Search Broward County Background Checks
Broward County background check records are held by the Clerk of Court in Fort Lauderdale and by FDLE at the state level. With close to two million residents, Broward is one of the most populous counties in Florida. The court system here handles a massive volume of criminal, civil, and family cases each year. Whether you need to look up criminal history, search court filings, or pull public records, Broward County has several online tools and in-person options for getting the data you need. This page walks you through how to run a background check in Broward County step by step.
Broward County Quick Facts
How to Search Broward County Records
Broward County has one of the better online court record systems in Florida. The Broward County Clerk's website at browardclerk.org lets you search cases by name, case number, or party. The results are detailed. You get filing dates, charges, case status, hearing dates, and document lists. Criminal cases show arrest charges and dispositions. Civil cases show the parties and the type of filing. This free tool is the fastest way to start a background check in Broward County from home.
For official recorded documents, the MyFloridaCounty portal covers Broward County. This shows liens, judgments, deeds, and other recorded items. These records add depth to a background check because they cover financial and property matters that court case searches may miss.
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database. Use CCHInet to submit a name-based Level 1 check for $24. This pulls arrest and conviction data from all 67 Florida counties. If the person has records in Broward County or any other county, they appear in the results. Most reports come back within 24 hours.
In person, go to the Broward County Clerk's office at 201 SE Sixth St in Fort Lauderdale. Staff can search cases and pull files for you. Bring ID.
Broward County Clerk of Court Office
Brenda D. Forman serves as the Broward County Clerk of Court. The main office is at 201 SE Sixth St, Suite 18150, in Fort Lauderdale. This is a large operation. The Broward County Clerk handles millions of records and serves one of the biggest court systems in the state. You can reach the office at (954) 831-6565.
The Broward County Clerk's website at browardclerk.org is a hub for court records and public documents.
This portal lets you search court cases, view dockets, and access official records for Broward County.
| Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 SE Sixth St, Ste 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
Note: Broward County has branch court locations throughout the county for different divisions.
Broward County Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes says all government records are open for public inspection. This is one of the broadest public records laws in the country. In Broward County, this means anyone can ask the clerk for court records, police reports, or other government documents. You do not need to give a reason for your request. You do not need to be a resident.
Most background check records in Broward County are public. Criminal case filings, civil suits, traffic cases, and official recorded documents are all open. The exceptions are sealed records, expunged files, and specific items covered by a statutory exemption. Juvenile records have extra protections. But for the vast majority of cases, you can walk in and look at the file or pull it up online.
The Attorney General's Open Government page is a resource if you have questions about your rights. If any Broward County office refuses to give you access to a public record, the AG's office can step in and help resolve it.
Background Check Fees in Broward County
Running a background check in Broward County has some costs. FDLE charges a flat $24 for a state criminal history check. You pay at the FDLE criminal history records page. This covers the Level 1 name-based search. The Broward County Clerk charges for copies of documents. Plain copies are $0.15 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page.
Searching the Broward County Clerk's online case system is free. You can look up as many names as you want at no charge. The fee only kicks in when you request copies of actual documents. Level 2 fingerprint checks have higher fees that vary by agency and vendor.
- FDLE Level 1 check: $24.00
- Plain copy from clerk: $0.15 per page
- Certified copy: $1.00 per page
- Online case search: Free
Background Check Types for Broward County
Level 1 and Level 2 are the two standard background check types in Florida. Both are used in Broward County. A Level 1 check is name-based. FDLE runs the person's name against the statewide criminal history database. It turns up arrests, charges, and outcomes. You order it through CCHInet for $24. Results come by email in about a day. This is the most common type for people who want a quick background check.
Level 2 checks need fingerprints. They run through both FDLE and the FBI for national coverage. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes requires Level 2 for certain positions. Broward County has many approved LiveScan vendors. You can find one in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Coral Springs, and other cities. FDLE lists all approved sites by zip code on their website. Results take a few business days.
The Broward County Sheriff's Office is another source for background check data. Their website has inmate search tools and arrest records.
The BSO site adds another layer to your Broward County background check with current booking and arrest data.
Broward County Criminal History Programs
FDLE runs the VECHS program under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes. VECHS stands for Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System. It gives approved organizations access to state and national criminal history records. Only groups that are registered with FDLE can use it. In Broward County, this covers nonprofit groups and agencies that work with children, the elderly, or disabled people. If you are part of an approved group, contact FDLE at (850) 410-8324 for more on how to use VECHS.
Personal record review is another option. If you want to check your own criminal history in Florida, you can request a personal review through the FDLE website. This shows you everything that is on file under your name. If something is wrong, you can start a process to correct it. This is available to anyone in Broward County or anywhere in the state.
How to Get Record Copies in Broward County
Visit the Broward County Clerk at 201 SE Sixth St in Fort Lauderdale to get copies of court records. Ask for the file by name or case number. Staff will look it up and print copies for you. Pay at the counter. For written requests, mail a letter to the clerk with the person's full name, case details, and a check for the fees. You can also use the Find a Clerk page to get full contact info for the Broward County clerk and branch offices.
FDLE records are ordered through CCHInet online. Pay $24 with a credit card. Results come by email. For Level 2 fingerprint results, the requesting agency usually handles the process. You just need to get printed at an approved site in Broward County and the results go straight to the agency that ordered the check.
Cities in Broward County
Broward County is home to many large cities. All court records for these areas go through the Broward County Clerk of Court in Fort Lauderdale. Twelve cities in Broward County have a population over 75,000.
Other communities in Broward County include Weston, Coconut Creek, Margate, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, and Cooper City. Court records for all Broward County cities go through the same clerk's office in Fort Lauderdale.
Nearby Counties
Broward County borders several other South Florida counties. If the person you are checking lived in a nearby area, their records may be in one of these.