Broward County Civil Court Records

Broward County civil court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Fort Lauderdale. The 17th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Broward County, and the clerk's office offers public access through multiple courthouse locations and online tools.

Broward County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Broward County is Brenda D. Forman. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. With a population of nearly 1.9 million, Broward is one of the largest counties in Florida and processes a high volume of civil cases each year. The clerk's office has four courthouse locations to serve residents across the county.

The Broward County Clerk website has tools for case searches, records requests, and electronic services. The site offers public case search, attorney access, and registered user access for civil court records. The clerk's office also provides eServices like eTrack for case tracking and a commercial data access API.

Broward County has four courthouse locations. All handle civil court record requests during business hours.

How to Search Broward County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Broward County online or in person. The Broward County case search gives you three access levels. The public search is anonymous and shows non-confidential cases. Attorney of Record Access lets Florida Bar attorneys view all cases where they are the attorney. Registered User Access gives non-attorneys extra case information and images for family and probate cases.

The clerk also offers eTrack, a case tracking service for civil, family, probate, felony, traffic, and misdemeanor cases. An Advanced Search option lets you run more complex queries by party name, party ID, hearings, filing information, and dispositions. For bulk data needs, a Commercial Data Access API provides programmatic access to case data.

You can also search civil court records in person at any of the four Broward County courthouses. The Central Courthouse is at 201 SE 6th St in Fort Lauderdale. Staff look up cases and make copies. No personal checks are accepted. Valid forms of payment include cash, cashier's check, money order, attorney's check, or credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa).

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Broward County civil court records. This statewide tool connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases through the portal at any time. It is free to register.

Civil Court Filing Fees in Broward County

Filing fees for civil cases in Broward County depend on the amount in dispute. County civil fees range from $55 for claims up to $100 to $400 for claims between $15,000 and $30,000. A summons costs $10 per defendant. Cases with more than five defendants pay the regular fee plus $2.50 for each extra defendant.

Other fees include $85 for writs, $9 for service by registered mail, $70 for foreclosure sales, and $42 for sealing a court file. If you qualify for civil indigence under Florida Statute 57.082, filing and summons fees may be waived. Other costs may still apply even with an indigence finding. Fees are due at the time of filing if you have not been found indigent.

Attorney trust account checks must have the words "Trust Account" or "IOLTA" printed on them. The clerk does not accept personal checks for any civil court filings in Broward County.

Obtaining Court Documents in Broward County

The Broward County records request page explains how to get copies of civil court documents. Most electronic court documents can be viewed or purchased online. Documents over 100 pages are not available for online purchase. Electronic certified documents cost $8 each and are available right after you order and pay. They never expire and can be used as many times as you need.

For in-person requests, copies cost $1 per page. Certification costs $2 per document. Search fees are $2 per year searched. You can pay with cash, cashier's check, attorney's check, money order, or credit cards. By mail, requests can take up to two weeks. The same fees apply.

The Archives Division at the Central Courthouse handles older records. It is on the 3rd floor, Room 03305 of the East Building. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Juvenile records are only available from the Juvenile division. Traffic, misdemeanor, and felony sealed or expunged records come from the filing division only.

Self-Help Resources in Broward County

The Self Help Equal Access Center and Law Library is at the Central Courthouse, 201 SE 6th St, North Wing, 1st Floor, Room 1800. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The center has forms for family, landlord-tenant, criminal, probate, guardianship, and traffic cases. Computers, Wi-Fi, Westlaw, Lexis, and quiet work areas are available. Law librarians can help you find what you need.

The clerk's office is unable to provide legal advice or help fill out forms. As a self-represented party, it is helpful to learn court rules, proper legal filings, and service requirements. DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal that helps you complete court forms through guided interview questions. Standard filing fees still apply when you file.

Public Records Access in Broward County

Florida has broad 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 Broward County. You do not need to be a party in a case. You can ask to see any public civil court file. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time.

Some limits exist. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Social security numbers and bank account numbers stay confidential. But most civil court files in Broward County are open to the public. The Find a Clerk directory lists contact info for all 67 county clerks if you need to reach another county.

Cities in Broward County

Broward County has many cities and towns. All civil court cases for these cities go through the Broward County Clerk of Court. Fort Lauderdale is the county seat. The clerk has regional courthouses in Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, and Plantation for convenience.

Other communities in Broward County include Weston, Coconut Creek, Margate, Oakland Park, and North Lauderdale. All use the Broward County clerk's office for civil court records.

Nearby Counties

Broward County is the only county in the 17th Judicial Circuit. If your civil case involves a dispute in a neighboring county, you may need to file there instead. Check the address where the issue took place to determine the right county.