Protecting Official Records

Official records are documents or instruments recorded by the Clerk generally for public access relating to real or personal property interests. These records are described by Chapter 28.222, Florida Statutes. For example, deeds, liens, and judgments are official records.

If the information you want to protect (redact) is stored in a document recorded in the Official Record of Pasco County, the Clerk & Comptroller has authority to protect your document under the following:

  • Florida Statutes 28.2221 (5) outlines restrictions for Clerks in regard to displaying certain public records, including official records, on a publicly available website. These documents include death certificates, military discharges, and court documents related to family law, juvenile actions, and probate matters.
  • Florida Statutes 119.071 (5) outlines information Clerks must designate as confidential automatically, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, debit card numbers, etc.
  • Florida Statutes 119.071 (4) allows Clerks to make certain information in public records, including official records, confidential when requested by individuals in certain qualifying professions, as well as their spouses and/or children.

Information Designated as Confidential on an Internet Document

The Office of the Clerk & Comptroller is authorized to automatically remove the following document types placed on a publicly available website: 

  • Social Security number, bank account number, credit card number, or debit card number within a document.
  • Death certificates.
  • Military discharges.
  • Court documents related to family law, juvenile actions, and probate matters.

Parties named in these recorded documents may request the Clerk & Comptroller remove the confidential information from a publicly available website by submitting this form.

Note: Applicants must identify the Official Records Book & Page Number or Instrument Number and the exact wording to redact as it appears on the instrument. Without this information, the request cannot be processed. Search official records to search for documents. Search for the recorded document by person or company name, the book and page number of the recorded document, or by instrument number.

Serena's Law

"Serena's Law," effective July 1, 2021, amends F.S. 28.2221 to require each county recorder or clerk of the court to post on its publicly available website an entry of final judgment for an injunction for the protection of a minor which includes the identity of each adult respondent against whom the injunction is entered, unless the respondent is a minor. Information not made available on the website by July 1, 2021, must be made available to the general public on the website if the minor, or his/her representative, identifies the information and requests it be made publicly available.

  • Such request must be in writing and must identify the case number assigned to the protective injunction and be personally delivered by mail, facsimile, or electronic transmission to the county recorder. 

Requests may sent by mail or in person:14236 6th Street, Suite 201, Dade City, FL 33523, or 8731 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34654. Email orweb@pascoclerk.com.

Any minor or his/her representative may petition the Circuit court for an order directing compliance.

Information Designated as Confidential for Protected Groups

The Office of the Clerk & Comptroller is authorized to protect certain information in public records, including official records, when requested by individuals in certain qualifying professions, as well as their spouses, and/or children. 

To learn more, visit the Confidentiality for Protected Groups page.