Fort Lauderdale City Florida background check records give you a clear look at a person’s court history, arrest data, and criminal case results in this part of Broward County. The city sits along Florida’s southeast coast and serves as the county seat for Broward County.
Every criminal case filed in Fort Lauderdale moves through the Broward County court system. Records stay on file through local police, county courts, and state databases. You can search these records online, by mail, or in person. The system covers arrests, charges, convictions, sealed cases, expunged files, and active warrants. Most records stay open to the public under Florida law. This page explains where to search, what each system covers, what the fees are, and which laws control how records get shared.
Fort Lauderdale Background Check System Overview
Fort Lauderdale background check records come from three main sources. The first source is the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, which handles arrests within city limits. The second source is the Broward County Clerk of Court, which stores all court cases filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit. The third source is the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which runs the statewide criminal history database. Each source stores different parts of a person’s record. A full background check usually means checking all three. Local police records show arrests and incident reports. County court records show charges, plea deals, and sentences. State records pull together data from all 67 Florida counties. Together these sources build a complete picture of someone’s criminal history in Fort Lauderdale.
Who Manages Fort Lauderdale Background Check Records
The Broward County Clerk of Court manages court records for Fort Lauderdale because the city is the county seat. The clerk’s office handles all criminal, civil, family, and probate cases filed in the area. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department manages arrest reports and incident data for crimes that happen within city limits. FDLE manages statewide criminal history data and shares it with the FBI for national checks. Each office follows its own rules for who can view records and how requests get processed. The clerk’s office handles the largest share of public record requests in Broward County because it stores the most complete set of court files.
Types of Records Available
Fort Lauderdale background check records include several record types. Court case records show charges, court dates, plea deals, and sentences. Arrest records show when police took someone into custody. Warrants show active orders for arrest. Conviction records show final court outcomes. Traffic citations and misdemeanor cases also appear in the system. Civil court records show lawsuits, judgments, and liens. Each record type sits in a separate database. Some databases search by name. Others search by case number. Knowing which database fits your need saves time and money. Most people start with the clerk’s online search and move to FDLE if they need statewide data.
How to Request Fort Lauderdale Background Check Records
You can request Fort Lauderdale background check records through three main channels. The fastest method is online search tools. The most thorough method is an FDLE statewide check. The most formal method is an in-person visit to the clerk’s office. Each method costs a different amount and returns a different level of detail. Online searches through the clerk’s website cost nothing and show case data. FDLE name-based checks cost $24 and return official criminal history. FDLE fingerprint checks cost more and include FBI data. In-person requests at the clerk’s office let you view original documents and order certified copies.
Broward County Clerk of Court Records Request
The Broward County Clerk of Court runs an online case search at browardclerk.org. Type the first and last name of the person you want to search. The system shows all matching cases in Broward County. Each result shows the case number, type, charges, filing date, and current status. This search costs nothing and covers Fort Lauderdale and every other city in the county. You can also search by case number if you have one. For certified copies of court documents, visit the clerk’s office at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Plain copies cost 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. The office accepts cash, checks, and most credit cards.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department Records
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department keeps arrest reports for incidents within city limits. You can request police reports through the FLPD Records Unit. Most basic reports cost a small fee. Some reports stay sealed during active investigations. To request a police report, contact the FLPD Records Division or visit the police department in person. Reports from FLPD cover arrests, incident details, and officer observations. Once charges get filed, the case moves to the Broward County court system. Police reports then become part of the court record. For full background check purposes, you should check both police records and court records because they contain different data points.
Statewide FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs CCHInet, the statewide criminal history search system. Go to cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us and submit a name-based check. The fee is $24 per search. Results arrive by email within a few business days. This search pulls data from all Florida counties, so it captures any charges filed in Fort Lauderdale and from other parts of the state. It is a good choice when you do not know the person’s full history of where they lived. The FDLE check covers arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentences reported by local police and state attorneys. It does not include federal charges or out-of-state records unless you order a Level 2 fingerprint check.
FDLE Background Check Levels and Requirements
FDLE offers two main levels of background checks. Level 1 is a name-based search of Florida records only. Level 2 is a fingerprint-based search that includes both Florida and FBI national records. Each level serves a different purpose. Level 1 works for most volunteer positions and general employment. Level 2 works for jobs that involve children, elderly people, or sensitive positions. Florida law requires Level 2 checks for many licensed professions, including teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement officers. The cost and turnaround time differ between levels. Knowing which level you need before you order saves money and time.
Level 1 Name-Based Background Check
A Level 1 background check uses a person’s name to search the FDLE database. The current cost is $24 per search. You submit the request through CCHInet at fdle.state.fl.us. Results show arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by Florida law enforcement agencies. This level does not include FBI records. It does not include sealed or expunged records. It does not include juvenile records in most cases. The check takes a few business days to process. Results arrive by email. You can also request a printed copy mailed to your address for an extra fee. Level 1 checks work well for tenant screening, general volunteer work, and preliminary employment screening.
Level 2 Fingerprint Background Check
A Level 2 background check uses fingerprints to search both the FDLE database and the FBI national database. The cost ranges from $40 to $60 depending on the provider. You must visit a LiveScan location to get fingerprinted. Results include Florida records and federal records. This level covers arrests, convictions, and charges from other states. It also captures data that name-based searches miss because fingerprints identify people even when names change. Level 2 checks are required by Florida law for many positions that work with vulnerable populations. They are also required for some professional licenses. Results arrive by email or mail within a few business days after the LiveScan submission.
LiveScan Locations in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has several approved LiveScan fingerprinting locations. You can find providers through the Florida Health Source directory at flhealthsource.gov. Common locations include UPS stores, private fingerprinting companies, and sheriff’s office substations. Each location charges its own fee for fingerprinting service in addition to the FDLE processing fee. Most locations offer walk-in service during business hours. You should bring a valid photo ID and any required forms from your employer or licensing agency. The fingerprinting process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Results go directly to FDLE for processing. Some providers offer expedited service for an extra fee.
Florida Background Check Laws and Compliance
Florida background check laws control who can request records, how records get used, and what data stays sealed. Florida has some of the broadest public records laws in the country. Most government records stay open to the public without restriction. At the same time, federal law limits how employers use criminal records. The Fair Credit Reporting Act controls background checks done by employers through third-party screening companies. Florida’s own Ban the Box law limits when employers can ask about criminal history. Expungement and sealing laws let people clear certain records from public view. Knowing these laws helps you request records properly and use them legally.
Florida Public Records Act Chapter 119
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes makes most government records open to the public. You do not need to live in Florida to request records. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The agency holding the records must provide them unless a specific exemption applies. Common exemptions include sealed records, expunged records, juvenile cases, and some active investigation files. The law covers records held by the Broward Clerk, Fort Lauderdale Police, FDLE, and other local agencies. If an agency denies your request, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Open Government office. Most record requests get processed within a few business days.
FCRA Compliance for Employment Checks
The Fair Credit Reporting Act controls how employers use background check reports for hiring decisions. If an employer uses a third-party screening company, the FCRA requires them to get written consent from the applicant before running the check. The employer must also give the applicant a copy of the report if they plan to take adverse action based on the results. The applicant has the right to dispute inaccurate data. FCRA rules cover criminal history, credit reports, and other consumer reports. Florida employers who run their own background checks outside of third-party screening do not fall under FCRA but still must follow other state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Ban the Box Florida Rules
Florida’s Ban the Box law went into effect in 2019 for state agencies and in 2020 for private employers with 10 or more employees. The law prevents employers from asking about criminal history on the initial job application. Employers can only ask about criminal history after the first interview or after a conditional job offer. The law applies to jobs that pay more than $20,000 per year. Certain positions stay exempt, including law enforcement, healthcare, and jobs that work with vulnerable populations. The law aims to give applicants with criminal records a fair chance at employment. Penalties for violations include fines from the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Expungement and Sealing Eligibility
Florida allows certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay on file but become hidden from public search. Expunged records get destroyed in some cases and hidden in others. To qualify, you must have completed your sentence, stayed off probation, and not been convicted of a new crime for a set period. You also cannot have a prior expungement or sealing. Certain charges cannot be sealed or expunged, including violent felonies, sex offenses, and certain drug trafficking charges. The application process goes through the Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator. The current fee is $75 for sealing and $75 for expungement. Once approved, the records no longer appear in standard background checks.
Fort Lauderdale Arrest Records and Warrants
Fort Lauderdale arrest records and warrant data sit in separate databases from court records. Arrest records show when police took someone into custody and what charges were filed. Warrant records show active orders for arrest issued by judges. Both record types stay open to the public in most cases. You can search arrest records through the Broward County jail database and through the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s arrest log. You can search warrant records through the Broward Sheriff’s Office warrant database. Knowing the difference between arrest records and warrants helps you search the right database and get accurate results.
How to Search Fort Lauderdale Arrest Records
Fort Lauderdale arrest records are available through the Broward County Sheriff’s Office inmate search tool. Go to browardsheriff.org and use the inmate lookup feature. Type the first and last name of the person you want to search. The system shows current inmates in the Broward County jail. Results include booking date, charges, and bond amount. The database updates regularly. For older arrest records, you need to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Records Unit or the Broward County Clerk of Court. Arrest records from FLPD cover only city limits arrests. The Broward Sheriff handles arrests in unincorporated areas and contract cities. Make sure you search both sources for a complete picture.
Active Warrant Search in Broward County
Active warrants for Fort Lauderdale and Broward County appear in the Broward Sheriff’s Office warrant database. Go to browardsheriff.org and search the wanted persons section. The database lists people with outstanding warrants in the county. Each entry shows the warrant type, issuing judge, and charges. You can search by name or view a full list. Some warrants stay sealed during active investigations. If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can search your own name through the database or contact a criminal defense attorney. Warrants stay active until the person gets arrested or the court recalls the warrant. Old warrants sometimes stay in the database even after the person has resolved the case.
Fort Lauderdale Sex Offender Registry
Florida’s sex offender registry is available through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Go to offender.fdle.state.fl.us and search by name, address, or zip code. The registry shows registered sex offenders living in Fort Lauderdale and across Florida. Each entry shows the offender’s photo, address, charges, and registration status. You can set up alerts for your neighborhood. The registry updates daily. Sex offenders must register their address with local law enforcement within 48 hours of moving. Failure to register is a felony charge in Florida. The registry is open to anyone and costs nothing to search. You can also search through the NSOPW.gov national database for offenders who moved to Florida from other states.
Employment and Volunteer Background Checks
Employment and volunteer background checks in Fort Lauderdale follow the same basic process but serve different purposes. Employment checks often need Level 2 fingerprinting for certain industries. Volunteer checks usually use Level 1 name-based searches unless the volunteer works with vulnerable populations. Florida law requires certain industries to run fingerprint checks on all employees. These include healthcare, education, child care, and law enforcement. Other industries have no legal requirement but choose to run checks as part of their hiring process. Employers must follow FCRA rules and Ban the Box timing rules when conducting employment checks. Volunteer organizations must follow their own policies plus any industry-specific rules.
Fort Lauderdale Employment Screening Process
Fort Lauderdale employment screening starts after the first interview or conditional offer under Florida’s Ban the Box law. Employers can run a Level 1 name-based check for most positions. Positions that work with children, the elderly, or sensitive populations require Level 2 fingerprint checks. The employer must get written consent before running any background check. Common checks include criminal history, employment verification, education verification, and reference checks. Some employers also run credit reports for financial positions. Results take a few days to a few weeks depending on the type of check. If the employer plans to reject an applicant based on the results, they must give the applicant a copy of the report and a chance to respond.
Volunteer Background Check Requirements
Volunteer background checks in Fort Lauderdale depend on the organization and the role. Most volunteer organizations run a Level 1 name-based check through FDLE. The fee is $24 per volunteer. Schools, youth organizations, and healthcare facilities require Level 2 fingerprint checks for volunteers who work directly with children or patients. The volunteer must consent in writing before the check runs. Many organizations cover the cost of the check. Some organizations charge the volunteer. Results stay confidential within the organization. Volunteers who fail the check usually cannot serve in roles that involve vulnerable populations. The check covers Florida records only unless the organization also requests an FBI check through Level 2 fingerprinting.
Special Industry Background Checks
Certain industries in Fort Lauderdale require special background checks beyond the standard Level 1 or Level 2 checks. Healthcare workers need Level 2 checks through AHCA, the Agency for Health Care Administration. Teachers need Level 2 checks through the Florida Department of Education. Law enforcement officers need Level 2 checks through FDLE’s Criminal Justice Information Services. Financial industry workers need fingerprint checks for certain positions. Real estate license applicants need a state and national check through the Florida Real Estate Commission. Each industry has its own forms, fees, and processing times. Most special industry checks take two to four weeks to process.
Costs, Timelines, and Processing Details
Fort Lauderdale background check costs and timelines vary based on the type of check. The Broward County Clerk online search costs nothing and gives immediate results. FDLE name-based checks cost $24 and take a few business days. FDLE fingerprint checks cost $40 to $60 and take a few business days to two weeks. In-person clerk requests cost 15 cents per page for plain copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies. Police report requests cost a small fee per report. Each fee covers processing and copying costs. Some services offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Knowing the costs and timelines helps you budget your background check and avoid delays.
FDLE Check Costs and Turnaround Times
The standard FDLE Level 1 name-based check costs $24 per search through CCHInet. Results arrive by email within one to five business days. Printed results mailed to your address add an extra fee. The FDLE Level 2 fingerprint check costs $40 to $60 depending on the LiveScan provider. The fingerprinting service itself adds another $10 to $25. Results arrive within three to ten business days after FDLE receives the prints. Expedited processing is not available for standard FDLE checks. Some third-party screening companies offer faster turnaround for an extra fee. The fee covers Florida records only for Level 1 and Florida plus FBI records for Level 2.
Clerk of Court Copy Fees
The Broward County Clerk of Court charges set fees for copies and certified documents. Plain copies cost 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. The clerk charges an additional $2.00 per document for the certification seal. Credit card payments add a small processing fee. Mail requests must include a check or money order for the exact amount. You can also request copies through the clerk’s website with a credit card for an extra processing fee. The clerk’s office processes most copy requests on the same day for in-person visits. Mail requests take a few business days plus mailing time. Certified copies are often required for legal proceedings and government applications.
Official Contact Information
You can reach the main offices that handle Fort Lauderdale background check records through the contact details below. The Broward County Clerk of Court handles all court records. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department handles local police reports and arrests. FDLE handles statewide criminal history checks. Each office has its own hours, phone number, and website. Contact the right office based on the type of record you need. Most offices offer phone, email, and in-person support during business hours.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court main office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: (954) 831-6565. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Website: browardclerk.org. The office handles all court records for Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. You can search cases online or visit in person for certified copies.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department sits at 1300 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Phone: (954) 764-4357. Hours: 24 hours a day for emergency and non-emergency calls. Records Unit hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Website: fortlauderdale.gov. The FLPD handles arrests, incident reports, and police records within city limits.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE headquarters sits at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Phone: (850) 410-7648. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. CCHInet Support: (850) 410-8161. Website: fdle.state.fl.us. FDLE handles statewide criminal history checks and Level 2 fingerprint processing for the entire state of Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Fort Lauderdale background check records. Each answer covers a specific topic that people ask about most. The answers pull from Florida law, FDLE rules, and Broward County Clerk policies. Use these answers to help you understand the background check process in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. If you have a question not covered here, contact the relevant office directly for help.
How long does a Fort Lauderdale background check take?
The processing time depends on the type of check. The Broward County Clerk online search gives immediate results for free. FDLE name-based checks take one to five business days. FDLE fingerprint checks take three to ten business days. In-person clerk requests for copies process the same day. Mail requests take a few business days plus mail time. Police report requests take a few days to a few weeks depending on the type of report. Expedited service is not available for most government background checks. Plan ahead and order your check early if you face a deadline. Some third-party screening companies offer faster turnaround for an extra fee.
Can I run a background check on myself in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, you can run a background check on yourself in Fort Lauderdale. The FDLE allows name-based checks for anyone who wants to see their own criminal record. The fee is $24 through CCHInet. You can also request your own court records through the Broward County Clerk online search for free. Running a check on yourself helps you see what employers and landlords will see. You can also check for errors in your record. If you find errors, contact the agency that reported the data to fix them. Self-checks help you prepare for job applications and address problems before they affect your opportunities.
Are Florida expunged records visible on background checks?
No, properly expunged records do not appear on standard background checks. Once a court grants an expungement, the record gets removed from public databases. The record also gets removed from FDLE’s criminal history database. Sealed records also stay hidden from standard searches. Law enforcement agencies and certain government agencies can still see sealed records for specific purposes. Federal agencies can still see expunged records. Private background check companies that do not update their databases might show old data. Once your expungement is final, contact FDLE and any background check companies to make sure they update their records.
What shows up on a Florida Level 2 background check?
A Level 2 background check shows Florida criminal records and FBI national criminal records. The check covers arrests, charges, convictions, and dispositions from all 50 states. It includes felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, and pending charges. The check does not show sealed or expunged records. It does not show most juvenile records. It does not show civil court records unless they involved criminal charges. Traffic violations may or may not appear depending on the type of violation. Out-of-state convictions show up through the FBI database. Federal charges also appear. The check does not include credit history, employment history, or driving records unless you order those checks separately.
How do I correct errors on my Florida background check?
To correct errors on your Florida background check, contact the agency that reported the incorrect data. For court record errors, contact the Broward County Clerk of Court. For arrest record errors, contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or the arresting agency. For statewide database errors, contact FDLE directly. You will need to provide proof of the correct data. This might include certified court documents, dismissal orders, or identity verification. The agency has 30 days to investigate and correct verified errors. If the agency refuses to correct an error, you can file a challenge with FDLE or seek a court order. Keep copies of all correction requests and responses.
Can employers in Fort Lauderdale check my criminal record without telling me?
No, employers in Fort Lauderdale must get your written consent before running a background check. This rule comes from the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The employer must give you a clear consent form that explains the check. If the employer plans to reject you based on the results, they must give you a copy of the report and a written notice. You then have a chance to dispute the results. Florida’s Ban the Box law also limits when employers can ask about criminal history. They cannot ask on the initial application. They can only ask after the first interview or a conditional offer. Violations of these rules can result in penalties and lawsuits.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records in Florida?
Sealed records stay on file with the court and law enforcement but become hidden from public search. Expunged records get destroyed in some cases and physically removed in others. Both types of records do not appear on standard background checks. Sealed records can still be accessed by law enforcement for criminal investigations. Expunged records can also be accessed by law enforcement in some cases. The application process for both goes through the Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator. The fee for both is $75. You can only have one sealing or expungement in your lifetime. Certain charges cannot be sealed or expunged under Florida law.