Plantation City Court Records cover every case type filed inside the city, including civil disputes, criminal charges, family matters, traffic citations, and probate actions. The city of Plantation sits inside Broward County, so all court documents route through the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
No separate Plantation-only court system exists. Residents who need case files, hearing dates, or document copies must use the county-level clerk’s office and its online search tools.
How Plantation City Court Records Work
Every court record in Plantation begins as a paper or electronic filing inside the Broward County Courthouse. After a case opens, the clerk assigns a case number, dockets each filing, and stores documents in the case file. Most records become public the moment they are filed. The public can read them without paying a fee. The clerk sells certified copies for a charge.
Records stay with the court that handled the case. Felonies go to the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. Misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small claims stay in County Court. Family cases and probate fall under the Circuit Court. Many courts serve Plantation, yet all Plantation cases sit in the same clerk database.
Where Plantation Court Records Are Held
The main courthouse for Plantation cases is the Broward County Central Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. The West Regional Courthouse at 100 North Pine Island Road in Plantation handles passport services and some satellite clerk functions. Both offices answer questions about Plantation cases.
The Broward County Clerk of Courts (browardclerk.org) acts as the official record holder. The clerk stores:
- Civil case files
- Criminal case files
- Family court files
- Probate and estate files
- Traffic and misdemeanor files
- Small claims and county civil files
- Appellate records sent from the District Court of Appeal
Plantation Court Case Search Methods
Three main ways exist to search Plantation case files. The first is the online Web2 portal run by the clerk. The second is calling the clerk’s office. The third is visiting the courthouse in person during business hours.
The online portal works for most users. It is free and runs 24 hours a day. You can search by full name, business name, or case number. The system pulls data from civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic divisions. You do not need an account to see basic docket entries. To read full document images, you must register for a free account.
Phone searches cost a small fee per request. You can call (954) 831-6565 to reach the clerk’s main public service line. Phone staff can confirm case status, list upcoming hearings, and verify whether a record is sealed.
In-person searches happen at the records counter on the first floor of the Central Courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can pull files, print docket sheets, and produce certified copies on the spot.
Online Search Procedure
- Go to browardclerk.org/web2
- Choose “Case Search” from the menu
- Pick the case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
- Enter the last name and first name of the party
- Add a date of birth if known (narrows the results)
- Review the list of matching cases
- Click a case number to see the full docket
- Register for a free account to view document images
Types of Plantation Court Records
Plantation court records fall into seven main categories. Each category uses its own section of the clerk’s database. Knowing the type helps you choose the right search path.
Civil Court Records
Civil cases cover disputes between private parties, businesses, or landlords. Examples include contract disagreements, personal injury claims, and property disputes. Civil cases include foreclosure actions. The Circuit Court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $50,000. County Court handles cases under that limit.
To search civil records, pick the “Civil” option in the Web2 portal. You will see the filing date, plaintiff, defendant, attorney, and the current status (open, closed, dismissed, or judgment entered).
Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Plantation split between Circuit and County Court. Felonies go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanors go to County Court. Both are searchable through the Web2 portal.
A criminal case file shows:
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Formal charges
- Bond amount and conditions
- Arraignment date
- Plea entered
- Sentence imposed
- Probation terms
Most criminal records are public. Some become sealed after a successful expungement petition. Juvenile cases never appear in standard searches.
Family Court Records
Family division cases include divorce, child custody, paternity, child support, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. The clerk’s family division manages all of these. Family case files often contain sensitive personal data. Under Florida law, certain items are redacted before public release.
Searches for family cases work the same as other case types. Choose “Family” from the Web2 menu. Some documents (financial affidavits, parenting plans) may require a judge-signed court order to view.
Traffic and Misdemeanor Records
Traffic citations in Plantation appear in the County Court system. Misdemeanor criminal charges, including DUI first offense, appear in the same system. Traffic records are open to the public but often disappear after the driver completes traffic school or pays the fine.
You can check whether a traffic ticket was paid or dismissed by searching the citation number on the Web2 portal. If the driver paid, the case status will read “Closed – Fine Paid” or “Closed – Dismissed.”
Probate Court Records
Probate records deal with wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. The clerk indexes these cases by the deceased’s name or the ward’s name. Probate records stay open during the entire estate process. Some years later, after final discharge, the file is archived but still available.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims cases in Plantation cover disputes under $8,000. They follow simpler rules and move faster than other civil cases. Small claims files are public. You can pull them through the Web2 portal or at the clerk’s window.
Appellate Court Records
If a Plantation case is appealed, the record moves to the Fourth District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach. The clerk in Broward County keeps a copy of the lower court record. The appellate court maintains its own docket. You can search appellate dockets through the District Court of Appeal’s website.
Getting Certified Copies and Fees
Standard copies of Plantation court records cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee per document. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards. Card payments include a small processing fee set by the payment vendor.
You can order certified copies:
- Online through the records request page on browardclerk.org
- By mail with a written request and payment
- In person at any clerk location
- By fax using the public records request form
Mail requests should include the case number, a description of the document, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow 5 to 10 business days for processing.
E-Filing and Online Court Services
Florida requires most new court filings to be submitted electronically. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (myflcourtaccess.com) accepts filings for Plantation cases 24 hours a day. The portal itself is free, but standard court filing fees apply. Credit card transactions include a 3.5% processing fee.
Registered e-filers can:
- File new cases
- Submit motions and other pleadings
- Serve documents on other parties
- Pay filing fees online
- Receive electronic notices from the court
Self-represented filers can use the Florida Courts Help center (help.flcourts.gov) to locate free forms, instructions, and how-to videos.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some Plantation cases are sealed by court order. Examples include cases involving minors, certain family matters, and cases involving confidential informants. Sealed records do not appear in Web2 searches, even when the exact name and date of birth are entered.
Expunged records have been legally destroyed or restricted. A person can petition to expunge a criminal record under Florida Statute 943.0585 after completing a sentence and meeting eligibility rules. After expungement, the case is removed from public searches.
If you believe a record should be sealed but it still appears in your results, contact the clerk’s office. The clerk can flag the file and refer the matter to the presiding judge.
Common Issues When Searching
Misspelled names produce no results. Try alternate spellings. Use maiden names, middle names, and nicknames. If the name is common, add a date of birth or case number to narrow the list.
Old cases (pre-1990) may not appear in the online system. For these records, visit the clerk’s archives on the lower level of the Central Courthouse. Archived files are stored in paper or microfilm form.
Sealed or expunged cases will not show up. If you need proof that a case was sealed or expunged, you must contact the State Attorney’s Office or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Plantation Courthouse Location and Map
The Broward County Clerk’s main public counter is at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Many Plantation residents use the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation for routine clerk services.
Official contact details:
- Website: browardclerk.org
- Main Phone: (954) 831-7283
- Records Request Line: (954) 831-4000
- Central Courthouse Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- West Regional Courthouse Address: 100 N Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on court holidays)
Frequently Asked Questions About Plantation City Court Records
Below are common questions about searching, copying, and using Plantation court records. Each answer reflects current Florida law and the policies of the Broward County Clerk of Courts as of mid-2026.
Are all Plantation court records free to view?
Most Plantation court records are free to view online through the Broward County Web2 portal. You do not pay to see basic docket entries, party names, filing dates, or hearing schedules. You do not pay to view most document images after creating a free account. You only pay when you need a certified copy for legal or business use. A certified copy is a stamped, signed paper that proves the document is a true copy of the court file. The clerk charges $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee for each certified document. Card payments include a small processing charge set by the vendor that runs the payment portal. Many users find the cost small compared to the time saved by avoiding a courthouse visit. If you need records mailed to you, add $1 for postage. The clerk charges extra for large files that require special handling. For estate or probate matters, the clerk may require a written request on a specific form. Forms are free to download from the clerk’s website.
How do I locate a specific case number in Plantation?
A case number is a 13-digit code that starts with the year, court type, and sequence. For example, a 2025 civil case in the Circuit Court might read “CVC-25-012345.” If you have any part of a case number, you can use it to run a targeted search. The Web2 portal accepts full or partial case numbers. If you do not know the number, search by name and date of birth to locate it. Once you locate the right case, write down the number for future use. If no case number exists, the case was never officially filed or has been sealed. Sealed cases cannot be located through the public portal even with a known number. The first two letters of the case number tell you the court type: CVC means Circuit Civil, MUN means Municipal, FAM means Family, PRO means Probate, and TR means Traffic. Knowing the court type narrows your search. The next two digits show the year the case was opened. The last six digits act as a unique serial number assigned by the clerk. If you have an old case from before 2000, the format may differ. Those records often use a four-digit year prefix instead of two digits.
Can I see juvenile records in Plantation?
Juvenile records in Plantation are confidential. Florida law keeps them sealed from public view. They do not appear in standard Web2 searches. Only the minor, the minor’s parents or guardians, the State Attorney, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the judge can access these files. Even an attorney working on a related case must request permission from the court before viewing juvenile records. The clerk cannot grant access without a court order. The same rules apply to juvenile traffic offenses and juvenile delinquency cases. Parents who need copies of a child’s records for school or insurance must ask the juvenile court for a release order. The order must be signed by a judge and filed with the clerk. Once filed, the clerk can release a copy of the requested document. Juvenile records stay sealed even after the minor turns 18. A young adult who wants to clear a juvenile record must file a petition for expungement under Florida Statute 943.0515. The petition is separate from any adult expungement procedure. Many Plantation residents go through this procedure to remove old juvenile charges from background checks used for jobs or housing.
How long does the clerk keep Plantation court records?
The clerk keeps most Plantation court records permanently. Civil and criminal case files are stored in paper form for at least five years after the case closes, then transferred to offsite archives. After 15 years, many older files exist only in microfilm or scanned image form. Family and probate cases are kept longer because of ongoing post-judgment activity. Traffic cases under $500 may be purged after five years if the driver satisfied the sentence and no appeal was filed. Sealed records stay in the system but stay hidden from public view. Very old records (before 1970) may require a special records request handled by the archives team. The archives team is open by appointment only. Call (954) 831-4000 to schedule a visit. You must bring valid photo ID and pay a small retrieval fee for each file pulled from offsite storage. The fee covers labor and the cost of pulling boxes from climate-controlled vaults. Microfilm readers are free to use. The clerk also keeps digital backups of all records from 1990 onward. Those backups sit on secure servers with daily snapshots to prevent data loss.
Can I remove my name from a Plantation court record?
You can ask the court to seal or expunge a Plantation case. Sealing hides the record from public searches but keeps it in the clerk’s system. Expungement legally destroys the public record. To qualify, you must meet Florida’s eligibility rules. Most first-time misdemeanor and certain felony cases qualify after the sentence ends. Filing begins with a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. After you receive the certificate, you file a petition in the court that handled the case. Filing fees apply, and a judge must approve the request. The whole procedure can take four to six months from start to finish. The State Attorney’s Office must sign off on the request. If the State Attorney objects, a hearing is held. At the hearing, the judge decides whether the seal or expungement serves the interests of justice. Many Plantation residents hire an attorney to handle the paperwork, but you can do it yourself. The Florida Courts Help center (help.flcourts.gov) provides free forms and step-by-step instructions. After approval, the clerk updates the public database within 30 days. The case then disappears from Web2 search results.
What is the difference between a court record and an arrest record?
A court record covers every filing, ruling, and judgment connected to a Plantation case. An arrest record covers the moment a person was taken into custody by police. The Broward County Clerk of Courts manages court records. The Broward Sheriff’s Office manages arrest records. To get a full picture, you may need to check both systems. Arrest records can appear in court files when charges were filed, but a court file will not show an arrest that did not lead to formal charges. For background checks that cover the whole state, use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Criminal History Search. Private companies also run background checks, but only the state system produces records accepted for immigration, adoption, and government licensing. Arrest records from Broward County include booking photos, fingerprints, and incident reports. Court records focus on the legal outcome: charges filed, motions, plea deals, sentences, and final judgments. The two systems talk to each other but store different types of data. For employment background checks, employers often want both.
Can I use a Plantation court record from another state?
Yes. Plantation court records are official public records under Florida law. You can mail a request to the clerk, fax it, or order online. Out-of-state requesters must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order. Some records may be certified and used in other courts. The clerk’s office can fax you a copy for a small per-page fee. If the case was appealed, you will also need a copy of the appellate court’s record from the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Most other states accept certified Florida court records as proof in civil, family, and criminal matters. Apostille authentication is available for records sent to countries that are part of the Hague Convention. The Florida Secretary of State issues apostilles. You must first get the certified copy from the clerk, then send it to the Secretary of State for the apostille stamp. The whole procedure takes two to three weeks. Some countries require additional translation. The clerk does not provide translation services, so you must hire a certified translator if needed. The Hague Convention website lists approved translators for each country.