Broward County Court Records Search
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Broward County, Florida, is home to a two-tiered court system that handles everything from minor traffic infractions to multi-million-dollar civil disputes, felony prosecutions, and complex estate administrations. All of these proceedings generate official court records — documents that capture the full lifecycle of a case, from initial filing through final judgment. The Broward County Clerk of Court and Comptroller serves as the official custodian of these records and provides multiple avenues for the public to locate and obtain them.
Florida residents researching court cases have access to both official court resources and online search tools. The Clerk’s office maintains case search portals, public access terminals at each courthouse, and a records request process for documents not available digitally. People seeking court case information across Florida courts can also use FloridaStateCourts.us as a supplemental research tool, keeping in mind that official Clerk of Courts sources remain the authoritative reference for verified case data.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Broward County?
Broward County’s court system operates as the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which encompasses both circuit courts (handling felonies, civil cases over $50,000, family matters, probate, and juvenile dependency) and county courts (handling civil matters up to $50,000, misdemeanors, and traffic violations). Records from both court levels are maintained by the Clerk of Courts.
Courthouse Locations
Broward County has four courthouse locations where records may be accessed in person:
Central Judicial Complex (Main)
Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Hours: Most divisions Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (excluding holidays)
North Regional Courthouse
Address: 1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
South Regional Courthouse
Address: 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021
West Regional Courthouse
Address: 100 North Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324
Division-specific phone numbers and room locations for each courthouse are listed on the Clerk’s Hours and Locations directory.
Online Case Search
The Clerk’s Case Search portal is the primary online tool for looking up court cases in Broward County. It supports four search methods:
- Party Name Search — search by a case party’s last name, first name, and middle name (if known)
- Business Name Search — search by company or entity name
- Case Number Search — direct lookup using a full case number
- Citation Number Search — applicable for traffic and similar citation-based cases
Name and business searches can be filtered by court type and filing date range. Each query returns up to 200 results and includes progress dockets, hearing dates, case events, and available case documents. Electronically certified copies of records can also be purchased directly through the portal for $8.00 per document by selecting the “Purchase Certified Documents Online” option from the search results page.
Records Request by Email or Fax
For records not readily accessible through the online portal, the Clerk’s office accepts requests via the Court Records Request form, which can be submitted by:
- Email: Redactarchives@browardclerk.org
- Fax: (954) 831-5550
Standard Record Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record search (per year searched) | $2.00 |
| Photocopy of public records (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of copies | $2.00 per document |
| Electronic certified document (online) | $8.00 per document |
| Verification of document prepared by non-clerk | $3.50 |
Accepted payment methods for in-person requests include cash, attorney or cashier’s check, money order, or credit card (American Express, MasterCard, or Visa). Mail or email/fax requests may be paid by cashier’s check, personal check, money order, or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted for in-person payments.
Archives Division
Older or closed case documents are available for purchase from the Archives Division located at the Central Courthouse, East Building, 3rd Floor, Room 03305. Sealed or expunged records for traffic, misdemeanor, and felony matters must be requested from the specific division where the case was filed. Juvenile records are handled exclusively through the Juvenile Division.
Are Court Records Public in Broward County?
Court records in Broward County are generally open to the public under Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, which governs public access to judicial branch records. The rule establishes that most documents filed with or generated by Florida courts are public records accessible to any person without requiring a stated reason.
However, Rule 2.420 also identifies 23 categories of information that are automatically treated as confidential in court filings, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive identifying data. Filers are responsible for omitting or redacting this information before submission.
Confidential and Exempt Record Categories
Florida law and court rules restrict access to several categories of Broward County court records, including:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency records
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health and involuntary commitment proceedings
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Victim identification in certain criminal cases (sexual battery, domestic violence, and similar offenses)
- Financial inventories and accountings in probate cases (available to authorized parties only)
Sealed records require a court order before any public access is permitted. Individuals seeking access to sealed or expunged records should contact the relevant division directly or consult with an attorney. The Clerk’s website also notes that certain records may be unavailable online due to privacy laws, requiring in-person or formal written requests.
Broward County Criminal Court Records
Criminal proceedings in Broward County are divided between the Circuit Court (felonies) and the County Court (misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and municipal ordinance violations). The Felony Division of the Clerk of Courts handles all circuit-level criminal filings at the Central Courthouse, North Building, 1st Floor, Room 1882, reachable at (954) 831-6565 (option 1). The Traffic and Misdemeanor Division operates at all four courthouse locations.
Searching Criminal Court Cases
Criminal case records can be searched through the Clerk’s online Case Search portal by defendant name, business name, or case number. The portal returns progress dockets, hearing schedules, and case events. Note that criminal case documents are not available for direct download through the online system; obtaining copies requires a visit to the relevant division or a written request.
Important: Circuit Criminal Felony and Circuit Juvenile Delinquency case types carry no filing fees under Florida law.
Arrest Records and Criminal History from the Sheriff’s Office
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) maintains arrest records for incidents within its jurisdiction. Under Florida’s Sunshine Law, any person may request another individual’s arrest records from the BSO. The required search information is the subject’s full name, race, sex, and date of birth. For arrest or incident reports, the requester should also supply a case number, party name, or the date, time, and location of the incident.
Requests can be submitted through the BSO’s online records portal, which requires a user account. In-person requests are processed at the BSO’s main office.
Criminal History Request Fees
Electronic requests that can be fulfilled within 15 minutes are provided at no charge. Requests requiring more than 15 minutes of research are classified as “special projects” and billed at $25.00 per hour. The BSO provides a cost estimate before commencing any billable research. Fees are payable by check or money order only — the BSO does not accept cash, credit cards, or debit cards.
For criminal history records outside the BSO’s jurisdiction, requesters should contact the appropriate local agency. Statewide criminal history searches must be requested through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Broward County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Broward County is split by monetary threshold. The County Court handles disputes involving claims up to $50,000, including small claims, evictions, foreclosures, breach of contract, and motor vehicle repair matters. The Circuit Court handles cases exceeding $50,000, including negligence actions, title disputes, and foreign judgments over $50,000.
Accessing Civil Records
The Clerk’s Case Search portal allows name-based and case number-based searches across both court levels. Case documents for open matters are available for viewing or purchase from the division where the case is filed. Closed or archived civil records are available through the Archives Division at the Central Courthouse.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (MyFLCourtAccess) is the mandatory electronic filing system for attorneys in Broward County civil cases. Pro se filers may also use the portal. The Clerk’s eFiling information page provides registration instructions and technical support contacts.
Circuit Civil Division Contact
Circuit Civil Division
Address: Central Courthouse, West Building, 4th Floor, Room 04130
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565 (option 2) | Attorneys: (954) 831-5600
Fax: (954) 831-6572
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Civil Filing Fees
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit Civil — actions over $50,000 | $401.00 |
| County Civil — claims up to $100 | $55.00 |
| County Civil — claims $100.01–$500 | $80.00 |
| County Civil — claims $500.01–$2,500 | $175.00 |
| County Civil — claims $2,500.01–$15,000 | $300.00 |
| County Civil — claims $15,000.01–$50,000 | $400.00 |
| Removal of Tenant (eviction) | $185.00 |
| Unlawful Detainer (Chapter 82) | $300.00 |
| Summons issuance (per summons) | $10.00 |
| Writ fee (garnishment, replevin, attachment, distress) | $85.00 |
| Sealing or expungement of court file | $42.00 |
| Attorney appearing Pro Hac Vice | $100.00 |
Individuals who qualify for civil indigent status under Florida Statute § 57.082 may have filing and summons fees waived; other costs are not waived. The complete fee schedule is available on the Clerk’s Fees and Costs page.
Broward County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Broward County are heard within the Circuit Court’s Family Division — there is no separate family court. The Family Division has jurisdiction over divorce (dissolution of marriage), legal separation, paternity, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, domestic violence restraining orders, and adoption proceedings.
Family Division Contact
Family Division
Address: Central Courthouse, West Building, 4th Floor, Room 04130
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Fax: (954) 831-6572
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Domestic Violence Division
Address: Central Courthouse, West Building, 2nd Floor, Room 02140
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (filings accepted until 5:00 p.m.)
Pro Se (Self-Help): 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Phone: (954) 831-5570 or (954) 831-5579
After-Hours Emergency (Women in Distress of Broward): (954) 761-1133
How to Search and Obtain Family Records
Family court cases are searchable through the Clerk’s Case Search portal by party name or case number. When filtering by court type, select “Family” to narrow results to dissolution of marriage, paternity, and related proceedings. Search results include court orders, filings, and judgments. Case documents for open family matters can be viewed or purchased from the Family Division. Access to certain records — particularly those involving minor children, financial settlements, or domestic violence protective orders — may be restricted to parties of record and their attorneys.
Dissolution of Marriage Records
To search dissolution of marriage (divorce) cases through the online portal, select the party name search, choose “Family” under Court Type, enter the case party’s name, complete the CAPTCHA, and review the results. Records not accessible through the portal can be obtained in person at the Family Division or requested in writing by email or fax using the Court Records Request form.
Marriage Licenses and Records
Marriage licenses in Broward County are issued by the Clerk of Courts’ Marriage Division, located at four courthouse locations. The standard marriage license fee is $86.00 and includes a mandatory 3-day waiting period before the ceremony can be performed. A reduced fee of $61.00 applies when both applicants complete a Florida-approved premarital preparation course and present an original Certificate of Completion.
Marriage license records can be searched online through the Clerk’s Marriage License Search system. Certified copies of recorded marriage licenses cost $3.00 each. Additional fees include a $3.50 administration of oath fee, $1.00 for photocopies, and $1.00 for stamped envelopes.
Marriage Division Locations and Phones
- Central (540 SE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 2nd Floor, Room 02460): (954) 831-7283
- North (1600 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, Room 160): (954) 831-1453
- South (3550 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, Room 160): (954) 831-0320
- West (100 N Pine Island Rd, Plantation, Room 180): (954) 831-6528
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records for events occurring in Broward County are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, not the Clerk of Courts. Requests can be made in person at vital statistics locations in Hollywood, Pompano Beach, or Fort Lauderdale; by mail to Florida Department of Health in Broward County, Attention: Vital Statistics, 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315; by phone at (866) 830-1906 with credit card payment; or online through a state-authorized vendor.
Under Florida Statute § 382.025, birth records are restricted for 100 years from the date of birth, with access limited to the named individual, immediate family members, legal representatives, and government agencies. Death records containing cause of death and full Social Security numbers are restricted for 50 years from the date of death, with access limited to the decedent’s spouse, birth parent, child, grandchild, sibling (if 18 or older), or another legally authorized person.
Broward County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Broward County are handled by the Probate and Guardianship Division of the Circuit Court, which operates out of the Central Courthouse, West Building, 3rd Floor, Room 03150, reachable at (954) 831-7154. The Florida Probate Code is codified in Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes, and proceedings in Broward County follow both the Florida Probate Rules (Parts I and II, Rules 5.010–5.530) and the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Local Procedures.
Types of Probate Filings
The most common probate filing types heard in Broward County include:
- Formal Administration: The standard process, used when the estate requires a personally appointed representative. An attorney is required; all filings must be submitted electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Summary Administration: Available when non-exempt assets total less than $75,000 or when at least two years have passed since the decedent’s death. Attorneys must e-file; pro se filers may file directly with the Probate Division.
- Disposition of Personal Property without Administration: Used for very small estates consisting only of exempt personal property and non-exempt personal property not exceeding the sum of preferred funeral expenses and reasonable medical expenses from the last 60 days of illness.
- Notice of Trust: Filed by the trustee upon the death of a trust settlor; must be filed in the county where the decedent resided.
- Caveat: A written notice filed to prevent probate of a will or administration of an estate without notice to the caveator. No fee applies for a Statement of Claim; caveats carry a $42.00 filing fee.
- Will Deposit: Custodians of a will must deposit it with the Probate Division within 10 days of learning of the testator’s death. There is no fee to deposit a will. Attorneys must e-file; the original will must then be mailed to the Clerk’s office following electronic acceptance confirmation.
Probate and Guardianship Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration, Guardianship, Ancillary, or Conservatorship | $401.00 |
| Summary Administration (estate value $1,000 or more) | $346.00 |
| Summary Administration (estate value under $1,000) | $236.00 |
| Disposition of Personal Property without Administration | $232.00 |
| Opening of estate without Letters of Administration or Summary Order | $232.00 |
| Caveat | $42.00 |
| Notice of Trust | $42.00 |
| Guardianship of Person and Property | $401.00 |
| Guardianship of Person only | $236.00 |
| Veteran Guardianship | $236.00 |
| Veteran Guardianship of Person and Property | $401.00 |
| Statement of Claim | No fee |
| Will Deposit | No fee |
Searching Probate Records
Probate cases can be found through the Clerk’s online Case Search portal using the decedent’s or a party’s name. A mail-based name search for probate cases is also available by sending a written request with the decedent’s full name, date of death, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a $2.00 search fee per name to the Probate Division. Payment must be by business check, cashier’s check, or money order.
To view online probate and guardianship case documents, users must first create an eServices account and subscribe to one of the Case Access Services offered on the Clerk’s website. Most probate records are public in Broward County; however, certain financial documents such as inventories and accountings are restricted to authorized parties only. Court hearings in probate matters are scheduled through the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Online Scheduling system.