Broward County Court Records Lookup, Case Search and Certified Document Help
Use official Broward County, Florida court resources to search public case information, find civil, criminal, traffic, probate and family records, request court documents, buy electronic certified copies, separate court records from official records, and know when to use the Broward Clerk, 17th Judicial Circuit, Florida Courts or PACER.
If you are searching for court records broward county court records, choose the task closest to what you need. Broward County court records can involve the Clerk of Courts case search, electronic certified documents, court records by request, civil, criminal, traffic, probate, family, official records, county records, 17th Judicial Circuit court information, Florida appellate records and federal PACER.
Choose one option. The official action card below updates for Broward case search, certified copies, records request, civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, official records and federal cases.
🔎 Free case search — use the official Broward Clerk Case Search
Use this for: searching Broward County public court case information by party name, business name, case number or citation number.
Best official path: open Broward Clerk Case Search, choose the correct search type, then confirm court type, case number, party details and docket activity.
Before relying on it: use the Clerk records request or electronic certified document process when you need official copies or certified proof.
Broward County Court Records Quick Facts Before You Search
Broward County court records are mainly searched through the official Broward Clerk of Courts Case Search system. The public search supports party name, business name, case number and citation number searches. Court type options can include appeals, civil, family, felony, parking and permitting, probate, traffic and misdemeanor records where public access is available.
Not every record belongs in the same database. Court records are different from Broward County Official Records, which are recorded public documents such as deeds, liens, mortgages and other recorded instruments. Court records are also different from federal court records, which are searched through PACER. The safest workflow is to identify the record type first, then use the correct official portal.
What This Broward County Court Records Guide Covers
Broward County Case Search for Free Online Court Records
The official Broward Clerk Case Search is the best first step for most users who want free public court case information in Broward County, Florida. The public search page supports searches by party name, business name, case number and citation number. That makes it useful for finding civil, family, felony, probate, traffic, misdemeanor, parking and permitting, and appeal-related public case information where access is available.
The strongest search is usually a case number or citation number. A name search can be helpful, but Broward County has many common names and business names. You should always confirm the court type, case number, party role, filing date and case activity before relying on a result.
If the document is viewable online, the Broward Clerk may allow users to purchase electronic certified court documents through the case detail page. If the document is not available online, users may submit a Court Records Request or obtain records in person.
Open the official Broward Clerk Case Search
Start with the official Broward Clerk website instead of private people-search or background-check pages. The official search is the safest route for Broward court case lookup.
Choose the correct search type
Search by party name, business name, case number or citation number. Case number and citation number searches usually reduce false matches.
Confirm court type and case details
Check whether the result belongs to civil, family, felony, misdemeanor, probate, traffic, appeal or another listed court type before using the information.
Request official copies if needed
If you need proof for court, agency, employment, school, immigration, licensing or legal use, use the Clerk’s certified document or records request process.
How to Search Broward County Court Records by Name, Case Number or Citation
Use the most exact identifier available. A case number or citation number is better than a name search. A business name search is useful for company cases, but it can still return similar names. If you only have a person’s name, use full legal name, spelling variations, middle initial and case type filters where available.
Do Not Trust Name Alone
Name-only searches can return the wrong person. Confirm case number, court type, filing date, party role and case status before relying on a match.
Avoid false matchesCertified Copy Beats Screenshot
A search result is helpful, but legal proof often requires an electronic certified document or certified copy from the Clerk.
Official proofBetter Broward County search checklist
- Search by case number first if you have court paperwork, a notice, docket, ticket or citation.
- Use citation number search for many traffic, parking or permitting-related matters.
- Use business name search when the party is a company or organization.
- Use party name search carefully because similar names can create false matches.
- Confirm whether the record is a court case, official record, county record, property record or federal record.
- Use the Clerk records request process if the document is not viewable online.
Broward County Circuit Court vs County Court Records
Broward County is part of Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Courts handles many case record services, while the 17th Judicial Circuit handles court/judicial information such as judges, divisions and courthouse operations. For records, case search, copies and certified documents, the Broward Clerk is usually the correct starting point.
Broward County court information separates County Court and Circuit Court functions. County Court handles many traffic, misdemeanor and county-level civil matters. Circuit Court handles many felony, family, juvenile, probate, mental health and higher-level civil matters. Always confirm the court type shown in your case search result before requesting records.
Use for many felony criminal cases, family law, juvenile, probate, mental health and larger or more complex civil matters.
Use for many misdemeanors, traffic cases, parking and permitting matters, and certain county-level civil cases.
The Clerk provides case search, court records by request, electronic certified documents and courthouse records services.
The 17th Judicial Circuit provides judge, division, courtroom and court administration information.
Broward Civil, Criminal, Traffic, Family, Probate and Appeal Records
Broward County court records can include many case types. Civil cases may involve lawsuits, foreclosure, small claims, county civil, commercial disputes and other noncriminal matters. Criminal cases may include felony and misdemeanor records. Traffic and citation searches may include traffic, parking or permitting matters. Family cases may include divorce, child support and custody-related records. Probate and guardianship records involve estates, guardianship and related court matters.
Use this path for civil lawsuits, claims, foreclosure, county civil, judgments and other civil case activity.
Use this path for felony, misdemeanor, charges, docket activity, dispositions and criminal case record requests.
Use citation number or traffic search paths for tickets, citations, parking and permitting-related court matters.
Use this path for divorce, child support, family court filings and related records. Some documents may be restricted.
Use this path for estate, probate, guardianship and related records. The Clerk’s probate page recommends case search or public access terminals.
Use Broward Clerk search for local appeal-related records and Florida appellate resources for higher appellate records.
Broward County Electronic Certified Court Documents
The Broward Clerk provides electronic certified court documents online for viewable electronic court documents. The official process starts with Case Search. After locating a case, users can select the case number, open case details, choose the red “Purchase Certified Copies Online” button where available, accept the terms of service and select documents for checkout.
After purchase, the Clerk’s electronic certification system sends an email with links to the certified documents. The official page explains that electronic certified court documents use a digitally signed certificate from the Clerk instead of a wet seal. It also recommends downloading and saving the documents after purchase because access may be available for a limited period.
Perform a Case Search
Locate the case using Broward Clerk Case Search by party, business, case number or citation number.
Open case detail
Select the case number to open the detail page. Only viewable electronic court documents can be purchased online.
Purchase certified copies online
If the red purchase button appears, accept the terms, choose documents and complete checkout through the Clerk’s purchase flow.
Download and verify the document
Save the certified document and use the Clerk’s verification tools if you or a receiving agency needs to authenticate it.
Broward County Court Records Request, Copies and Fees
If the case or document is not available for online viewing, the Broward Clerk directs users to submit a Court Records Request or obtain court records in person. Court documents are available for purchase from the Archives Division or the Court Division where the case is filed.
The Broward Clerk’s records request guidance lists common costs: copy fee of $1.00 per court document page, certification fee of $2.00 per court document and search fee of $2.00 to search a case per year. Court Records by Request may take up to two weeks once the request is received. Because fees and processing details can change, always verify the live Clerk page before paying.
Documents not viewable online, certified copies, older files, case copies, search requests and official record help from the Clerk.
The Clerk records request page lists $1.00 per court document page for copy fees.
The Clerk records request page lists $2.00 per court document for certification.
The Clerk records request page lists $2.00 to search a case per year.
Broward County Official Records Search vs Court Records Search
One major user mistake is confusing Broward County court records with Broward County official records. Court records involve case files, docket activity, case numbers, hearings, filings, dispositions and court orders. Official records usually involve recorded public documents such as deeds, liens, mortgages, notices and other recorded instruments.
Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury provides Official Records search and copy services. The official records site contains recorded document information and images for recorded public records, with separate copy and certification services. If you are looking for a lawsuit, criminal case, family case or probate case, use Broward Clerk Case Search. If you are looking for a deed, lien or recorded document, use Broward Official Records Search.
Civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, misdemeanor, felony, appeal and court docket records.
Recorded instruments, deeds, mortgages, liens, notices and documents recorded with Broward County Records.
Broward County Records search/copy services may charge statutory fees for searches, copies and certifications.
A recorded document search will not replace a court case search, and a court case search will not replace official records research.
Sealed, Confidential and Restricted Broward County Court Records
Not every Broward County court record is public online. Florida court records access is affected by privacy rules, Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420, sealing orders, confidentiality laws, redaction rules and case-type restrictions. Juvenile, adoption, mental health, certain family, protected-party, sealed and confidential information may be limited or hidden from public view.
Records that may not appear fully online
- Sealed or confidential court records.
- Juvenile records and protected minor information.
- Adoption, mental health or sensitive family records.
- Documents containing confidential personal identifiers.
- Records that require in-person access or Clerk review.
- Older documents not available as viewable electronic documents.
- Federal records that belong in PACER, not Broward Clerk search.
Broward County Courthouse and In-Person Court Records Help
The Broward Clerk lists the main courthouse location at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The Family Division page lists the Central Courthouse in the Judicial Complex West Building, Room 04130, with the Clerk of Court contact number 954-831-6565. Court records in person may be available at courthouse locations depending on case type, division and document availability.
Before visiting, check the exact division and location. Broward has multiple courthouse and court service locations, and the correct room can depend on whether you need family, probate, criminal, civil, traffic, records request, archives or official records help.
201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 is listed as the main courthouse location on Broward Clerk pages.
The Family Division page lists Room 04130 and phone 954-831-6565 for family court record help.
Use the Clerk’s records request page if the document is not available online or if you need copies by request.
Broward County Records search/copy services are separate from court case records and may use a different office.
Federal Court Records for Broward County Are Searched Separately
Federal court records are not searched through the Broward Clerk Case Search in the same way as county and circuit court records. If the case was filed in U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court or a federal appellate court, use PACER and the correct federal court resources.
Broward County civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate and local court case information where public.
Judges, judicial divisions, courtroom details, court administration and local circuit court information.
Statewide court structure, appellate dockets, Supreme Court and District Court of Appeal resources.
Federal district, bankruptcy and federal appellate case information.
Official Broward County Court Records Links
Use these official resources for Broward County court records, case search, records request, electronic certified documents, official records, courthouse help, Florida court information and federal records.
Broward Clerk Website
Main official website for Broward County Clerk of Courts services and court records resources.
Open Broward ClerkCase Search
Search public Broward case records by party name, business name, case number or citation number.
Open Case SearchRecords Request
Request court documents, copies, certified copies and records not available online.
Request Court RecordsElectronic Certified Documents
Buy and verify eligible electronic certified court documents online.
Open E-Certify HelpFamily Division
Family court records request forms, self-service forms, e-filing and contact information.
Open Family DivisionProbate and Guardianship
Probate, guardianship and case search guidance from the Broward Clerk.
Open Probate HelpBroward Official Records
Search recorded public documents such as deeds, liens, mortgages and other official records.
Open Official Records17th Judicial Circuit
Judges, court divisions, courtroom details and Broward judicial information.
Open 17th CircuitPACER
Federal court record search for U.S. district, bankruptcy and appellate case information.
Open PACERMap for Broward County Clerk and Central Courthouse Records Help
The Broward County Central Courthouse is listed at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Use this location for general courthouse orientation, but confirm the exact division, room, records desk or online service before visiting.
Broward County Central Courthouse — Fort Lauderdale
This map points to the Central Courthouse area. It does not guarantee that a specific record is available for walk-in pickup without a request.
Broward County Court Records FAQs
How do I search Broward County court records online for free?
Use the official Broward Clerk Case Search. You can search by party name, business name, case number or citation number, then review the court type and case details available to the public.
Is Broward Clerk Case Search the official court records search?
Yes. The Broward Clerk website provides the official public case search for Broward County court records. Use it before relying on private lookup websites.
Can I buy certified Broward County court documents online?
Yes, eligible viewable electronic court documents can be purchased as electronic certified court documents through the Broward Clerk website. If the document is not viewable online, use Court Records Request or in-person records help.
How much do Broward court record copies cost?
The Broward Clerk records request page lists a copy fee of $1.00 per court document page, certification fee of $2.00 per court document, and search fee of $2.00 to search a case per year. Always verify the live Clerk page before paying.
What is the difference between Broward court records and official records?
Court records involve court cases, dockets, filings, orders and dispositions. Official records usually involve recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, notices and other public recordings.
Where is the Broward County Central Courthouse?
The Central Courthouse is listed at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Confirm the exact division or records service before visiting.
Why can’t I find a Broward County court record online?
The record may be sealed, confidential, juvenile, restricted, older, recently filed, under another name, federal, official-record-only, or not available as a viewable electronic document. Use Clerk records request when online search does not solve the issue.
Are Broward County criminal court records public?
Many criminal court records may be public when not sealed or restricted, but access can vary by case type, record status and Florida confidentiality rules. For official proof, request a certified disposition or certified copy from the Clerk.
Are Broward County divorce records available online?
Some family case information may appear in Broward Clerk Case Search, but family documents can include restricted information. For a divorce decree or certified copy, use the Clerk’s records request or certified document process.
How do I search Broward probate records?
The Broward Clerk probate page directs users to perform a case search on the Clerk website, use courthouse public access terminals, or mail a written request with the decedent’s information and search fee where applicable.
Does Broward Clerk Case Search include federal cases?
No. Federal cases are separate from Broward County court records. Use PACER for federal district, bankruptcy and appellate court records.
What is the safest way to verify a Broward County court record?
Use the official Broward Clerk Case Search to locate the case, then request an electronic certified document, certified copy or court records request if you need official proof.
Bottom Line for Broward County Court Records Search
For most users, the best first step is the official Broward Clerk Case Search. Use case number or citation number when possible, or search by party name or business name when you do not have a number. Confirm the court type, case details and record status before relying on any result.
If you need official proof, do not stop at a search result. Use Broward Clerk electronic certified documents when the document is viewable online, or use Court Records Request when the document is not available online. Use Broward Official Records for recorded documents such as deeds and liens, and use PACER for federal court records.