Sunrise City Florida background check records cover criminal court files, arrest logs, conviction data, and statewide criminal history for anyone who lived, worked, or was charged in this Broward County city of about 100,000 people. Sunrise does not run its own court or criminal database.
Every case filed inside the city moves through the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale and then flows into the statewide system run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This page shows where Sunrise records live, who runs each system, what the fees look like in 2026, and how to request a name-based or fingerprint check for personal, employment, or legal use.
How Sunrise Records Fit Into the Florida System
Sunrise sits in the northwest corner of Broward County. The city belongs to the 17th Judicial Circuit, which covers all of Broward. Any criminal, civil, family, or traffic case opened in Sunrise goes to the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale, about 12 miles from the city center. The clerk stores the case file and posts case details online for free public viewing.
Where Sunrise Court Records Are Stored
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps every official court record for Sunrise residents, businesses, and visitors. The clerk’s office handles case filings, hearing minutes, docket entries, sentencing orders, and final judgments. The clerk’s online search portal lets you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. Each result shows charges, hearing dates, and final rulings from the judge.
The Role of FDLE in Statewide Searches
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement hosts the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database. FDLE pulls data from all 67 Florida counties, including Broward. A statewide search through FDLE shows arrests, charges, and convictions from anywhere in Florida, not just Sunrise. FDLE also runs the state’s sex offender registry and warrant files.
Why Broward County Handles Every Sunrise Case
Florida organizes its court system by county. Sunrise is one of more than 30 cities inside Broward County. Each city shares the same courthouse and clerk office. The Sunrise Police Department makes arrests inside city limits, but the cases get filed and tracked by the county clerk. From there, dispositions feed into FDLE for statewide record-keeping.
Free and Paid Search Options
You can search Sunrise records for free or pay for an official state or federal check. The right choice depends on why you need the data and how much detail you want. Free searches cover Broward County court cases. Paid searches pull statewide data, FBI data, and sealed or certified copies.
Free Broward Clerk Online Search
The Broward Clerk runs a free public portal at browardclerk.org. You can type in a person’s last name and first name to see matching court cases from across the county. Results cover criminal, civil, traffic, and family court records. No fee applies for viewing case details online. Certified copies and printed pages cost extra per page.
FDLE Name-Based Check
FDLE offers a name-based criminal history search through the CCHInet system. The fee is $24 per search as of 2026. You submit the person’s full legal name, date of birth, race, and sex, plus a signed release form. Results come back by email within one business day in most cases.
FDLE Fingerprint-Based Level 2 Check
A Level 2 background check in Florida uses LiveScan fingerprinting. Prints get sent electronically to FDLE, then forwarded to the FBI for national matching. LiveScan providers in the Sunrise area charge between $50 and $80 total. That fee includes the provider’s service charge plus state and federal processing costs combined.
Step-by-Step Search Process
The process for pulling Sunrise City Florida background check records depends on the type of search you run. Below are the main steps for each option available in 2026.
Searching the Broward Clerk Portal
Go to browardclerk.org and open the public records search tab. Type the person’s last name and first name. Add a date of birth if you have it to narrow the list of matching names. Pick a case type such as criminal, civil, traffic, or family. Review the results for matching cases. Click on a case number to see charges, court dates, hearing history, and final ruling from the judge.
Submitting an FDLE Name-Based Request
Visit cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us and create a user account. Fill in the subject’s full legal name, date of birth, race, and sex. Attach a signed release form. Pay the $24 fee by credit card or electronic check. Wait for the results email, which usually arrives within 24 hours during business days.
Getting Fingerprints Taken Locally
Find an approved LiveScan provider near Sunrise. Many shipping stores, private screening companies, and law enforcement offices offer this service. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver license or passport. Pay the provider’s combined fee. The prints get sent to FDLE electronically, and results return in 24 to 72 hours in most cases.
Florida Background Check Laws and Rules
Florida has clear laws about who can request records, what gets sealed, and how employers must screen workers. These rules apply to Sunrise the same as every other city in the state.
Chapter 119 Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes keeps most government records open to the public. You do not need to live in Sunrise or give a reason to request records. Court cases, arrest logs, and official documents are open unless a specific law seals them. Agencies that refuse to release records can be challenged through the Attorney General’s office.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some criminal records in Florida can be sealed or expunged. Once sealed, the record does not show up in standard background checks. The process goes through FDLE under Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes. Only the person whose record is sealed can authorize its release, except by court order or to specific agencies listed in the statute.
Level 2 Screening Requirements
Florida law requires Level 2 fingerprint checks for jobs that involve children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults. This includes teachers, healthcare workers, childcare staff, and certain government roles. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) runs background checks for healthcare workers. The Department of Children and Families screens childcare workers. Both agencies use LiveScan fingerprint results.
Costs, Fees, and Processing Times
Costs vary based on the type of check you order. Free options exist for basic court searches. Official records with certified copies carry a price per page. Statewide and national checks carry set fees charged by FDLE and the FBI.
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Broward Clerk online search | Free | Instant |
| FDLE name-based check | $24 | 1 business day |
| FDLE fingerprint check (Level 2) | $50–$80 | 24 to 72 hours |
| Clerk plain copy | $0.15 per page | Same day |
| Clerk certified copy | $1.00 per page | Same day |
| Third-party online report | $30–$150 | Instant to 3 days |
Clerk Copy Fees Explained
You can view most records on the Broward Clerk website for free. If you need a printed copy or a certified copy, the clerk charges per page. Certified copies carry a raised seal and are accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies as official documents. Plain copies are useful for personal review but do not carry legal weight.
FDLE Processing Fees Explained
FDLE charges $24 for each name-based search submitted through CCHInet. For fingerprint checks, the fee goes to both FDLE and the FBI. LiveScan providers add their own service fee on top of these state and federal costs. The combined total depends on the provider you choose and how fast you need the results back.
Third-Party Service Charges
Private background check companies pull the same public data but charge a markup. They also package reports from many sources into one document. These services range from $30 to $150 depending on how deep the search goes, whether court runners visit the courthouse in person, and whether the report includes national database scans.
Local Agencies and Resources for Sunrise
Several agencies in and around Sunrise can help with background check records. Each one holds a different piece of the public records puzzle. Records from one office may not appear in another office for several days, so checking multiple sources gives the most complete picture.
Sunrise Police Department
The Sunrise Police Department handles calls, arrests, and incident reports within city limits. You can request a copy of a police report or arrest log directly from the department. Reports and arrest data feed into the county clerk system and the state FDLE database within a few business days. Recent arrests may not yet appear in court records until the formal charging document gets filed.
Broward County Sheriff’s Office
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail and countywide arrest database. The BSO inmate search lets you see who is currently in custody at the main jail and why. BSO arrest data does not always appear in the clerk’s online case search on the same day. Checking both sources gives a fuller picture of active warrants and recent bookings.
MyFloridaCounty Official Records Portal
MyFloridaCounty.com hosts recorded documents like deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and marriage records for all 67 counties. This site is separate from criminal court records. It often shows up in background checks because liens and civil judgments matter for credit and identity screening. Broward County official records feed into this statewide portal.
Florida Sex Offender Registry
The FDLE Sex Offender Registry lists registered offenders by name, address, and zip code. You can search by city to see registered offenders living in Sunrise as of the latest update. The registry is free, public, and updated whenever an offender moves or registers a new address. Schools, daycares, and parks often require this check for staff.
Florida Warrant Search Through BSO
Active warrants for people in Sunrise are tracked by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and the Sunrise Police Department. BSO publishes a wanted list online that shows names, charges, and last known location. Warrants do not always appear in the clerk’s case search until an arrest happens and a case number gets assigned.
Common Reasons People Request Sunrise Checks
Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies request background checks for many reasons. The type of check depends on the purpose, the industry, and state or federal rules that apply to the role.
Employment Screening
Florida employers often run background checks before hiring. State law gives employers the right to check criminal history for most jobs. Some roles require full Level 2 fingerprint screening, such as teachers, nurses, and financial advisors. Employers cannot ask about sealed or expunged records, and they must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when using third-party screening companies.
Housing and Rental Applications
Landlords in Sunrise often run criminal background checks on rental applicants. A background check helps landlords screen tenants for prior evictions, felony convictions, or sex offender status. Federal fair housing laws still apply, so landlords must apply the same screening rules to every applicant and cannot discriminate based on race, religion, family status, or disability.
Licensing and AHCA Background Checks
Healthcare workers, childcare providers, and other licensed professionals in Florida need a Level 2 background screening through AHCA or the Department of Children and Families. The screening looks at Florida records and FBI national data. Results stay on file for five years and must be renewed before the expiration date for the worker to stay licensed.
Personal Record Review
Anyone can ask FDLE for a personal review of their own criminal history. This costs $24 and shows exactly what shows up under your name in the state database. Running a personal review before applying for jobs or housing helps you catch errors, outdated charges, or wrongful entries before an employer or landlord sees them.
Contact and Visit
For in-person record requests in Sunrise, the Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office to visit. Walk-in services are open Monday through Friday during business hours. You can also mail requests or submit them online through the clerk’s portal for many record types.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE Sixth Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions come from people who live in Sunrise, work there, or need to screen someone with ties to the city. Each answer explains the rules, fees, and steps as of 2026 based on current Florida law and FDLE procedures.
How much does a Sunrise background check cost?
A free search through the Broward County Clerk shows basic court records at no cost to the user. A statewide name-based check through FDLE costs $24 per search as of 2026. A fingerprint-based Level 2 check costs between $50 and $80, paid to a LiveScan provider who sends the prints to FDLE and the FBI. Third-party websites charge more, often between $30 and $150 per report depending on depth and turnaround time.
Can I do a free background check in Sunrise?
Yes. The Broward Clerk online portal is free to use for case searches. The Sunrise Police Department and Broward County Sheriff’s Office also provide free arrest and inmate searches online. Free tools do not include sealed records, FBI national data, or out-of-state history. For full statewide or national results, you need to pay for an FDLE check or a fingerprint-based check.
How long does an FDLE check take to return results?
A name-based FDLE check usually returns results within one business day after submission. Fingerprint checks take 24 to 72 hours once the LiveScan provider submits the prints electronically. Paper fingerprint cards sent by mail can take several weeks to process. The FDLE website shows current turnaround times for each method.
Do sealed records show up in a Florida background check?
No. Sealed and expunged records are hidden from public background checks. FDLE removes them from the Computerized Criminal History database once a court order finalizes the seal or expungement. Only a separate court order can reopen a sealed record, and only specific agencies listed in Chapter 943 can see sealed data.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 background checks?
A Level 1 check is a name-based search of Florida records only and does not include FBI national data. A Level 2 check uses LiveScan fingerprints and includes both Florida and FBI national records. Level 2 is required by Florida law for jobs in healthcare, childcare, education, and other sensitive fields that involve contact with vulnerable people.
Can employers in Sunrise check my criminal record before hiring?
Yes, with your written consent. Florida law allows employers to run background checks for most jobs as long as they follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Employers cannot ask about arrests that did not lead to a conviction, sealed records, or expunged records. They must give you a copy of the report if they plan to reject you based on the results.
Where do I get fingerprints taken near Sunrise?
Approved LiveScan providers operate in Sunrise, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, and across Broward County. Many UPS Stores, sheriff’s offices, and private screening companies offer this service. A full list of approved providers is posted on the AHCA background screening website at flhealthsource.gov. Bring a valid photo ID and your ORI number if your employer gave you one.