Broward County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Broward County
Arrest records in Broward County are considered public records pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Under Florida law, most government records, including arrest records, are available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. This transparency in government operations allows members of the public to access information about arrests made within Broward County jurisdiction.
The Broward County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. These records become public at the time of arrest, with certain limitations:
- Records involving juveniles may have restricted access under Florida Statute § 985.04
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt
- Records containing confidential information such as social security numbers, medical information, or victim information may be redacted prior to release
- Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available to the public
The custodian of these public records is:
Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 105 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-357-7271 Broward County Records Division Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking arrest records may submit requests in person, by mail, or through online portals maintained by the county. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07, agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records, not to exceed 15 cents per one-sided copy for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 8½ inches.
What's in Broward County Arrest Records
Broward County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include several categories of information as mandated by Florida Statute § 119.071.
Standard information contained in Broward County arrest records includes:
- Demographic information of the arrested individual (name, date of birth, address, physical description)
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Charges filed at the time of arrest, including Florida Statute citations
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking information, including booking number and date
- Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process
- Fingerprint records collected during processing
- Bond information, including amount set and bond status
- Court case numbers associated with the arrest
- Disposition information (if available)
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical information
- Information identifying sexual assault victims
- Information about confidential informants
The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to arrests at:
Broward County Clerk of Courts 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-831-6565 Broward County Clerk of Courts Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
It should be noted that arrest records document allegations, not convictions. Under Florida law and U.S. constitutional principles, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Broward County in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Broward County as of 2025, pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law. Members of the public may utilize several official channels to obtain this information.
The primary methods for looking up arrest records include:
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Online Database Searches: The Broward County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate search database that provides information on recent arrests and individuals currently in custody. This resource is updated regularly and accessible 24 hours a day.
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Clerk of Courts Records: The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Case information can be accessed through their online portal or in person.
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Records Request to Law Enforcement: Direct requests may be submitted to the arresting agency. The Broward County Sheriff's Office accepts records requests at:
Broward County Sheriff's Office - Records Division 2601 W. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954-831-8700 Broward Sheriff's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request records from the state-level agency:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement P.O. Box 1489 Tallahassee, FL 32302 850-410-8109 Florida Department of Law Enforcement Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting records, individuals should provide as much identifying information as possible, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(4), agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication and research time required to fulfill records requests.
How To Find Broward County Arrest Records Online
Broward County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems have been implemented to facilitate public access to government records in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency.
The following online resources are available for locating Broward County arrest records:
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Broward County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: This database provides information on current inmates and recent arrests within Broward County. The system is updated regularly and includes booking information and charges.
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Broward County Clerk of Courts Case Search: The Broward County Public Records Search system allows users to search for court cases related to arrests. This system provides case numbers, charges, court dates, and disposition information when available.
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement Resources: The FDLE maintains several databases that include Broward County information:
- Wanted Persons database for active warrants
- Sexual Offenders and Predators Search for registered individuals
- Criminal history information (requires fee and subject identification)
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Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search: The Florida Department of Corrections maintains records of individuals sentenced to state prison, including those from Broward County.
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County Jail Information: The Florida Department of State provides resources for locating county jail information and inmate search tools.
When using these online systems, users should be aware that:
- Some systems may require registration or the creation of a user account
- Certain detailed information may only be available through formal records requests
- Information found online should be verified through official channels for complete accuracy
- Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in public databases
Can You Search Broward County Arrest Records for Free?
Broward County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. These free resources are maintained to ensure public access to government records while balancing administrative costs.
Free arrest record search options include:
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Broward County Sheriff's Office Current Inmate Search: This online database provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently arrested. The system is accessible without charge and includes basic booking information and charges.
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Broward County Clerk of Courts Public Access System: Basic case information is available at no cost through the clerk's online portal. This includes case numbers, charges, and scheduled court dates.
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In-Person Record Inspection: Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(a), individuals have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. Records may be viewed at:
Broward County Records Division 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 105 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
While basic searches are available at no cost, fees may apply in the following circumstances:
- Requests for certified copies of records
- Extensive research requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time
- Duplication of records (standard fee is 15 cents per page for letter/legal size copies)
- Comprehensive criminal history searches through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Specialized searches requiring extensive resources
Government agencies are authorized under Florida Statute § 119.07(4) to charge reasonable fees to recover the actual cost of duplication and labor involved in responding to extensive public records requests.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Broward County
Florida law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public view through sealing or expungement processes. These procedures are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 943 and administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Individuals seeking to delete arrest records in Broward County must follow these established procedures:
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Determine Eligibility: Not all arrest records qualify for sealing or expungement. Generally, cases that resulted in dismissal, acquittal, or certain withholdings of adjudication may qualify. Individuals with prior criminal convictions may be ineligible.
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Obtain Certificate of Eligibility: This is the first formal step in the process. Applications must be submitted to:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Attn: Seal and Expunge Section P.O. Box 1489 Tallahassee, FL 32302 850-410-7870 FDLE Seal and Expunge Process
- File Petition with Broward County Court: Once the Certificate of Eligibility is obtained, a petition must be filed with:
Broward County Courthouse 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-831-6565 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Attend Court Hearing: The court may schedule a hearing to determine if the record should be sealed or expunged.
Important considerations regarding this process include:
- Pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585, expungement physically destroys records, while sealing (§ 943.059) makes them confidential and unavailable to the general public
- Even after sealing or expungement, certain government agencies may still access the records
- The process typically takes 6-12 months to complete
- Application fees apply (approximately $75 for FDLE processing plus court filing fees)
- Private companies that previously obtained the records are not required to remove them
- Only one sealing or expungement is generally allowed per lifetime in Florida
What Happens After Arrest in Broward County?
Following an arrest in Broward County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process established by Florida law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages from initial custody to case resolution.
The standard post-arrest procedure includes:
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Booking Process: Arrestees are transported to a Broward County Sheriff's Office facility where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. This information becomes part of the arrest record.
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First Appearance Hearing: Within 24 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge who:
- Reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Sets bail or conditions of release
- Appoints public defender if the defendant qualifies
- Addresses any immediate issues
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Formal Charges: The Broward County State Attorney's Office determines whether to file formal charges. This decision typically occurs within 21 days for misdemeanors and 40 days for felonies.
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Arraignment: If formal charges are filed, defendants appear for arraignment where they:
- Are formally informed of charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Receive future court dates
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Pre-Trial Proceedings: May include discovery, motion hearings, and plea negotiations.
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Trial or Plea Resolution: Cases conclude through trial, plea agreement, diversion program, or dismissal.
The Broward County Main Jail is located at:
Broward County Main Jail 555 SE 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-831-5900 Hours: Visitation schedules vary by housing unit
Throughout this process, arrest records are created and maintained by various agencies including the Broward County Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, and State Attorney's Office. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible to the public unless sealed or expunged.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Broward County?
Arrest records in Broward County are maintained indefinitely in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established under Florida Statute § 119.021. These retention policies ensure the preservation of important government records while providing for appropriate public access.
The retention of arrest records follows these guidelines:
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Law Enforcement Records: The Broward County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records permanently as part of their official records. These include booking information, arrest reports, and related documentation.
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Court Records: The Broward County Clerk of Courts preserves court case files related to arrests permanently. These records include charging documents, court proceedings, and case dispositions.
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Florida Criminal History Records: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a central repository of all arrest fingerprint records submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including Broward County. These records are retained permanently unless ordered sealed or expunged by a court.
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Corrections Records: The Broward County Department of Detention maintains inmate records for a minimum of 7 years after release from custody, though basic demographic and booking information is retained permanently.
Exceptions to permanent retention include:
- Records sealed by court order pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.059 (remain confidential but are not destroyed)
- Records expunged by court order pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585 (physically destroyed)
- Juvenile records that may be eligible for earlier destruction under specific circumstances
The permanent nature of these records underscores the importance of the sealing and expungement processes for eligible individuals seeking to limit public access to their arrest history.
How to Find Mugshots in Broward County
Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process in Broward County are considered public records under Florida law. These images are maintained by law enforcement agencies and may be accessed through several official channels.
Methods for locating Broward County mugshots include:
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Broward County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: The current inmate database includes booking photos of individuals recently arrested or currently in custody. This resource is updated regularly and provides the most recent mugshots.
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Public Records Request: Formal requests for specific mugshots can be submitted to:
Broward County Sheriff's Office - Records Division 2601 W. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954-831-8700 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Clerk of Courts Records: In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files accessible through:
Broward County Clerk of Courts 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-831-6565 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Important considerations regarding mugshot access:
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Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071, certain mugshots may be exempt from public disclosure, including those of:
- Law enforcement officers
- Victims of certain crimes
- Juveniles (in most circumstances)
- Individuals whose records have been sealed or expunged
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Florida Statute § 943.0585 and § 943.059 provide that mugshots associated with sealed or expunged records should not be publicly accessible
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Commercial websites that publish mugshots may continue to display images even after cases are resolved favorably
Individuals concerned about mugshots appearing online may wish to consult with legal counsel regarding options for removal or the possibility of sealing or expunging eligible records through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Lookup Arrest Records in Broward County
Broward County Public Records Search
Florida warrant information database
County jail and inmate search resources
Florida sexual offender registry