Davie City Florida background check records are public files that show a person’s criminal and court history in Davie, Broward County. These records come from the Broward County Clerk of Court, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Davie Police Department.
Anyone can request these records for employment, housing, licensing, or personal reasons. Florida law keeps most of these files open to the public.
Davie at a Glance
Davie is a town in central Broward County, Florida, with about 112,000 residents. It sits west of Fort Lauderdale and covers roughly 35 square miles. The town has a strong equestrian and western theme, but it operates like any other South Florida municipality for court and police matters. All criminal cases filed in Davie go to the Broward County court system. All arrests feed into the FDLE statewide database.
Because Davie is part of Broward County, its court records are stored at the county level. The town has no separate court system. Knowing this helps you pick the right place to search for background check records on a Davie resident.
| Quick Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Population | 112,052 |
| County | Broward |
| Town Status | Incorporated Town |
| Primary Court Office | Broward County Clerk of Court |
| State Criminal Database | FDLE Computerized Criminal History (CCH) |
Official Records Sources for Davie
Four main agencies hold background check records for people who live in or have ties to Davie. Each one covers a different part of the public record. Using all four gives you the most complete picture.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court keeps every court case file for Davie. This includes criminal charges, civil lawsuits, traffic cases, family court filings, and small claims matters. Brenda D. Forman serves as the current Clerk of Court. The main office sits at 201 SE Sixth Street, Suite 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can call the clerk at (954) 831-6565.
The clerk runs a free online case search tool at browardclerk.org. You can search by name, case number, or party type. No login or fee is needed for basic searches. The tool shows charges, hearing dates, and case status for criminal matters. It also shows the parties involved and the type of filing for civil cases.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database called CCHInet. This database collects data on every arrest, charge, and conviction reported by Florida law enforcement agencies. Davie Police reports feed into this system. So do arrests made by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and every other Florida agency.
The FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us lists all approved search methods. The most common search is the Level 1 name-based check, which costs $24. You can order it online through CCHInet at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Results arrive by email, often within 24 hours.
Davie Police Department
The Davie Police Department handles local arrests, traffic stops, and incident reports. The department sits at 1230 South Nob Hill Road, Davie, FL 33324. You can call them at (954) 693-8200 for non-emergency requests. Police reports become part of the public record once the investigation closes.
You can request a copy of a police report through the Davie town website at davie-fl.gov. The Records Division handles these requests. Some reports stay restricted if they involve active investigations, juvenile matters, or sealed court orders.
Broward County Sheriff’s Office
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) provides an online inmate lookup tool. You can search for people currently held in the Broward County Jail. The tool shows booking photos, charges, and bond amounts. BSO also runs a warrant search feature on its site at broward.org.
Both tools are free and open to the public. They give you real-time data that court records may not yet show. A person can have an active warrant before any court case appears in the clerk’s database.
Background Check Levels Explained
Florida law breaks background checks into different levels. Each level covers different sources and serves different purposes. Knowing which level you need saves time and money.
Level 1 Name-Based Check
A Level 1 check uses a person’s name and date of birth to search the FDLE database. It costs $24 per search. Results include arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by any Florida law enforcement agency. This level works well for personal use, volunteer work, and basic employment screening. You order it online at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us and pay by credit card.
Level 1 checks do not include FBI data. They cover Florida only. They also do not include records sealed or expunged by a court order. The results arrive as a PDF sent to your email.
Level 2 Fingerprint Check
A Level 2 check uses fingerprints to search both the FDLE and FBI databases. Florida law requires Level 2 checks for many jobs that involve children, seniors, disabled people, or vulnerable adults. Schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, and healthcare providers must run these checks on staff.
You get fingerprinted at an approved LiveScan site. FDLE lists approved vendors by zip code on its criminal history records page. Vendors in Davie and Fort Lauderdale include IdentoGO and Fieldprint. The vendor sends your fingerprints to FDLE and the FBI electronically. Results arrive within 24 to 72 hours.
Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes spells out which jobs require a Level 2 check. You can read the full list at leg.state.fl.us by searching for Statute 435.
VECHS Program
The Volunteer and Employee Criminal History Screening (VECHS) program lets approved organizations run background checks on staff and volunteers. Groups that work with kids, seniors, or vulnerable adults often join VECHS. Once approved, the organization can request FDLE checks directly. Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes created this program.
To join VECHS, your organization must apply through FDLE. You can call FDLE at (850) 410-8324 for details. Approved groups get a login to the VECHS portal and can run name-based checks on staff at lower rates than public users pay.
Step-by-Step Search Process
Running a thorough background check on someone in Davie takes four steps. Each step pulls from a different source. Skipping any step leaves gaps in the record.
Statewide FDLE Search
Start with the FDLE Level 1 search. Go to cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us and create an account if you do not already have one. Enter the person’s full name, date of birth, and any known aliases. Pay the $24 fee by credit card. The system emails results, usually within 24 hours.
The results list arrests, charges, and case outcomes from every Florida county. If the person lived outside Florida, those records will not show up here. You would need an FBI check for national coverage.
Broward County Court Records
Next, search the Broward County Clerk’s online database at browardclerk.org. Click on Court Records Search. Enter the person’s last name and first name. You can narrow results by case type or year filed.
The clerk’s database shows criminal cases, civil cases, traffic cases, and family court matters. You see the charges, filing dates, judge assigned, and hearing schedule. Case outcomes also appear once the court enters a judgment or the defendant completes a sentence.
Official Records Search
For liens, judgments, and other recorded documents, use the MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com. Select Broward County from the drop-down menu. Search by name. You can find mortgage records, civil judgments, tax liens, and marriage records.
This step adds financial and property data that a criminal-only check misses. A judgment or lien filed against someone in Davie shows up here even if they have no criminal record.
Sex Offender and Warrant Search
Search the Florida Sex Offender Registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. The registry lists every registered sex offender in the state. You can search by name, zip code, or county. Davie offenders will show up alongside any other Florida offender.
Also run a warrant search through the Broward County Sheriff’s Office website at broward.org. Active warrants appear in the database. An active warrant means the person has an open arrest order from a judge.
Costs and Fees
Background check costs in Davie depend on the source and the level of detail you need. Some searches are free. Others carry set fees set by Florida law.
FDLE Fees
FDLE charges $24 for a Level 1 name-based check. This fee is set by Florida statute and does not change. You pay it online with a credit or debit card through CCHInet. There are no refunds once a search runs, even if the result shows no criminal history.
VECHS members pay different rates under their group accounts. LiveScan vendors charge their own fees on top of the FDLE processing fee for Level 2 checks. Vendor fees range from $10 to $50 depending on location and turnaround time.
Broward Clerk Fees
Searching the Broward County Clerk’s online database is free. You only pay if you want copies of documents. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. You can pay at the clerk’s office in person or by mail with a check.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| FDLE Level 1 Check | $24.00 |
| Broward Clerk Online Search | Free |
| Plain Copy from Clerk | $0.15 per page |
| Certified Copy from Clerk | $1.00 per page |
| LiveScan Fingerprinting | Varies by vendor |
| Davie Police Report Copy | $0.15 per page |
Third-Party Vendor Fees
Private background check companies pull data from the same public sources. They charge between $25 and $150 per search. Vendors like Checkr, Sterling, and TransUnion add convenience features like bulk searches, ongoing alerts, and FCRA-compliant reports for employers.
Third-party vendors do not have access to records sealed by a court. They also cannot access juvenile records that stay sealed under Florida law. Their reports match what you would find running the searches yourself on official sites.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has strong public records laws. Most government files are open to anyone who asks. Knowing the law helps you get the records you need without delays.
Chapter 119 Public Records
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes government records open to the public. This covers arrest reports, court filings, and most other government documents. You do not need to give a reason for your request. You do not need to live in Florida, Florida, or have any personal connection to the records.
You can read Chapter 119 at leg.state.fl.us. The law lists a few narrow exceptions, such as active investigation files and personal medical records. Background check records for Davie residents do not fall under these exceptions in most cases.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Florida courts can seal or expunge certain criminal cases. A sealed record stays hidden from public view. An expunged record gets destroyed in most cases. Once a court grants a seal or expungement, FDLE removes the record from public search results. The clerk also restricts access to the court file.
You cannot get sealed or expunged records through a normal background check. Only the person whose record was sealed can ask the court to open it again. Even law enforcement agencies need a court order to view sealed files.
Juvenile Records Protections
Juvenile court records get sealed when the juvenile turns 21 in most cases. Florida law treats juvenile offenses separately from adult crimes. Background checks for adult employment or housing do not show juvenile records. Some serious juvenile offenses, like violent felonies, can stay on the record longer.
Davie Employment and Tenant Screening
Employers and landlords in Davie run searches on job applicants and tenants. Florida and federal laws set rules for how these checks must be run.
FCRA Compliance
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that controls how background checks get used for employment and housing. Any employer or landlord using a third-party screening service must follow FCRA rules. The law requires written consent before running a check. It also requires giving the applicant a copy of the report and a chance to dispute errors.
FCRA violations carry fines from $100 to $1,000 per violation. Class action also costs the employer or landlord in some cases. Davie businesses that run background checks should review FCRA rules with an attorney.
Employer Obligations
Florida employers can run background checks on job applicants. The checks must follow FCRA rules. An employer can reject an applicant based on a criminal record, but the rejection must relate to the job duties. A 2017 Florida law limits how employers can use criminal records in hiring decisions.
Employers in Davie who work with children, seniors, or vulnerable adults must run Level 2 fingerprint checks under Chapter 435. Schools, daycares, hospitals, and nursing homes fall under this rule. Self-employed contractors also need the check for certain jobs.
Landlord Screening Rules
Landlords in Davie run background checks on tenant applicants. The check covers criminal history, eviction records, and prior landlord history. Florida law allows landlords to reject applicants with criminal records. The rejection must apply equally to all applicants to avoid fair housing violations.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Landlords in Davie must apply background check rules the same way to every applicant.
Common Uses for Background Checks
People run background checks on Davie residents for many reasons. The most common reasons include job applications, rental applications, professional licensing, volunteer work, and personal relationships. Each use case has its own rules and best practices.
Professional licenses in Florida often require a Level 1 or Level 2 background check. Teachers, healthcare workers, real estate agents, and security guards fall under this rule. The licensing agency orders the check directly through FDLE.
Personal background checks help people screen new business partners, romantic partners, or online contacts. You have the right to run these checks on yourself to see what others would find. Self-checks cost the same $24 fee through CCHInet.
Contact Details for Davie Records
Below are the official contact points for background check records in Davie. These sources provide direct access to the records covered in this article.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk of Court | 201 SE Sixth St, Ste 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | browardclerk.org |
| FDLE Headquarters | 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | (850) 410-7000 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | fdle.state.fl.us |
| Davie Police Department | 1230 South Nob Hill Road, Davie, FL 33324 | (954) 693-8200 | 24/7 non-emergency | davie-fl.gov |
| Broward County Sheriff’s Office | 2601 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | (954) 831-8300 | 24/7 non-emergency | broward.org |
| Florida Attorney General Open Government | PL-01 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | (850) 245-0140 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | myfloridalegal.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about background check records in Davie, Florida. The answers cover state law, search methods, fees, and record restrictions. Use these points to plan your background check or clear up confusion about what shows up in a report.
How long does an FDLE Level 1 check take?
Most Level 1 checks finish within 24 hours. FDLE emails the PDF report once results come back from the system. Some searches take longer if the system has a backlog. You can order up to 25 checks at once through CCHInet for bulk needs.
Can employers in Davie see expunged records?
No. Expunged records get removed from the FDLE database. Sealed records stay in the system but get hidden from public search results. Even employers with VECHS access cannot see sealed or expunged records without a court order.
Do I need the person’s consent to run a check?
Florida law does not require consent for a personal background check. Employers and landlords must get written consent under FCRA rules. Private citizens can run checks on anyone for personal reasons without breaking the law.
What shows up on a Davie background check?
A complete Davie background check shows arrests, charges, dispositions, convictions, sentences, court cases, civil judgments, tax liens, and active warrants. It does not show sealed records, expunged records, or juvenile records sealed by law.
Can I check if someone has a warrant in Davie?
Yes. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office runs a free warrant search at broward.org. Active warrants appear in the database. You can also call the BSO non-emergency line at (954) 831-8300 to ask about a specific person.
What does a Level 2 fingerprint check cover?
A Level 2 check covers Florida arrests and FBI arrests nationwide. The FBI database includes federal charges and out-of-state convictions. LiveScan vendors in Davie include IdentoGO and Fieldprint locations.
Are arrest records public before conviction?
Yes. Florida arrest records stay public even if charges get dropped or the person gets acquitted. Court records show the outcome of each case. The arrest itself remains on the record unless a court grants a seal or expungement.