Broward County Criminal Records

What Is Broward County Criminal Records

Broward County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Broward County, Florida. These records are maintained by various county agencies, primarily the Broward County Clerk of Courts and the Broward Sheriff's Office. They document arrests, charges, court proceedings, dispositions, and sentencing information for individuals who have been processed through the county's criminal justice system.

Criminal records serve as an important resource for law enforcement agencies, courts, employers, landlords, and the general public. They provide transparency in the criminal justice system and allow for informed decision-making in various contexts, from employment screening to tenant verification.

Broward County Clerk of Courts: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Broward Sheriff's Office: 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Are Criminal Records Public In Broward County

Yes, criminal records in Broward County are generally considered public records under Florida's Sunshine Law, which provides broad public access to governmental proceedings and records. This means that most criminal records are accessible to anyone who requests them, with certain exceptions.

However, there are some limitations to public access. Records that have been sealed or expunged are not available to the general public. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public records, such as the personal information of victims, information related to ongoing investigations, and juvenile records in many cases.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) oversees the state's criminal history information and provides guidelines for access to these records.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Broward County in 2025

In 2025, there are several methods to look up criminal records in Broward County:

1. Online Case Search: The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains an online database where you can search for criminal cases by name, case number, or citation number.

2. In-Person Requests: Visit the Broward County Courthouse or the Records Division of the Broward Sheriff's Office to request criminal records in person.

3. Mail Requests: Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts or the Broward Sheriff's Office, including the necessary identifying information and applicable fees.

4. Florida Department of Law Enforcement: For statewide criminal history information, you can request a background check through the FDLE.

5. Third-Party Background Check Services: Various private companies offer background check services that include criminal record searches in Broward County.

When requesting records, be prepared to provide specific information about the person you're searching for, such as their full name, date of birth, and case number if available.

How To Find Criminal Records in Broward County Online?

Finding criminal records in Broward County online is a straightforward process:

1. Broward County Clerk of Courts Website: Visit the official website and use their case search feature. You can search by name, business name, case number, or citation number.

2. Broward County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office website provides information on how to request certain records online.

3. Official Records Search: The Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division maintains an online database of official records that may include criminal case information.

4. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Website: For statewide criminal history checks, you can use the FDLE's online services.

5. Court Electronic Access: The Broward County Court system offers electronic access to court records through their e-filing portal.

When searching online, be aware that some records may not be available digitally, particularly older cases or those that have been sealed or expunged.

Can You Search Broward County Criminal Records for Free?

Yes, you can search some Broward County criminal records for free, but there are limitations:

1. Public Case Search: The Broward County Clerk of Courts offers a free online case search that provides basic information about criminal cases.

2. Public Access Terminals: Free access to court records is available at public terminals located in the courthouse.

3. Public Records Requests: Basic public records requests can be made without charge, although fees may apply for extensive searches or copies.

However, comprehensive criminal background checks, certified copies of records, and certain detailed information may require payment of fees. The Broward Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement charge fees for official criminal history information.

As of 2025, the FDLE charges a fee for each criminal history search, and the Clerk of Courts charges for certified copies of court documents.

What's Included in a Broward County Criminal Record?

A typical Broward County criminal record includes:

1. Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, and sometimes physical description of the individual.

2. Arrest Information: Date of arrest, arresting agency, and charges filed.

3. Case Details: Case number, court dates, hearing information, and the presiding judge.

4. Disposition: The outcome of the case, such as conviction, acquittal, dismissal, or plea agreement.

5. Sentencing Information: Details about penalties imposed, including incarceration, probation, fines, or community service.

6. Court Proceedings: Records of motions filed, evidence presented, and other court activities.

7. Probation or Parole Status: Information about supervision after release, if applicable.

The level of detail may vary depending on the source of the record and the nature of the case. Records obtained directly from the Clerk of Courts typically provide more comprehensive information than those from third-party background check services.

What Are the Penalties for a Broward County Criminal Trespass Charge?

In Broward County, criminal trespass penalties vary depending on the specific circumstances:

1. Trespass on Property Other Than a Structure or Conveyance: This is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail, 1 year of probation, and a $1,000 fine.

2. Trespass on Property Other Than a Structure or Conveyance with a Warning: Also a first-degree misdemeanor with similar penalties.

3. Trespass in Structure or Conveyance: A second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail, 6 months of probation, and a $500 fine.

4. Armed Trespass: A third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.

Additional consequences may include a criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities. First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs or probation instead of jail time, at the discretion of the court.

Broward County Courthouse: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

How Long Does Broward County Keep Criminal Records?

Broward County maintains criminal records indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged through a court order. This means that without legal intervention, a criminal record can potentially remain accessible to the public for a person's entire life.

The process for sealing or expunging records in Florida is governed by state law and administered by the FDLE. To be eligible for expungement, an individual must meet certain criteria, including:

1. No prior convictions for criminal offenses
2. No previous record sealings or expungements
3. The charge in question was dismissed, acquitted, or not prosecuted
4. The charge is not on the list of offenses ineligible for expungement

For sealing a record (which restricts public access but maintains the record for law enforcement purposes), the person must not have been convicted of the offense in question.

The application process involves obtaining a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE and filing a petition with the court where the case was handled.

Lookup Criminal Records in Broward County

For those seeking to access criminal records in Broward County, several official resources are available:

• Case Search - Public - Broward County Clerk of Courts - Search for criminal records by party name, business name, case number, or citation number.

• Request a Record | Broward County - Learn how to request public records from the Broward Sheriff's Office, including incident reports and local records checks.

• Felony - Broward County Clerk of Courts - Access information on felony cases, court hearings, and the process for sealing and expungement.

• Criminal History Records - Florida Department of Law Enforcement - Obtain statewide criminal history records, including information on fees and procedures.

• Official Records Search - Broward County, Florida - Search official records by various criteria such as name, document type, and case number.

These resources provide comprehensive access to criminal records information while following proper legal channels and respecting privacy protections established by law.