Court Services
The Court Services Division processes over a million documents per year.
We handle the paperwork for cases involving child custody and support, adoptions, divorces, other circuit civil related matters, probate of wills, guardianship, mental health, juvenile and felony cases filed in Circuit Court.
We also process the paperwork for county civil, small claims, landlord/tenant,misdemeanor, traffic infraction and criminal traffic cases filed in County Court.
Court Services manages the jury system used in both County and Circuit Court. This Division handles all court files and evidence as well.
Finally, the Court Services Division receives payments for fines, court costs, public defender fees, child support, and restitution as ordered by the Court.
Use the links to the left for local court information and the links to the right for State Courts and Florida Statutes.
Jury Service
Jurors are currently selected at random from a list provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The list, or venire, is made up of qualified motorists 18 years of age or older or individuals 18 years of age or older who hold Florida identification cards. Access Jury ServicesCourt Records Online Search
The online services allow you to search court records and documents recorded in Official Records. Online Services
Administrative Orders from the Sixth Judicial Circuit and Florida Supreme Court affect court procedures
and access to case information.
Review Orders
Criminal
Appeals
Rule 9 of the Florida Rules of Procedure governs the appeal process.- Circuit Courts review by appeal the orders of lower tribunals, otherwise known as
County Courts.
- District Courts of Appeal review by appeal:
- Final orders of trial courts not directly reviewable by the Supreme Court or a Circuit Court
- Non-final orders of Circuit
Courts
- The Supreme Court reviews by appeal final orders of courts imposing death sentences and decisions of the state courts that declare invalid any statutes or provisions of the state constitution.
Felony and Misdemeanor
Felony cases are crimes of a more serious nature, punishableby death or imprisonment for more than one year. There are 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree felonies with different penalties for each degree. Read MoreJuvenile
The Juvenile department handles all cases heard on behalf of or against a minor who falls under the statutory age limit of 18 years. Juvenile cases are categorized as follows: Read More
Traffic
The Traffic Violations Bureau maintains all records pertaining to traffic citations issued to persons in Pasco County. We also collect all fines, assist those who elect to attend a driver improvement course, and set court dates for those who wish to contest an infraction violation. Read More
Family Law
The Family Law Courts is the area dealing with family relations including divorce,
adoption, paternity, custody, support, and protective injunctions.
Child Support
The Clerk & Comptroller maintains the official payment records for all Pasco County domestic relations support and alimony cases. The amount of support, frequency of payment, (weekly, monthly, etc), beginning date of payments and to whom it is to be paid is determined by order of the Court. Many cases are paid by an employer because of an income deduction order.Read MoreDissolution of Marriage
To obtain a Dissolution of Marriage in the State of Florida, at least one of the partners must have been a resident of this State for a minimum of 6 months prior to filing for divorce. You are not required to be a resident of the county where you file the case. There are two types of Dissolution of Marriage cases: Regular, and Simplified. When you file a Dissolution case, it becomes public record and the information is available to the general public. Newspapers or other media, in accordance with their policies, may choose to publish this information. Read MoreFlorida Putative Father Registry
Florida Statutes, Sections 63.053 and 63.054, provides an "unmarried biological father" the opportunity to assert his claim of paternity by filing the Florida Putative Father Registry Claim of Paternity form. Read MoreProtective Injunctions
Protective Injunctions are available for domestic, repeat, dating, and sexual violenceRead MoreUnified Family Court
The Unified Family Court Program (UFC) is a special grant funded project in the Pasco County Court System dedicated to the proposition of:- One family
- One judge
- One courthouse location
Miscellaneous Court Information
Court File Viewing
For more information on how to view court files, hours and locations. Read MoreElectronic Filing
Electronic Filing is mandated pursuant to AO 2005-065 PA-CIR for, all filings in new cases, proceedings, matters and actions pertaining to the probate of estates, the administration of guardianships, and incapacity proceedings shall be electronically filed with the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller.Read MoreFees and Costs
Provides fees and costs for Court Services.Read MoreSelf-Help Center
Self-Help Center provides interactive pro se court forms.Read MoreJudicial Assignments
For more information on the judicial assignments for both Circuit and County Court sections in Dade City and New Port Richey.Read MorePublic Notice Bulletin Board
For information on Administrative Orders, Orders to Seal, and Supreme Court Orders.Read MoreGlossary of Legal Terms
For definitions of frequently used terminology in court related matters.Read MoreNon-Criminal
The Civil Department oversee general civil cases which are actions that have been filed by an individual
or a business, against another person or business, for damages in excess of $5,000.
County Court has jurisdiction in cases up to $15,000.
Circuit Court has jurisdiction in cases greater than $15,000.
Some examples of civil cases include, but are not limited to the following:
The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, Florida Statutes, Local Rules of Court, Administrative Orders and other local judicial requirements govern civil actions. For these types of actions, it is recommended that you contact a local attorney to file and process your case for you. However, you do have the right to represent yourself, and if you choose to do so, you must be responsible for knowing and following all legal requirements and procedures. Otherwise, your case may be delayed or dismissed by the Court if all matters are not completed appropriately.
Foreclosures
Actions to foreclose a lien on real property are filed as a General Civil case, either in Circuit Court or County Court depending upon the amount owed. Circuit Court has jurisdiction for cases exceeding $15,000.Read More
Landlord/Tenant Evictions
A residential landlord/tenant action applies to the rental of non-commercial dwelling unit with or without a rental agreement. It involves an action filed by a landlord against a tenant or a tenant against a landlord for common disputes dealing with payment of rent and/or non-compliance or breach of a lease or rental agreement. Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes provides general information on landlord/tenant actions. Landlord actions typically involve non-payment of rent and recovering possession of the rental property. You should carefully review this section of the law before starting any legal action.Read MoreSmall Claims
A Small Claims case is a legal action filed in County Court in order to settle a claim or minor legal dispute in which demand for monies or the value of property does not exceed $5,000 excluding costs, interest and attorney fees. Small Claims Court is less formal than other types of courts and parties usually represents themselves. However, if your case is complex you want to consider obtaining legal counsel.Read MoreEstates
A probate action is necessary whenever a deceased person leaves titled assets in his/her name alone, a petition for probate may be filed that allows distribution of the decedent's assets. The Court oversees the estate to make sure debts are paid and proper distribution is made. The different case types are listed below and may require you to contact an attorney to discuss your situation and what type of action should be filed, if necessary.Every personal representative, unless the personal representative remains the sole interested person, shall be represented by an attorney admitted to practice in the State of Florida, pursuant to Florida Probate Rule 5.030. Wills may be placed on deposit after a person has died. In the State of Florida wills are not placed on deposit prior to a person's death. Read More
Guardianships
Guardianships are filed on behalf of:- minors
- incapacitated persons
- developmentally disables individuals, persuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 393
Mental Health
Florida Statutes 394.451 Short title.-Known as "The Florida Mental Health Act" or " The Baker Act."The Mental Health area of the Probate Department maintains the records on involuntary procedures related to:
- mental illness
- developmentally disabled
- tuberculosis
- adult protective services
- substance abuse
- adjudication of incapacitated persons
- restoration of capacity for persons having previously been declared incapacitated
- pre-need guardians