Broward County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Broward County?

Public records in Broward County encompass a wide range of official documents, files, and information created or maintained by county government agencies in the course of conducting public business. Pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Public Records Act, these records are available for inspection and copying by members of the public, with certain exceptions as provided by law. Broward County maintains the following categories of public records:

Property Records - Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments
Court Records - Civil, criminal, probate, family, and traffic case files
Vital Records - Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Business Records - Business licenses, fictitious name registrations, and corporate filings
Tax Records - Property tax assessments, payments, and exemptions
Voting and Election Records - Voter registrations, election results, and campaign finance reports
Land Use and Development Records - Permits, zoning applications, and environmental assessments
Law Enforcement Records - Arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information
Meeting Records - Minutes, agendas, and recordings of public meetings
Financial Records - Budgets, expenditures, contracts, and procurement documents

These records are maintained by various county departments including the Broward County Clerk of Courts, Broward County Property Appraiser, and the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division.

Is Broward County an Open Records County?

Broward County is indeed an open records county, operating in compliance with Florida's robust public records laws. The county's commitment to transparency is mandated by Florida Statute § 119.01, which establishes that "all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This statutory requirement is further reinforced by Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which guarantees the right of access to public records.

Broward County's open records policy is formally codified in the Broward County Administrative Code, which establishes procedures for public access to county records. The county maintains a dedicated Public Records Portal to facilitate citizen access to government information.

The Florida Attorney General has consistently issued advisory opinions affirming Broward County's obligation to provide prompt access to public records. In AGO 2019-10, the Attorney General specifically addressed Broward County's responsibilities under the Public Records Act, confirming the county's status as an open records jurisdiction.

How Do I Find Public Records in Broward County in 2025

Members of the public seeking access to Broward County records in 2025 may utilize several established methods to locate and obtain the information they require. The county has implemented a multi-channel approach to records access:

Online Access - The county's primary public records portal provides 24/7 access to digitized records:
- Search property records through the Property Appraiser's database
- Access court records via the Clerk of Courts online system
- Review voting information through the Supervisor of Elections portal
In-Person Requests - Citizens may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:
- For property records: Records, Taxes and Treasury Division, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- For court records: Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- For vital records: Florida Department of Health in Broward County, 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Written Requests - Submit formal public records requests by mail or email to the custodian of the specific records:
- General county records: Public Records Coordinator, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 120, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Include specific details about the records sought, preferred format, and contact information
Telephone Requests - Contact the appropriate department directly:
- Records, Taxes and Treasury Division: (954) 357-6027
- Clerk of Courts: (954) 831-6565
- Property Appraiser: (954) 357-6830

For specialized research assistance, the Broward County Law Library provides access to legal resources and research guidance.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Broward County?

The cost structure for obtaining public records in Broward County is established pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(4) and the Broward County Administrative Code. Fees are designed to recover the actual cost of duplication rather than to generate revenue. The standard fee schedule for public records in Broward County is as follows:

Paper Copies:
- Letter/Legal Size (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14"): $0.15 per single-sided page
- Double-sided copies: $0.20 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus copy charges
Electronic Records:
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- Email delivery: No charge for records already in electronic format
- USB drive: Actual cost of the storage device
Specialized Records:
- Oversized documents (larger than 11" x 17"): $1.00 per page
- Maps and blueprints: $5.00 per page
- Audio recordings: $1.00 per CD/DVD
- Video recordings: $2.00 per DVD
Special Service Charges:
- Extensive use of agency resources (more than 30 minutes of staff time): $33.00 per hour
- Computer programming or specialized extraction: Actual cost based on staff hourly rate

The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains a separate fee schedule for court records, with certified copies of court documents costing $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Search fees may apply for records requiring extensive research.

Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card (where available). Prepayment is required for requests exceeding $10.00.

Does Broward County Have Free Public Records?

Broward County does provide certain public records at no cost to requesters, in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency. The following records are available without charge:

Online Access - The county offers free access to numerous digital records through its web portals:
- Property information and tax records through the Property Appraiser's website
- Basic court case information via the Clerk of Courts public access system
- Voter registration verification through the Supervisor of Elections website
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
- County budget documents and financial reports
In-Person Inspection - Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(a) guarantees the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Citizens may visit the appropriate agency to view records without incurring fees, provided the inspection does not require extensive staff assistance.
Electronic Delivery - Records already maintained in electronic format may be provided via email at no cost, assuming the request does not require extensive staff time for retrieval or redaction.
Fee Waivers - The county may waive fees when:
- The total cost is less than $1.00
- The requester is indigent and files an affidavit of indigency
- The request serves a public purpose as determined by the custodian

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County provides free access to certain public health statistics and reports, while the Broward County Law Library offers free access to legal research materials for in-person users.

Who Can Request Public Records In Broward County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request access to public records maintained by Broward County agencies. The statute explicitly states that records must be made available to "any person," establishing a universal right of access. The following entities may request public records:

Individual Citizens - Any person may request records without demonstrating a "legitimate interest" or stating a reason for the request
Media Organizations - Journalists and news outlets have the same access rights as individual citizens
Businesses and Corporations - Commercial entities may request records for business purposes
Non-Profit Organizations - Advocacy groups, research institutions, and other non-profits have full access rights
Government Agencies - Other governmental bodies may request records from Broward County
Non-Citizens - Foreign nationals have the same rights of access as U.S. citizens
Incarcerated Persons - Inmates retain rights to public records, subject to security restrictions
Anonymous Requesters - Individuals may request records without identifying themselves, though this may limit delivery options

The Florida Office of the Attorney General has consistently affirmed through advisory opinions that the motivation or identity of the requester is irrelevant to their right of access. Broward County agencies may not require requesters to provide identification, complete special forms, or explain the purpose of their request as a condition of access.

What Records Are Confidential In Broward County?

While Broward County maintains a presumption of openness for public records, Florida law establishes specific exemptions to protect sensitive information. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071 and related provisions, the following categories of records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure:

Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account, debit, credit, and charge card numbers
- Medical and health information protected under HIPAA
- Birth records of minors if the mother was unmarried at time of birth
- Personal information of certain government employees (law enforcement, judges, prosecutors)
Criminal Justice Records:
- Active criminal investigative information
- Criminal intelligence information
- Juvenile offender records (with exceptions)
- Victim information in certain cases
- Confidential informant identities
Security-Related Records:
- Security system plans for public buildings
- Information technology security systems
- Emergency response plans
- Building plans for certain facilities
Business and Economic Records:
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information
- Sealed bids and proposals until decision or award
- Economic development information involving confidential negotiations
Family and Child Welfare:
- Child abuse reports and investigations
- Foster care and adoption records
- Domestic violence victim information
- Guardian ad litem records
Legal and Administrative:
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Attorney work product prepared for litigation
- Risk management claims files until resolved
- Certain personnel evaluation records

The Florida Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains additional confidentiality provisions for certain inmate records, while the Florida Judicial Branch has established rules governing access to court records that may supersede general public records law in some instances.

Broward County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division serves as the official custodian of land records, official records, and various other public documents. Citizens seeking assistance with recorded documents may contact or visit the office at:

Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division
115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 357-6027
Broward County Official Records

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Services Provided: