Search Broward County Criminal Records
Searching for criminal records in Broward County requires knowing the right resources. The Clerk of Court in Fort Lauderdale keeps all court case files for the county. These records include felony and misdemeanor charges filed in local courts. You can access them online or visit the courthouse in person. The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and jail information. State databases provide broader criminal history data. This page shows you where to find Broward County criminal records and how to search them effectively.
Broward County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Broward County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for all court cases in the county, handling thousands of cases each year with professional staff who understand the importance of accurate record keeping. Their office is located at 201 S.E. 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, making it accessible for residents throughout Broward County. You can reach them by phone at 954-831-6565 during regular business hours to ask questions or verify information before your visit. Visit their website at www.browardclerk.org/ for online services, current information, and updates about office hours or procedures. The Clerk maintains comprehensive records for all criminal cases including felonies and misdemeanors filed in Broward County. These records are available for public inspection under Florida law, which promotes transparency in the justice system. You can request copies of court documents for a fee that helps support the office operations. Their experienced staff can help you locate specific records when you visit in person.
The Clerk provides an online court records search system that is accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, allowing you to search from the comfort of your home or office without visiting the courthouse during business hours. You can access criminal case information through their web portal from any computer or mobile device with internet access, making it convenient to check records whenever you need them. The system allows searches by name, case number, or date range to help you find the specific records you need quickly and efficiently. Visit www.browardclerk.org/web2 to use the online search tool directly from your browser without downloading any special software. This system includes both circuit and county criminal cases filed in Broward County, providing comprehensive coverage of local court records. Basic case information is free to view and search for all users. You will need to pay for certified copies or printed documents if you need them for legal purposes or court submissions. The online database is updated regularly with new case filings and court actions to ensure accuracy. You can view case status, hearing dates, and disposition information for active and closed cases.
You can visit the Clerk's office in person during business hours if you prefer face-to-face assistance from knowledgeable staff members. The office staff are available to help you search for records and answer questions about the process or requirements. You may request certified copies of court documents for legal purposes such as court proceedings or official matters. Copy fees apply for printed materials, and these fees vary depending on the document type and number of pages. Call ahead to confirm current fee schedules and office hours before your visit to avoid any surprises. Bring identification and any case information you have to speed up the search process and help staff locate your records faster. The office typically operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
Some records may be restricted from public view under Florida law. Sealed and expunged records are not available. Active investigations may also remain confidential until the case is closed and adjudicated.
Broward County Sheriff's Office Records
The Broward County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement throughout Broward County, maintaining public safety and responding to calls for service from residents and businesses. Their main office is located at 2601 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, serving as the central hub for law enforcement operations in the county. You can contact them at (954) 831-8900 for general inquiries, records requests, or information about jail operations and inmate status. Visit their website at www.sheriff.org/ for online resources, current updates, and information about their services and community programs. The Sheriff's Office employs sworn deputies who patrol the county and respond to emergencies twenty-four hours a day. They maintain records of all arrests and incidents that occur within their jurisdiction. These records are available to the public in accordance with Florida's public records laws.
The Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search tool that is updated regularly with current bookings and releases from the county jail facility. You can look up current inmates in the Broward County jail using their web-based search system from any device with internet access. The search shows booking information, current charges, and bond amounts for each inmate housed in the facility. Visit www.sheriff.org/inmate-search to access this service from your home computer or mobile phone at any time. This system helps you find recent arrest information quickly without visiting the jail in person or waiting on hold by phone. The database includes current inmates and recent releases for the past several months. You can search by name or booking number to locate specific individuals. Results display mugshots when available along with charge details and bond information.
The Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout Broward County, providing law enforcement services to both incorporated and unincorporated areas. Deputies maintain records of arrests and incidents they handle during their patrols and investigations. You can request copies of police reports in person or by phone during business hours. Some records may involve processing fees depending on the type of report requested and the number of pages. Florida law governs public access to these records and sets the rules for disclosure and exemptions. Active investigations may be exempt from release until they are closed and adjudicated.
Statewide Criminal History Search for Broward County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains statewide criminal records for all counties throughout the state of Florida. This comprehensive database includes arrests and convictions from Broward County and every other county in the state. You can search their database online through the CCHInet system using a standard web browser. This is useful when you need a complete state-level background check that covers all jurisdictions within Florida.
FDLE charges $24 per search plus a $1 processing fee for credit card transactions, bringing the total cost to $25 for each name-based search you perform through their system. You need the person's full name and date of birth to perform a search, and additional identifiers like Social Security Number can improve accuracy. Results display instantly after you complete payment online using a secure connection. Visit cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us to perform a search from your computer or mobile device at any time. The FDLE database contains criminal history information from all Florida jurisdictions including state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies. It includes arrests, charges, and dispositions when available from the reporting agencies. This is the most comprehensive Florida criminal history search available to the public for state-level records. The search covers adult criminal records and some juvenile records that have been processed through adult court.
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks state prison inmates from all counties in Florida through their online database. You can search for offenders who were convicted in Broward County and sentenced to state prison time. Their database shows current inmates and released offenders under community supervision. Visit fdc.myflorida.com for this free service that provides custody status and location information.
Keep in mind that FDLE searches only show Florida records. Out-of-state arrests will not appear in these results. Federal charges are also not included in the state database.
Sealing and Expunging Broward County Records
Florida law allows some Broward County criminal records to be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. This process hides records from public view and can help people move forward with their lives. Not all charges qualify for this type of relief. Serious crimes like murder and sexual offenses cannot be sealed or expunged under state law.
You must first apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE before filing in court, which is the mandatory first step in the process. The application fee is $75 for processing your request, and this fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Processing takes approximately twelve weeks from the date they receive your completed application with all required documentation attached. Visit fdle.state.fl.us/seal-and-expunge-process to learn more about the application process and requirements. The Certificate of Eligibility is valid for twelve months from the date of issue. After that time expires, you must apply for a new certificate if you have not filed your court petition. You cannot have prior sealed or expunged records on your history to qualify for this relief. The certificate only establishes eligibility; it does not guarantee the court will grant your petition.
After receiving the certificate, you must file a petition with the Broward County court to request sealing or expungement. A judge will review your request and make a decision based on the law and the facts of your case. If approved, the court order is sent to all agencies that have the record. They must then seal or destroy the records as ordered by the court.
Public Access to Broward County Criminal Records
Florida's public records law provides broad access to government documents for all citizens and visitors. Section 119.07 of Florida Statutes guarantees this right to inspect and copy public records. Broward County criminal records are generally open to the public unless specifically exempted by state law. This transparency helps keep the justice system accountable to the people it serves.
You can inspect records at the Clerk's office during regular business hours without an appointment in most cases. Copy fees apply if you want paper duplicates of documents for your records or legal matters. Certified copies cost extra because they include an official seal and signature that verifies authenticity. These fees are set by Florida law and apply statewide to all counties equally. The Clerk can tell you current rates when you visit or you can call 954-831-6565 for fee information. Basic online viewing is typically free of charge for most court records. You only pay when you need physical copies or certified documents for official purposes. The fees help cover the costs of maintaining and providing access to these records. The Clerk's office accepts various forms of payment including cash, check, and credit cards.
Some records are exempt from public disclosure under state law for various reasons. Active criminal investigations remain confidential while ongoing to protect the integrity of the case. Juvenile records have special protections that limit public access to protect young offenders. Records that have been sealed or expunged are not available to the public without a court order. Victim information may be redacted to protect privacy and safety.
You do not need to provide identification to view public records in Florida. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The government must provide access promptly during business hours.
Browse Nearby Counties
Looking for criminal records in neighboring counties? Select a county below to find local resources.