Broward County Arrest Records
This page explains how arrest records work in Broward County, Florida — what a booking record contains, where the Broward Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Courts publish arrest information, and how to request copies. Remember: an arrest is not proof of guilt.
What an Arrest Record Is in Broward County
An arrest record in Broward County, Florida documents the moment a law enforcement agency takes a person into custody and books them. In this county, the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) operates the Department of Detention that houses inmates, and BSO typically creates the booking record when someone is brought into a facility such as the Broward County Main Jail.
A typical arrest or booking report may include the arrested person's name, date of birth, the arresting agency, the date and time of booking, the charges listed at booking, and a booking or case identifier. The exact fields shown depend on the agency's own system, so confirm what is available directly with BSO.
An arrest reflects an accusation and the officer's decision to take someone into custody. It does not establish guilt. Charges can be dropped, amended, or dismissed, and a person is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court.
Arrest Versus Conviction
An arrest record and a conviction record are two very different things, and confusing them can lead to serious mistakes.
- Arrest record: Created by a law enforcement agency at the time of booking. It shows charges as filed at that moment, which may later change.
- Conviction record: Created only after a court process reaches a judgment of guilt. In Broward County, the outcome of a case lives in the court file maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Courts for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.
Because prosecutors may decline to file, reduce, or dismiss charges, the charge shown at arrest may not match the final disposition. To learn how a case actually ended, you must review the court record — not just the booking entry. This distinction matters for fairness and accuracy.
Where Arrest Information Is Published
Broward County arrest and custody information generally appears in two main places:
- Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO): BSO operates the Department of Detention and provides an online arrest/custody search. This is where booking-level information about people currently or recently in county custody is typically posted.
- Broward County Clerk of Courts: The Clerk maintains official court records and provides online access to search criminal, civil, family, and probate case records. Once charges are filed, the criminal case and its progress are documented here.
Arrests made by city police departments within Broward County may also generate agency records, but individuals booked into county detention are typically reflected in the BSO custody system. If you cannot locate a record online, contact the specific arresting agency to confirm how and where its records are released.
How to Request a Copy of an Arrest Record
To obtain a copy of an arrest or booking record in Broward County, start with the agency that holds it:
- Identify the correct agency. For county jail bookings, that is the Broward Sheriff's Office. For the court case file, that is the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
- Gather identifying details. Having the person's full name, date of birth, and any booking or case number helps locate the correct record.
- Submit a public records request. Florida has a broad public records law. Ask the records division of the relevant agency how to file a request, whether it can be done online, and what identifying information is required.
- Ask about fees and format. Copy fees, certified-copy fees, and processing times are set by each agency. Confirm the current amount and turnaround directly with that office — do not assume a figure.
This page cannot provide specific hours, mailing addresses beyond what the agency publishes, or exact fees; you must confirm those details with BSO or the Clerk of Courts.
How Long Arrest Records Stay Public
Under Florida's public records framework, arrest and court records are generally public and can remain accessible for years after the event, including for cases that did not result in conviction. Booking information posted by BSO and case files held by the Clerk of Courts do not automatically disappear over time.
Florida law provides limited paths to seal or expunge certain records through the state process, which may involve the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a court order. Eligibility rules are specific and technical, and not every case qualifies. If you believe a record should be sealed or expunged, confirm the exact requirements and procedure with the appropriate Florida agency or a qualified attorney — do not rely on assumptions about eligibility.
Because these are public informational records, they should not be used to make employment, tenant, credit, or insurance decisions. Such uses are governed by separate federal and state rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an arrest record mean the person was convicted?
No. An arrest record only shows that a law enforcement agency took someone into custody and listed charges at booking. Guilt is decided later by a court, and many cases end without a conviction.
Where do I search for someone currently in Broward County custody?
The Broward Sheriff's Office operates the county's Department of Detention and provides an online arrest/custody search. For the criminal case itself, use the Broward County Clerk of Courts records search.
How much does a copy of an arrest record cost?
Fees are set by each agency. This page does not list a specific amount — confirm current copy and certified-copy fees directly with the Broward Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Courts.
Can an arrest record be removed from public view?
Florida offers limited sealing and expunction options through a formal legal process, but eligibility is restrictive. Confirm the requirements with the appropriate Florida agency or an attorney before assuming a record qualifies.
Official & Public Resources
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Search court case records related to criminal charges filed in Broward County.
Broward County Government
Official Broward County government website with links to county services and records.
