Broward County Court Records
What Is Broward County Court Records
Broward County court records are official documents created, collected, and maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Courts in accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.222. These records document judicial proceedings, case filings, and court actions that occur within the jurisdiction of Broward County's court system. The Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of these records pursuant to Florida Constitution Article V, Section 16.
Court records typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence admitted during proceedings
- Docket entries
- Case dispositions
- Financial records related to court fees and payments
The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains these records at:
Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.
Are Court Records Public In Broward County
Court records in Broward County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, and the Florida Constitution Article I, Section 24, which establishes the public's right to access government records. The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 2.420, governs public access to judicial branch records.
Members of the public may access most court records with the following considerations:
- Records are available for inspection and copying during regular business hours
- Certain records may be exempt from public disclosure by statute
- Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not accessible
- Records involving juveniles, certain family matters, and cases with confidential information may have restricted access
- Records containing social security numbers, bank account information, and other sensitive personal data are typically redacted before public access is granted
Exemptions to public access are specifically defined by Florida Statutes § 119.071 and may include:
- Active criminal intelligence information
- Ongoing investigations
- Adoption records
- Certain medical records
- Records related to victims of sexual offenses
- Records that would jeopardize security systems
Individuals seeking access to court records must comply with established procedures and may be required to submit identification when requesting certain documents.
How To Find Court Records in Broward County in 2025
Broward County residents and interested parties may locate court records through multiple channels established by the Clerk of Courts. The following methods are available for accessing court records in Broward County as of 2025:
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Broward County Courthouse
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Broward County Official Records
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.
For in-person requests, individuals should:
- Complete a records request form available at the public counter
- Provide case information including names of parties, case numbers, or filing dates
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $1.00 per page for standard copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies)
Written requests may be submitted by mail to:
Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division
115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 105
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-357-6190
Broward County Records Search
Written requests should include:
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific case information
- Time period of records sought
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Clerk's online portal, which provides 24-hour access to public records. Detailed instructions for electronic access are provided in the following section.
How To Look Up Court Records in Broward County Online?
The Broward County Clerk of Courts provides comprehensive online access to court records through several electronic platforms. Pursuant to Administrative Order 2016-40-Gen, electronic access to court records is available through the following official channels:
The primary online search portal is accessible through the Broward County Clerk of Courts Case Search. This system allows users to:
- Search by party name, case number, citation number, or property address
- Filter searches by case type (civil, criminal, family, probate, etc.)
- View case dockets and document indexes
- Access non-confidential court documents
- Track case status and upcoming hearings
For official records such as deeds, mortgages, and judgments, users may access the Broward County Official Records Search. This system provides:
- Document searches by name, document type, or book/page number
- Access to recorded documents dating back to 1978
- Document viewing and printing capabilities
- Official record certificate verification
Users seeking certified copies of court documents may utilize the Electronic Certified Documents service, which provides:
- Electronically certified copies with official digital signatures
- Verification codes for authenticity confirmation
- Immediate delivery of certified documents
- Acceptance by most government agencies and financial institutions
When using online services, users should note that:
- Registration may be required for certain functions
- Fees may apply for document downloads and certified copies
- Search results are limited to 200 records per query
- Some documents may not be available online due to confidentiality restrictions
- Technical support is available at 954-831-7050 during regular business hours
Can You Search Broward County Court Records for Free?
Broward County provides several options for free access to court records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.24, which establishes fee schedules for clerk services. The following free access options are available:
Public access terminals are provided at:
Broward County Main Courthouse
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
North Regional Courthouse
1000 Judicial Center Drive
Plantation, FL 33324
954-831-1700
South Regional Courthouse
3550 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, FL 33021
954-831-0210
These terminals offer:
- Free on-site access to court records
- Search capabilities by case number, party name, or filing date
- Viewing of non-confidential documents
- Self-service printing (fees apply: $0.15 per page)
Online access through the Clerk's website provides:
- Free case docket searches
- Free access to case status information
- Free viewing of certain non-confidential documents
- Free access to court calendars and hearing schedules
While basic searches and viewing are free, fees apply for:
- Document downloads ($1.00 per document)
- Certified copies ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Extensive searches requiring staff assistance ($2.00 per name per year searched)
- Rush service for expedited requests ($10.00 additional fee)
Fee waivers may be available for indigent persons upon filing an application for determination of civil indigent status pursuant to Florida Statutes § 57.082.
What's Included in a Broward County Court Record?
Broward County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings as mandated by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420. A complete court record typically includes the following components:
Case initiation documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses and returns of service
- Initial appearances
- Indictments or informations in criminal cases
Procedural documents:
- Motions and responses
- Court orders and rulings
- Notices of hearing
- Subpoenas
- Witness lists
- Exhibits and evidence logs
Disposition documents:
- Judgments and decrees
- Sentencing information
- Settlement agreements
- Dismissal orders
- Appeals documentation
Administrative records:
- Case docket sheets
- Court reporter notes and transcripts
- Jury selection records
- Financial records including filing fees, fines, and restitution
- Certificates of service
Supplemental materials:
- Affidavits and declarations
- Expert witness reports
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Probation reports
- Psychological evaluations (when not sealed)
The content of court records varies by case type and may include additional specialized documents depending on the nature of the proceedings. Certain information within these records may be redacted or restricted pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.0714 to protect confidential information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, and information related to minors.
How Long Does Broward County Keep Court Records?
Broward County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36. These schedules vary by record type and case classification:
Criminal felony case records:
- Capital punishment cases: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 75 years from case closure
- Appeals: Permanent retention
Criminal misdemeanor case records:
- 10 years from case closure
- DUI cases: 75 years from case closure
Civil case records:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after case closure
- Real property cases: Permanent retention
- Probate cases: Permanent retention
- Domestic relations cases: 75 years from case closure
- Juvenile dependency: 10 years after child reaches majority
- Juvenile delinquency: Until child reaches 24 years of age
Traffic case records:
- 5 years from case closure
- DUI cases: 75 years from case closure
Official records (deeds, mortgages, judgments):
- Permanent retention
Court minutes and judgment dockets:
- Permanent retention
After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to archival storage
- Converted to electronic format
- Destroyed according to approved disposition procedures
Historical records of significant value may be preserved beyond standard retention periods. Individuals seeking older records should contact:
Broward County Archives
115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 120
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-357-7670
Types of Courts In Broward County
Broward County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels established under Article V of the Florida Constitution. Each court type has specific jurisdiction and authority:
Circuit Court (17th Judicial Circuit):
- Highest trial court in Broward County
- Handles felonies, civil cases over $30,000, probate, family matters, and juvenile cases
- Serves as appellate court for county court decisions
- Presided over by circuit judges elected to six-year terms
17th Judicial Circuit Court
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Florida Circuit Courts
County Court:
- Handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, traffic offenses, and small claims
- Conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Presided over by county judges elected to six-year terms
Broward County Court
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Federal Courts serving Broward County:
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- Handles federal criminal and civil cases, including bankruptcy
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
299 East Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-769-5400
U.S. District Court
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida
299 East Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-769-5700
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Specialized Courts within the Broward County system include:
- Drug Court
- Mental Health Court
- Veterans Court
- Domestic Violence Court
- Juvenile Dependency Court
- Unified Family Court
These specialized courts implement therapeutic jurisprudence principles to address specific issues while maintaining official records of all proceedings.
What Types of Cases Do Broward County Courts Hear?
Broward County courts adjudicate a diverse range of cases pursuant to jurisdictional authority established by Florida Statutes § 26.012 and § 34.01. The following case types are processed through the county's court system:
Circuit Court cases include:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil disputes involving amounts exceeding $30,000
- Real property and mortgage foreclosure matters
- Probate, guardianship, and mental health proceedings
- Family law matters including divorce, custody, and domestic violence
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency cases
- Appeals from county court decisions
- Extraordinary writs including mandamus, prohibition, and habeas corpus
County Court cases include:
- Misdemeanor criminal prosecutions
- Civil disputes involving amounts up to $30,000
- Small claims cases (up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions and ordinance violations
- Landlord/tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Specialized dockets handle:
- Drug-related offenses through Drug Court
- Mental health cases through Mental Health Court
- Veterans' issues through Veterans Court
- Domestic violence matters through Domestic Violence Court
- Child welfare cases through Dependency Court
- Complex business litigation through Business Court
Case assignment is determined by subject matter, monetary thresholds, and specialized court programs. The Administrative Judge of each division oversees case allocation according to established administrative orders.
How To Find a Court Docket In Broward County
Court dockets in Broward County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case and are accessible through multiple channels pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(a). The following methods are available for locating court dockets:
Online access is available through:
- Broward County Clerk's Case Search - Provides comprehensive docket information for all case types
- Broward County Official Records - For recorded judgments and liens
To search online dockets:
- Enter case number (preferred method for most accurate results)
- Search by party name (last name, first name)
- Filter by case type and date range
- Review chronological listing of all filings and court actions
In-person docket access is available at:
Broward County Courthouse
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.
For upcoming court hearings, users may access:
- Daily court calendars posted outside courtrooms
- Weekly hearing schedules available at the Clerk's Office
- Online hearing schedules through the Clerk's website
When searching for docket information, users should note:
- Case numbers follow a specific format (year-division code-sequential number)
- Some older cases may have limited online information
- Confidential cases may not appear in public searches
- Technical assistance for docket searches is available by calling 954-831-7050
Which Courts in Broward County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Broward County, all courts within the formal judicial system are courts of record as established by Article V of the Florida Constitution. This means that all proceedings are documented by court reporters or electronic recording devices, and official transcripts can be produced. However, certain administrative tribunals and quasi-judicial bodies operate within the county that are not courts of record in the traditional sense:
Administrative hearings include:
- Code Enforcement Board hearings
- Value Adjustment Board proceedings
- Local licensing board hearings
- Student disciplinary hearings in educational institutions
- Certain zoning and land use hearings
These proceedings typically:
- Maintain less formal records than judicial courts
- May not utilize court reporters
- Often record proceedings through audio recording only
- May have simplified documentation procedures
- Provide more limited appeal rights
Administrative proceedings may be held at:
Broward County Governmental Center
115 S. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-357-7000
Broward County Value Adjustment Board
115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 120
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-357-7205
While these bodies are not courts of record in the traditional sense, they do maintain records of their proceedings as required by Florida's Public Records Law. Appeals from these administrative bodies are typically heard by the Circuit Court, which then creates a formal court record of the appeal proceedings.
Lookup Court Records in Broward County
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