Access Plantation Civil Court Records

Civil court records for Plantation are managed by the Broward County Clerk of Court. The West Regional Courthouse in Plantation gives local residents direct access to these records.

Broward County Clerk of Court

Plantation does not run its own civil court. All civil court records in Plantation go through the Broward County Clerk of Court. The clerk's office files new cases, stores court papers, and provides copies to the public. Plantation has a big advantage over many other Broward County cities. The West Regional Courthouse sits right in Plantation at 100 North Pine Island Road.

The Broward County Clerk website lets you look up civil court records from anywhere. The site has a public case search tool that covers civil, family, probate, and other case types. Plantation residents use the same portal as everyone else in Broward County to find civil court records.

Having a regional courthouse in Plantation means you can handle most civil court business without the drive to Fort Lauderdale. The West Regional Courthouse has a clerk's office window for filing, copies, and record requests.

How to Search Plantation Civil Court Records

There are several ways to search civil court records for Plantation. The Broward County Clerk's online case search is the fastest option. The system has three access levels. Public search is anonymous and free. Attorney of Record access is for Florida Bar attorneys. Registered user access gives non-attorneys more details on family and probate cases.

Go to the Broward County case search and type the name or case number. The results show all matching civil cases filed in Broward County, including cases from Plantation. You can view case details, hearing dates, and filed documents.

The eTrack service lets you follow a specific case. It sends updates when new documents are filed. This works for civil, family, probate, and other case types in Plantation.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal gives statewide access. This tool connects to all 67 county clerks. You can search and file Plantation civil court cases through the portal any time. It is free to create an account.

For in-person searches, go to the West Regional Courthouse at 100 N Pine Island Road in Plantation. This is the most convenient option for Plantation residents. Bring your ID. Copy fees are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document. Electronic certified documents are $8.00 each and never expire.

Civil Court Structure for Plantation

Plantation is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers all of Broward County. Civil cases from Plantation go to one of two court levels.

Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court too. Eviction cases in Plantation are filed in County Court.

Filing fees in Broward County range from $55 for claims up to $100, to $400 for claims between $15,000 and $30,000. Each summons costs $10 extra. The clerk accepts cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and major credit cards. No personal checks are accepted for Plantation civil court filings.

Broward County Civil Court Records

All civil court records in Plantation are handled at the county level. Visit our Broward County civil court records page for full details on the clerk's office, court procedures, fee schedules, and all available search tools.

The Broward County Clerk serves more than two million residents across 31 cities. The West Regional Courthouse in Plantation is one of four courthouse locations in the county, which makes it an important hub for civil court records on the west side of Broward.

Public Records and Plantation Civil Court Records

Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Plantation. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file. You do not need to be a party in the case.

Some records are exempt. Social security numbers and bank account numbers must be kept out of public view. Sealed records are also off limits. But most civil court files in Plantation are open to the public. You can submit a records request online through the Broward County Clerk website, or visit the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation to review files in person.

Self-Help Resources for Plantation Civil Cases

The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for people handling civil court cases without a lawyer. Packets for small claims, evictions, and other common types are available. The forms work for Plantation civil court cases filed through the Broward County Clerk.

Broward County runs a Self Help Equal Access Center at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The law library is on the 1st floor at 201 SE 6th Street. Staff and librarians help with forms for family, probate, and civil cases. Computers, Westlaw, Lexis, and Wi-Fi are available. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

DIY Florida is a free tool in the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through questions and fills out forms for you. You can file the completed forms through the portal. Standard fees still apply for Plantation civil court cases. If you qualify as indigent under Florida Statute 57.082, filing and summons fees may be waived.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Plantation. All Broward County cities use the same clerk for civil court records. Cities in other counties use a different clerk.