Broward County Court Records
This guide explains how court records work in Broward County, Florida, where the Clerk of Courts maintains official records for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. It covers the court structure, online case search, what is public versus sealed, and how to order certified copies.
How Court Records Work in Broward County
Court records in Broward County, Florida, are handled primarily by the Broward County Clerk of Courts, which maintains the official record for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. The Clerk keeps files for criminal, civil, family, and probate matters filed in the county. Understanding which court hears which type of case helps you find the right record quickly.
These records are informational public documents. They are not a substitute for legal advice, and an entry in a court file — including a criminal charge or arrest — is not proof of guilt. A person is presumed innocent unless and until convicted.
Florida Court Structure in Broward County
Florida organizes its trial courts into circuit courts and county courts. Broward County falls within the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. In general terms:
- Circuit Court — handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes above the statutory dollar threshold, family law (including dissolution of marriage), probate, and juvenile matters.
- County Court — handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic matters, small claims, and civil disputes up to the statutory limit.
Both circuit and county court cases in Broward are filed with and maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. If a case was heard in a city court or handled by another agency, confirm directly with that office, because the Clerk of Courts holds records for the circuit and county court system rather than every municipal proceeding. For exact jurisdictional dollar thresholds and case categories, confirm with the Clerk of Courts.
Which Office Holds Which Record
Different offices in Broward County keep different types of records. Knowing where to start saves time:
- Court case files (criminal, civil, family, probate) — Broward County Clerk of Courts.
- Divorce / dissolution of marriage cases — filed and maintained by the Clerk of Courts.
- Marriage licenses — issued through the Clerk of the Circuit and County Court.
- Deeds, liens, and other recorded documents — Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division.
- Certified birth and death certificates — the Florida Department of Health.
- Current custody / arrest information — the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), which operates the Department of Detention and provides an online arrest/custody search.
For property records, vital records, divorce records, or inmate/arrest information specifically, see the sibling pages dedicated to those topics on this site.
Using the Online Case Search
The Broward County Clerk of Courts provides online access to search criminal, civil, family, and probate case records. In most systems like this you can search by a party's name, a case number, or a citation number, then open the docket to view filings, hearing dates, and case status.
- Start at the Clerk of Courts website and locate its case-search tool.
- Choose the case type or division if the system asks for one.
- Search by name or case number, then open the matching case to view the docket.
Some documents may be viewable online while others must be requested in person or by copy order, and some records are restricted from public view. If you cannot find a document you expect to see, confirm availability and access rules directly with the Clerk of Courts.
What Is Public and What Is Sealed
Florida treats most court records as public, but certain records and specific pieces of information within a file are confidential or sealed by law or court order. Categories that are commonly restricted include juvenile matters, adoption, certain family and mental-health filings, sealed or expunged records, and sensitive personal identifiers.
Because sealing, expungement, and confidentiality are governed by Florida statutes and court rules, do not assume a record is public or restricted based on its category alone. If you need to know whether a specific case or document is accessible, or how to request that your own record be sealed, confirm the current rules and procedures with the Clerk of Courts. This site does not provide legal advice.
Ordering Certified Copies and Fees
A plain (uncertified) copy of a document is often enough for personal reference, but many official purposes — such as filing with another agency — require a certified copy that bears the Clerk's seal. Certified copies of court records in Broward County are issued by the Clerk of Courts.
To order, you generally need the case number or the full names of the parties, the document you want, and the number of copies. Fees for copies and certification are set by the Clerk, and payment methods vary by request method. Because specific per-page copy fees, certification charges, and processing times are not listed here, confirm the exact amounts and turnaround with the Clerk of Courts before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find Broward County court records online?
Use the online case search provided by the Broward County Clerk of Courts, which covers criminal, civil, family, and probate cases. Availability of individual documents may vary, so confirm access with the Clerk.
Are all Broward County court records public?
Most are public under Florida law, but juvenile, adoption, sealed, expunged, and certain sensitive records are restricted. Confirm the status of a specific record with the Clerk of Courts.
How do I get a certified copy of a court document?
Request it from the Clerk of Courts using the case number or party names. Certification fees and processing times are set by the Clerk — verify current amounts before ordering.
Does the court record prove someone was convicted?
No. A court file may show charges, filings, and status, but a charge or arrest is not a conviction. Review the docket for the actual disposition, and treat all records as informational only.
Official & Public Resources
Broward County Government
Official Broward County government website with links to county services and records.
