
Definition and Purpose of a Decree
A divorce decree is a written court order. It lists the date the judge ended the marriage. It also lists terms like property split, child support, and custody. Most people need this paper to update their name, remarry, or show proof of single status to a bank, employer, or government office.
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate
A divorce decree is the full court order with all the terms. A divorce certificate is a short state paper. The certificate only shows names, the county, and the date the divorce was final. The decree has more detail. The certificate is faster to get for simple proof needs like a name change or marriage license application.
What Divorce Decree Records Contain
Each decree file holds the case number, full legal names of both spouses, and the filing date. It also holds the judge’s name, hearing dates, and final judgment date. Many decrees list property terms, support orders, and child custody rules. Older files from the 1970s or earlier may have less detail because of record keeping limits at that time.
Who Can Request Pasco County Divorce Records
Florida law lets most people look at divorce records. The clerk office in Pasco County follows the same state rules. Some records have limits on who can ask for full copies, but the basic case data is open to the public.
Eligible Requesters Under Florida Law
Any adult can ask for a basic case lookup. Names of both spouses, the case number, and the filing year are open to the public. Certified copies need a valid photo ID and a signed request form. People related to the case, attorneys, and government agencies can also order certified copies with the same form and ID.
Confidential and Sealed Records
Some divorce files are sealed by a judge. Sealed files hide details like bank records, social security numbers, and child names. Only a court order can open a sealed file. The clerk can tell you if a file is sealed before you order a copy. The clerk cannot open a sealed file without a signed order from a judge.
ID and Proof Requirements
To get a certified copy, you need a photo ID. A driver license, state ID, or passport works. You also need a signed request form. Mail requests need a notarized signature. The clerk may ask for proof of your link to the case if the file is restricted under a court order.
How to Search Divorce Records Online
The Pasco County clerk runs an online portal. It lets you search by name, case number, or date. The portal shows basic case data and a list of filed papers. It works on phones, tablets, and computers. The portal runs on the clerk website at pascoclerk.com.
Using the Pasco County Clerk Portal
Go to the clerk website and click the court records search link. Pick the civil or family case type from the drop-down menu. Type a name or case number in the search box. The portal shows the case status, filing date, judge, and a list of documents on file. You can view non-confidential papers through the portal at no cost.
Searching by Party Name
Type the last name first, then the first name. Use the full legal name if you can. If the name is common, add a birth year or middle name. The portal shows all matching cases from 1986 to today. Pick the one that matches your filing year and county. Names are listed in the order they were filed.
Searching by Case Number
A case number looks like 51-2023-DR-1234. The first part is the year. The middle part is the case type. DR stands for domestic relations. The last part is the file count. Type the full number in the portal for the fastest lookup. A case number search gives the most accurate result with the fewest clicks.
Searching by Date Range
The portal lets you set a start date and end date. This helps when you know the year but not the day. It also helps with old cases from the 1990s or 2000s. The results show all cases filed in that range. You can sort the results by date, name, or case number.
How to Get a Certified Divorce Decree Copy
A certified copy has the clerk’s seal and a stamp. It is the only copy courts and agencies accept for legal proof. You can get one in person, by mail, or online. Each method needs a signed form and a fee. The certified copy shows the same data as the original decree filed with the court.
In-Person Request Steps
Visit a Pasco County clerk office. Bring a photo ID. Fill out a records request form at the counter. Pay the fee with cash, card, check, or money order. The clerk gives you the certified copy the same day in most cases. Old cases from the 1970s or earlier may need a manual search that takes one extra day.
Mail Request Steps
Download the records request form from the clerk website. Fill it out and sign it. Get the form notarized at a bank or shipping store. Mail it with a check or money order, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a copy of your ID. The clerk mails the certified copy back to you. The mail route takes 5 to 10 business days plus postal time.
Online Request Steps
Use the clerk online records portal. Pick the certified copy option from the menu. Type the case number or names. Pay the fee with a credit card. The portal sends the copy by mail in a few business days. You can also choose to pick up the copy at the office if you live near Dade City or New Port Richey.
Required Documents and Forms
You need a signed request form and a photo ID. Mail requests need a notarized signature on the form. If you ask for a sealed file, you need a court order. The clerk can refuse a request if the form is missing, the ID is not valid, or the fee is short. A phone call to the clerk desk before you file can save time.
Fees, Payment, and Processing Times
Pasco County charges set fees for divorce decree copies. The fee covers the search and the certified stamp. Extra fees apply for rush service or extra copies. All fees are set by Florida law and the Pasco County board.
Certified Copy and Search Fees
The Pasco County clerk sets standard fees for all decree copies. The table below shows the current fee schedule for common requests as of 2026.
| Service Type | Fee | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy | $15 each | Same day in person |
| Name Search | $2 per name | Same day |
| Case Number Search | $2 per year | Same day |
| Rush Service | $10 extra | 1-2 business days |
| Mail Request | $15 per copy | 5-10 business days |
| Online Request | $15 per copy | 3-5 business days |
| Additional Pages | $1 per page | Same day |
Accepted Payment Methods
The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Online requests use credit or debit cards only. Mail requests use checks or money orders. The clerk does not accept cash by mail. The clerk does not accept third-party checks or checks over $500 without a manager’s approval.
Standard Processing Timeline
In-person requests get the copy the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. Online requests take 3 to 5 business days plus mail time. Old cases from the 1970s or earlier may take longer because the clerk must pull paper files from storage. Files from 1900 to 1970 sit in a county archive vault.
Expedited Request Options
Rush service is offered for in-person and online requests. The clerk processes rush requests in 1 to 2 business days. Mail rush requests are not offered. You can pick up rush copies at the office or pay for express mail. Rush service costs an extra $10 on top of the $15 copy fee.
Florida Laws That Cover Divorce Records
Florida has public records laws that apply to divorce files. These laws say who can see the records, who can ask for copies, and when files can be sealed. The Pasco County clerk follows these state rules for all requests, both in person and online.
Public Records Access Law
Florida Statute Chapter 119 covers public records. It says most court files must be open to the public. Divorce files fall under this rule. The law also sets fees for copies and the time limits for clerk response. The clerk must answer most public records requests within 10 business days.
Vital Records Statute
Florida Statute Chapter 382 covers vital records like birth, death, and divorce certificates. It says the state health office must keep a record of each Florida divorce. It also sets the rules for state certificate requests. The county clerk sends a copy of each final decree to the state office within 60 days of the judgment.
Tips for a Smooth Record Request
A clear request saves time and money. The tips below help you avoid repeat visits, wrong copies, and long delays. Each tip comes from common issues the clerk desk sees each week.
Prepare Accurate Case Details
Write the full legal name of both spouses. Add the case number if you have it. Add the filing year and the judge’s name if you can. This data cuts the search time at the clerk desk. A name spelling error is the top reason a search fails. Double check names against old papers or family records.
Avoid Common Request Errors
Do not leave blank fields on the request form. Do not forget the notarized signature for mail requests. Do not send cash by mail. These mistakes cause most request delays and rejections. Always write your return address on the self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can find you if mail goes wrong.
Track Your Request Status
Keep a copy of the request form and the payment receipt. Write down the date you sent the request. Call the clerk office after 10 business days to check the status. Bring your receipt to the office for in-person follow-up. The clerk can look up the request by the date, name, and payment amount.
Pasco County Clerk Contact and Location
The Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller runs two main offices that handle divorce decree records. Both offices open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The East Pasco office sits in Dade City. A second office, the West Pasco Government Center, sits in New Port Richey. You can call, email, or visit the office for help with record searches and certified copies. The clerk office also runs satellite offices at county libraries for basic lookup help.
East Pasco Government Center Office
The East Pasco office handles most family court records from the 1980s to today. The address is 14236 6th Street, Suite 300, Dade City, FL 33523. The main phone line is (352) 521-4517. The office sits near the Pasco County Courthouse and the county administrative building. Free parking is on site.
West Pasco Government Center Office
The West Pasco office handles family court records for people who live on the coast side of the county. The address is 8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 130, New Port Richey, FL 34654. The phone line is (727) 847-2411. The office sits near the Main Street Library and the county health clinic. Free parking is in the lot off Citizens Drive.
Office Hours and Holiday Closures
Both offices open at 8:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The offices close on Florida state holidays like New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The offices also close on county election days each year.
Website and Online Contact
The clerk website is pascoclerk.com. The site has the records request form, fee schedule, office map, and a contact form. You can email the records desk through the form on the contact page. Phone wait times run long on Mondays, after holidays, and during the first week of each month. Plan extra time if you call during peak hours.
Florida State Divorce Record Options
Florida keeps statewide divorce records through the state health office. You can order a state certificate if you only need short proof. The state route works for cases closed in any Florida county, not just Pasco County. The state route is faster for people who live outside of Florida.
Florida Department of Health Office
The Florida Department of Health keeps divorce certificates from 1927 to today. You can order a certificate online, by mail, or in person. Each certificate costs $5. The state office does not keep full court decrees. The state office only has the short certificate form. Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks plus postal time.
VitalChek Online Ordering
VitalChek is the state’s official ordering service. You can order a divorce certificate through the VitalChek website. You pay a service fee plus the state fee. Orders ship in 5 to 10 business days. VitalChek accepts credit cards, debit cards, and some prepaid cards. The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Statewide Court Records Search
The Florida Courts eDCA portal lets you look up case files from all counties. The search uses the same name and case number tools as the Pasco County portal. The eDCA portal is run by the state, not the county. The portal shows cases from 2009 to today. Older cases sit in county clerk systems only.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Many people run into the same issues when they search for a divorce decree. The list below covers the most common issues and the steps to solve each one. The clerk desk can also help with each case.
Record Not Found in the Online Portal
Old cases from the 1970s or earlier may not be in the online portal. Some cases from the 1980s also miss from the portal because of old record conversion limits. Visit the clerk office and ask for a manual search. The clerk pulls the paper file from the county archive vault and makes a copy.
Name Changes After Divorce
Many people change their last name after a divorce. The clerk office files the name from the divorce decree, not the new name. Search for the name on the decree. If you do not know the name at the time of the divorce, ask a family member for the old name or check old mail from the case.
Wrong County on the Case
Divorce cases are filed in the county where the petition was filed. People who moved after the divorce may search the wrong county. The state eDCA portal can help you find the right county. You can also call the Florida Department of Health to check the county on file for the state certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common asks about Pasco County divorce decree records. They cover lookup tools, certified copies, fees, and statewide options. Each answer points to the right office, form, or fee. These answers reflect current Florida law and Pasco County clerk practice as of 2026.
How long does a Pasco County divorce take to show in records?
The clerk files the decree right after the judge signs it. Most decrees show up in the online portal within 1 to 2 business days. The state health office takes about 60 days to log a new divorce for statewide certificates. For a faster record check, use the county portal before ordering a state certificate. The county portal updates every night, so the latest day’s filings show up the next morning.
Can I get a Pasco County divorce decree online?
Yes. The clerk portal lets you search and order certified copies online. You pay with a credit or debit card. The clerk mails the certified copy to your address. You can also pick up the copy at the office if you ask during the online order. Online orders go through the same clerk desk as in-person and mail orders, so the processing rules are the same.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate in Florida?
A divorce decree is the full court order with all terms. A divorce certificate is a short state paper. The decree comes from the county clerk. The certificate comes from the state health office. Agencies may ask for one or the other based on the form you need to file. Banks and insurance companies often want the decree. Government agencies for name changes often want the certificate.
How much does a certified divorce decree copy cost in Pasco County?
Each certified copy costs $15. A name search costs $2 per name. A case number search costs $2 per year. Rush service adds $10. Online and mail orders need a credit card or check. In-person orders can use cash. Additional pages on the decree cost $1 per page. All fees are non-refundable even if the search finds no record.
Can a sealed Pasco County divorce file be opened?
Yes, a judge can open a sealed file. You must file a written motion in the same court that sealed the file. The judge sets a hearing and rules on the motion. The clerk office cannot open a sealed file without a court order. The motion form is available on the Florida Courts website. The filing fee for a motion to unseal is set by the clerk each year.
Do I need to be a party to the case to get a copy?
No. Florida public records law lets any adult ask for a basic case lookup. Certified copies need a photo ID and a signed form. Sealed files need a court order. The clerk does not ask for proof of your link to the case for public files. The clerk does not need a reason for the request. You only need a valid photo ID and a signed form for the certified copy.
Where do I find old divorce records from the 1970s or earlier?
Old cases may not be in the online portal. The clerk office keeps paper files at the main Dade City location. You can visit the office and ask for a manual search. Bring the full name, year range, and any case details you can find. Old searches may take a few days because the clerk must pull the file from the archive vault. The archive vault sits in the basement of the East Pasco Government Center.
Can I order a divorce decree from another Florida county through Pasco County?
No. Each Florida county clerk only handles cases filed in that county. Pasco County clerk only has files for Pasco County cases. For cases from other counties, contact that county’s clerk office. The Florida Courts eDCA portal can help you find the right county. The state Department of Health can also check which county holds the case for state certificate orders.