Hollywood City Florida background check records give a clear picture of a person’s legal history in Broward County and across the state. The records pull from local court files, state criminal databases, and police reports.
Anyone living in, working in, or hiring someone from Hollywood can use these official sources to check arrests, charges, convictions, and sealed cases. The main agencies that hold these records are the Broward County Clerk of Courts, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Hollywood Police Department.
Broward County Court Records System
Hollywood sits inside Broward County. Every court case filed in Hollywood goes to the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. The clerk keeps criminal cases, civil suits, traffic records, family court files, and probate documents. These public files form the base layer of any background check for a person who lives or has lived in Hollywood.
Clerk of Courts Office Details
The Broward Clerk of Courts office runs under Clerk Brenda D. Forman. The main office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Suite 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone line for public records questions is (954) 831-6565. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except state holidays. Anyone can walk in during those hours to ask for case files or certified copies. The full search tools and office hours are posted at browardclerk.org.
Free Online Case Search Tool
The Broward Clerk website has a free case search tool. A user types a first name, last name, or case number into the search box. The system pulls up every case connected to that person in Broward County. Each result shows the case type, filing date, current status, and the charges listed. The search covers criminal cases, civil filings, small claims, and traffic infractions. Hollywood cases appear in the same database as every other city in Broward County, so a single search covers the whole local court system.
Certified Document Copies
The online case search costs nothing. Certified copies of court documents have a fee per page. A person who needs an official record for a job application, immigration case, or firearm purchase must order certified copies from the clerk. The clerk charges a set fee per page, and each certification stamp adds a small extra cost. Mailing requests work through a printed form on the clerk website. Walk-in requests get processed the same day at the public counter.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s criminal history system. FDLE collects arrest data, charge data, and disposition records from every sheriff’s office and municipal police department in Florida. Hollywood police reports feed into this database. A background check through FDLE picks up arrests from all 67 counties, not only Broward.
CCHInet Name-Based Search
The Computerized Criminal History network, called CCHInet, sits at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. A user enters a full name, date of birth, and sex to run a search. The fee is $24 per search. Results show arrests, charges, court outcomes, and current status for every entry on file. Most searches return results the same day. The fee is set by Florida statute and stays the same no matter where the person lives or where the request comes from. The full fee schedule and search rules sit on the FDLE criminal history records page at fdle.state.fl.us/criminal-history-records.
Florida Statutes Chapter 943
Florida law gives FDLE its power through Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes. The chapter covers how FDLE collects, stores, and shares criminal history data. It also lists the rules for sealed records, expunged records, and juvenile records. Hollywood residents who want to know the legal side of a background check can read Chapter 943 at leg.state.fl.us. The statute also names the agencies that can see sealed files, such as law enforcement, courts, and certain licensing boards.
Sealed and Expunged Records
A sealed record stays in the FDLE system but does not show up in a normal background check. Only the courts, law enforcement, and a short list of state agencies can open a sealed file. An expunged record gets destroyed by the court, and FDLE keeps only a redacted entry that notes the record once existed. Florida allows expungement for certain non-violent offenses after a waiting period. A person in Hollywood who has a sealed or expunged case must still list that arrest on certain applications, such as law enforcement employment or a pardon request.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says that all government records are open to the public. A person does not have to explain why they want the records. The rule covers court files, arrest reports, police logs, and most government documents in Hollywood.
Chapter 119 Open Government
Chapter 119 sets the default rule that records are open. Anyone can submit a public records request to a Hollywood city office, the Broward Clerk, or FDLE. The agency must answer the request. The law does not set a strict deadline, but agencies must reply promptly. The full statute text sits on the Florida Legislature website. The open government handbook from the Attorney General explains how to file a request and what to do if an agency denies access.
Common Exemptions
Some records stay closed under Florida law. Juvenile criminal records are sealed and do not appear in a normal background check. Active criminal investigation files stay closed until the case ends. Certain victim information, such as names in sex crime cases, gets redacted. Social Security numbers, bank account data, and medical records stay exempt. The Florida Attorney General’s office keeps a full list of exemptions on the open government page at myfloridalegal.com/open-government.
MyFloridaCounty Portal
The MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com lets users search official records across Florida counties. The portal covers Broward County and includes liens, judgments, recorded deeds, and marriage records. A background check in Hollywood can pull court data from the Broward Clerk and property data from MyFloridaCounty. The portal charges a fee per page for recorded documents but lets users browse index entries for free.
Background Check Levels and Costs
Florida uses two levels of background screening under Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes. Level 1 checks are name-based and pull state records. Level 2 checks use fingerprints and include FBI records. Employers, licensing boards, and state agencies pick the level based on the type of work or the position involved.
Level 1 and Level 2 Differences
A Level 1 background check is a name search through the FDLE database. It shows Florida arrests and convictions. A Level 2 background check adds a fingerprint scan that pulls state and FBI records. Level 2 covers arrests and convictions from every U.S. state and federal jurisdiction. Florida requires Level 2 screening for teachers, childcare workers, healthcare workers, foster parents, and people who work with vulnerable adults. The full list of jobs that require Level 2 sits in Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes.
LiveScan Fingerprint Locations
Fingerprint checks for Level 2 screening must go through a LiveScan provider. LiveScan is a digital fingerprint system that sends prints straight to FDLE and the FBI. Several LiveScan locations operate in and around Hollywood. Appointments cost between $50 and $80. The state processing fee is part of that total. A list of approved LiveScan providers sits on the Florida Department of Health website at flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/bgs-providers.
Hollywood Background Check Pricing
The cost of a background check in Hollywood depends on the type. A name-based FDLE search runs $24. A fingerprint-based state and FBI check runs $50 to $80. The Broward Clerk online case search costs nothing. Certified copies from the clerk cost a set fee per page. Third-party screening companies charge more because they add their own fee on top of the state and county charges. The table below breaks down the main fees.
| Service | Provider | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Name-Based State Search | FDLE via CCHInet | $24 |
| Fingerprint State + FBI Check | FDLE LiveScan Provider | $50 – $80 |
| Online Case Search | Broward Clerk of Courts | Free |
| Certified Document Copy | Broward Clerk of Courts | Per page fee |
| Sex Offender Registry Search | FDLE | Free |
| Warrant Search | Broward Sheriff’s Office | Free |
Hollywood Police Department Records
The Hollywood Police Department keeps local arrest reports, incident reports, and police call logs. These records add detail to a background check. The department does not issue official background checks, but the records give context for any arrest or police contact inside the city limits.
Local Arrest and Incident Reports
The Hollywood Police Department public records desk handles requests for arrest reports and incident reports. A person can walk into the station or send a written request by mail or email. Reports cover arrests, traffic stops, accidents, and calls for service. Arrest reports show the charge, the date, the location, and the booking information. The department charges a fee for copies, and redacted reports remove personal data on victims and witnesses.
Sex Offender Registry Lookup
FDLE runs the Florida Sex Offender Registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. The registry lists every registered sex offender in Florida. A search by name or address shows registered offenders living in Hollywood or near a specific address. The search is free. The registry updates daily. Schools, parks, and daycares show up as search filters so parents can check for offenders near a home or a workplace.
Employment and Firearm Screening
Florida law requires background checks for certain jobs and for firearm purchases. The rules differ for each type of screening. Hollywood employers who hire for positions that work with children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults must follow Chapter 435 standards.
Chapter 435 Employment Standards
Chapter 435 sets the rules for background screening in Florida. The chapter covers Level 1 and Level 2 checks. The chapter also lists disqualifying offenses for certain jobs. A felony conviction, a sex offense, or a crime against a vulnerable adult can bar a person from working in childcare, healthcare, or education. Employers must keep screening results on file for at least five years. The full statute text sits on the Florida Legislature website.
Firearm Purchase Background Checks
Firearm purchases in Hollywood go through a federal NICS check at the time of sale. The Florida Department of Agriculture runs the state point-of-contact system. A buyer must pass the NICS check and a state records check before a gun dealer can release the firearm. FDLE pulls the state records from the same criminal history database that powers CCHInet. A person with a felony conviction, a domestic violence conviction, or an active warrant fails the check.
FCRA Compliance Rules
Employers who run background checks for hiring must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA sets rules on consent, disclosure, and the way an employer uses the report. A Hollywood employer must get written consent from the candidate before running a third-party background check. The employer must also give the candidate a copy of the report and a chance to dispute any wrong entry before making a final hiring decision. The FCRA also limits how far back a background check can go for reports used for hiring.
Warrant Searches and Court Dispositions
A full background check in Hollywood includes warrant searches and court disposition records. A warrant shows an active arrest order. A court disposition shows the final outcome of a case, such as guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or deferred adjudication.
Broward Warrant Search
The Broward Sheriff’s Office posts active warrants online at browardsheriff.org. The warrant search lets users look up outstanding arrest warrants by name. A Hollywood resident with a warrant will show up on the Broward warrant list, the FDLE criminal history, and the court records search. Warrants do not expire, so an old warrant can stay active for years. A person who finds a warrant in their name should contact a defense attorney or turn themselves in at the Broward Main Jail.
Disposition Records Search
Court disposition records show the final outcome of every case. The Broward Clerk case search tool lists the disposition for every criminal case on file. FDLE criminal history reports also list the final charge and the disposition code. A disposition code of “AC” means acquitted. A code of “GU” means guilty. A code of “DI” means dismissed. The disposition matters for expungement petitions, firearm applications, and certain professional licenses.
Third-Party Background Check Services
Third-party companies run background checks for employers, landlords, and individual buyers. These companies pull data from FDLE, court clerks, and county recorders across the country. A Hollywood employer who hires workers in multiple states often uses a third-party service to run a single check that covers every state.
Employer Screening Programs
Florida employers who hire for regulated positions must use a screening program that meets Chapter 435 standards. Third-party screening firms, often called Consumer Reporting Agencies, must follow FCRA rules. The screening firm pulls FDLE records, FBI records, sex offender registry data, and county court records. The firm then sends the employer a report. Common third-party vendors include national firms that handle employment, tenant, and volunteer screening.
Individual Self-Requests
A person can run a background check on themselves before applying for a job or a license. Self-requests help catch errors in criminal history files. FDLE lets individuals run a name-based search or a fingerprint-based search on their own record. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also runs a program called the Florida Identity Theft Registry, which helps victims of identity theft clear wrongful criminal records tied to their name.
Expungement and Sealed Record Process
Florida law allows certain people to seal or expunge a criminal record. Hollywood residents who qualify can petition the Broward Clerk of Courts to seal a record. The process clears the case from public background checks.
Eligibility for Expungement
A person can apply for expungement if they were arrested but never charged, if charges were dropped, if a case ended in a not guilty verdict, or if they completed a pretrial diversion program. Florida limits each person to one expungement. Certain offenses, such as murder, sex crimes, and crimes against children, do not qualify. The full list of ineligible offenses sits in Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes.
Filing a Sealing Petition
A sealing petition gets filed with the Broward Clerk of Courts. The petition asks the court to hide the record from public background checks. The court then schedules a hearing. A judge reviews the petition, the criminal history, and any objection from the state. Once a court orders sealing, FDLE marks the record as sealed, and the record no longer shows up on a CCHInet name search. Only law enforcement, courts, and listed licensing agencies can see a sealed file.
Official Contact Information
The Hollywood City Florida background check process runs through three main offices. The Broward Clerk handles local court records. FDLE handles statewide criminal history. The Hollywood Police Department handles local arrest and incident reports. The full list of contact details sits below.
| Agency | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broward Clerk of Courts | 201 SE 6th Street, Suite 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| FDLE Criminal History | 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | (850) 410-7000 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Hollywood Police Department | 3250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021 | (954) 764-4357 | 24 hours |
| Florida Sex Offender Registry | Online at offender.fdle.state.fl.us | (888) 357-7332 | 24/7 online access |
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common concerns about Hollywood City Florida background check records. Each answer pulls from official sources, Florida statutes, and current state agency rules. The answers focus on practical steps a person can take today to run a background check, fix errors, or seal a record.
How long does a Hollywood background check take?
A Broward Clerk online case search returns results in seconds. An FDLE name-based search through CCHInet returns results the same day in most cases. A fingerprint-based Level 2 check through a LiveScan provider returns results in 3 to 5 business days. A third-party employment screening report takes longer, depending on the vendor. Local arrest reports from the Hollywood Police Department take 5 to 10 business days to process.
Can a Hollywood employer run a background check without consent?
No. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires written consent before an employer runs a third-party background check. A Hollywood employer who skips consent faces FCRA penalties, including damages and legal fees. The consent form must state that a background check will be run. The form must also state how the report will be used. State agencies that run background checks under Chapter 435 have separate consent rules tied to the licensing process.
What shows up on a Florida Level 2 background check?
A Level 2 background check covers Florida arrests, Florida convictions, FBI arrests, FBI convictions, sex offender registry hits, and most state disqualification lists. The check pulls from FDLE and the FBI. The check covers every U.S. state and federal jurisdiction. A Level 2 check used for childcare, healthcare, or education work can reach back to a person’s full adult history. The FCRA limits employment checks to seven years for non-conviction data.
How do I seal a criminal record in Hollywood?
A person who qualifies for sealing under Chapter 943 files a petition with the Broward Clerk of Courts. The petition lists the case number, the charge, and the reason for sealing. The clerk sends the petition to the State Attorney’s Office for review. The court holds a hearing and either grants or denies the petition. A granted sealing order goes to FDLE, which marks the record as sealed in the criminal history system. The sealed record then disappears from standard background checks.
Does a Florida expungement destroy my record?
Florida expungement does not fully destroy the record. The court physically destroys the case file. FDLE keeps a small entry that notes the record once existed. The entry shows only the case number and the fact of expungement. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain licensing boards can still see the entry for law enforcement licensing, judicial nominations, and pardon applications. A standard CCHInet background check will not return an expunged case.
Can I check Florida warrants for free?
Yes. The Broward Sheriff’s Office posts active warrants at browardsheriff.org. FDLE also runs a statewide criminal history database that shows outstanding warrants as part of a criminal history record. A name search on CCHInet will list any active warrants tied to that person. A person who finds a warrant should contact an attorney before turning themselves in. A surprise arrest on a warrant can lead to a higher bond or a longer stay in jail.
What is the difference between arrest records and conviction records?
Arrest records show every arrest, even if the person was never charged or the case was dropped. Conviction records show only cases that ended in a guilty plea or a guilty verdict. A background check shows both. An employer who runs a check must follow FCRA rules on how to treat arrests versus convictions. Arrests without a conviction carry less weight in a hiring decision. A conviction stays on a record unless it gets sealed or expunged.