Fort Lauderdale city court records cover every case filed at the Fort Lauderdale Community Court, the Broward County Courthouse, and all county court locations within city limits. These records include civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, and small claims cases.
Anyone can view most of them online or in person under Florida’s public records law. The main office that holds these records sits at 540 SE 3rd Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
What Counts as a Fort Lauderdale City Court Record
Fort Lauderdale city court records are paper and digital files that show what happens in each court case inside city limits. A record can include the case number, names of parties, charges or claims, hearing dates, filings, rulings, and final judgments. Felony records go to the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. Misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small claims stay in county court. Family, divorce, and probate cases have their own divisions. The Fort Lauderdale Community Court at 18 NW First Avenue handles code enforcement, quality-of-life issues, and minor ordinance violations that happen within city limits.
Every record follows the same basic format. A docket number sits at the top. The names of the people or businesses involved appear next. Then a list of court actions, motions, and orders follows. If a judge seals a file, that file will not show up in public searches.
Where Fort Lauderdale Court Records Are Stored
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps all court records for Fort Lauderdale. The main office is at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk serves as the official record keeper for the 17th Judicial Circuit. Brenda D. Forman serves as Clerk of Court. The phone number for the main clerk’s office is (954) 831-7283. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except court holidays.
The Broward County Courthouse handles most court business at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. This building hosts circuit court, county court, family court, and probate court. Parking is available at the garage on 540 SE 3rd Avenue. The Fort Lauderdale Community Court now operates from 18 NW First Avenue after a move from Fort Lauderdale City Hall in 2025. Judge Florence Taylor Barner, known as Judge Flo, presides over community court matters.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk of Courts | 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-7283 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Broward County Courthouse | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Fort Lauderdale Community Court | 18 NW First Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 828-5331 | Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Probate Division | 201 SE 6th Street, Room 03150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-7154 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
How to Search Fort Lauderdale Court Records Online
The Broward County Case Search tool, also called Web2, is the fastest way to look up court records. The portal is at browardclerk.org/web2. Users can search by name, case number, or date range. The system covers civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases. Basic case lookups are free. No account is needed to check a case status or court date.
For official records like deeds, liens, and recorded judgments, the Broward County Official Records Search operates as a separate system. It covers property transfers, mortgage filings, and other recorded documents for Fort Lauderdale and the rest of Broward County. The E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com lets users submit new court documents online. Most case types require electronic filing. Credit card fees run about 3.95% per transaction.
Search Tips for Faster Results
- Use a full legal name with middle name to narrow results
- Add a date range if you know the year of the case
- Try a case number first if you have one
- Check for similar spellings of last names
- Search for business names without the company suffix
Under Florida Statute 119.0714, the clerk removes social security numbers and bank account data from public view by default. Sealed cases will not show up in any search. The system runs 24 hours a day, so users can search from any device at any time.
Fort Lauderdale Community Court Records
The Fort Lauderdale Community Court focuses on code enforcement, homelessness outreach, mental health diversion, and minor ordinance violations. This court sits at 18 NW First Avenue. Cases here cover things like panhandling, public camping, bicycle violations, and quality-of-life issues. Records from this court fall under the same Florida public records law as other courts.
Community court cases show up in the Broward County Web2 case search under county criminal and county civil divisions. People can request copies through the main clerk’s office. Many community court participants complete diversion programs instead of paying fines. Those program completions also appear in the public record.
Fort Lauderdale Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between people, businesses, or government agencies. Common civil cases in Fort Lauderdale include contract disputes, personal injury claims, foreclosures, and property fights. Circuit court handles civil cases where the claim is more than $50,000. County court takes cases up to $50,000, plus small claims up to $8,000.
Each civil case file shows the complaint, the response, motions, evidence, and the final judgment. Most civil records stay public unless a judge seals them. Domestic relations cases and some financial details get extra privacy protection. People can look up civil records through Web2 or visit the clerk’s office for certified copies.
Common Civil Case Types in Fort Lauderdale
- Contract disputes between businesses or individuals
- Personal injury claims from car crashes or slips
- Foreclosure filings on homes and condos
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Small claims for unpaid debts or damages
- Insurance disputes and bad faith claims
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records include felony cases at the circuit level and misdemeanor cases at the county level. The State Attorney’s Office for the 17th Judicial Circuit handles felony prosecution. Misdemeanors stay in county court. The Broward County Clerk stores all criminal records for both levels. Users can look up arrest records, charges, court dates, and case status through the Web2 portal.
Booking photos and jail records come from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, not the clerk. The BSO booking blotter at bookingblotter.sheriff.org shows recent arrests. Sheriff.org has the main agency site. Criminal court records stay public unless a judge seals them. Expunged records do not appear in any search.
Fort Lauderdale Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records cover moving violations, driving with a suspended license, DUI, and crash-related charges. Most traffic cases in Fort Lauderdale go through the county court system. Users can pay traffic fines online through myfloridacounty.com. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department handles driver’s license points and driving school referrals.
People who want to fight a traffic ticket can request a court date through the Web2 portal. The portal shows the hearing officer name, the court date, and the final ruling. Some drivers qualify for traffic school, which keeps points off their license. Completion of traffic school also appears in the public record.
Fort Lauderdale Family Court Records
Family court records cover divorce, child custody, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases. The Family Division operates inside the main courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street. Records show filings for petitions, motions, custody evaluations, and final judgments. Divorce decrees, custody orders, and support modifications are part of the public record unless a judge seals them.
Under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, court records stay open to the public unless a court order seals them. Confidential details in family cases, like social security numbers and bank accounts, stay hidden from public view. People can file family court documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Family Court Record Types
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Child custody and timesharing orders
- Child support agreements
- Paternity filings and test results
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Adoption decrees
Fort Lauderdale Probate Court Records
Probate court records cover wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. The Probate Division sits at 201 SE 6th Street, 3rd Floor, Room 03150. The probate phone line is (954) 831-7154. General clerk questions go to (954) 831-6565. Probate files show the will, the petition, the inventory of assets, and the final distribution order.
Most probate records stay public. Some parts get sealed for privacy, like detailed bank statements. Guardianship records for minors and incapacitated adults get extra protection. Users can search probate cases through Web2 and request copies from the clerk’s office.
Fort Lauderdale Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court handles disputes up to $8,000. Common small claims cases in Fort Lauderdale include unpaid rent, damaged property, bad checks, and security deposit fights. Small claims cases go through county court. The Statement of Claim form starts the case. Both sides present their side at a hearing before a judge.
Small claims records show up in Web2 under county civil cases. The process moves faster than regular civil court. Many small claims cases settle before trial. People who want to file a small claim can get the form at the clerk’s office or online at browardclerk.org.
How to Request Certified Copies of Court Records
Certified copies of Fort Lauderdale court records cost $1 per page. Plain copies cost less. The clerk’s records request page at browardclerk.org lets users submit copy requests online. Walk-in requests work at the main courthouse. People should bring a case number if they have one. The clerk can search by name, but a case number speeds things up.
Most requests get filled the same day. Mail requests take longer. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card. The clerk’s office does not accept personal checks for some transactions. Users can pay court fees online through myfloridacounty.com and get a receipt right away.
What to Bring for In-Person Requests
- A valid photo ID
- The case number or full names of the parties
- The approximate filing date of the case
- Payment for copy fees
- A self-addressed envelope if requesting by mail
Filing Fees and Payment Options
Filing fees depend on the case type. Civil case filings start around $300. Family cases cost between $400 and $500. Probate filings vary based on estate size. Small claims cases cost less than $100. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Credit card fees run about 3.95% per transaction.
People who cannot afford filing fees can apply for indigent status. The Application for Civil Indigent Status asks about income and assets. A judge reviews the application. Approved applicants pay no upfront fees but may owe costs at the end of the case.
Privacy Rules and Sealed Records
Florida law balances public access with personal privacy. Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, court records are public. Under Florida Statute 119.0714, the clerk removes sensitive data like social security numbers, bank accounts, and minor children’s details from public view. The redaction happens by default and does not need a court order.
Sealed records require a court order. Common reasons for sealing include juvenile cases, sensitive family matters, and trade secrets. Expunged records are deleted by court order and do not show up in any search. Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14 lets the clerk post court document images online, but not all documents go online. Some require a visit to the courthouse.
Other Court Record Resources for Fort Lauderdale
Several state and county tools help users find more records. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers site at flclerks.com connects all 67 county clerks in one place. The Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov has free forms and guides for people filing cases without a lawyer. PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov gives access to federal court records for cases in the Southern District of Florida.
For local police reports and traffic crash reports, contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. For countywide arrest data, use the BSO booking blotter. For court statistics and trends, floridacourtrecords.us has 2026 data on filings and dispositions across Florida courts.
Official Contact Information and Location
The Broward County Clerk of Courts main office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The address is 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is (954) 831-7283. The website is browardclerk.org. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office closes on federal and state court holidays.
The map below shows the exact location of the main clerk’s office in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Parking is available at the public garage next to the building. The courthouse is a short walk from the Broward County Transit Central Terminal.
The Broward County Courthouse is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The main phone number is (954) 831-6565. The Fort Lauderdale Community Court is at 18 NW First Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The community court phone is (954) 828-5331. The Probate Division sits in Room 03150 on the 3rd floor of the main courthouse. The probate phone is (954) 831-7154.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Lauderdale City Court Records
How do I look up a court case in Fort Lauderdale for free?
You can search for any Fort Lauderdale court case for free using the Broward County Web2 case search portal at browardclerk.org/web2. Enter the last name and first name of a party to the case, or use a case number if you have one. The system shows case status, hearing dates, party names, and docket entries for civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases. Basic searches need no account. You can run searches 24 hours a day from any computer or phone. The clerk removes social security numbers and bank account data from public view by default under Florida Statute 119.0714. For document images, you may need to create a free account or visit the clerk’s office in person.
What is the difference between Fort Lauderdale Community Court and Broward County Court?
The Fort Lauderdale Community Court handles code enforcement, mental health diversion, homelessness outreach, and minor ordinance violations within city limits. The court sits at 18 NW First Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Judge Florence Taylor Barner presides over most community court sessions. Broward County Court handles all other county-level cases, including misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims up to $8,000, and civil cases up to $50,000. The 17th Judicial Circuit Court handles felonies, family law, probate, and larger civil cases. All three courts store their records with the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Community court records show up in the same Web2 case search as other county court records.
How much does a certified copy of a Fort Lauderdale court record cost?
Certified copies of Fort Lauderdale court records cost $1 per page through the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Plain uncertified copies cost less per page. You can request copies online through the clerk’s records request page, by mail, or in person at the main office at 540 SE 3rd Avenue. Most in-person requests get filled the same day. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Credit card transactions include a processing fee of about 3.95%. You must bring a valid photo ID and the case number to get copies faster. Without a case number, the clerk can search by name, but the process takes longer.
Can I view Fort Lauderdale court records from my phone?
Yes, the Broward County Web2 case search portal works on mobile phones and tablets. The portal uses a responsive design that fits any screen size. You can search by name, case number, or date range. The system shows case status, party names, court dates, and docket entries. For document images, you may need a desktop browser or a registered account. The system runs 24 hours a day. You can also use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com to file new court documents from your phone. The mobile site supports most filing functions for attorneys and self-represented litigants.
What court records are sealed in Fort Lauderdale?
Sealed Fort Lauderdale court records include juvenile delinquency cases, adoption records, certain mental health commitment files, and trade secrets protected by court order. Family court records may be sealed to protect children from public exposure. Criminal records can be sealed or expunged under Florida law for certain first-time offenders. Sealed records do not appear in any public search. Expunged records get physically destroyed or restricted by court order. To access a sealed record, you must file a motion with the court and get a judge’s order. The clerk’s office cannot release sealed records without proper legal authority.
Where do I find Fort Lauderdale arrest records and mugshots?
Fort Lauderdale arrest records and mugshots come from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, not the clerk of courts. The BSO booking blotter at bookingblotter.sheriff.org shows recent arrests in Broward County. The site lists booking photos, charges, and inmate details. You can also search through the BSO Records Division by phone at (954) 831-8700. For older arrest records, request a copy through the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or the BSO. Court records show the charges and case status after arrest, but the booking photo comes from the sheriff’s office. Most arrest records stay public unless sealed or expunged by court order.
How do I file a small claims case in Fort Lauderdale?
To file a small claims case in Fort Lauderdale, get the Statement of Claim form from the Broward County Clerk’s website or in person at 540 SE 3rd Avenue. Fill out the form with your name, the defendant’s name, the amount you are claiming, and a short description of the dispute. The filing fee for small claims is less than $100. File the form at the clerk’s office or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The clerk assigns a case number and sets a hearing date. Both sides show up at the hearing with any proof they have. The judge makes a decision the same day or mails a ruling later. You can sue for up to $8,000 in small claims court.