Broward Criminal Records Search: Cases & Public Records

Official government record systems

Where Are Broward County Criminal Records Kept?

Broward County is part of Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit. Its Clerk of Courts maintains official criminal case records for the Circuit and County Criminal divisions.

The Sheriff’s Office handles detention and arrest records, while FDLE operates the statewide Florida criminal-history repository.

Official case search procedure

How to Search Broward Criminal Records Online by Name

The Broward County Clerk’s website supports party-name, case-number and traffic-citation searches. These procedures come from the search instructions displayed on the Clerk’s own website.

1. Open the Broward Clerk’s public search

   Visit the official Case Search – Public website. Look for the Party Name Search section.

2. Select the appropriate Court Type

   Use the Court Type control to narrow the search. For a serious criminal prosecution, choose a relevant Felony case type. For misdemeanor or traffic-criminal proceedings, use the Traffic/Misdemeanor categories.

3. Enter the person’s last name

   Fill in the required Last Name field. The Clerk explains that last names shorter than three characters return exact matches only.

4. Enter the first name

   First Name is also required. First names shorter than two characters return exact matches only. Add the middle name when known to narrow common-name searches.

5. Add a filing-date range if necessary

   Use Date From and Date To together when you know approximately when the case was filed. Dates must be entered in MM/DD/YYYY format.

6. Click Search

   Review the result list. The Clerk limits results to the first 200 matches. If you receive too many cases, narrow the court type, add a middle name or adjust the filing-date range.

7. Open the matching case number

   Select the relevant case number. Review the case’s court, case type, filing information, public docket events and available hearing or disposition details.

8. Review the outcome carefully

   Look beyond the original charge. A docket may reflect a dismissal, plea, trial, adjudication, withholding of adjudication or sentencing entry. The precise wording matters.

9. Request an official document when required

   If you need proof of the final outcome, locate the court’s judgment or disposition document. Some documents can be viewed electronically; others require a records request or courthouse visit.

Broward-specific docket numbers

Understanding Broward Criminal Case Numbers: CF, MM, TC and TI

When you have a case number, the Clerk’s website allows a direct search without relying on potentially ambiguous names.

Broward’s criminal case numbers generally contain a filing-year code, sequence number, division identifier, courthouse location code and companion designator.

Examples from the Broward Clerk’s search instructions

The Clerk publishes the following examples to explain accepted criminal case-number formatting:

These are case-number examples published by the Clerk, not records supplied about an identified individual.

Why searching a formatted case number sometimes fails

The Clerk directs users to enter criminal case numbers without spaces, dashes or other separators. If your paperwork displays a formatted number, compare it with the Clerk’s examples and remove separators before searching.

Do not guess missing digits or mix a citation number with a criminal case number. If the record still cannot be located, contact the Clerk with the original document.

Circuit Criminal Division

Broward County Felony Criminal Records

Felony cases in Broward County are handled in the Circuit Criminal Division. The Clerk maintains the corresponding felony case files.

These records may concern offenses such as serious theft, robbery, certain drug offenses, aggravated battery, burglary or other felony-level charges.

A felony case is not necessarily a felony conviction. Review the actual court disposition.

How to find felony records

1. Open Broward Case Search.
2. Choose the felony case category under Court Type.
3. Search by defendant name or complete case number.
4. Look for the CF division identifier when reviewing applicable case numbers.
5. Open the case and examine the available docket history.
6. Identify the disposition, sentence or order needed for your records.
7. If no document image is available, request it from the Felony Division or Archives as appropriate.

County Criminal Division

Broward Misdemeanor, DUI and Criminal Traffic Records

The County Criminal Division handles misdemeanor matters and qualifying traffic-criminal, municipal ordinance and county ordinance proceedings.

For example, an ordinary traffic infraction is not the same as a criminal DUI charge. Choosing the correct case type helps avoid mixing criminal prosecutions with noncriminal traffic matters.

Search a misdemeanor or DUI case

1. Use the Clerk’s public case search

   Open the case-search page and select the Traffic/Misdemeanor category.

2. Enter the person’s name

   Provide both the first and last name. If the name is common, enter the middle name or relevant filing dates.

3. Search using a case or citation number when available

   The case-number search is useful for filed misdemeanors. For qualifying traffic citations, use the Citation Number Search.

4. Review charges and court actions

   Check whether the docket shows a plea, judgment, withholding of adjudication, dismissal or another outcome.

5. Verify upcoming court dates

   Use the court information displayed in the case, but confirm important appearances with the assigned court or attorney.

How to search Broward traffic citations

On the Clerk’s Citation Number Search tab, enter the citation number without dashes or spaces. The Clerk gives 1234ABC as an example.

The citation-number search currently applies to traffic citations. Boating citations must be searched using Party Name instead.

If the citation has not yet been entered into the Clerk’s case-management system, it will not appear in the online results.

Recent arrests and jail custody

How to Search Broward Arrest Records and Jail Inmates

The Broward Sheriff’s Office operates the county’s detention system and provides an official Arrest Search website.

The Sheriff states that arrest-search information is refreshed approximately every 15 minutes. However, inmate status and booking details can change quickly.

1. Open the Sheriff’s Arrest Search

   Visit the official BSO Arrest Search.

2. Enter the last name

   Use the Last Name field. Add the first name to narrow possible matches.

3. Complete any security check

   The website may display a security verification before allowing the search.

4. Click Search

   Review matching entries showing the arrest number, name, sex and listed location.

5. Select the Arrest Number

   Click the arrest number to see additional booking information, which may include a photograph, charge details or available bond information.

6. Check the associated criminal court case separately

   If formal charges were filed, use the Broward Clerk’s criminal case search to investigate the prosecution and available disposition.

How to request an older arrest report or local background search

The Broward Sheriff’s Office accepts requests for incident reports, arrest reports and local records checks through its Public Records Unit.

A BSO local records check covers Broward arrest information submitted to BSO by local law-enforcement agencies. It is not a complete statewide Florida criminal-history report and does not cover every incident that did not result in an arrest.

Official court documents

How to Obtain Certified Broward Criminal Court Records

If an employer, attorney, immigration agency or licensing office asks for an official court disposition, a screen capture of the public docket may not be sufficient.

The Broward Clerk offers electronically certified court documents and traditional paper records requests.

Option 1: Purchase an electronic certified court document

This is often the most convenient option when the required document is already available for online viewing.

1. Find the criminal case

   Search the Broward Clerk’s public case database and open the correct case number.

2. Choose Purchase Certified Copies Online

   If the case supports the service, select the red Purchase Certified Copies Online button.

3. Select the document

   Choose the judgment, order or other available electronic document you need.

4. Continue through checkout

   Review the terms and select the green purchase button. Pay through the Clerk’s official checkout system.

5. Download the certified document

   The Clerk sends an email from eCertify@browardclerk.org with access links after the purchase is completed.

6. Verify the electronic certification

   Use the Clerk’s eCertify verification instructions when an organisation needs to authenticate the document.

Option 2: Request traditional paper court copies

If the desired document is not available electronically or you need a conventional certified copy, use the Clerk’s Records Request procedure.

Provide as much case information as possible, including:

• Defendant’s full name.
• Case number, if known.
• Felony, misdemeanor or criminal-traffic case type.
• Approximate filing date or year.
• Exact document requested.
• Whether certification is required.
• Return contact information and preferred delivery method.

The Clerk publishes a processing estimate of up to two weeks for Court Records by Request, depending on the circumstances. This is separate from delivery time or any unusually complicated archive search.

Historical files and archived documents

How to Find Older Broward Criminal Records Before 2014

Broward’s criminal record system has an important date boundary: January 6, 2014.

The Clerk explains that criminal court records filed on or after that date generally have electronic documents available for qualifying online access. Some cases filed earlier also have electronic images, but older files often require additional work.

What if an old misdemeanor was purged?

The Clerk’s Traffic and Misdemeanor Division has a special procedure for requesting information from cases that are no longer available through ordinary online lookup.

For a purged-record search, the division requests the defendant’s name and date of birth, and the date or approximate year of the incident.

If available, also provide the case number, citation number and a brief explanation of the case.

The Clerk may attempt to retrieve an original file and, where appropriate, provide a certified microfiche printout if the original is unavailable.

Published government charges

Broward Criminal Records Search Fees and Copy Costs

Fees are based on the Clerk’s and FDLE’s published schedules. Verify the final amount at the official payment screen or with the office handling the request.

Statewide Florida criminal-history check

Florida FDLE Criminal Background Checks vs Broward Court Records

A Broward Clerk case search only covers cases maintained by that Clerk. If the purpose is a statewide Florida criminal-history check, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement operates the central criminal-history repository.

FDLE provides several search options for different needs.

Option 1: FDLE Instant Search

The FDLE Instant Search is a public online name-based criminal-history request. It costs $24 per search plus a $1 credit-card processing fee.

Results are generally available immediately and may be printed or emailed, but they are not certified.

1. Open the official FDLE Florida Criminal History Record Check page.
2. Choose the Instant Search option.
3. Enter the requested name and identifying details.
4. Review and pay the fee.
5. Examine the returned results and save them appropriately.
6. Verify any consequential result with official records and identity documentation.

Option 2: Certified or noncertified FDLE search

FDLE staff also process certified and noncertified requests submitted through its designated online request system.

FDLE lists approximately five business days for a noncertified search and six to seven business days for a certified search, excluding postal delivery.

Results are mailed to the requester under the applicable service procedure.

Option 3: ORI-based background checks

Some employment, licensing and regulated screening procedures require an Originating Agency Identifier (ORI).

An ORI directs background-check results to the legally authorised receiving agency. FDLE explains that it does not supply an ORI to applicants who do not already have an authorised agency requiring the check.

Can I review my own Florida criminal history for free?

Yes. FDLE operates a separate Personal Review process for individuals seeking to check the accuracy and completeness of their own Florida criminal-history records.

FDLE states that it does not assess a fee for this personal review. The individual must follow the prescribed identity and fingerprint-card procedures. A fingerprinting provider might have separate charges.

The request is available to the record subject or their authorised attorney, not as a way for an unrelated person to obtain someone else’s private review record.

City and jurisdiction-specific guidance

Broward Criminal Records for Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Other Cities

The county’s official criminal case-search system serves cases filed in the Broward County Circuit and County Criminal courts, including prosecutions arising from municipalities such as:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Hollywood
• Pompano Beach
• Coral Springs
• Pembroke Pines
• Miramar
• Plantation
• Davie
• Sunrise
• Deerfield Beach
• Coconut Creek
• Lauderhill

These cities are not separate statewide criminal-history repositories. Once a qualifying criminal prosecution is filed in Broward County’s courts, the Clerk’s case system is the normal place to locate its public docket.

What changes between cities?

The arresting or investigating agency may differ. For example, a criminal incident investigated by a city’s police department may produce a local police report that must be requested from that particular department.

That police report does not automatically become an online criminal court document. Criminal charges and court records are separate parts of the process.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Public Records Unit also handles local arrest-related information submitted to BSO, but the original agency may remain the appropriate source for specific incident reports.

Confidentiality and record clearing

Sealed and Expunged Criminal Records in Broward County

Florida has separate procedures for sealing and expunging qualifying criminal-history records. The process depends on the original arrest, case outcome, prior criminal record and statutory eligibility conditions.

FDLE explains that, under the usual court-ordered procedures, an applicant must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before petitioning the appropriate court.

How the process generally works

1. Obtain the case documents

   Find the arrest information and certified court disposition from the Broward Clerk or other original custodian.

2. Review FDLE eligibility criteria

   Determine whether the record may qualify for sealing or expungement under Florida Statutes sections 943.0585 or 943.059 or another applicable provision.

3. Prepare the FDLE Certificate of Eligibility application

   Complete the required form, obtain any necessary prosecutor certification, arrange approved fingerprints and include the certified disposition.

4. Submit the FDLE application and fee

   The ordinary Certificate of Eligibility processing fee is $75. FDLE’s published processing estimate is generally around 12 weeks after receiving a completed application.

5. Petition the court if FDLE issues a certificate

   Receiving a certificate does not itself seal or expunge a record. The applicant must complete the appropriate court procedure.

6. Confirm that the final order was processed

   Once a qualifying court order is issued, it must be received and implemented by the relevant agencies under applicable law.

Why an arrest may still be public after charges were dropped

Florida criminal history can retain arrest information and related dispositions even when the outcome is dismissal, acquittal, no information filed or a withholding of adjudication.

The proper outcome must be reported accurately. A dismissal should never be represented as a conviction merely because the underlying arrest remains visible.

Related criminal justice databases

Florida Prison, Sex Offender and Federal Criminal Records

Fix common lookup problems

Why Broward Criminal Records May Not Appear Online

Where to report an incorrect court disposition

First, find the relevant case number and confirm the actual disposition in the official court file.

If the online case summary appears incorrect, contact the Broward Clerk’s appropriate criminal division and explain the specific discrepancy.

If the error appears in a Florida statewide criminal-history report, use FDLE’s Personal Review and challenge process with any necessary supporting court documentation.

Responsible use of criminal records

Can Broward Criminal Records Be Used for Employment or Tenant Screening?

Public court records can help confirm that a case exists and provide information about court outcomes. However, publicly available case records are not automatically complete, fingerprint-verified or suitable as consumer background reports.

Florida law, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and applicable employment or housing rules may impose obligations on organisations conducting background screening.

For example, an employer using a consumer reporting company may have responsibilities concerning disclosure, authorisation, adverse-action notices and the right to dispute inaccurate records.

When evaluating public criminal information:

• Confirm identity using appropriate lawful methods.
• Distinguish accusations and arrests from convictions.
• Review dismissals, acquittals and withheld adjudications correctly.
• Check whether sealed or expunged information is restricted.
• Use the legally required FDLE or fingerprint-based procedure when applicable.
• Follow current federal and Florida screening rules.

Common questions about Broward records

Broward Criminal Records Search FAQs

Verified official sources

Official Broward Criminal Records and Public Search Links

These government websites provide the original record-search tools, court documents, arrest information and legal procedures discussed in this guide.

• Broward County Clerk — Public Criminal Case Search
• Broward Clerk — Felony Division
• Broward Clerk — Traffic and Misdemeanor Division
• Broward Clerk — Court Records Request and Archives
• Broward Clerk — Electronic Certified Court Documents
• Broward Sheriff’s Office — Arrest and Inmate Search
• Broward Sheriff’s Office — Inmate and Visitor Information
• Broward Sheriff’s Office — Local Arrest and Incident Records Requests
• Florida FDLE — Statewide Criminal History Record Checks
• Florida FDLE — Personal Criminal History Review
• Florida FDLE — Record Sealing and Expungement
• Florida FDLE — Certificate of Eligibility Instructions
• Florida Department of Corrections
• Florida FDLE — Sexual Offender and Predator Registry
• U.S. Courts — PACER Federal Criminal Case Search