Broward County Court Records
What Is Broward County Court Records
Broward County court records are official documents created and maintained by the Broward County court system that document legal proceedings, judgments, and other court activities. These records include case files, dockets, transcripts, and various legal documents filed with the courts in Broward County, Florida.
Are Court Records Public In Broward County
Yes, most court records in Broward County are public under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and the state constitution. The public has the right to access and inspect these records, with certain exceptions for confidential information such as juvenile records, sealed cases, and documents containing sensitive personal information.
The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains these public records at the main courthouse. 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
How To Find Court Records in Broward County in 2025
To find court records in Broward County in 2025, you have several options:
- Visit the Broward County Clerk of Courts website to access their online records system.
- Visit the courthouse in person at the Clerk's office. 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Submit a written request to the Records Department. 201 SE 6th Street, Room 136, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Use the Broward County Court Records Search portal for digital access.
- Contact the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division for historical records. 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room A100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
How To Look Up Court Records in Broward County Online?
To look up court records in Broward County online:
- Visit the Broward County Clerk of Courts website.
- Navigate to the "Court Records Search" section.
- Create an account if required (for certain detailed records).
- Search by case number, party name, filing date, or case type.
- Access available documents, which may include case summaries, docket information, and some full documents.
The Broward County Clerk's Office maintains this online system. 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Can You Search Broward County Court Records for Free?
Yes, you can search basic Broward County court records for free. The Clerk of Courts provides public access terminals at the courthouse for free searches. 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
The online search system also offers free basic case information searches. However, there may be fees for:
- Obtaining certified copies of documents
- Printing documents (typically $1 per page)
- Accessing certain specialized records
- Requesting research assistance from clerk staff
What's Included in a Broward County Court Record?
A typical Broward County court record includes:
- Case information (case number, filing date, case type)
- Party information (names of plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys)
- Docket entries (chronological list of filings and court actions)
- Filed documents (complaints, motions, orders, judgments)
- Hearing and trial information
- Financial information (fees, payments, judgments)
- Case disposition and outcome
Some records may also include exhibits, transcripts, and evidence depending on the case type and stage.
How Long Does Broward County Keep Court Records?
Broward County retains court records according to Florida's records retention schedules, which vary by case type:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor cases: Typically 5-10 years after case closure
- Civil cases: Generally 5-10 years after final judgment
- Probate cases: Typically 10 years after closing
- Family law cases: Usually 10 years after final judgment
- Traffic cases: Generally 3-5 years
Historical records are maintained by the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division. 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room A100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Types of Courts In Broward County
Broward County has several types of courts:
- Circuit Court (17th Judicial Circuit) - 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- County Court - 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Family Court Division - 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Probate Division - 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Small Claims Court - 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Traffic Court - 100 S 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Drug Court - 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Mental Health Court - 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Veterans Court - 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
What Types of Cases Do Broward County Courts Hear?
Broward County courts hear a wide variety of cases:
Circuit Court:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims over $30,000
- Family law (divorce, custody, support)
- Probate and guardianship
- Juvenile matters
- Appeals from county court
County Court:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims up to $30,000
- Small claims (up to $8,000)
- Traffic violations
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Ordinance violations
Specialty courts handle specific case types like drug offenses, mental health issues, and veterans' cases.
How To Find a Court Docket In Broward County
To find a court docket in Broward County:
- Online: Visit the Broward County Clerk of Courts website and use the docket search function.
- In person: Visit the Clerk's office at the courthouse. 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- By phone: Contact the Clerk's office at (954) 831-6565.
- By email: Send a request to the Records Department.
You'll need basic case information such as case number, party names, or filing dates to locate the specific docket.
Which Courts in Broward County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Broward County, small claims proceedings (for cases under $8,000) are technically not courts of record in the traditional sense. While records are kept of the proceedings, these courts operate under simplified rules of procedure and evidence.
All other courts in Broward County, including Circuit Court, County Court, and their specialized divisions, are courts of record, meaning they maintain official transcripts and detailed documentation of all proceedings.
Lookup Court Records in Broward County
Broward County Clerk of Courts Official Website
Broward County Court Records Search Portal
17th Judicial Circuit of Florida