Broward County Clerk Of Court Public Records are official documents maintained under Florida Statute 119.12(2) and Rule 2.420. These records include court cases, property deeds, liens, judgments, corporate filings, and criminal histories. The Clerk’s office must make these available to the public unless a legal exemption applies. Email addresses used by the office are public records. If you want to keep your personal email private, call (754) 321-5555 during business hours or send a written request to 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The Clerk provides online access, in-person services, and certified copies for legal use.
How to Search Broward County Clerk Of Court Public Records Online
The Clerk offers a free online portal for searching public records. Users can look up civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases. Start by visiting the official case search page. Select the case type from a drop-down menu. Enter at least one identifier like a case number, party name, or filing date range. The system shows case status, hearing dates, docket entries, and attached documents. Data updates nightly, so new filings appear within 24 hours. You can print docket sheets as PDFs. For records before 1978, visit the Search and Copy Services office in person.
Official Records: Deeds, Mortgages, Liens, and Judgments
The Broward County Official Records database covers documents from January 1, 1978, to today. It includes deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and corporate filings. Each record is indexed by date, type, grantor, and grantee. You can search by name, document number, or recording date. Certified copies are available for legal purposes. For records older than 1978, you must visit the Records, Taxes & Treasury office at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114. Same-day processing is offered for most requests. Payment options include cash, credit card, or electronic transfer. A tracking number is provided for each order.
Court Services and Clerk Responsibilities
The Broward County Clerk of Courts manages all official court documents. This includes civil judgments, criminal docket entries, and probate files. The Clerk attends trials, hearings, and jury selections as required. The office handles domestic violence petitions and protective orders. It also connects victims with assistance resources. Revenue collection includes filing fees, fines, and restitution payments. These funds go to the County treasury each quarter. The Clerk runs the jury program, including recruitment and training. Guardian ad litem reports are audited for compliance. While independent, the Clerk’s office uses facilities and utilities funded by the Broward County Commission.
Corporate and Trademark Records in Broward County
Broward County maintains public records for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and trademarks. These are filed with the Florida Division of Corporations but accessible through local portals. You can search by entity name, registration number, or filing date. Results show the registered agent’s address, annual report status, and amendments. The Director of County Records oversees verification and provides fee details for status certificates. Visit the official BrowardGov public records page to begin your search. All data integrates with statewide corporate databases for accuracy.
Accessing Criminal Case Records and Mugshots
Criminal case records in Broward County include arraignments, bond status, and court dates. These are public and available through the Clerk’s online system. Mugshots and incident photos come from official records and may be freely reproduced with source credit. The website includes a clear disclaimer: images do not imply guilt. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The Clerk does not own the images and is not responsible for how they are used. For the latest case updates, call (754) 321-5555 or visit the Records Division in person.
Redaction Rules for Sensitive Information
Since May 22, 2020, the Broward County Clerk requires redaction for confidential data in court filings. This includes Social Security numbers, medical records, and financial account details. Parties must submit a confidential information affidavit and use the secure e-filing system. The goal is to protect privacy while keeping non-sensitive case data public. The full press release outlines categories subject to redaction and provides step-by-step instructions for attorneys and self-represented litigants. This policy ensures compliance with Florida’s public records law and privacy protections.
Electronic Recording and Vendor Information
Broward County allows electronic recording through approved vendors like Acclaim, NetClerk, and RecorderOne. These platforms follow strict file format and security standards. Vendors must comply with state and county rules for document submission. Users can access vendor portals for fee schedules and technical specs. The County encourages feedback through an online survey. Questions cover document retrieval speed, staff help, and overall satisfaction. Survey responses help improve services and guide system upgrades. Contact the division at 954-831-4000 for assistance.
Free Public Access to Court and Case Records
Broward County provides free access to a wide range of court records. This includes small claims, traffic violations, bankruptcies, felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The system returns judgments, liens, and court orders. Appellate decisions from the Florida Supreme Court that reference Broward cases are also available. All data comes directly from the Clerk’s official database and updates nightly. No registration or fee is required for basic searches.
How to Request Certified Copies and In-Person Services
Certified copies of Broward County Clerk Of Court Public Records are needed for legal proceedings, title transfers, and official verification. You can request them online, by mail, or in person. For fastest service, visit the Search and Copy Services office at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114. Most requests are processed the same day. Bring valid ID and payment. Accepted forms include cash, credit card, or electronic payment. You’ll receive a tracking number to monitor your order. Mail requests should include a completed form, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Fees and Payment Options for Public Records
The Broward County Clerk charges fees for copies, certifications, and special services. Standard copy fees are $1.00 per page for regular documents and $2.00 per page for certified copies. Additional charges may apply for large orders or expedited processing. Payment methods include cash, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), and electronic transfers. Some services allow online payment through the official portal. Fee waivers are not available for public records requests. Always confirm current rates before submitting your request.
Business Hours and Contact Information
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The main office is located at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. For general inquiries, call (754) 321-5555. The Records, Taxes & Treasury Division can be reached at 954-831-4000. Email addresses used by the office are public records. To keep your personal email private, avoid sending sensitive information via email. Use phone or written requests instead. Detailed filing instructions are posted on the Clerk’s website.
Related Search Tools and External Resources
Several external sites offer access to Broward County public records. These include Florida Public Court Records, Public Record Center, and BrowardGov. Each platform provides search tools for court cases, property records, and corporate filings. While helpful, always verify information with the official Clerk’s office. Some sites may charge fees or display outdated data. For legal matters, rely only on certified copies from the Clerk. Bookmark the official portal for the most accurate and up-to-date records.
- Official Case Search Portal
- Official Records Search
- BrowardGov Public Records
- Florida Public Court Records
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Clerk Of Court Public Records
Many people have questions about how to access, use, and understand public records from the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Below are answers to the most common inquiries. These cover search methods, fees, privacy, and legal use. Each answer is based on current Florida law and Clerk policies. If you need more help, contact the office directly during business hours.
How do I search for a court case in Broward County?
To search for a court case, go to the Broward County Clerk’s official case search portal. Select the type of case, such as civil, criminal, or probate. Enter a case number, party name, or date range. The system will show case details, hearing dates, and docket entries. You can print or save the results. The database updates every night, so recent filings appear quickly. For older cases, visit the office in person.
Are mugshots and arrest photos public records in Broward County?
Yes, mugshots and arrest photos are public records in Broward County. They come from official law enforcement sources and are maintained by the Clerk. Anyone can view or copy them, but they must credit the source. The website clearly states that an image does not mean guilt. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in court. The Clerk does not own the photos and is not responsible for how they are used.
Can I get a certified copy of a deed or judgment online?
You can request a certified copy online through the Clerk’s portal, but you may need to pick it up in person or pay for shipping. Certified copies have an official seal and are accepted for legal use. Regular copies are cheaper but not valid for court or title transfers. Processing takes one to three business days. For urgent needs, visit the office at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114.
What information is redacted from public court records?
Social Security numbers, medical records, financial account details, and minor identities are redacted from public court records. Since May 2020, filers must use the secure e-filing system and submit a confidential information affidavit. This protects privacy while keeping case data public. The Clerk reviews all filings to ensure compliance. Exemptions are based on Florida Statute 119 and Rule 2.420.
How much does it cost to get copies of public records?
Copy fees are $1.00 per page for regular documents and $2.00 per page for certified copies. Additional fees may apply for large orders or expedited service. Payment can be made in cash, by credit card, or electronically. No fee waivers are available. Always check the current fee schedule on the Clerk’s website before submitting your request.
Can I search for corporate records in Broward County?
Yes, you can search for corporations, LLCs, and trademarks filed in Broward County. Use the Florida Division of Corporations database or the BrowardGov public records portal. Search by name, registration number, or filing date. Results show the registered agent, status, and amendments. For certified status letters, contact the Director of County Records at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114.
What are the office hours for the Broward County Clerk of Courts?
The Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The main location is at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. For records and copies, visit the Search and Copy Services section. Call (754) 321-5555 for general questions or 954-831-4000 for the Records Division. The office is closed on federal holidays.