Davie city court records cover every case filed by or against a person living in Davie, Florida. These files include civil, criminal, family, traffic, and ordinance cases.
The Town of Davie sits in Broward County and belongs to the 17th Judicial Circuit. All court files for Davie residents are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. Anyone can view most of these files. Florida law treats court records as public unless a judge orders them sealed.
What Are Davie City Court Records
Davie city court records are written files from court cases. They show the names of the people involved, the charges or claims, court dates, and final rulings. These files come from civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. They also cover code violations handled by the Town of Davie. The files are stored in paper and electronic form. Most old files have been scanned and added to the online system. New files show up online within a few days of filing.
Court records serve many needs. Lawyers check them to review a person’s past cases. Landlords and employers may check them before making a decision. People also check their own records to fix errors. Reporters and researchers use them to study trends in the local court system. Florida’s public records law gives everyone the right to see these files. You do not need to give a reason to ask for them.
Which Court Handles Davie Cases
Davie does not have its own courthouse. Court cases from Davie are heard at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The courthouse sits at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The 17th Judicial Circuit covers all of Broward County. This includes Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and other towns within the county borders.
The circuit court handles serious criminal cases, family cases, probate, and civil claims over $50,000. The county court handles smaller civil claims, misdemeanors, traffic tickets, and ordinance violations. Both courts share the same clerk office for records. This means you use the same search portal for both levels of court. You do not need to know which court heard the case before searching.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Contact Details
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps all official files for Davie. The main office sits in the Broward County Courthouse. You can reach the clerk by phone, mail, or through their website. The clerk office also runs satellite locations around the county for your convenience.
| Office | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-7283 |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
The clerk office handles all court records and payments for the 17th Judicial Circuit. Staff can help you with case searches, copy requests, and filing questions. Phone lines are open during regular business hours. You can also use the online portal any time of day for basic searches and payments.
How to Search Davie Court Records Online
The Broward Clerk Web2 portal is the main online system for Davie case search. You can reach it through the clerk’s website at browardclerk.org. The portal lets you search by name, case number, or date range. Basic searches do not require an account. You can run a search from any device with internet access, including phones and tablets.
- Go to browardclerk.org and click on the case search link.
- Pick the type of search: name, case number, or party.
- Type the full legal name of the person or the case number.
- Add a middle name or date range to narrow your search if needed.
- Review the list of cases that match your search.
- Click on a case number to see the full docket and filing history.
The search results show the case style, filing date, current status, and judge assigned. You can view the docket entries, which list every document filed in the case. Some documents are available as PDF downloads. Others require a visit to the courthouse or a copy request through the clerk. The portal refreshes daily as new filings are added to the system.
What You Can View in Online Search
The online portal shows most public court records for Davie. You can see party names, the type of case, charges or claims, court dates, and rulings. The system also shows the names of the lawyers involved and the judge on the case. For civil cases, you can see the amount in dispute. For criminal cases, you can see the charges filed and the final sentence or outcome.
Some details stay hidden from public view. Social security numbers, bank account data, and minor children’s names are redacted under Florida law. Sealed cases do not show up at all in the search results. If a judge has sealed part of a case, those documents will not be visible online. You will need to ask the clerk office in writing to view any sealed file.
Types of Davie Court Records
Court records in Davie fall into several main types. Each type covers a different area of legal matters. The clerk office stores all of them in the same system, but you may need to search different sections of the portal for the best results.
Civil Court Records
Civil case records cover disputes between people or businesses. They include contract claims, property disputes, personal injury, and small claims cases. Most civil records in Davie are open to the public. You can see the complaint, motions, court orders, and final judgment. If a civil case settles, the settlement terms may be in the record unless the parties asked the court to seal them.
Criminal Case Records
Criminal records cover felony and misdemeanor cases. Felonies are filed in circuit court. Misdemeanors are filed in county court. The public can see the charges, plea, verdict, and sentence. Arrest records from the Broward Sheriff’s Office are a separate file. They show the booking date, charges, and release status. You can ask the sheriff’s office for arrest records separately.
Traffic Court Records
Traffic records cover moving violations, driving under suspension, and traffic crashes that lead to criminal charges. Most traffic cases are misdemeanors filed in county court. You can see the ticket number, the offense, and the outcome. Fines and points on a license also appear in the file. Some traffic cases are sealed, but most remain public.
Family Court Files
Family records cover divorce, child custody, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence. Some parts of these files are sealed by law. Adoption records stay sealed forever. Child abuse and dependency files have strict limits on who can view them. Divorce records, including property settlements, are public and can be viewed by anyone.
Probate and Wills
Probate records cover the handling of a person’s estate after death. They include wills, letters of administration, and inventory of assets. Most probate records are public. You can see the names of heirs and the value of the estate. Some wills stay sealed until the court admits them to probate as part of the estate process.
Family Court Files in Davie
Family cases for Davie go through the Broward County Family Division. This covers divorce, child custody, paternity, name changes, and domestic violence injunctions. The Family Division is at the main courthouse. The clerk office keeps the files for all family cases in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
Florida requires at least one spouse to live in the state for six months before filing for divorce. You can file divorce papers through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The portal is open 24 hours a day. Filing fees apply, and credit card payments carry a small processing fee. You can also file in person at the clerk office during business hours.
Some family files are not public. Adoption records are sealed forever. Cases involving child abuse, neglect, or dependency are also sealed. The court can seal a divorce settlement if the parties can show a valid reason. You can ask the clerk office to view a sealed file, but the judge must approve it first before any access is granted.
Criminal and Traffic Case Records
Criminal cases in Davie follow the same rules as other parts of Florida. Felonies go to the circuit court. Misdemeanors stay in county court. The clerk stores all criminal files in the same online portal. You can search by defendant name or case number to see the full history.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 makes criminal court records public. Sealed cases and juvenile records are the main exceptions. Juvenile records are not part of the standard public search. You can view criminal docket entries, motions, plea agreements, and final judgments. Sentencing orders and restitution amounts are also in the file.
For arrest records, you need to contact the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The clerk office does not keep arrest logs. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also runs a statewide criminal history check. This service covers cases from all Florida counties. You will need to pay a fee and provide identification for a state background check.
Davie Code Violation Cases
The Town of Davie handles code violations through a special magistrate process. This covers issues like overgrown lawns, illegal parking, building code violations, and business license problems. The Town of Davie keeps its own records of these cases. You can ask the Town Clerk for copies of code violation files.
For code violations that go to court, the Broward County Clerk stores the files. You can search these cases on the Web2 portal using the address or the property owner’s name. Fines, liens, and compliance orders all appear in the public record. If the Town files a lien on a property for unpaid fines, the lien shows up in the Broward County Official Records search.
Getting Certified Copies of Court Records
You can get certified copies of Davie court records from the Broward County Clerk office. Certified copies have a raised seal or stamp that proves they are real. You need certified copies for many legal uses, like immigration papers, name changes, and estate matters.
To order a certified copy:
- Visit the records request page on browardclerk.org.
- Fill out the request form with the case number or document name.
- Pay the fee by credit card, check, or money order.
- Pick up the copy in person or ask for it by mail.
The cost is $1 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a certification fee. Some documents have higher fees set by Florida law. Processing times vary. Simple requests may take one or two business days. Requests that need staff review can take longer.
Fees and Payment Options
The clerk office charges fees for copies, certifications, and search time. Florida law sets the fee amounts. The clerk also charges fees for filing new cases and motions. The fee schedule is on the clerk’s website. You can pay most fees by credit card, debit card, check, or money order.
You can pay court fees and traffic tickets online through MyFloridaCounty.com. This portal works for all Florida counties, including Broward. You get a receipt right away by email. The portal accepts credit and debit cards. A small processing fee applies to card payments. You can also pay in person at the clerk office or by mail.
Sealed and Confidential Court Files
Florida law lists which court records must stay sealed. Sealed files do not show up in the public search. You can only view them with a court order. Adoption records, child abuse cases, and certain mental health commitment cases are always sealed. Other cases can be sealed at the judge’s discretion for good cause.
To view a sealed file, you must file a written motion with the court. The motion must show a good reason to see the file. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to allow access. If the judge grants the motion, you can view the file at the clerk office. You may also ask for copies for a fee.
Florida Statute 119.0714 protects certain personal data. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers are redacted from public records. The clerk office handles this redaction as part of normal processing. You do not need to file a special request to have this data removed from the public view.
Filing New Cases Through E-Filing
Most new court cases in Davie can be filed online. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com handles e-filing for all 67 Florida counties. The portal is open around the clock. You can file civil, criminal, family, and probate cases through the portal at your convenience.
To use the portal, you create an account with your email address. You can then upload your court documents in PDF format. The system stamps your filing and sends it to the right court. You pay the filing fee by credit card at the end. A small convenience fee applies to card payments. The portal sends you email notices about your case status and any new filings.
Some documents cannot be filed online. These include original wills, certified documents, and certain emergency motions. For these, you must file in person at the clerk office. The clerk office can also help you with e-filing if you do not have computer access or need assistance with the upload process.
Nearby Court Resources
Davie sits in the middle of Broward County. Other towns near Davie use the same court system. You can search court records for Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, and Sunrise on the same Web2 portal. The search covers all cases in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
If you need court forms, visit the Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov. The site has family law forms, small claims forms, and self-help packets. You can download the forms in PDF format. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers site at flclerks.com links to all 67 county clerks in the state. It also has statewide search tools.
Official Contact Details
You can reach the Broward County Clerk of Courts at the following:
Broward County Clerk of Courts
540 SE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-7283
Website: browardclerk.org
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. The online portal at browardclerk.org is open 24 hours a day for searches and payments. You can file new cases through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com any time of day or night.
For code violation records from the Town of Davie, contact the Town Clerk at 6591 Orange Drive, Davie, FL 33314, phone (954) 797-1023. The Town Clerk handles municipal records, not court cases. Court cases from Davie are still kept by the Broward County Clerk in Fort Lauderdale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to view Davie court records?
Basic online searches on the Broward County Web2 portal are free. You do not need an account to look up a case status or filing history. The cost comes when you want copies of documents. Regular copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a certification fee that Florida law sets. You can pay these fees online, by mail, or in person at the clerk office. The clerk office also charges for staff time if your request needs extra research beyond a simple copy. You can find the full fee schedule on the clerk’s website at browardclerk.org. Court fees for filing new cases are separate and listed under the clerk’s fee schedule. Most credit card payments carry a small processing fee that the portal adds at checkout. The clerk office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for in-person payments.
Can I see sealed court records in Davie?
Sealed court records are not part of the public search. You will not see them in the Web2 portal under any search method. To view a sealed file, you must file a written motion with the court. The motion must explain your reason for wanting to see the file and how it relates to a current legal matter. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. Some types of cases are always sealed by Florida law, including adoption records and child abuse cases. The judge has very limited power to open these files even for good cause. You should talk to a lawyer if you need to see a sealed record for a legal matter. The lawyer can file the motion for you and argue your case before the judge. The clerk office cannot release sealed records without a signed court order.
How long does it take to get certified copies of court records?
Processing times depend on the type of request and the workload at the clerk office. Simple copy requests that the clerk can fill right away may be ready the same day or within one or two business days. More complex requests that need staff research, a court order, or retrieval from off-site storage can take several weeks. The clerk office will tell you the expected time when you file your request. You can pay extra for expedited service in some cases. Mail requests take longer because of postal delivery times on both ends. Online requests through the clerk’s portal are usually faster than mail requests. The clerk office processes requests in the order they are received. You can call (954) 831-7283 to check the status of a pending request.
Are juvenile court records public in Davie?
Juvenile court records in Florida are not part of the public search. They are kept confidential under state law. Only the parents, the child’s lawyer, the prosecutor, the judge, and certain state agencies can see juvenile files. The clerk office cannot release juvenile records without a court order. If a juvenile is charged as an adult, that case becomes part of the public record and follows the same rules as other adult criminal cases. You can ask the clerk office about the rules for a specific case, but most juvenile records stay sealed forever. Dependency and delinquency cases have different levels of confidentiality. Some sealed juvenile records can be expunged after the person turns 21 under certain conditions set by Florida law.
What is the difference between the Web2 portal and the Official Records search?
The Web2 portal covers court cases, including civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. The Official Records search covers property records, deeds, mortgages, liens, and marriage licenses. The two systems are separate because they serve different legal needs. You use the Web2 portal to look up a court case by party name or case number. You use the Official Records search to look up a deed or mortgage by name, address, or document number. Both tools are free for basic searches on the clerk’s website. The Official Records search also includes marriage licenses, death records, and certain business filings. The Web2 portal updates daily with new court filings. The Official Records search updates as soon as the clerk records a new document.
Can I pay a Davie traffic ticket online?
Yes, you can pay a Davie traffic ticket online through MyFloridaCounty.com. The portal works for all Florida counties, including Broward. You can search for your ticket by name, case number, or citation number. The portal accepts credit and debit cards for payment. A small processing fee applies to all card payments. You get a receipt by email right after payment to confirm the transaction. You can also pay by mail or in person at the clerk office. Paying the ticket means you admit guilt and accept the fine and any points on your license. If you want to contest the ticket, you must appear in court or hire a lawyer to represent you. The clerk office cannot give legal advice about whether you should pay or contest a ticket.
How do I clear an old arrest record from my history in Davie?
Florida law allows you to seal or expunge certain arrest records. You must first get a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The certificate shows that you qualify under Florida law based on your criminal history. After you have the certificate, you file a motion with the court in the county where you were arrested. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to seal or expunge the record. The clerk office handles the filing and the final order. You can ask a lawyer for help with the process. The cost includes the FDLE fee, the filing fee, and any lawyer fees if you hire one. Sealing hides the record from most public searches. Expungement destroys the record so that even the clerk office cannot see it. You can only seal or expunge a record once in your lifetime under Florida law.