Broward County court records cover every legal case filed within the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The Broward Clerk of Courts keeps these records at 540 SE 3rd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.
Anyone can look up case files, court orders, docket sheets, and hearing dates through the clerk’s online portal or by visiting the office in person. This page covers the full process for searching, requesting, and using these public documents.
What Are Broward County Court Records?
Broward County court records are the official files that show what happens in every court case handled in the county. They include civil lawsuits, criminal charges, family disputes, probate matters, traffic tickets, and appeals. Each file holds a case number, the names of the people or businesses involved, the charges or claims, court orders, motions, judgments, and the final outcome of the case.
Under Florida law, these records stay open to the public. Florida Statute Chapter 119, often called the Public Records Law, says that any person can review or copy court records unless a judge has sealed the file or a specific law makes the records private. This means most case details are available to journalists, employers, landlords, lawyers, and private citizens.
Broward County Court Divisions and Case Types
The Broward County court system splits cases into several divisions. Each division keeps its own set of files. The clerk’s office manages all of these records under one system, so a single search can pull results from every division at once.
Broward County Civil Court Records
Broward County civil court records cover lawsuits between two or more people or companies. These cases include contract disputes, property damage claims, personal injury suits, debt collection cases, and insurance disagreements. Civil cases do not involve criminal charges. They focus on money damages, property rights, or court orders that make one party do something for another.
The civil division handles claims above $8,000 in the main circuit court. The clerk assigns a case number that starts with a year and a division code, such as “CACE” for Circuit Civil. Each file shows the complaint, the answer, motions, exhibits, and the final judgment or dismissal.
Broward County Criminal Case Records
Broward County criminal case records contain details about people charged with a crime in the county. These crimes range from misdemeanors, like petty theft or simple assault, to felonies, like drug trafficking, burglary, or murder. The State Attorney’s Office brings the charges. Defense attorneys and the defendant respond to those charges.
Criminal files include the arrest report, charging documents, plea deals, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and motions filed by both sides. The clerk stores these files in a separate division from civil cases, but the online search tool can pull them all at the same time.
Broward County Family Court Records
Broward County family court records handle cases that involve family relationships. These include divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. The Family Division also handles cases involving children who need protection from abuse or neglect.
Some family court records stay private. Cases involving minors often have restricted access under Florida law. Mental health records, juvenile delinquency files, and adoption records carry extra privacy protections. A judge must sign an order to open these files for public review.
Broward County Probate Court Records
Broward County probate court records cover what happens to a person’s property and debts after they die. These cases include wills, trusts, guardianships, and estates. The probate division also handles cases where an adult cannot manage their own affairs and needs a court-appointed guardian.
Probate files show the will, the petition to open the estate, the list of assets and debts, creditor claims, and the final distribution order. Guardianship files show the reason for the guardianship, the guardian’s reports, and the court’s oversight actions.
Broward County Traffic Court Records
Broward County traffic court records cover citations written by local police and the Florida Highway Patrol. These cases include speeding tickets, red light camera violations, driving on a suspended license, DUI, and other moving violations. Most traffic cases are heard in the county court division, but serious cases like DUI manslaughter move up to circuit court.
Traffic files show the citation, the plea, the fine amount, and the final disposition. They also include any traffic school completion records or proof of insurance filed by the driver.
Broward County Small Claims Court Records
Broward County small claims court records handle disputes over $8,000 or less. These cases are faster and simpler than regular civil cases. People often file small claims without a lawyer. Common types include unpaid rent, security deposit disputes, minor property damage, and consumer complaints.
Small claims cases use simplified court forms. The records show the claim, the response, the hearing date, and the judge’s decision. The clerk’s office processes these cases through the same online portal as other civil matters.
Broward County Appellate Court Records
Broward County appellate court records cover cases that someone appealed to a higher court. Appeals challenge a decision made by a lower court judge. The appeals go to one of Florida’s five District Courts of Appeal or, in rare cases, the Florida Supreme Court. Broward County sits within the Fourth District Court of Appeal, which is based in West Palm Beach.
Appellate records include the notice of appeal, the briefs filed by both sides, the court record from the lower court, and the final appellate opinion. The clerk of courts keeps the original trial court record, but the appellate court maintains a separate file for the appeal itself.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court System
Broward County operates as the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit covers all of Broward County and includes both county court and circuit court judges. County court judges handle misdemeanors, small claims, traffic cases, and civil cases up to $50,000. Circuit court judges handle felonies, major civil cases, family law, probate, and juvenile cases.
The 17th Circuit includes the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale at 201 SE 6th Street, plus satellite courthouse locations across the county. The clerk of courts, headed by an elected Clerk of Courts, manages all filings and records for the entire circuit. Population growth in Broward County, which now sits near 1.9 million residents, has pushed the 17th Circuit to handle one of the highest case volumes in Florida each year.
How to Search Broward County Court Records Online
The Broward Clerk of Courts runs a free online search portal called Web2. Anyone can use it to look up court records without creating an account. The portal sits at browardclerk.org/web2 and works on desktop and mobile browsers.
The search tool accepts three types of queries:
- Party name (last name and first name)
- Case number
- Citation number
For a name search, the system needs at least a last name. If the last name has fewer than three characters, the portal returns only exact matches. The system also lets users narrow the search by case type, division, or date range.
For a case number search, type the full number without dashes or spaces. A typical Broward County case number looks like this: CACE-24-0012345. The first part shows the division code, the second shows the year, and the last part shows the sequence of filings that year.
The portal caps each search at 200 results. If your search returns more than 200 hits, narrow the search by adding a first name, middle initial, or date range. This helps the system return a more useful set of records.
What You See in the Search Results
Each search result shows the case number, the case type, the filing date, the parties involved, and the case status. Clicking on a case opens a summary page with the full docket, a list of all filings, and the hearing schedule. Some filings include PDF images that you can view online for free. Other filings carry a small fee to download.
The docket shows every motion, order, notice, and judgment in chronological order. Each entry lists the filing date, the document type, and a description. This gives a complete picture of the case from start to finish.
Other Ways to Search Broward County Court Records
The online portal works for most searches, but some cases do not appear in Web2. Sealed files, expunged records, mental health commitment orders, and certain juvenile cases stay out of the public search. For these, you need to contact the clerk’s office directly.
People can search records in person at the clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale. The public terminal room sits on the first floor of the main office. Staff members can help you use the system and print copies for a small fee.
For statewide searches, the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com lets users check filing status across all 67 Florida counties. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website at flclerks.com links to each county’s record search system. For appellate cases, the ACIS portal at acis.flcourts.gov provides free access to Florida Supreme Court and District Court of Appeal opinions.
Fees and Costs for Broward County Court Records
The Broward Clerk of Courts charges set fees for copies, certifications, and search time. Current fees include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy, per page | $1.00 |
| Certification, per document | $2.00 |
| Electronic certified copy | $8.00 |
| Search fee, per name per year | $2.00 |
| Federal tax lien release | $8.00 |
The clerk accepts cash, checks, and money orders in person. Online and phone payments go through American Express, MasterCard, or Visa. Documents over 100 pages are not available for online purchase. You need to request these by mail or pick them up in person.
Requesting Certified Copies of Broward Court Records
Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and work as official documents for use in court, government offices, or business transactions. You can request certified copies three ways: in person, by mail, or online through the clerk’s records request system.
For in-person requests, bring a photo ID and the case number. Staff can usually process the request the same day. The clerk’s office sits at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For mail requests, send a written request that includes the case number, the names of the parties, the documents you need, your contact details, and a check or money order for the fees. Mail the request to the Broward Clerk of Courts at the same address. Mail requests take up to two weeks to process.
For online requests, use the records request page on the clerk’s website. The form asks for the case details, the documents you need, and payment details. Electronic certified copies cost $8 each and arrive by email within one business day.
Sealed and Confidential Records in Broward County
Not every Broward County court record stays open to the public. Florida law seals certain records to protect privacy. Common examples include:
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Adoption files
- Mental health commitment records
- Docket entries for victims of sexual violence
- Expunged criminal records
- Trade secrets in civil cases
- Records involving minors in family court
Florida Statute 119.0714 lists the specific data that the clerk must keep out of public records. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and medical records. The clerk redacts this material before releasing documents.
A person who wants to seal their own criminal record must file a petition with the court. The judge reviews the petition and decides based on the case facts. If the judge grants the petition, the clerk removes the case from public search. Expungement follows a similar procedure but goes further by destroying the physical records.
Filing New Court Records in Broward County
Lawyers and self-represented parties file new cases through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Supreme Court requires electronic filing for most case types under Administrative Order AOSC 16-14.
To file a new case, create an account on the e-filing portal, select Broward County, choose the case type, upload your documents, and pay the filing fee. The system stamps the filing with a date and time, and the clerk’s office reviews it for compliance with court rules. You can track the filing status through the portal.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 spells out which court records stay public. The rule says judicial branch records are open unless a specific law or court order makes them confidential. Anyone filing a document bears the responsibility to remove confidential material before submission.
Common Reasons to Search Broward County Court Records
People search Broward County court records for many reasons. Employers check criminal history before making a hiring decision. Landlords look up eviction cases and small claims judgments before signing a lease. Lawyers research case law and review opposing counsel’s track record. Journalists investigate local stories and verify facts. Private citizens look up their own records to check for errors.
Background check companies also rely on these records. The records help them build a complete picture of a person’s legal history. Banks and lenders check court records before approving loans or credit. Insurance companies look at lawsuit history before writing a policy.
People involved in lawsuits check court records to see the status of their own case, look at the judge’s rulings in similar cases, and read motions filed by the other side. Self-represented parties often use the records to learn about court procedures and prepare their own filings.
What You Cannot Do With Broward County Court Records
Public court records come with limits. You cannot use them to stalk, harass, or threaten another person. You cannot use them for identity theft or fraud. You cannot sell the records for profit under Florida law. You also cannot use sealed or expunged records in any way, even if you already know what is in them.
The clerk’s office can refuse to release records to anyone who abuses the public records system. Florida law also permits people whose records were used wrongly to sue for damages.
Official Records Versus Court Records
Broward County keeps two separate sets of public records. The court records system holds case files for every legal matter filed in the county courts. The official records system holds property records, deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, and business filings. These are two different databases.
The Broward County Official Records search sits at broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury/Records/pages/publicrecordssearch.aspx. Use this tool for property records. Use the Web2 portal for court case files.
Resources for People Without a Lawyer
Self-represented parties can get help through the Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov. The site offers free court forms, plain-language handbooks, and instructions for common legal tasks. The 17th Judicial Circuit also runs a Self-Help Program that assists people with family law, small claims, and other civil matters.
The Broward County Law Library, located in the main courthouse, gives the public free access to legal books, computers, and reference materials. Law librarians can point you to the right statute or court rule for your situation. A librarian cannot give legal advice, but they can show you the right statute or court rule for your case.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Contact
The Broward Clerk of Courts serves as the main record-keeper for every court case in the county. The main office sits at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. You can reach the clerk by phone at (954) 831-7283. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main website is browardclerk.org.
Other courthouse locations serve specific functions. The Main Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street handles most criminal, civil, and family cases. The West Satellite Courthouse at 100 North Pine Island Road handles family cases. The North Satellite Courthouse at 1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard handles civil cases. The South Satellite Courthouse at 3550 Hollywood Boulevard handles criminal cases.
Official Website: browardclerk.org
Phone: (954) 831-7283
Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Address: 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=540+SE+3rd+Avenue+Fort+Lauderdale+FL+33301
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Court Records
The following questions cover what most people ask about Broward County court records. Each answer pulls from Florida law, clerk’s office rules, and current public records procedures. The details here reflect the latest updates from the Broward Clerk of Courts and the 17th Judicial Circuit. If your question needs legal advice, talk to a licensed attorney who works in Florida courts.
How much does it cost to search Broward County court records online?
Searching the Broward County court records database through the Web2 portal costs nothing. The clerk’s office offers this service free of charge to anyone with an internet connection. You do not need to register, create an account, or provide personal details to start a search. The portal accepts three types of queries: party name, case number, and citation number. Each query returns up to 200 results at no cost.
Fees apply only when you want to view, download, or print specific documents. Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies, which carry the clerk’s official seal, cost $2 per document. Electronic certified copies cost $8 each and arrive by email within one business day. A search fee of $2 per name per year applies when you ask the clerk’s office staff to perform a manual records search on your behalf.
The clerk accepts different payment types depending on how you request the records. In-person payments can be cash, check, or money order. Online and phone payments go through American Express, MasterCard, or Visa. Documents over 100 pages are not available for online purchase. You need to request these by mail or pick them up in person at the main office in Fort Lauderdale.
Can I remove my court record from public view in Broward County?
Yes, Florida law lets people seal or expunge certain criminal records. The procedure starts with a petition filed in the county where the arrest or case took place. A judge reviews the petition and decides based on the case type, the outcome, and the petitioner’s criminal history. Civil cases and family law cases follow different rules. A person with prior convictions may not qualify for either option.
The clerk’s office cannot remove a record without a signed court order. You or your attorney must file the petition in the proper division, pay the filing fee, and serve the petition on the State Attorney’s Office. The State Attorney has the right to object. A judge holds a hearing and reviews the case file before making a decision.
For civil cases, sealing requires a separate motion that shows good cause. Judges weigh the right to public access against the privacy interest of the person asking for the seal. Family law cases involving minors, adoption records, and mental health commitments follow their own rules. Speak with an attorney or visit the Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov for guidance on your specific situation.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records in Broward County?
Sealed records stay in the clerk’s computer system, but the system hides them from public search results. Only the person named in the record, their attorney, and certain government agencies can view sealed records. The clerk’s office removes the case from the public Web2 portal, and the file moves to a restricted section of the courthouse. Law enforcement, the courts, and a few state agencies can still view sealed records for specific purposes.
Expunged records go further. The clerk physically destroys the case file, and the State removes all references from its databases. Most people who get an expungement can legally state that the arrest or case never happened. Florida law limits who can get an expungement. A person generally cannot get an expungement if they were found guilty, received a withhold of adjudication on a felony, or have a prior sealing or expungement on their record.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a confidential file of every expunged case for criminal justice purposes. The person whose record was expunged can petition the court to unseal the file if needed for a specific legal purpose. Both sealing and expungement require a petition, a filing fee, and a judge’s order. An attorney can help you decide which option fits your case and walk you through the paperwork.
How do I get a certified copy of a Broward County court record?
You can request a certified copy of a Broward County court record in person, by mail, or online. Each method produces a document with the clerk’s official seal that works for court, government, and business use. The certified copy costs $2 per document for paper copies and $8 per document for electronic certified copies.
For in-person requests, visit the clerk’s office at 540 SE 3rd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Bring a photo ID and the case number. Staff can usually process the request the same day. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can pay with cash, check, or money order.
For mail requests, send a written request that includes the case number, the names of the parties, the documents you need, your contact details, and a check or money order for the fees. Mail the request to Broward Clerk of Courts, 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Mail requests take up to two weeks to process. For online requests, use the records request page on the clerk’s website. The form asks for the case details, the documents you need, and how you want to pay. Electronic certified copies arrive by email within one business day.
Do I need a lawyer to look up Broward County court records?
No. Anyone can search Broward County court records for free through the Web2 portal. The system is built for the public and does not require legal training. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. Results show up within seconds, and you can view the docket, hearing schedule, and most filings without a fee.
For help with the legal procedure itself, the Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov offers free handbooks, plain-language explanations, and approved court forms. The site covers topics like divorce, custody, eviction, small claims, and name changes. Self-represented parties can use these materials to learn about the court procedure and prepare their own paperwork.
The 17th Judicial Circuit runs a Self-Help Program that assists people with family law, small claims, and other civil matters. The Broward County Law Library, located in the main courthouse, gives the public free access to legal books, computers, and reference materials. Law librarians can point you to the right statute or court rule for your situation. A librarian cannot give legal advice, but they can show you the right statute or court rule for your case. For complex cases, especially felonies, custody disputes, and civil lawsuits with high dollar amounts, hiring an attorney is a smart move. A lawyer can file motions, argue in court, and protect your rights throughout the case.
Can I look up Broward County court records from my phone?
Yes. The Web2 portal works on mobile browsers. You can search by name, case number, or citation number from any smartphone or tablet. The search results and document images display the same way they do on a desktop computer. The site is mobile-friendly and adjusts to fit smaller screens.
You can also use the Broward Clerk’s mobile app if you prefer. The app offers the same search functions as the desktop portal. You can download the app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app lets you save searches, set alerts for case updates, and download documents to your phone.
Some older document images may be harder to read on small screens. Zooming in helps with small text. If you cannot read a document on your phone, try a tablet or desktop computer. For large cases with many filings, a desktop gives you a better view of the full docket. The portal works on any modern browser, including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. You do not need to install any software or plugins. The system runs in your browser, so you can start a search from any device with an internet connection. This makes it easy to check case updates on the go.
What should I do if I find an error in my Broward County court record?
Contact the clerk’s office as soon as you spot the error. The clerk can fix typos, update personal details, and remove confidential material that should have been redacted. Common errors include misspelled names, wrong addresses, and missing middle initials. The clerk can correct these issues quickly at no charge.
For errors in the case outcome, you need to file a motion with the court that handled your case. A motion asks the judge to correct a clerical error or change a final judgment. The motion must explain the error, show what the correct material should be, and ask the court to make the change. The other side has a chance to object, and the judge holds a hearing before ruling.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.540 spells out the procedure for correcting clerical errors. Substantive errors, which involve a legal decision, require a different procedure under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.540. An attorney can help you decide which rule fits your case and file the right motion. Keep copies of every document you file and every response you receive. The clerk’s office can give you certified copies for $8 each. If the error caused you harm, you may have a claim for damages against the person or agency responsible. Speak with an attorney about your legal options.