Broward County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Broward County?
A search warrant in Broward County is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specified location for evidence of a crime. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.02, search warrants may be issued when there is probable cause to believe that:
- Evidence relevant to a crime is present at a specific location
- Contraband, stolen property, or property used to commit a crime is being concealed
- A person for whom an arrest warrant has been issued is present at a specific location
Search warrants must specifically describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 12 of the Florida Constitution protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant based on probable cause before conducting most searches.
In Broward County, search warrants are typically executed by the Broward Sheriff's Office or local police departments within their respective jurisdictions.
Broward Sheriff's Office 2601 W. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Phone: (954) 764-4357 Broward Sheriff's Office
Are Warrants Public Records In Broward County?
Warrants in Broward County are generally considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). However, access to warrant information may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Active criminal investigation warrants may be temporarily exempt from public disclosure
- Warrants for juvenile offenders may have limited public access
- Sealed warrants ordered by a judge remain confidential until unsealed
Members of the public may access warrant information through the Broward County Clerk of Courts, which maintains records of warrants issued within the county. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also maintains a statewide database of wanted persons that includes information on outstanding warrants.
Pursuant to § 119.07, Florida Statutes, individuals have the right to inspect and copy public records, including warrant information, unless specifically exempted by law. Requests for warrant information may be submitted in person, by mail, or through online portals maintained by the relevant agencies.
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Broward County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Broward County have several official methods available to them. The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains records of all warrants issued within the county's jurisdiction and provides multiple access options:
- Visit the Clerk's office in person to conduct a warrant search
- Contact the Clerk's Records Division by telephone
- Search online through the Clerk's public access system
- Check the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database
When conducting a warrant search, individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information to ensure accurate results.
Broward County Clerk of Courts 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: (954) 831-6565 Broward County Clerk of Courts
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays
Individuals with active warrants are strongly encouraged to consult with legal counsel regarding appropriate next steps, as failure to address outstanding warrants may result in arrest during routine interactions with law enforcement.
How To Check for Warrants in Broward County for Free in 2025
Broward County residents and interested parties may utilize several no-cost resources to verify warrant status in 2025:
- The Broward County Sheriff's Office Active Warrants Database is accessible through their public website
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons Search provides statewide warrant information at no charge
- The Broward County Clerk of Courts offers limited free online access to court records, including warrant information
To conduct a free warrant search, users should:
- Gather complete identifying information (full legal name, date of birth)
- Visit the appropriate agency website
- Navigate to the warrant search or records search section
- Enter the required information
- Review the results for accuracy
Users should note that while basic warrant information is available at no cost, obtaining certified copies or detailed documentation may require payment of statutory fees as established in Florida Statutes § 28.24.
What Types of Warrants In Broward County
Broward County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose:
- Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime
- Bench Warrants: Ordered by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Capias Warrants: Similar to bench warrants, issued for failure to comply with court orders
- Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence
- Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, such as child support enforcement
The Broward County Clerk of Courts Felony Division processes and maintains records for criminal warrants, while civil warrants are handled through the appropriate civil divisions. Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established by Florida law and local court rules.
What Warrants in Broward County Contain
Warrants issued in Broward County contain specific information as required by Florida Statutes § 901.02 and applicable case law. A legally valid warrant must include:
- The name of the person to be arrested or location to be searched
- A description of the alleged offense (for arrest warrants)
- The specific items to be seized (for search warrants)
- The signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
- The date of issuance
- The agency authorized to execute the warrant
Additional information typically included in Broward County warrants:
- Case number and court of issuance
- Bond amount (if applicable)
- Physical description of the subject (for arrest warrants)
- Time limitations for execution (particularly for search warrants)
All warrants must be supported by an affidavit establishing probable cause, though this supporting documentation may not be attached to the warrant itself. The warrant must contain sufficient particularity to satisfy constitutional requirements under both federal and Florida law.
Who Issues Warrants In Broward County
In Broward County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers. The following judicial authorities may issue warrants within their jurisdiction:
- Circuit Court Judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit
- County Court Judges of Broward County
- Magistrates specifically authorized to issue warrants
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.120 and 3.121, judges review affidavits and other evidence presented by law enforcement or prosecutors to determine if probable cause exists to issue a warrant. This judicial review serves as a constitutional safeguard against unreasonable searches and seizures.
17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: (954) 831-6565 17th Judicial Circuit
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays
The issuance of warrants follows strict procedural requirements, and all warrants must be properly documented in court records maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Broward County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Broward County may utilize several official channels. The most comprehensive method involves checking multiple sources:
- Contact the Broward County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division directly
- Search the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database
- Submit a records request to the Broward County Clerk of Courts
- Consult with a licensed attorney who can access court records
Broward County Sheriff's Office - Warrants Division 2601 W. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Phone: (954) 831-8900 Broward Sheriff's Office
When searching for warrant information, individuals should provide:
- Full legal name (including all aliases)
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (if available)
- Case number (if known)
For the most accurate and current information, individuals are advised to contact multiple agencies, as warrant information may not be immediately updated across all databases.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Broward County
Federal warrants differ from state and local warrants and are issued by United States District Court judges or magistrates. To check for federal warrants in Broward County:
- Contact the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- Consult with the United States Marshals Service, which is responsible for executing federal warrants
- Retain a federal criminal defense attorney who can make appropriate inquiries
United States District Court - Southern District of Florida 299 East Broward Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: (954) 769-5400 U.S. District Court - Southern District of Florida
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding federal holidays
United States Marshals Service - Fort Lauderdale Office 299 East Broward Boulevard, Room 101 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: (954) 356-7256 U.S. Marshals Service
Federal warrant information is not typically available through state or local databases, and federal agencies may restrict access to active warrant information for law enforcement purposes.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Broward County?
Warrants issued in Broward County generally remain active until they are executed or recalled by court order. Under Florida law:
- Arrest warrants do not expire and remain valid until executed or withdrawn
- Bench warrants remain active until the subject appears before the court
- Search warrants must typically be executed within 10 days of issuance, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.05
The passage of time does not invalidate most warrants, though practical considerations may affect enforcement priorities. Warrants for minor offenses may receive less attention from law enforcement than those for serious crimes, but they remain legally valid and enforceable.
Individuals with knowledge of outstanding warrants against them are encouraged to address the matter proactively through proper legal channels rather than assuming the warrant will become invalid over time.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Broward County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Broward County varies based on several factors:
- In emergency situations, warrants may be obtained within hours through expedited procedures
- Standard warrant applications typically require 1-3 business days for processing
- Complex investigations may require additional time for warrant preparation and review
Florida law provides for electronic submission of warrant applications in urgent situations, allowing judges to review and approve warrants remotely. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.07, judges may issue warrants electronically when circumstances require immediate action.
The Broward County judicial system maintains on-call judges to review emergency warrant applications outside of regular court hours. This system ensures that time-sensitive investigations can proceed while maintaining constitutional protections.
Search Warrant Records in Broward County
Check Florida's wanted persons database