Broward County Criminal Records
What Is Broward County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Broward County, Florida, are official documents maintained by various government agencies that document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 119, which governs public records in the state.
Broward County criminal records typically originate from several official sources:
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Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Broward County Clerk of Courts -
Broward County Sheriff's Office
2601 W Broward Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
954-764-4357
Official Website: www.sheriff.org -
17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Official Website: www.17th.flcourts.org
These records document various stages of criminal proceedings, from initial arrest through final disposition. Under Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, most criminal records are considered public documents, with certain exceptions as provided by statute for sealed or expunged records, juvenile records, and other protected categories as defined in §119.071, Florida Statutes.
Are Criminal Records Public In Broward County
Criminal records in Broward County are generally public pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. These laws establish a presumption of openness for government records, including criminal justice information.
Members of the public may access most criminal records through the following means:
- In-person requests at the Broward County Courthouse
- Online through the Broward County Clerk's official records portal
- Written requests to the custodian of records
However, certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure or have restricted access:
- Records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to §943.0585 and §943.059, Florida Statutes
- Juvenile records in most circumstances, as provided by §985.04, Florida Statutes
- Active criminal intelligence and investigative information as defined in §119.071(2)(c)
- Information that would reveal the identity of victims of certain crimes, including sexual offenses
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Government agencies may charge reasonable fees for the duplication of records as permitted under §119.07(4), Florida Statutes. Standard fees include $1.00 per page for certified copies and $0.15 per one-sided page for regular copies. Additional special service charges may apply for extensive requests requiring significant agency resources.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Broward County in 2025
Broward County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records in 2025, pursuant to established procedures under Florida's Public Records Law. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Broward County Clerk of Courts Records Division
201 SE 6th Street, Room 136
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
954-831-6565 - Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete a public records request form available at the service counter
- Specify the case number or individual's full name and date of birth
- Pay applicable fees: $1.00 per certified page or $0.15 per standard copy
Online Access:
- Navigate to the Broward County Official Records Search
- Create a free user account if accessing certain detailed records
- Search by name, case number, or date range
- Review case summaries at no cost; document images may require payment
- Download or print available documents
Mail Requests:
- Submit written requests to:
Broward County Clerk of Courts
ATTN: Records Request
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 - Include specific information about the records sought
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for estimated costs (contact the clerk's office for current fee schedule)
For comprehensive criminal history information, requestors may also contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for statewide records. Pursuant to §943.053, Florida Statutes, FDLE charges $24.00 per record search as of 2025.
How To Find Criminal Records in Broward County Online?
Broward County provides several authorized online platforms for accessing criminal records electronically, in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency. These digital resources allow for efficient retrieval of public criminal justice information.
The primary online resources include:
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Broward County Clerk of Courts Case Search
This official portal provides access to:- Criminal court case information
- Case dockets and chronological case histories
- Party information and attorney details
- Hearing schedules and judgment information
- Available 24/7 with free basic searches
-
Broward County Official Records Search
This database contains:- Court judgments and orders
- Criminal case dispositions
- Records dating back to 1978
- Document images viewable online
- Search parameters including name, date range, and document type
-
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
Provides information on:- Current inmates in state custody
- Probation status
- Release dates and supervision terms
- Custody location and classification
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Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators Search
Maintained by FDLE, this database includes:- Registration information for sexual offenders and predators
- Residential addresses (subject to restrictions)
- Offense information and photographs
- Compliance status
When conducting online searches, users should note that pursuant to §119.071, Florida Statutes, certain information may be redacted from public view, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to victims of certain crimes.
Can You Search Broward County Criminal Records for Free?
Broward County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic criminal record information, in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law which emphasizes public access to government information. These free services are supplemented by fee-based options for more comprehensive or certified records.
Free Access Options:
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Public Access Terminals
Located at:
Broward County Courthouse
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
These terminals provide free on-site access to court records. -
Broward Clerk of Courts Online Case Search
This portal offers:- Basic case information at no charge
- Docket listings showing case activity
- Party names and case types
- Filing dates and case status
-
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Wanted Persons Search
Provides free access to:- Active warrant information
- Wanted persons listings
- Basic case information for outstanding warrants
Fee-Based Services:
While basic information is available at no cost, fees apply for:
- Certified copies ($1.00 per page)
- Extensive research requiring staff assistance ($20 per hour after first 30 minutes)
- Complete criminal history reports from FDLE ($24.00)
- Document reproduction exceeding 25 pages ($0.15 per page)
Pursuant to §119.07(4), Florida Statutes, these fees are established to recover the actual cost of duplication and labor involved in extensive requests. Fee waivers may be available for certain governmental agencies and approved research purposes as provided by statute.
What's Included in a Broward County Criminal Record?
Broward County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 and relevant provisions of the Florida Statutes.
A standard Broward County criminal record typically includes:
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Demographic Information
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Last known address (subject to redaction in certain cases)
-
Case Information
- Unique case number assigned by the court
- Filing date and jurisdiction
- Charging information and statutory citations
- Case classification (misdemeanor, felony)
- Court division assignment
-
Procedural History
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Booking information and photographs
- Bond/bail determinations
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Plea information
- Trial proceedings (if applicable)
-
Disposition and Sentencing
- Final case outcome (conviction, acquittal, dismissal)
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation requirements
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions imposed
-
Post-Conviction Information
- Probation status and violations
- Completion of court-ordered programs
- Appeal information
- Record sealing or expungement proceedings
Pursuant to §119.071, Florida Statutes, certain information may be redacted from public criminal records, including social security numbers, information identifying victims of sexual offenses, and other statutorily protected data. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged under §943.0585 or §943.059, Florida Statutes, will not appear in standard record searches.
What Are the Penalties for a Broward County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Broward County is prosecuted pursuant to Florida Statute §810.08 (trespass in structure or conveyance) and §810.09 (trespass on property other than structure or conveyance). The penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant's prior criminal history.
Misdemeanor Trespass Penalties:
-
Second Degree Misdemeanor (simple trespass):
- Maximum 60 days in county jail
- Up to $500 fine
- Up to 6 months probation
- Court costs approximately $350-$500
- Possible community service hours
-
First Degree Misdemeanor (trespass with warning or in occupied structure):
- Maximum 1 year in county jail
- Up to $1,000 fine
- Up to 12 months probation
- Court costs and fees
- Possible no-contact orders with property or victims
Felony Trespass Penalties:
- Third Degree Felony (trespass while armed with firearm or dangerous weapon):
- Maximum 5 years in state prison
- Up to $5,000 fine
- Up to 5 years probation
- Loss of certain civil rights
- Mandatory minimum sentences may apply under Florida's 10-20-Life law if firearms were involved
Additional Consequences:
- Creation of permanent criminal record
- Potential immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Impact on employment opportunities
- Possible civil liability to property owners
- Restitution for any property damage
The Broward County State Attorney's Office may offer pretrial diversion programs for first-time offenders charged with simple trespass, potentially allowing for charges to be dismissed upon completion of program requirements. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with office policies and Florida law.
Defendants facing trespass charges in Broward County are advised that these penalties represent the maximum allowable under Florida law, and actual sentences may vary based on specific case factors and judicial discretion.
How Long Does Broward County Keep Criminal Records?
Broward County maintains criminal records in accordance with Florida's public records retention schedules established pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and the guidelines set forth by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
Retention Periods by Record Type:
-
Felony Case Records
- Permanent retention for capital felonies and life felonies
- 75 years from final disposition for other felonies
- Records maintained by both the Clerk of Courts and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
-
Misdemeanor Case Records
- 10 years from final disposition for first-degree misdemeanors
- 5 years from final disposition for second-degree misdemeanors
- Traffic misdemeanors typically retained for 7 years
-
Arrest Records
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: 75 years
- Arrest reports without prosecution: 5 years
- Records of juvenile arrests: Generally until age 24, with exceptions
-
Court Dockets and Indexes
- Permanent retention
- Maintained in searchable electronic format since 1978
- Earlier records available on microfilm
Special Circumstances Affecting Retention:
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Sealed Records: Pursuant to §943.059, Florida Statutes, sealed records are removed from public access but maintained by criminal justice agencies.
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Expunged Records: Under §943.0585, Florida Statutes, expunged records are physically destroyed by most agencies, though FDLE maintains a confidential record.
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Juvenile Records: Generally have shorter retention periods and restricted access as provided in §985.04, Florida Statutes.
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Diversion Program Participants: Records for cases dismissed after successful completion of diversion programs may have modified retention schedules.
The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains electronic records dating back to 1978, with older records preserved on microfilm. Physical access to older records may require advance notice and special handling procedures due to their historical nature and storage conditions.
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