Broward County Florida background check records show criminal history, court cases, arrest data, and other public files for people who live or have lived in this South Florida region. The records come from the Broward County Clerk of Court in Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO), and city police departments.
Anyone can search these records online or in person. Florida law makes most of these records open to the public. This page covers every official source, the costs, the legal rules, and the exact steps to run a full background check in Broward County.
Official Sources for Broward County Background Check Records
Broward County has four main record sources. Each one holds a different type of data. Together, they give a full picture of a person’s legal history in the county and across Florida.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court holds all court case files for the county. This includes criminal cases, civil suits, family law filings, traffic cases, probate records, and small claims. The clerk’s office is run by Clerk Brenda D. Forman. The main office sits at 201 SE Sixth Street, Suite 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can reach the clerk by phone at (954) 831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The clerk’s website at browardclerk.org gives free online case search tools. You can search by name, case number, or party. Each result shows filing dates, charges, hearing dates, case status, and a list of filed documents.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database for all 67 Florida counties. The system covers arrests, charges, convictions, and dispositions from every county. You can run a name-based search through CCHInet at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The cost is $24 per search. Results arrive by email, often within 24 hours. This is the best tool for checking if someone has a criminal record anywhere in Florida, not just in Broward County.
Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO)
BSO runs arrest records, inmate rosters, and active warrant lists for the county. Their website has a public inmate search tool. This tool shows people who are currently in the Broward County jail system. It also shows recent bookings, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. BSO data covers arrests made by sheriff deputies. City police departments like Fort Lauderdale PD, Hollywood PD, and Pembroke Pines PD also hold arrest data for their own jurisdictions.
MyFloridaCounty Official Records Portal
The MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com covers recorded documents for all Florida counties, including Broward. This site holds liens, judgments, deeds, mortgages, and other recorded instruments. These records add financial and property data to a background check. Court case searches may not show this type of data. Official records searches on this portal cost a small fee per page or per document.
Florida Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida has one of the broadest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes says all government records are open to the public. This includes criminal history records, court files, arrest reports, and most official documents. You do not need to give a reason for your request. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen.
What Records Are Open to the Public
Most Broward County background check records are public. This includes adult criminal case filings, court dispositions, traffic citations, civil lawsuits, arrest records, booking photos, and official recorded documents like deeds and liens. Court dockets, hearing dates, and final judgments are also open. The clerk’s office and FDLE must give you access to these records upon request.
What Records Are Sealed or Expunged
Some records are not open. Sealed records and expunged records are removed from public access. Florida law allows certain people to seal or expunge their criminal records under specific conditions. Juvenile records also have extra protections. Some records are exempt by statute, such as active criminal intelligence data, home addresses of law enforcement officers, and certain personal data. If a record has been sealed or expunged, it will not show up in a regular FDLE or clerk search.
How to Correct Wrong Records
If you find wrong data in your own criminal history, FDLE has a personal record review process. You can request a copy of your own Florida criminal record through the FDLE website. If the record has errors, you can file a challenge. FDLE will review the data with the original court or arresting agency. Most errors get fixed within 30 to 60 days.
Types of Background Checks in Broward County
Florida uses two main background check levels. Both apply in Broward County. Each type serves a different purpose.
Level 1 Background Check (Name-Based)
A Level 1 check is a name-based search. FDLE runs the person’s full name and date of birth through the statewide criminal history database. The search pulls up arrests, charges, dispositions, and convictions from all 67 Florida counties. You order it online through CCHInet for $24. No fingerprints are needed. Results arrive by email in about one business day. Level 1 checks work for volunteer work, some licensing requirements, and personal use.
Level 2 Background Check (Fingerprint-Based)
A Level 2 check uses fingerprints. The prints go to FDLE and the FBI for a national search. This type covers Florida records and federal records. It also covers arrests in other states through the FBI database. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes requires Level 2 checks for people who work with children, the elderly, or disabled persons. It also applies to many government jobs, healthcare positions, and financial roles. You must visit an approved LiveScan vendor in Broward County to get printed.
VECHS Program for Volunteers and Employees
VECHS stands for Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System. FDLE runs VECHS under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes. VECHS gives approved organizations access to state and national criminal history checks. Only groups registered with FDLE can use this system. In Broward County, this covers schools, youth programs, hospitals, nursing homes, and nonprofit agencies. Contact FDLE at (850) 410-8324 for VECHS registration.
Step-by-Step: How to Run a Background Check in Broward County
Running a Broward County background check takes a few steps. The exact method depends on what type of records you need.
Step 1: Search the Clerk’s Online System
Go to browardclerk.org. Click the case search link. Enter the person’s full legal name. Add a date of birth if you have it. You can also search by case number if you know it. The system will show all matching cases. Each case shows the charge, filing date, current status, and next hearing. This step is free.
Step 2: Run an FDLE Criminal History Search
Visit cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Create an account or log in. Enter the person’s full name, date of birth, and race. Pay the $24 fee by credit card. FDLE will email the results, often within 24 hours. This step covers every county in Florida, not just Broward.
Step 3: Check BSO Inmate and Arrest Records
Visit the Broward County Sheriff’s Office website. Use the inmate search tool. Enter the person’s name. The tool shows current inmates and recent bookings. This helps you see if the person was recently arrested in Broward County.
Step 4: Search Official Recorded Documents
Visit myfloridacounty.com. Search Broward County records. Enter the person’s name. Look for liens, judgments, deeds, and mortgages. These records show financial and property history.
Step 5: Get Copies of Documents
If you need certified copies of court records, visit the clerk’s office at 201 SE Sixth Street in Fort Lauderdale. Bring a photo ID. Ask the clerk for the file by name or case number. Pay the copy fees at the counter. You can also mail a written request to the clerk’s office with the person’s full name, date of birth, case details, and a check for the fees.
Background Check Costs in Broward County
Background check fees vary by the type of search. Below is a clear breakdown of the main costs.
FDLE Level 1 Name-Based Check Fees
The standard FDLE name-based criminal history search costs $24. This is a fixed fee set by Florida law. You pay online with a credit or debit card through CCHInet. There are no extra fees for the report itself.
Clerk of Court Copy Fees
The Broward County Clerk charges per page for document copies. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. Online case searches on the clerk’s website are free. Fees only apply when you request copies of actual documents.
Level 2 Fingerprint Check Fees
Level 2 fingerprint checks have higher costs. The exact fee depends on the LiveScan vendor. Most Broward County vendors charge between $50 and $100. This fee covers the fingerprint capture, state processing, and FBI processing. Some employers cover this cost for job applicants.
Third-Party Background Check Services
Many private companies offer Florida background checks. These services pull data from FDLE, court clerks, and other sources. Costs range from $25 to $150. For employment use, these services must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). FCRA-compliant checks include extra steps like consent forms and adverse action notices.
| Service Type | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDLE Level 1 Search | $24.00 | cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us |
| Plain Court Copy | $0.15 per page | Broward County Clerk |
| Certified Court Copy | $1.00 per page | Broward County Clerk |
| Online Case Search | Free | browardclerk.org |
| Level 2 Fingerprint Check | $50 to $100 | FDLE Approved Vendor |
| Third-Party FCRA Check | $25 to $150 | Private Vendor |
Broward County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Broward County Clerk of Court is the main hub for court records in the county. Below are the key contact details.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Brenda D. Forman |
| Main Office Address | 201 SE Sixth Street, Suite 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone Number | (954) 831-6565 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Official Website | browardclerk.org |
Branch Court Locations in Broward County
Broward County has several branch court locations. The main courthouse is in Fort Lauderdale. Other branches serve the northern, southern, and western parts of the county. Branch locations include the North Broward Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, the South Broward Courthouse in Hollywood, and the West Broward Courthouse in Plantation. Each branch handles cases for its region. All case files are stored in the same central system. You can search any case from any location through the clerk’s online portal.
Cities and Communities in Broward County
Broward County covers about 1,320 square miles. It has over 30 cities and towns. All court records for these areas go through the same clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale. Twelve cities in the county have a population over 75,000.
Largest Cities by Population
The largest city in Broward County is Fort Lauderdale, with over 180,000 people. Pembroke Pines is the second largest, with about 170,000 residents. Hollywood has around 155,000 people. Miramar has about 140,000. Coral Springs has over 130,000. Davie has about 110,000. Pompano Beach has about 115,000. Plantation has around 95,000. Sunrise has about 100,000. Deerfield Beach, Lauderhill, and Tamarac each have over 75,000 residents.
Other Broward County Communities
Other communities in Broward County include Weston, Coconut Creek, Margate, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Cooper City, Oakland Park, North Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, Parkland, Wilton Manors, and Southwest Ranches. Each of these cities has its own police department, but all court cases go through the Broward County court system and clerk’s office.
Nearby Counties and Cross-Border Records
Broward County borders three other South Florida counties. If the person you are checking lived or worked in a nearby county, their records may be in a different clerk’s office.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County sits just south of Broward. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court holds court records for Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Hialeah, and other cities in that county. If the person has records in both Broward and Miami-Dade, you need to search both clerk systems. The FDLE state search will cover both counties in one report.
Palm Beach County Records
Palm Beach County sits just north of Broward. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court holds records for West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and other cities. Again, an FDLE statewide search will pull Palm Beach data along with Broward data in one report.
Collier County Records
Collier County sits on the southwest Gulf Coast. It does not border Broward directly, but people move between the two regions. If the person lived in Collier County at any point, their records are at the Collier County Clerk of Court in Naples. The FDLE state search covers Collier County as well.
Common Uses for Broward County Background Checks
People run background checks for many reasons. Each purpose may require a different type of search.
Background Check for Employment
Florida employers often run background checks before hiring. Some jobs require Level 2 fingerprint checks by law. These include jobs in schools, childcare, healthcare, law enforcement, and government. Other jobs only need Level 1 name-based checks. Under the FCRA, employers must get written consent from the applicant before running a background check. If the employer decides not to hire based on the report, they must send an adverse action notice.
Background Check for Housing
Landlords in Broward County often run background checks on rental applicants. These checks look at criminal history, eviction records, and credit history. Florida law does not ban landlords from running criminal background checks. Many landlords reject applicants with certain felony convictions. Local cities like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach have local rules on how landlords can use criminal history.
Background Check for Personal Reasons
Many people run background checks for personal reasons. You may want to check a new neighbor, a romantic partner, a business partner, or a family member. You can run a Level 1 check on yourself to see what others can find. This helps you correct errors before they cause problems.
Background Check for Licensing
Florida requires background checks for many professional licenses. Doctors, nurses, teachers, real estate agents, contractors, and security guards all need background checks. The licensing board usually orders the check through FDLE. Applicants pay the fee and get printed at a LiveScan site.
Florida Criminal History Information Act
The Florida Criminal History Information Act sets the rules for how criminal records are stored, shared, and used. FDLE manages the state’s criminal history files under this law. The act makes sure records are accurate, current, and available to the right people.
Who Can Access Criminal Records
Criminal history records are open to the person named in the record. They are also open to criminal justice agencies, employers for certain jobs, licensing boards, and the general public for most records. Sealed and expunged records are only open to the person and certain agencies listed in the law.
How Records Are Updated
When a court enters a final disposition, the clerk sends the data to FDLE. FDLE updates the state database within a few days. Arrest data goes into the system when the arrest is made. This means most Florida criminal records are current within 30 days of the court action.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Florida
Florida law allows certain people to seal or expunge their criminal records. This removes the records from public access.
Eligibility for Expungement
You may qualify for expungement if you were arrested but not charged, if charges were dropped, if you completed a diversion program, or if you received a withhold of adjudication for certain misdemeanors. You cannot expunge a felony conviction. You also cannot expunge multiple convictions. A sealed record still exists but is hidden from the public. An expunged record is physically destroyed.
How to Seal or Expunge a Record
File a petition with the clerk of court in the county where the case was handled. Pay the filing fee. Get a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. Attend a court hearing. The judge decides whether to grant the sealing or expungement. After approval, FDLE and the clerk seal or destroy the records.
Contact Information and Official Resources
Below is a full list of official websites, phone numbers, and addresses for Broward County background check records.
Broward County Clerk of Court: 201 SE Sixth Street, Suite 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: (954) 831-6565. Website: browardclerk.org. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
FDLE Criminal History Records: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Phone: (850) 410-8324. General email through the FDLE website contact page.
Broward County Sheriff’s Office: 2601 W Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Phone: (954) 765-4321. Website: sheriff.org.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Headquarters: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
MyFloridaCounty Official Records: myfloridacounty.com. This portal serves all 67 Florida counties, including Broward.
Florida Attorney General Open Government: myfloridalegal.com. This page covers public records law and your rights under Chapter 119.
Florida Statutes Online: leg.state.fl.us. Chapter 119 covers public records. Chapter 435 covers Level 2 background checks. Chapter 943 covers VECHS and criminal history programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Background Checks
Below are answers to common questions about Broward County Florida background check records. These questions cover the most searched topics related to criminal history searches, public records access, and employment screening in Broward County. The answers reflect current Florida law and FDLE procedures as of 2026.
How Long Does an FDLE Background Check Take?
Most FDLE name-based background checks return results within 24 hours. Some searches take up to 3 business days. Fingerprint-based Level 2 checks take longer, often 5 to 7 business days. The exact time depends on the workload at FDLE and the FBI. You can check the status of your order through your CCHInet account.
Can I Run a Background Check on Myself in Florida?
Yes. You can request a personal record review from FDLE at any time. This shows you everything on file under your name. It helps you spot errors before employers or landlords see them. You can order a personal review through the FDLE criminal history records page. The fee is the same $24 as a standard name-based search.
Are Juvenile Records Public in Broward County?
No. Juvenile records in Florida are not open to the public. They are confidential under Florida law. You cannot search juvenile cases through the clerk’s online system or through FDLE. Only the juvenile, the parents or guardians, the juvenile court, and certain agencies can access juvenile records.
What Shows Up on a Florida Background Check?
A Florida background check shows arrests, charges, convictions, dispositions, sentencing data, and court outcomes. It also shows pending cases, active warrants, and probation status. It does not show sealed or expunged records. It does not show juvenile records. Traffic infractions are included unless they were dismissed.
Do I Need Fingerprints for a Broward County Background Check?
Not for a Level 1 check. A Level 1 name-based search only needs the person’s full name and date of birth. Fingerprints are required for Level 2 checks. These checks are used for jobs in education, healthcare, childcare, and government. LiveScan sites in Broward County offer fingerprinting by appointment.
Can I Use an Out-of-State Background Check in Florida?
It depends on the purpose. For personal use, you can use any background check source. For employment, licensing, or housing in Florida, you usually need an FDLE check or a Level 2 check that covers Florida records. Many employers run both a national check and an FDLE check to cover all bases.
How Do I Find Out If Someone Has a Warrant in Broward County?
Check the Broward County Sheriff’s Office website for active warrant lists. You can also call BSO at (954) 765-4321. FDLE does not list active warrants, but the state criminal history search will show pending charges. You can also contact the clerk of court to see if a case is active.