Broward county clerk of courts criminal case search

Photo credits, Sources, and About the Author

Photo credits: Photos of Judge Gonzalez and all other Judges, Courtesy, Broward County Bar Association. Photo credits: Elizabeth Athanasakos, courtesy, National Federation of Business and Professional Women, Inc.; Judge Burnstein, courtesy of Judge Burnstein; Judge Hastings, courtesy, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774 – Present. Judge Taylor, courtesy, Fourth District Court of Appeal; all photos from 1915 to 1962, courtesy, Broward County Historical Commission and the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society; all other photos, courtesy, Broward County Bar Association. Sources: “Bench and Bar of Florida,” H. Evans, Tallahassee, Fla., 1935; Angeline Weir, ed., Broward Bar Bulletin, June 1958-Feb.1963; James H. Gilbert, Jr., “History of the Judicial System of Broward County,” New River News, January 31, 1967; “Bench and Bar of Broward County,” Broward County Bar Association, 1975; Roger Fleming and Ron Cole, “Lawyers and Law in Early Fort Lauderdale,” New River News, Vol. XXII, No. 2 (Fall 1983), pp. 4-13; “Broward County Bar Association: 1994-1995,” Broward County Bar Association; William G. Crawford, Jr., “Judge Vincent Giblin: Broward’s First Circuit Judge was Capone’s Lawyer, Dade Judge in the ’50s,” Broward Legacy, Summer/Fall 1995; William G. Crawford, Jr., “Broward County Courthouse History – the Forties,” Broward Legacy, Winter/Spring 1994; “Celebrating Florida’s First 150 Women Lawyers,” compiled and edited by Wendy S. Loquasto, The Florida Bar/Florida Ass’n of Women Lawyers, Lexis Publishing, Charlottesville, Va., 2000; Judges of the United States Courts, www.fjc.gov. Oral history interviews by author of Judges Barbara Bridge, Miette K. Burnstein, and Leroy H. Moe. Personal courthouse files of Lamar G. Warren in possession of the author.

About the author: A member of The Florida Bar and the Broward County Bar Association since 1975, William G. Crawford, Jr., is a shareholder in the Fort Lauderdale law firm of McDonald & Crawford, P.A. He is a native of Fort Lauderdale, past president and trustee of the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, and past Chair and a longtime member of the Broward County Historical Commission. He has published numerous scholarly articles on state and local history, including Broward County legal and courthouse history. Crawford is the 2008 winner of the Rembert Patrick Award for the Best Book on Florida History presented by the Florida Historical Society for his book, Florida’s Big Dig: the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from Jacksonville to Miami, 1881 to 1935.

© 2008 William G. Crawford, Jr.

For more information please go to Broward County Historical Commission Fort Lauderdale Historical Society

Court Records

Civil, criminal and traffic case information; purchase certified copies of court documents

Official Records

Court judgments, deeds, liens, marriage licenses, mortgages, plats, tax deeds and more

Tax Deeds

Properties scheduled for tax deed sale

Special Assessments

Properties with special assessment liens

Certified Copies

  • Electronically certified Official Records
  • Electronically certified Court Documents

What are Broward County Arrest Records?

Broward County arrest records are official documents that give information about the circumstances of arrests carried out within the county. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office allows the public to request for incident reports and local arrest records through its Public Records Unit. The Sheriff’s Office accepts online requests submitted via the Public Records Online Portal. The Public Records Unit is also open from Monday to Thursday between 8:30 a.m and 6:30 p.m. To pick up these records in-person, visit the Records/Warrants Division window in the lobby of the Ron Cochran Public Safety Building where the Headquarters of the Broward Sheriff’s Office is located. Its address is

Broward’s Sheriff’s Office
2601 West Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

The office provides electronic copies at no cost. To obtain paper copies of incident reports and local arrest records, the Sheriff’s Office charges 15 cents per page. Fees are payable by cash, check, and money order.

Crime Statistics

Crime statistics for Broward County are available from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Their records show that there were 53,735 arrests in the county in 2017, the last year with a complete record. This represents a small drop of 2.4% compared to the arrest figure for the previous year. In 2017, there were 64,934 crimes in Broward County with 7,543 of them falling under violent crimes with the rest 57,391 incidents being property crimes.

A breakdown of crime data for Broward County shows that there were 95 murders, 579 rapes, 2,522 robberies, 4,347 aggravated assaults, 8,186 burglaries, 43,250 larcenies, and 5,955 motor vehicle thefts in 2017. Compared to 2016 figures, there were higher incidences of murder (17.3%), rape (3.6%), aggravated assault (3.6%), and motor vehicle theft (5.9%) in 2017. Robbery (7.1%), burglary (7.1%), and larceny (2.7%) rates declined.

What are Broward County Criminal Records?

Broward County criminal records are official documents that detail the criminal history of persons within the county. Criminal records, also known as rap sheets, and they include information like the record owner’s name, personal information, mugshots, arrests, indictments, convictions, and sentences. Copies of criminal records are provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) on behalf of all counties in the state.

How Do I Get Broward County Criminal Records?

Broward County criminal records are kept by the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) of the FDLE. It maintains all criminal history records in Florida. On 1 July 2020, the CJIS stopped receiving mail applications for criminal records. Now, criminal records can be obtained through three options, namely instant search, certified/non-certified search, and ORI search.

The instant search service provides applicants with online access to criminal records at a fee of $24 per search. The search results are provided immediately. The result can either be printed or sent to the requester’s email for a $1 processing fee. It should be noted that this service does not provide certified results.

The second option is a certified/non-certified search. This search is done by an FDLE staff member through the FDLE’s SHIELD system. An interested applicant must provide demographic information to the FDLE staff member before the criminal record can be obtained. A search costs $24 and the result may either be certified or non-certified. This is subject to the desire of the applicant. While uncertified records are processed within five business days, certified records take a day or two longer.

The third option is an ORI search. This criminal record check service is available only to authorized entities with Originating Agency Identifier numbers and government agencies. Follow the steps below to conduct an ORI search:

  1. Confirm the preferable type of record search
  2. Provide relevant information needed, such as the name, social security number, ORI number, fingerprints, or notarized consent
  3. Open the web portal to carry out a search or request by following the step by step process
  4. Provide correct information on the search subject, the billing address, and the mailing address (if needed). A requester should ensure sure to narrow the scope by location, i.e. Broward County
  5. Pay and keep the receipt(s)
  6. Obtain the results of the search

Interested individuals can request local criminal records maintained by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office through the Public Records Online Portal or by querying the Sheriff’s Office:

Broward’s Sheriff’s Office
2601 West Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 831-8700

How to Find Broward County Sex Offender Information?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains an up-to-date list of sex offenders in all the counties in the state. In accordance with its mandates, the FDLE makes this registry available and accessible on its website. Members of the public can search for sex offenders and predators with the search tool on the website. Besides searching for sex offenders by name, users can also search for sex offenders resident in different neighborhoods of Broward County as well as those living around schools and college campuses. The Sheriff’s Office provides an online portal with sex offender information.

How do I Visit an Inmate in Broward County Jail?

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office maintains the operations of four jail facilities within the county located at:

The Joseph V. Conte Facility
1351 NorthWest 27th Avenue
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
(954) 831-5900

North Broward Bureau
1550 NW 30th Avenue
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
(954) 831-5900

Paul Rein Detention Facility
2421 NorthWest 16 Street
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
(954) 831-5900

Main Jail Bureau
555 SE 1st Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 831-5900

An inmate is given an opportunity for two hours of visitation per week. Visitation is done through off-site video visitation.

Where and How to Find Broward County Inmate Information?

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office keeps a database of all inmates booked into the county’s jails. To locate an inmate, use the arrest search tool on the Sheriff’s Office’s website.

What are Broward County Court Records?

Broward County court records are documents that are accessible to members of the public. Some of these documents include case information, dockets, and indexes. The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains records for all the courts in the county. The Clerk of Court offers electronic viewing of court records via its Public Case Search portal. This online database does not include documents for family, juvenile, and probate court cases.

The public can also request court records by email and in person. First, complete the Court Records Request Form. Send the completed form to . For in-person requests, bring the completed form to:

Archives Division
Room 03340
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565

Location of all Courts in Broward County

Broward County courts are part of the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. They consist of one Circuit Court and one County Court, with four divisions. The court addresses and contact information are below:

Broward County Circuit Court

Broward County Circuit Court
Broward County Judicial Complex
201 SouthEast 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565

Broward County County Courts

County Court of Broward County
Broward County Judicial Complex
201 SouthEast 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565

County Court of Broward County - North
North Regional Courthouse
1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Phone: (954) 831-6565

County Court of Broward County - South
South Regional Courthouse
3550 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 831-6565

County Court of Broward County - West
West Regional Courthouse
100 North Pine Island Road
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: (954) 831-6565

What are Broward County Vital Records?

Broward County vital records are official documents that serve as evidence that vital events took place within the county. These vital records include divorce, marriage, birth, and death records. Broward County vital records are kept by various agencies or officials at the state and county level. The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains the divorce and marriage records of the county. The Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Florida State Health Department and Broward County Health Department provides eligible individuals with access to birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Some vital records are not open to the public. An interested person must be eligible to obtain the record

Where and How to Get Broward County Divorce Records?

Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains the county’s divorce records. To obtain divorce records, contact the Clerk of Courts at:

Broward County Clerk of Courts
Room 03340
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565

Divorce records of 6 June 1927 to date in Florida are available at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or the Broward County Health Department. They can be requested in person or by mail. It costs $5 for the first copy of a divorce record while each additional request (in the same order) costs $4. Fill out the Application for Dissolution of Marriage Report. Enclose payment and a valid ID and present these documents in person or by mail to:

Physical address:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 North Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Monday to Friday; between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, Fl 32231-0042
(904) 359-6900, extension 9000
Email:

Or

Broward County Health Department
780 SouthWest 24 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
(954) 467-4700

Where and How to Get Broward County Marriage Records?

Broward County marriage records are in the custody of the Clerk of the Courts. They can be requested in person or by mail for $5 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. To obtain a marriage record by mail, submit a written request with the following information:

  • The names of married parties at the time of the application
  • The date of the marriage

Send this written request, with payment and a stamped self-addressed business envelope, to:

Marriage Division
540 SouthEast 3rd Avenue
Room 02460
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

The means of payment accepted by mail are listed below:

  • Checks (Attorney Firm, Business, Cashiers, Personal, or Travelers) made payable to the Clerk of Courts
  • Make money orders to the Clerk of Courts

A request is processed within two weeks. For more information and assistance, call the Marriage Division at (954) 831-7283.

To obtain a marriage record in person, simply visit any of the locations below:

Marriage Central
Central Courthouse
Midrise Building
540 SE 3rd Avenue
2nd Floor, Room 02460
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Marriage North
North Regional Courthouse
1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard
Room: 160
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Marriage South
South Regional Courthouse
3550 Hollywood Boulevard
Room 160
Hollywood, FL 33021

Marriage West
West Regional Courthouse
100 North Pine Island Road
Room 180
Plantation, FL 33324

Alternatively, marriage records from 6 June 1927 to date are in the custody of the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics and the Broward County Health Department. The certified copy of a marriage record costs $5, and $4 for each additional copy of that record requested. To obtain marriage records, complete the Application for Marriage Certificate. The completed form, along with payment and a valid ID of the requester should be submitted in person or by mail to:

Physical address:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 North Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Monday to Friday; between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, Fl 32231-0042
(904) 359-6900, extension 9000
Email:

Or

Broward County Health Department
780 SouthWest 24 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
(954) 467-4700

Where and How to Get Broward County Birth Records?

Birth records are usually retained by the Broward County Health Department and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The bureau processes records of births from Broward County. These records are not made public until 100 years after birth. Persons that can request birth records include:

  • The record owner
  • Parents or legal guardians
  • Direct descendants
  • The legal representatives of qualified persons
  • Individuals with a court order (with proof of claim)

To obtain birth records, complete the Application for a Florida Birth Record (Spanish), provide a valid ID, and a notarized Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate. These documents and payment can be submitted in person or by mail to:

Physical address:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 North Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Monday to Friday; between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, Fl 32231-0042
(904) 359-6900, extension 9000
Email:

Or

Broward County Health Department
780 SouthWest 24 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
(954) 467-4700

Where and How to Get Broward County Death Records?

The Vital Statistics Department of the Florida Department of Health in Broward County and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics are responsible for death records for the county. Death records are semi-public records. Only eligible persons can obtain a Broward County death record that is not up to 50 years old. These eligible persons include:

  • The parent of the decedent
  • Spouse
  • Sibling
  • Direct descendants
  • Legal representatives of qualified persons
  • Individuals with a court order
  • Persons with claims to the decedent’s estate

To get a Broward County death record, complete the Application for Death Record (Spanish), present a notarized Affidavit to Release Cause of Death Information, and a valid ID. These documents should be submitted to:

Physical address:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 North Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Monday to Friday; between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, Fl 32231-0042
(904) 359-6900, extension 9000
Email:

Or

Broward County Health Department
780 SouthWest 24 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
(954) 467-4700

Are Property Records Open to the Public in Broward County?

The Florida Public Records Law allows public access to Broward County property records. Individuals interested in obtaining copies of Broward County property records may apply to the office responsible for issuing copies of such records.

Where and How to Find Property Records in Broward County

The Records Section of Broward County registers real properties and maintains a repository of registered properties in Broward County. Property documents recorded in the official records of Broward County are those that meet the statutory requirements by state laws. People may search for deeds, mortgages, liens, releases of liens, court judgments, condo declarations, and various other recorded documents on the Broward County Records Division website. They can also view the documents stored in the records division’s database by visiting the records division at:

South Andrews Avenue
Room 114
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Applicants can call (954) 831-4000 for more information on Broward County property records. The cost of a copy is $1 per page and the certification fee costs $2 each. To request a record by mail, the requester will need to provide a written request that describes the document and provide the names of the parties named on the document. They may also indicate the Clerk File Number or provide the Book or Page Number for the document. The requester may also state the need for certification if needed. A self-addressed, stamped envelope should be included with the request. Payment is by check and should be made payable to the Board of County Commissioners. The mailing address is:

Records, Taxes, and Treasury Division
P.O. Box 14668
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302
Attn: Search & Copy Section, Room 114

How to Look Up Broward County Property Records

Broward County Property Appraiser maintains a repository of properties within the county. The database of properties is available to the public online. The information available to requesters upon an online search includes assessed value, assessor's parcel number (APN), document number, property address, Sales history of the parcel, name of the property owners, exemptions, and taxing authority information. People can conduct various types of searches on the online repository like property search, tangible search, sales search, subdivision search, timeshare search, commercial search, and land share search. They can search for a property by name, address, or folio number.

Broward County property records before 1979 are not available online but can be obtained via mail or in person. Copies are printable at $1 per page. A property record certification costs $2 per request.

Location of Broward County Property Appraiser

Below is the contact information of the office of the Broward County Property Appraiser:

Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office
Broward County Governmental Center
South Andrews Avenue
Room 111
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 357-6830

How do I look up a criminal case in Florida?

We have dedicated staff members who coordinate those record requests..
Phone: (850) 410-7001..

How do I check my criminal record in Broward County?

Contact Us: The Public Records Unit is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can reach us at 954-831-8700 during normal operating hours.

Can you search Florida court records online?

The public is able to view non-confidential court records via the internet in all non-confidential case types with the exception of cases governed by the Florida Rules of Family Law or the Florida Probate Rules.

Are Florida court cases public record?

While court records are public unless otherwise specified by law or placed under seal, the standards for online viewing of court records is set by administrative orders of the Florida Supreme Court. For more information on these standards, please visit our court records information page.