Pasco County Florida marriage records are official documents that prove two people are legally married. These records are held by the Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller.
The clerk handles marriage license applications, marriage ceremonies, and permanent records. Pasco County sits in west-central Florida, just north of Hillsborough County and west of Polk County. Major cities include New Port Richey, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, and Land O’ Lakes. If you need a license or a copy of a marriage record, the Pasco County Clerk is your starting point.
Types of Records in Pasco County
Marriage records in Pasco County fall into two main groups. The first group is the marriage license application and the issued license. The second group is the marriage certificate, which proves the marriage actually took place. The state of Florida calls the second document a “marriage certificate.” Local offices call it a “recorded license” or “returned license.” Both types are public under Florida law.
Marriage Licenses
A marriage license is the legal permit that lets two people get married. In Florida, you apply for the license before the wedding. The license is good for 60 days from the date it is issued. If the wedding does not happen within those 60 days, the license expires and a new one is needed.
Marriage Certificates
A marriage certificate is created after the wedding. The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. Then the signed license goes back to the county clerk. The clerk records it and sends the data to the state. The recorded license becomes the official marriage certificate.
Certified Copies
A certified copy is a printed copy of the marriage certificate with a raised or stamped seal. Banks, courts, and government agencies often ask for a certified copy. A regular photocopy is not accepted by most agencies. Certified copies come from the county clerk or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Office of the Pasco County Clerk
The Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller runs all marriage services in the county. The clerk is an elected office that also handles court records, official records, and passport services. Two main branch offices serve the public. Each office can issue marriage licenses, record marriage certificates, and sell certified copies.
East Office in Dade City
The east office sits in the historic downtown area of Dade City. This office serves residents in eastern Pasco County, including Zephyrhills, Dade City, and San Antonio. The address is 14236 6th Street, Suite 201, Dade City, FL 33523. The phone number is (352) 521-4408.
West Office in New Port Richey
The west office sits in New Port Richey, near the Gulf coast. This office serves western Pasco County, including New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, and Holiday. The address is 8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 220, New Port Richey, FL 34654. The phone number is (727) 847-8086.
Hours and Service Cutoff Times
Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Marriage license applications stop at 4:00 PM each day. This cutoff is one hour before closing. Plan to arrive before 4:00 PM if you need a license or copies.
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| East Office | 14236 6th Street, Suite 201, Dade City, FL 33523 | (352) 521-4408 |
| West Office | 8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 220, New Port Richey, FL 34654 | (727) 847-8086 |
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Both people must go to the clerk’s office together to apply for a marriage license. You cannot send someone else in your place. Both parties need a valid photo ID and a Social Security number. If either party was married before, the clerk needs the exact date the last marriage ended. The end date can be a divorce date, a death date, or an annulment date.
Documents You Need to Bring
Florida law requires both parties to bring specific documents at the time of application. Without these documents, the clerk cannot issue the license. The list is short and direct.
- A valid photo ID such as a driver license, state ID, passport, or military ID
- Social Security numbers for both parties
- If divorced: the exact date the divorce was finalized
- If widowed: the exact date of the spouse’s death
- If under 18: written parental consent and birth certificate
- Payment for the license fee
Marriage License Fees in Pasco
Pasco County charges $93.50 for a standard marriage license without a premarital course. This fee is higher than most Florida counties, which charge $86. With proof of a completed premarital preparation course, the fee drops to $61. The course also removes the three-day waiting period. The course must be finished within one year of applying for the license. Accepted payment methods include cash, money order, and major credit or debit cards.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after the license is issued. The clock starts the day after the license is issued. If you took a premarital course, the wait is waived. Out-of-state residents do not wait at all. Every license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. The license works anywhere in the state of Florida, not just in Pasco County.
Age Rules for Marriage in Florida
Florida law sets a minimum age for marriage. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. A 17-year-old can marry with written consent from both parents or a guardian. The older party cannot be more than two years older than the 17-year-old. Anyone under 17 cannot marry in Florida. The clerk checks IDs to confirm age before issuing the license.
After the Wedding Ceremony
After the wedding, the officiant signs the marriage license. The officiant can be a minister, a judge, a clerk of court, or a notary public. Florida law lists who can perform weddings under Florida Statutes Section 741.07. The signed license must go back to the Pasco County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. The couple, the officiant, and two witnesses all sign the license.
How the Clerk Records the Marriage
Once the signed license reaches the clerk, it is recorded into the official county records. The clerk then sends the data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. This transfer usually takes about 60 days. After the state has the data, the marriage shows up in the statewide marriage index.
Free Certified Copy for the Couple
The Pasco County Clerk gives one free certified copy of the marriage certificate to the couple. This happens once the license is recorded. The clerk will mail the free copy to the address on file. Additional certified copies can be ordered for a fee.
How to Order a Certified Copy
You can order a certified copy of a Pasco County marriage certificate in three ways. You can go to a clerk office in person, you can order online through VitalChek, or you can order by mail. Each method has different fees and processing times.
Visit the Clerk in Person
Going to the clerk’s office is the fastest way to get a certified copy. Bring a photo ID and the date of the marriage if you know it. The clerk will search the records and print a certified copy. The cost is set by Florida law for regular copies. Certified copies have an extra fee. You can pay with cash, card, or money order at the counter.
Order Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-approved online vendor for Florida vital records. You can order a Florida marriage certificate online at any time. The cost is $15 for the search and one copy, plus a $7 processing fee. You will need a photo ID and basic facts about the marriage, such as the full names of both parties and the year of marriage.
Request by Mail
You can also mail a request to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state office keeps records from 1927 to the present. Mail requests need a completed application form, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the fee. The state address is listed on the official website.
Public Records Laws in Florida
Marriage records in Florida are public records. Florida law makes most government records open to anyone. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives the public the right to inspect and copy records. You do not need to be related to the people named in the record. You do not need a reason to ask for a copy.
What Information Is Public
The basic facts on a marriage certificate are public. These facts include the full names of both parties before the marriage, the date of the marriage, the county where the license was issued, and the officiant’s name. Social Security numbers, bank details, and medical records are not on the marriage certificate and stay private.
Fees for Public Records Requests
Regular copies of public records are capped at 15 cents per page under Florida law. Certified copies cost more because of the seal and signature. The exact fee depends on the type of record and how you order it. The clerk’s office posts current fees on its website.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the state office that keeps vital records. It sits in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bureau keeps marriage records from June 1927 to the present. Marriage records before 1927 are not at the state office. Those older records stay with the county clerk where the marriage happened.
Statewide Records and the Marriage Index
The Bureau runs a statewide marriage index that covers all 67 Florida counties. The index lets you search by name and year to find which county has the record. Once you find the county, you order the certified copy from that county clerk or from the state Bureau.
Ordering State Copies
You can order a state copy through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Jacksonville office. The fee for a search and one certified copy from the state is set by Florida law. Processing by mail takes several weeks. Online orders through VitalChek are faster.
Contact for the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is part of the Florida Department of Health. The mailing address is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231. The physical address is 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number for records is (904) 359-6900. The website is www.floridahealth.gov.
Marriage Records Before 1927
Florida did not have a statewide marriage recording system before June 1927. Marriage records from earlier years exist only at the county level. Some of those old records are handwritten in bound books. Others are on microfilm. A few have been scanned and posted online.
Genealogy and Old Records
People who research family history often need pre-1927 records. These records help build family trees and prove ancestry. The Pasco County Clerk has the original bound volumes for marriages filed in Pasco County. Researchers can ask to view these books in person at the clerk’s office. Staff will pull the books for review.
Archives and Microfilm
Some older Pasco County marriage records are on microfilm. The clerk’s office has a microfilm reader for public use. Researchers can also order copies of old records. The fee is the same as for newer records. Some early Pasco County records from the 1880s and 1890s are also held by the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee.
Online Genealogy Sites
Websites like FamilySearch and Ancestry have scanned many Florida marriage records. These sites may have Pasco County records going back to the late 1800s. The images come from microfilm rolls held by the state archives. Free sites like FamilySearch often have the same records as paid sites.
Apostille for International Use
An apostille is a certificate that proves a document is real for use in another country. Countries that joined the Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilled documents. A Florida marriage certificate can be apostilled for international use.
How to Get an Apostille
The Florida Department of State issues apostilles in Tallahassee. You send the certified copy of the marriage certificate to the Department of State with a request form and a fee. The Department of State attaches the apostille to the certificate. The whole process takes about two weeks by mail.
When You Need an Apostille
People often need an apostille when they move abroad, sponsor a spouse for immigration, or settle property in another country. Each country has its own rules. Some countries want a translation too. The apostille only proves the seal and signature are real, not the contents.
Verifying a Marriage Record
You can check whether a marriage record exists through the clerk or the state Bureau. The clerk can search by full name and year. The state Bureau runs the same search for statewide records. VitalChek also offers search tools for Florida marriage certificates. A search confirms the marriage exists and gives the official record number.
Search by Name
A name search needs the full legal name of one or both parties. The year of marriage helps narrow the search. Without a year, the search takes longer and may cost more. The clerk or Bureau will return a list of matches. You can then order a certified copy of the correct record.
Search by Spouse Name
You can also search by the spouse’s name. If you know the wife’s maiden name and the husband’s full name, a search can confirm the marriage. This is common in genealogy work and in legal cases involving inheritance.
Official Office Details for Pasco County
The Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller runs all marriage record services in the county. The main website is www.pascoclerk.com. The main phone line is (352) 521-4274. The office accepts calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The East Office is at 14236 6th Street, Suite 201, Dade City, FL 33523. The West Office is at 8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 220, New Port Richey, FL 34654. Hours at both offices are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with applications closing at 4:00 PM.
Nearby Counties for Marriage Records
People who live near the Pasco County border may use a different county office. Each Florida county has its own clerk office. Nearby counties to Pasco include Hillsborough County to the south, Pinellas County to the southwest, Hernando County to the north, Sumter County to the northeast, and Polk County to the east. Each county charges its own fees and has its own office hours.
| County | Clerk Office | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough County | 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602 | (813) 276-8100 |
| Pinellas County | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 | (727) 464-3000 |
| Hernando County | 20 North Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601 | (352) 754-4200 |
| Polk County | 255 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 | (863) 534-4000 |
| Sumter County | 215 East McCollum Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 | (352) 569-6600 |
Tips Before You Visit or Order
Before you go to a clerk office or place an order, gather the basic facts. The full legal names of both spouses, the year of marriage, and the county where the license was issued all help. If you do not know the year, a wider search costs more but still works. Bring a photo ID for in-person visits. Have your payment ready for mail or online orders. Check the clerk’s website for the latest fees before you go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people lose time by missing key facts. Write down the full maiden name of the spouse, not the married name. Use the legal name from the time of marriage, not a later name change. Double-check the year. A wrong year can return no results.
Processing Times
In-person visits give you the copy the same day in most cases. Mail orders from the state take 2 to 4 weeks. VitalChek online orders take 5 to 7 business days. Apostille orders from the Department of State take about 2 weeks by mail.
FAQ About Pasco County Marriage Records
People have many questions about getting marriage records in Pasco County. These questions cover fees, timing, proof, and old records. The answers below reflect the current rules in Pasco County and the state of Florida. Always check the clerk’s website for the latest fees and hours.
How much does a certified copy cost in Pasco County?
The cost of a certified copy in Pasco County depends on how you order it. The clerk’s office charges a fee set by Florida law, plus a small extra fee for the certification. VitalChek charges $15 for the search and one copy, plus $7 for processing. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics has its own fee schedule for statewide orders. The clerk’s website lists the current fees for in-person orders.
Can anyone get a copy of a marriage record in Pasco County?
Yes. Marriage records in Florida are public records. Florida law under Chapter 119 gives anyone the right to inspect or copy these records. You do not need to be a family member or have a court order. You just need the basic facts to search the records. The clerk may ask for your photo ID but cannot deny the request based on your relationship to the people on the record.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Pasco County?
For Florida residents, the process takes at least three days. You apply on day one, then wait three days, then the license is valid. If both parties took a premarital course, the wait is waived and you get the license the same day. Out-of-state residents do not wait. The license itself is good for 60 days from the date of issue.
What if I do not know the exact year of marriage?
You can still search without the exact year. The clerk can search across a range of years, but this takes longer and costs more. A five-year range is usually the limit for a single search. If the search returns no results, you can request a wider range for another fee. The statewide index also lets you search by name without a year.
Are pre-1927 Pasco County marriage records available?
Yes. Pasco County marriage records from before June 1927 are still held by the Pasco County Clerk. These older records are in bound books and on microfilm. You can view them at the clerk’s office. Some of these old records are also scanned and posted on genealogy sites. The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee holds microfilm copies of many early Pasco County records.
Can I use a Pasco County marriage certificate in another country?
Yes, but you may need an apostille. The apostille is a certificate from the Florida Department of State that proves the document is real. You send the certified marriage certificate to the Department of State in Tallahassee with a request form and fee. The Department of State attaches the apostille. Some countries also require a translation of the certificate.
How do I correct an error on my marriage certificate?
If there is a mistake on your marriage certificate, you can ask for a correction. The process starts with the Pasco County Clerk or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. You fill out a correction form and provide proof of the correct information. Common corrections include misspellings, wrong dates, and missing middle names. The fee is set by state law and processing takes several weeks.