This page helps you use Case Search in Broward County, Florida, and understand what to do when online records are limited or missing. It focuses on the public search path, document access limits, and other official options for Broward County users.
For most public lookups, the starting point is the Broward County Clerk of Courts Case Search - Public system. If you need copies, older files, or records that are not available online, Broward County Clerk of Courts also provides records request and in-person options.
Case Search - Public
The main public tool for Broward County case lookup is the Broward County Clerk of Courts public search page.
- Open the public case search tool.
- Complete the site access prompt and continue to the search area.
- Review the case listing and available docket entries.
- Open any public document links that are available for that case.
Not every docket item will include a document. Broward County began electronically scanning documents in 2011, so older filings may not be available online in electronic form.
Important: information shown through the website does not constitute the Clerk’s official court record.
Online access rules and document limits
Public access is limited by Florida court access standards and confidentiality rules. Anonymous public users can view only the records and documents allowed for that access level.
Only redacted documents are available online. Confidential details such as account numbers and Social Security numbers are removed before public display.
If you need an un-redacted copy, you must go to the courthouse with a state-issued ID. After identity verification and confirmation that you are a party to the case, you may receive an un-redacted copy of a document.
Some cases are not viewable at all. Broward County’s case search glossary identifies expunged cases, sealed cases, and confidential cases as records that are not available to the general public. You can review the case search FAQ and the case search glossary for more detail on access terms.
Older records and records requests
If the case information or document you need is not available through the public search tool, Broward County Clerk of Courts offers a records request path for certain older court files.
Civil court records filed before 04/01/2013 and criminal court records filed before 01/06/2014 may be requested through the court records request process. For records filed after those dates, the Clerk directs users to the appropriate service location for in-person ordering, purchasing, or viewing.
Older court documents can only be purchased from the Archives Division. You can review the court records request information if the online case search does not cover the file you need.
The request form states that processing can take up to 2 weeks once the request is received.
Fees and record types
If you need copies from the Archives Division, the request form lists the following charges and payment details.
| Item | Amount or detail |
|---|---|
| Copy fee | $1.00 per page |
| Search fee | $2.00 per year searched |
| Certification fee | $2.00 per document |
| Payment methods | Cashier’s check, personal check, money order, American Express, Discover, Master Card, and Visa credit cards |
The form also allows requests for records such as dispositions, judgments, sentences, orders of probation, docket sheets, arrest reports, complaints, dissolution of marriage records, marriage licenses, wills, and other court documents.
Certified and online court documents
Electronic certified court documents are available for purchase on the website. Access still depends on the case type, document type, filing year, and your user access level.
Attorney of Record or Registered User access is required to view certain electronic court records, including Domestic Violence, Family, Guardianship, Mental Health, Probate, Juvenile Delinquency, and Juvenile Dependency and Adoption records.
If a document is listed on a case but cannot be opened, the issue may be related to access level, confidentiality rules, or the age of the file rather than a missing case entry.
Case search and records contacts
These contacts are useful when you need older court documents, in-person service, or help routing a records request.
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Archives Division — 201 SE 6th Street, Room 03-305, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Email: Redactarchives@browardclerk.org -
Main Courthouse Location — 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale Florida, US 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Common questions
How do I start a case search in Broward County, Florida?
Use the Broward County Clerk of Courts public case search system. It is the main online starting point for public case lookups in Broward County.
Why can I see some cases or documents but not others?
Access depends on Florida court access standards and the user’s access level. Anonymous public users cannot view confidential records and some case types have stricter access rules.
Can I get an un-redacted document online?
No. Only redacted documents are available online. To request an un-redacted copy, you must go to the courthouse with a state-issued ID and be verified as a party to the case.
Why is there a docket entry without a document link?
Some documents are not available electronically. Broward County began electronically scanning documents in 2011, so older filings may not appear online even when the docket item is listed.
What should I do if the case record I need is not online?
Use the Broward County court records request route for eligible older files, or go in person to the appropriate Clerk of Court service location for records that must be ordered, purchased, or viewed on site.
How long can a court records request take?
The court records request form says processing can take up to 2 weeks after the request is received.