Broward County criminal history records are official documents that show arrests, charges, court actions, and final outcomes for criminal cases handled in Broward County, Florida. These records cover every stage of a criminal case, starting from the moment a person is arrested through booking, court hearings, plea deals, trial verdicts, sentencing, and any post-conviction actions.
The records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Court, which serves the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, one of the busiest trial court systems in Florida. Anyone can ask for these records for legal, personal, or professional reasons, as long as the request follows Florida public records laws.
This page covers how to get these records, what they contain, who keeps them, and what to do about mistakes or sealed cases. It also covers statewide searches through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, record clearing options, and how background checks work under federal law.
What Broward County Criminal History Records Contain
Criminal history records in Broward County are full case files. They show more than just an arrest. They track every legal action tied to a person or a case. These records are used by courts, lawyers, employers, licensing boards, and the public.
Core Data Fields in Each Record
Each criminal history entry has a standard set of data fields that help identify the person and describe the case. The name on the record, date of birth, race, sex, and a state identification number are always listed. The arrest date, the agency that made the arrest, and the charges filed are also included. The record then shows what happened next in court, including the final outcome, any sentence given, and whether the person is on probation, in prison, or has completed their sentence.
The disposition section is one of the most important parts. It tells you how the case ended. A case can end in many ways. It can be dismissed, dropped, or dropped because the person completed a diversion program. It can also end with a guilty plea, a guilty verdict at trial, a not guilty verdict, or a withheld adjudication. Each outcome has a specific legal meaning and affects how the record is viewed by employers and licensing boards.
Arrest Records, Court Records, and Disposition Records
These three types of records work together. An arrest record shows the police action. A court record shows what happened during the legal process. A disposition record shows the final result. In Florida, an arrest alone does not prove guilt. A full criminal history record shows both the arrest and what the court decided.
Arrest records in Broward County are created by the Broward Sheriff’s Office and city police departments in cities like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Davie. Once an arrest happens, the case is filed with the Clerk of Court. Court records cover filings, motions, hearings, and trial transcripts. Disposition records close out the case with a final code that shows the result.
Who Maintains These Records
The Broward County Clerk of Court is the main keeper of criminal case records in the county. The Clerk’s office stores paper and digital files for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. Records are sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which runs the statewide Computerized Criminal History system, also called CCH. FDLE combines records from all 67 Florida counties into one database that can be searched for a fee.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office keeps its own internal records on arrests and investigations, but these are not always open to the public. The Florida Department of Corrections keeps records on people who were sentenced to state prison. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles keeps driving-related criminal records.
How to Search Broward County Criminal History
There are four main ways to search criminal history records in Broward County. Each method works for different needs, time limits, and budgets. The Clerk’s office handles all official records requests and can provide both regular and certified copies.
Online Search Through the Clerk Website
The Broward County Clerk of Court runs an online records search tool at browardclerk.org. The tool lets you look up criminal cases by defendant name, case number, or citation number. You can view case summaries, hearing dates, and final dispositions without paying a fee. The system shows records from 1977 to the present, which covers most living adults who may have a record in the county.
To start a search, go to the Clerk’s website and click on the Court Records search link. Type the full legal name of the person. Add the date of birth if you know it, since this narrows the results and helps you find the right match. If you have a case number, that gives you the exact file. The results will show the case type, charges, and current status. You can print the page for your records. Certified copies cost a fee and must be ordered through a separate process.
In-Person Requests at the Courthouse
The main Broward County Courthouse is located at 201 Southeast Sixth Street in Fort Lauderdale. The Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for court holidays. Walk-in customers can use public access terminals in the lobby to search records on their own. Clerk staff can also help you locate files and order copies.
Bring a valid photo ID. Florida law requires ID for record requests. If you are asking for someone else’s record, you must have a legal reason under Florida Statute Chapter 119. Staff can deny requests that do not meet the legal standards. There is no fee to view records on a public terminal, but printing and certified copies have costs.
For satellite locations, the Broward County Clerk has branch offices in places like the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach and the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. These offices handle many of the same tasks. Call ahead at (954) 831-6565 to confirm hours and services at the location you plan to visit.
Mail and Phone Requests
Mail requests work well for people who do not live near the courthouse. Send a written request to the Clerk’s office with the full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search and copy fees. Mail requests can take several weeks because of the time needed to process them and mail the results back.
Phone requests are limited. The Clerk’s office can answer questions about how to search and what fees apply, but they cannot give full criminal history details over the phone due to privacy rules. The main number is (954) 831-6565.
Data Needed to Start a Search
The more you know about the person you are searching, the better your results will be. Always have the full legal name. Date of birth helps the most when names are common. Race and sex can help narrow results, but they are not always needed. Case numbers are exact matches when you have them. Knowing the rough year of the arrest also helps, since older records may not be in the online system.
For personal use, you have the right to see your own criminal record. The Clerk’s office and FDLE both have processes for personal record reviews. You do not need a lawyer to ask for your own record.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
A county search only shows records in Broward. A statewide search through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows records from all 67 counties. Most employers, licensing boards, and immigration offices ask for statewide searches, not just county searches.
What the Statewide Database Covers
The FDLE Computerized Criminal History system, or CCH, holds arrest and disposition records from every Florida county. It also holds Florida arrests of people who live in other states. The database goes back many decades and is updated daily as new cases move through the courts. The CCH does not hold federal court records, out-of-state records, or traffic infractions that did not lead to an arrest.
The system uses a record format that includes personal identifiers, arrest details, charge codes, statute numbers, and court outcomes. Each entry links to the original case in the county where the case was filed. FDLE certified copies are accepted by courts, federal agencies, and most employers.
How to Request a Statewide Search
FDLE has two main ways to get a statewide criminal history. The first is the CCHInet online system, which is the fastest method. You go to the FDLE website, create an account, and submit a name-based search. You pay the fee with a credit card. The results come back in minutes for most requests. This is called an instant search.
The second way is a certified search. You can order a certified record online, by mail, or in person at an FDLE approved livescan location. Certified searches take longer but give you an official document with a state seal, which most legal and government requests require. FDLE also accepts fingerprint-based searches, which are the most accurate. Fingerprint searches are required for many professional licenses and immigration applications.
The main FDLE phone line for criminal history questions is (850) 410-8161. The FDLE Public Records Unit handles bulk requests and can be reached at the same number during business hours.
Costs and Processing Times
FDLE charges different fees based on the type of search. As of 2026, the standard name-based search costs $24, plus a vendor processing fee when ordered through a third-party channeler. Fingerprint-based searches cost more and depend on the livescan vendor you use. Certified copies add an extra fee for the state seal and signature.
Instant online results return in minutes. Standard certified searches take 5 to 10 business days. Mail requests can take 2 to 4 weeks. Rush services are not always available, so plan ahead for immigration or court deadlines.
Differences Between County and Statewide Records
County records are the original source. They have the most detail, including full court filings, hearing transcripts, and sentencing documents. Statewide records are summaries built from county data. They show the same key facts but lack the deeper file details. For most background checks, statewide records are enough. For legal cases and appeals, county records are better.
Errors found in statewide FDLE records must be fixed through the county where the case was filed. FDLE does not change records directly. You must work with the original Clerk of Court to correct mistakes.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Broward County
Florida law allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records under specific conditions. Sealing and expungement are not the same, and each has its own rules under Florida Statute Section 943.059 and 943.0585.
What Sealing a Record Means
When a record is sealed, it is hidden from most public searches. The record still exists in the system, but only certain government agencies can see it. Courts, law enforcement, and some licensing boards can still access sealed records. The general public and most employers cannot see them. Sealed records do not show up on most background checks.
Sealing is available for people who were arrested but not convicted, or who had their adjudication withheld and completed their sentence. It is also available for people who completed a diversion program and had the charges dropped.
What Expungement Means
Expungement is stronger than sealing. The record is physically destroyed by the Clerk of Court and FDLE. After expungement, the person can legally say they were never arrested or charged for that case, with a few exceptions. Law enforcement and some government agencies can still see expunged records in narrow cases. Most private employers and the public cannot.
Expungement is only available once in a person’s lifetime under Florida law. Not every case qualifies. People who were found guilty at trial or who pleaded guilty to certain charges cannot expunge those records.
Eligibility Requirements
To seal or expunge a record, you must meet the rules in Florida Statute Section 943.0585 or 943.059. You must have no prior convictions for most crimes. You must not have used sealing or expungement before, except in narrow cases. The case must have ended in a way that allows the relief, such as a dismissal, a dropped charge, a not guilty verdict, or a withheld adjudication where you completed your sentence.
You must also get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE before you file your petition with the court. The certificate confirms you meet the legal standards. Without the certificate, the court cannot grant the sealing or expungement.
The Application Process
The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. You can apply online or by mail. FDLE will run a background check and review your criminal record. If you qualify, they issue the certificate, which is valid for one year.
The second step is to file a petition with the Broward County Clerk of Court. The petition must include the certificate, a sworn statement, and the correct filing fee. The State Attorney’s Office and the arresting agency can object. If no one objects, the court can grant the petition without a hearing. If there is an objection, a judge will hold a hearing and make a ruling.
Once the court grants the petition, the Clerk seals or destroys the records, and FDLE updates its database. The process usually takes 4 to 6 months from start to finish.
Using Criminal History for Background Checks
Criminal history records are used for many legal purposes. Employers, licensing boards, landlords, and volunteer groups all use these records to make decisions. Federal and state laws control how these records can be used.
Employment Background Checks in Florida
Florida employers often use criminal history as part of the hiring process. State law does not ban the use of criminal records, but it does limit how employers can use them. The Florida Civil Rights Act and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules prevent employers from automatically rejecting every applicant with a record. Employers must look at the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and how it relates to the job.
For most jobs, employers order statewide criminal history checks through FDLE or through a third-party background check company that uses FDLE data. For jobs that work with children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults, fingerprint-based FBI checks are also required.
Volunteer and Licensing Background Checks
Many volunteer positions and professional licenses require a criminal history check. Teachers, healthcare workers, childcare workers, real estate agents, and security guards all need background checks before they can start work. These checks are usually fingerprint-based and run through FDLE and the FBI.
Florida law requires that certain professions have clean records. For example, people convicted of certain felonies cannot work as school teachers, law enforcement officers, or nurses. The licensing board in each field sets its own rules about what disqualifies an applicant.
FCRA Compliance for Employers
When employers use a third-party background check company, the Fair Credit Reporting Act applies. The employer must get written permission from the applicant before running the check. The employer must give the applicant a copy of the report and a written notice if they plan to take adverse action based on the report. The applicant has the right to dispute any errors in the report.
Background check companies must follow strict accuracy rules. They must use reasonable procedures to make sure the records are correct and up to date. If a company reports wrong information, the applicant can sue for damages under the FCRA.
Personal Use of Your Own Record
You have the right to ask for a copy of your own criminal history record from FDLE and from the Broward County Clerk. This is a good idea if you plan to apply for a job, a license, or immigration benefits. You can spot errors and fix them before they cause problems. You can also check if past records were properly sealed or expunged.
To get your own record, you can use the same FDLE CCHInet system that employers use, or you can file a request with the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.
Correcting Errors in Your Criminal History
Mistakes in criminal records are more common than most people think. Names get mixed up, dispositions get miscoded, and arrests get listed twice. Florida law gives you the right to fix these errors.
Common Types of Errors
The most common error is a name mismatch. People with common names like John Smith or Maria Garcia often have records that belong to other people. Another common error is a wrong disposition code. A case that was dismissed may be listed as a conviction, or a withheld adjudication may be listed as a guilty plea.
Duplicate entries are also a problem. The same arrest can show up twice if it was reported by both the local police and the county sheriff. Outdated records that should have been sealed can still show up if the sealing order was not properly recorded.
How to File a Challenge
To fix an error in a Broward County record, you must file a challenge with the Clerk of Court. The Clerk’s office has a form for this purpose. You must explain the error in writing and provide proof, such as a court order, a certified disposition, or other documents that show the correct data.
For errors in the FDLE statewide database, you must file a challenge with the FDLE Criminal History Records Unit. FDLE will contact the county where the record originated and work with them to make the correction. The process can take several months.
What Happens After You File
Once the challenge is filed, the Clerk’s office or FDLE will review the record and the proof you provided. If they agree there is an error, they will correct the record and notify any agencies that received the wrong data. If they deny the challenge, you can ask for a court hearing to argue your case before a judge.
It is a good idea to keep copies of everything you send. If the error causes harm, such as a lost job, you may have a claim under the FCRA or under Florida consumer protection laws.
Broward County Clerk of Court Contact Details
You can reach the Broward County Clerk of Court using the contact details and location below. The Clerk’s office is the main place to ask for criminal history records, certified copies, and record corrections in the county.
Office: Broward County Clerk of Court
Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Suite 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Criminal History
The following questions cover the most common concerns people have about criminal history records in Broward County. Each answer gives a direct, useful response based on Florida law and current Clerk of Court practices.
How long does a criminal record stay on file in Florida?
Florida keeps criminal records permanently unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. There is no automatic deletion after a set number of years. A misdemeanor from 30 years ago will still show up on a background check unless the person got a court order to seal or expunge it. Some records, like non-conviction records, may qualify for sealing even decades later. People with old records should check their eligibility for record clearing under current law.
Can I check my own criminal record for free in Broward County?
You can view your Broward County case records for free on the Clerk’s online portal. The portal lets you search by name and date of birth. You can also visit the courthouse and use the public terminals without paying a fee. For a statewide criminal history check through FDLE, the fee applies even for personal use. Certified copies always have a fee, no matter the reason for the request.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record?
An arrest record only shows that police took a person into custody. A criminal record is broader. It includes the arrest plus the court case, the charges, the plea or verdict, and the final outcome. Under Florida law, an arrest alone does not mean a person is guilty. Many arrests end without charges or with dropped charges. A full criminal record shows what happened after the arrest.
Will a sealed record show up on a background check?
A properly sealed record will not show up on most private background checks. The Clerk of Court and FDLE will not release the record to employers, landlords, or the public. Law enforcement agencies and some licensing boards can still see sealed records under limited conditions. Expunged records are even more protected and are physically destroyed by the Clerk. After expungement, the person can say under oath that the record does not exist.
How do I fix a wrong disposition on my record?
To fix a wrong disposition, you must file a challenge with the Broward County Clerk of Court. You will need to provide proof, such as a certified court order showing the correct outcome. The Clerk will review the request and correct the record if the proof supports it. For errors on the FDLE statewide database, you also need to file a challenge with FDLE so the statewide summary is updated. Errors in disposition codes can affect employment and licensing, so it pays to fix them quickly.
Do employers in Florida use county or statewide criminal checks?
Most Florida employers use statewide criminal history checks through FDLE. A county-only check is rare because it would miss records from other parts of the state. For sensitive jobs, employers also use fingerprint-based FBI checks that cover federal records and out-of-state records. Florida does not require employers to use one type over another, but statewide checks are the most common standard.
How long does it take to get a criminal record in Broward County?
Online searches through the Clerk’s portal return results in seconds. Walk-in requests at the courthouse can be processed in about 30 minutes for simple searches. FDLE instant online searches return in minutes. Certified searches through FDLE take 5 to 10 business days. Mail requests to the Clerk can take 2 to 4 weeks. Fingerprint-based searches through livescan vendors take 1 to 3 days for most results.