Sunrise City Court Records are official court papers for the city of Sunrise, Florida. Sunrise sits in Broward County with a population near 100,000.
The city has no local court clerk. All court files go through the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale, about 12 miles east of Sunrise. That office holds civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims records for Sunrise and every other city in the county. Anyone can search these records online or visit the clerk’s office in person.
Where Sunrise City Court Records Are Stored
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps all court files for Sunrise. The clerk’s office stores civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic records. These records cover cases filed in Broward County. The clerk also holds marriage licenses, property records, and other public papers. Florida law makes most court records open to the public. You can ask to see them at any time. You do not need to give a reason. Sealed cases and records blocked by law are the only files held back. The clerk follows Florida Statute Chapter 119, called the Sunshine Law. This law gives people the right to view or copy public records.
Clerk Office Details
| Office | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-7283 |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
How the Florida Court System Handles Sunrise Cases
Sunrise sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers all of Broward County. The circuit court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $50,000, family cases, and probate matters. The county court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims, and civil cases up to $50,000. Both courts use the same clerk office for records. The 17th Judicial Circuit has several divisions. Each one covers a different type of case. The main courthouse sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. There are also branch courthouses in other parts of Broward County. Sunrise residents can file papers at the main office or use the online portal.
Searching Sunrise City Court Records Online
The Broward County Clerk runs an online search tool called Web2. This tool lets you look up court records from your home. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. The system covers civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. Basic searches cost nothing. You do not need an account. To start a search, go to the clerk’s website. Click on the case search link. Type the person’s full name. Add a middle name or date of birth to narrow the results. The system shows case status, party names, and docket entries right away. Document images and detailed case files may need a registered account. The search portal runs day and night. You can use it from any phone or computer.
Search Tips for Better Results
- Use the full legal name for the best match
- Add a middle name or initial to narrow results
- Use a date range to cut down extra matches
- Check spelling carefully before you search
- Try the case number if you have it
- Clear the search box and try again if no results show
Criminal Court Records in Sunrise
Criminal cases in Sunrise go through the 17th Judicial Circuit. Felony cases go to circuit court. Misdemeanor cases go to county court. Both levels keep records at the Broward Clerk office. You can search criminal cases through the Web2 portal. Criminal records show charges, plea details, sentence details, and hearing dates. The clerk strips out Social Security numbers and bank account numbers before posting records. This step is required by Florida Statute 119.0714. Sealed criminal cases do not show up in search results. Juvenile criminal records are confidential and not part of the public search. Booking records and arrest logs come from the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff runs a separate system. For statewide criminal background checks, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has its own search tool.
Civil Court Records in Sunrise
Civil cases in Sunrise cover lawsuits, foreclosures, evictions, and small claims. Circuit court handles cases over $50,000. County court handles the rest. Both types show up in the Web2 search. You can look up civil cases by name or case number. Civil records show the names of the people in the case, the type of case, and the status. They also show hearing dates, judgments, and final orders. You can ask for copies of court papers through the clerk’s records request page. Most civil cases in Sunrise involve contract disputes, property matters, or personal injury claims. Small claims cases, which cover amounts up to $8,000, are common. These are simple cases where people sue for money owed.
Family Court Records in Sunrise
Family law cases in Sunrise run through the Broward County Family Division. This division handles divorce, custody, paternity, child support, and domestic violence matters. The Family Division sits at the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Some family records are not public. Florida law blocks public access to certain files. Child abuse, adoption, and dependency records are confidential. These records cannot be viewed without a court order. Divorce decrees and custody orders are public after the case ends. You can look up family cases through the Web2 portal. The system shows case number, parties, and basic status. The detailed case file may need an in-person visit.
Traffic and Small Claims Records
Traffic cases for Sunrise go through county court. The county court also handles small claims cases up to $8,000. Both types of cases are public records. You can search them through the Web2 portal. Traffic records show the citation, court date, and final outcome. They also show fines paid, traffic school completion, and license points. Sunrise drivers can check their own traffic cases through the clerk’s website. Out-of-state drivers can also look up tickets they got in Sunrise. Small claims cases are simple court cases. They cover unpaid debts, security deposits, and minor property damage. The cases move fast. Most small claims cases end within a few months.
Probate Records in Sunrise
Probate cases in Sunrise cover wills, estates, and guardianships. These cases go through the Probate Division of the circuit court. The records cover people who died in Broward County or who owned property in the county. Probate records show the name of the person who died, the executor, and the heirs. They also show the will, debts, and final distribution of property. Most probate records are public. Guardianship records for adults are public. Guardianship records for minors have some limits. You can search probate cases through the Web2 portal. The clerk also has a separate search for older probate files. The main courthouse holds probate records from the past 50 years.
Appellate Court Records for Sunrise Cases
Some Sunrise cases go to a higher court on appeal. Appeals from the 17th Judicial Circuit go to the District Court of Appeal for the Fourth District. This court sits in West Palm Beach. It hears cases from Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Appellate records show the lower court ruling, the appeal papers, and the higher court’s decision. You can search appellate cases through the Florida Courts website. The Fourth District Court of Appeal has its own search tool. Most appellate records are public. Sunrise residents who want to appeal a case must file a notice of appeal. The paperwork must be filed within 30 days of the lower court’s final judgment.
Getting Certified Copies of Court Records
You can ask for certified copies of Sunrise court records. Certified copies have the clerk’s stamp and signature. They are needed for legal matters, immigration cases, and name changes. The fee is $1 per page for certified copies. To get a certified copy, visit the clerk’s office in person. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk which case you need. Pay the fee at the cashier window. You can also mail a records request to the clerk. The mail option takes longer but works well for people who live far away. Some records are free to view but cost money to copy. Plain copies cost less than certified copies. You can also ask for a digital copy by email.
Court Fees and Payment Methods
Sunrise court fees follow the same rate as the rest of Broward County. The clerk sets the fees based on Florida law. Filing fees for new cases range from $50 to $400. The exact fee depends on the case type.
Common Filing Fees
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Small claims (up to $8,000) | $50 |
| Civil case (under $50,000) | $300 |
| Civil case (over $50,000) | $400 |
| Family case | $300 |
| Probate case | $230 |
| Certified copy | $1 per page |
| Plain copy | $0.15 per page |
You can pay court fees by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Credit card payments have an extra processing fee. You can pay online through MyFloridaCounty.com. The online payment page gives you a receipt right away. It works for any Broward County case.
Visiting the Broward County Courthouse
The main Broward County Courthouse sits at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk’s office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. When you visit, bring a photo ID. You must go through a security checkpoint. Leave sharp items in your car. Cell phones are allowed but cameras are not. Dress code is business casual. The clerk staff can help you at the public service windows on the first floor. Parking is available in the parking garage next to the courthouse. The garage costs $2 per hour. Public bus routes also stop near the courthouse.
Map of the Broward County Clerk of Courts
E-Filing Court Documents in Sunrise
Sunrise residents and lawyers can file court papers online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. This portal is free to use. The portal runs day and night. Credit card users pay a small processing fee on top of court fees. To start e-filing, go to the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Create an account. Pick the case type. Upload your paperwork in PDF format. The system checks the file size and format. Pay the filing fee. The court gets the papers right away. Most case types allow e-filing. Civil, criminal, family, and probate cases all support online filing. Some papers still need a wet signature. Check the court rules before you file.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Some court records are sealed. Sealed records are not public. A judge must order a record sealed. Common reasons for sealing include witness safety, juvenile cases, and trade secrets. Once sealed, the record is removed from public search. Confidential records are different from sealed records. Confidential records have limited access. Lawyers, parties to the case, and certain agencies can see them. Examples include adoption records, mental health cases, and certain family law files. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 covers sealed records. The rule lists the cases that can be sealed. It also lists who can see the records. If you want a record sealed, you must file a motion with the court.
Florida Sunshine Law and Public Access
Florida’s Sunshine Law gives people the right to view public records. The law covers all state, county, and city agencies. Court records are part of this law. You can ask for any public record without giving a reason. To make a Sunshine Law request, write a letter or email to the clerk. The letter should describe the record you want. Include your name and contact details. The clerk has 10 business days to respond. The clerk can charge a fee for copies. The fee covers the cost of copying, not the search itself. If the clerk denies your request, you can appeal. Send the appeal to the clerk’s office. If the clerk still denies the request, you can file a lawsuit. The court will decide if the record should be open.
Official Contact Details
For questions about Sunrise City Court Records, contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts using the details below. The clerk’s office staff can help with case searches, certified copies, filing fees, and court schedules.
| Office | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Main Phone | (954) 831-7283 |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
| Records Search | browardclerk.org/web2 |
| E-Filing Portal | myflcourtaccess.com |
| Pay Fines Online | myfloridacounty.com |
| Office Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Help Center | help.flcourts.gov |
| Statewide Clerk Directory | flclerks.com |
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunrise City Court Records
The questions below cover common topics about Sunrise City Court Records. Each answer gives clear, factual details based on Florida law and clerk office rules. These answers help Sunrise residents, lawyers, and outside parties get the right details for their court needs.
How do I look up my own criminal case in Sunrise?
You can search your own criminal case through the Broward County Web2 portal. Go to browardclerk.org and click on the case search link. Type your full legal name, including middle name. The system shows case status, charges, and hearing dates. You can see the same records any member of the public can see. Sealed cases and juvenile cases do not show up. If you cannot locate your case, call the clerk’s office at (954) 831-7283. The clerk staff can help you locate the right file. For statewide criminal background checks, use the FDLE search at fdle.state.fl.us. The FDLE search costs more but covers all Florida counties. You can also visit the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale to search records in person. The clerk staff at the public windows can help you pull up case files from the computer system.
Are Sunrise divorce records public?
Most divorce records in Sunrise are public. The final judgment of divorce, which covers property split, custody, and support, is public. You can see it through the Web2 portal. The case file may have other papers. Some papers in divorce cases are sealed. These include financial records, child custody evaluations, and certain personal details. The judge decides which papers stay sealed. Sealed papers do not show up in the public search. To get a certified copy of a divorce decree, visit the clerk’s office. The fee is $1 per page. Bring a photo ID. You can also mail a request to the clerk’s office. Include the case number, the names of both parties, and a check for the copy fee. The clerk will mail the certified copy back to you within 5 business days.
Can I view sealed records in Sunrise?
Sealed records in Sunrise are not open to the public. A judge must order a record sealed. Once sealed, only the people named in the order can see the record. Lawyers, parties to the case, and certain agencies may also see sealed records. To view a sealed record, you must file a motion with the court. The judge reviews the motion. The judge may hold a hearing. You must show a good reason to open the record. Common reasons include correcting an error, clearing a name, or proving a legal claim. The clerk cannot open a sealed record without a court order. If the judge approves your motion, the clerk will let you view the file. You may need to view the file in a private room at the courthouse.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Sunrise?
The filing fee for a small claims case in Sunrise is $50. Small claims cases cover money disputes up to $8,000. The fee is set by Florida law. The clerk charges the same fee for all small claims cases in Broward County. You must pay the fee when you file the case. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Credit card payments have a small processing fee. You can also pay online through MyFloridaCounty.com. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it. The court may waive the fee if you meet certain income limits. You must file a written request with the court. The form is called an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status.
How do I get my criminal record expunged in Sunrise?
Expungement in Sunrise follows Florida Statute 943.0585. You can ask to expunge a criminal record if you were never convicted, the case was dropped, or you earned a full pardon. Some cases are not eligible for expungement. You must file a petition with the court. The petition goes to the clerk’s office. The State Attorney and the arresting agency must agree to the expungement. A judge reviews the petition. If the judge approves, the clerk seals the record. The record no longer shows up in public searches. The FDLE also gets a copy of the order. The whole process can take 6 to 12 months. You may need a lawyer for the petition. Some private lawyers in Sunrise handle expungement cases for a flat fee.
Where do I get a copy of a marriage license for a wedding in Sunrise?
Marriage licenses in Sunrise come from the Broward County Clerk of Courts. You must apply in person at the clerk’s office. Both people must be there. Bring a photo ID. If you were married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate. The fee is $86 for Florida residents. The fee is higher for non-residents. The license is good for 60 days. You can use it anywhere in Florida. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license. The signed license goes back to the clerk’s office. The clerk files the license and gives you a certified copy. The certified copy is the legal proof of marriage. You can also order extra certified copies for an extra fee. Most banks, insurance companies, and government agencies need a certified copy.
Can I search Sunrise court records by address?
You cannot search Sunrise court records by address through the Web2 portal. The search tool works by name or case number. To locate a case by address, you need the name of a person in the case. If you do not know the name, you can search the property appraiser’s website. The Broward County Property Appraiser site shows property owners by address. Once you have the owner’s name, you can search the court records. You can also use the official records search for property records. The official records system covers deeds, mortgages, and liens. The court records system covers lawsuits and other court cases. Both systems are run by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. You can access both from the clerk’s main website.
Meta Title: Sunrise City Court Records – Search Broward County Court Files Online
Meta Description: Search Sunrise City Court Records online through the Broward County Clerk. Look up criminal, civil, family, traffic, and probate cases. Get certified copies and contact details.