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 specific location for evidence related to a crime. These warrants are based on probable cause and must describe in detail the place to be searched and the items to be seized. In Broward County, search warrants are typically executed by the Broward Sheriff's Office or local police departments.
Search warrants must comply with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement must present sufficient evidence to a judge to demonstrate probable cause before a warrant is issued.
Broward County Courthouse: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Are Warrants Public Records In Broward County?
Yes, warrants in Broward County are generally considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). However, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Warrants that are part of an active criminal investigation may be temporarily exempt from public disclosure
- Warrants involving certain sensitive cases (such as those involving minors or sexual offenses) may have restricted access
- Sealed warrants ordered by a judge remain confidential until unsealed
The public can access warrant information through the Broward County Clerk of Courts, though some information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Broward County Clerk of Courts: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Broward County?
There are several methods to determine if you have a warrant in Broward County:
- Check the Broward County Clerk of Courts website for public records
- Contact the Broward County Sheriff's Office Records Division directly
- Use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons Search
- Consult with an attorney who can check warrant status on your behalf
- Visit the Broward County Courthouse in person to inquire
If you discover you have a warrant, it's advisable to consult with an attorney immediately to understand your options and potentially arrange for a voluntary surrender rather than risking arrest.
Broward Sheriff's Office: 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
How To Check for Warrants in Broward County for Free in 2025
In 2025, Broward County residents can check for warrants free of charge through several methods:
-
Online Resources:
- Broward County Clerk of Courts website
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database
- Broward County Sheriff's Office online portal
-
In-Person Options:
- Visit the Broward County Courthouse Records Division
- Go to any Broward County Sheriff's Office location
- Check with the local police department in your municipality
-
Phone Inquiries:
- Call the Broward County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Contact the Clerk of Courts warrant division
Remember that while these services are free, some may require basic personal information such as your name and date of birth to conduct the search.
What Types of Warrants In Broward County
Broward County issues several types of warrants:
- Arrest Warrants: Issued when there is probable cause that an individual has committed a crime
- Bench Warrants: Issued by a judge when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specific locations for evidence
- Capias Warrants: Similar to arrest warrants but typically issued after criminal charges have been filed
- Civil Warrants: Related to non-criminal matters such as contempt of court in civil cases
- Fugitive Warrants: Issued when someone is wanted in another jurisdiction
- Probation Violation Warrants: Issued when someone violates the terms of their probation
Each type of warrant serves a specific purpose within the Broward County legal system and carries different implications for the named individual.
What Warrants in Broward County Contain
Warrants in Broward County typically contain the following information:
- Full legal name of the subject (including aliases if known)
- Physical description (height, weight, race, gender, distinguishing features)
- Date of birth and/or approximate age
- Last known address
- Nature of the alleged offense
- Case number
- Date the warrant was issued
- Name of the issuing judge
- Bond amount (if applicable)
- Whether the warrant is active or recalled
For search warrants specifically, they must also include:
- Detailed description of the location to be searched
- Specific items law enforcement is authorized to seize
- Time constraints for executing the warrant
Broward County State Attorney's Office: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Who Issues Warrants In Broward County
In Broward County, warrants are issued by:
- Circuit Court Judges: Handle felony cases and have the authority to issue all types of warrants
- County Court Judges: Primarily handle misdemeanors but can issue various warrants
- Magistrates: In some cases, may have limited authority to issue certain types of warrants
The process typically begins with law enforcement or prosecutors presenting evidence to establish probable cause. The judge then reviews this evidence and determines whether it meets the legal threshold for issuing a warrant. All warrant issuers must be authorized judicial officers within the 17th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Broward County.
17th Judicial Circuit Court: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Broward County
To find outstanding warrants in Broward County:
-
Online Search Methods:
- Use the Broward County Clerk of Courts online case search system
- Check the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database
- Visit the Broward Sheriff's Office website
-
Direct Contact Methods:
- Call the Broward County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Visit the Broward County Courthouse in person
- Contact your local police department
-
Third-Party Resources:
- Hire an attorney to conduct a search
- Use private background check services (though these may charge fees)
When searching, you'll need to provide basic identifying information such as full name and date of birth. For the most accurate results, include any previous names or aliases.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Broward County
Federal warrants differ from state or county warrants and require specific approaches to check:
- Contact the U.S. Marshals Service, which is the primary agency responsible for executing federal warrants
- Check with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- Consult with a federal defense attorney who can make inquiries on your behalf
- Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) field office in Miami
Federal warrants are not typically accessible through county-level searches, as they operate under a separate jurisdiction. These warrants are issued for federal crimes or when suspects cross state lines.
U.S. Marshals Service - Southern District of Florida: 299 East Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Florida: 299 East Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
FBI Miami Field Office: 2030 SW 145th Avenue, Miramar, FL 33027
How Long Do Warrants Last In Broward County?
In Broward County, most warrants remain active until they are executed (the person is arrested) or recalled by a judge. There is generally no expiration date for:
- Arrest warrants for felony charges
- Bench warrants for failure to appear in court
- Capias warrants
However, some exceptions exist:
- Search warrants typically must be executed within 10 days of issuance
- Certain misdemeanor warrants may have statutory limitations
- Warrants for minor infractions might be reviewed periodically
It's a common misconception that warrants "expire" after a certain period. In reality, most warrants in Broward County remain in the system indefinitely, meaning they can be enforced years or even decades after issuance.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Broward County?
The time required to obtain a search warrant in Broward County varies based on several factors:
-
Standard Process: Under normal circumstances, obtaining a search warrant can take anywhere from several hours to a day, as it requires:
- Preparing a detailed affidavit establishing probable cause
- Locating and presenting the affidavit to a judge
- The judge's review and approval
-
Emergency Situations: In urgent cases involving imminent danger or risk of evidence destruction, expedited warrants may be obtained in as little as 1-2 hours.
-
Electronic Warrants: Broward County has implemented electronic warrant systems that allow for faster processing, sometimes reducing the time to 2-3 hours.
Law enforcement must demonstrate probable cause regardless of how quickly the warrant is needed, though judges may prioritize urgent requests.
Search Warrant Records in Broward County
WANTED PERSONS SEARCH - Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Case Search - Public - Broward County Clerk of Courts
Request a Record | Broward County - Broward County Sheriff's Office