Broward County public records include arrest reports, court case files, official property documents, marriage licenses, and inmate booking data. These records are held by the Clerk of Courts, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO), and local police departments.
Florida law gives any person the right to see most of these records without giving a reason. This page explains where each record type lives, how to request it, and what fees apply in 2026.
What Counts as a Public Record in Broward County
Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, defines a public record as any paper, email, photo, recording, or other material made or received by a government agency in connection with official business. In Broward County, that covers thousands of file types held by the county, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, every city clerk, every police department, and the Sheriff’s Office. Court dockets, arrest affidavits, booking photos, marriage certificates, and property deeds all fall under the same law. A few types stay sealed. Active criminal intelligence, juvenile records, and certain personnel files are exempt under Section 119.071.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts runs the main records system for Broward County. Brenda D. Forman holds the office in 2026. Her office keeps the court case index, official records index, and the online search portal for the public. The Clerk serves only Broward County, which sits alone in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Brenda D. Forman |
| Main Address | 201 SE Sixth Street, Suite 18150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Website | www.browardclerk.org |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The Clerk website is the main entry point for court case searches, official records, and certified copy orders. Most records from the past 20 years are scanned and viewable online at no cost. The system lets you search by party name, case number, attorney bar number, or business entity. Results show case status, hearing dates, charges, and a link to the filed PDF in most civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases.
Branches of the Clerk’s Office
Broward County is large, so the Clerk runs branch offices in several cities. The branches help residents who cannot drive to Fort Lauderdale. They handle marriage license applications, passport applications, certified copy pickup, and records requests.
- North Regional Courthouse: 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
- West Regional Courthouse: 1 N. University Drive, Plantation, FL 33324
- South Regional Courthouse: 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33021
- Criminal Justice Center: 201 SE Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Broward County Arrest Records
Broward County arrest records document every person taken into custody by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office or by a city police agency in the county. Each entry includes the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, the date and time of arrest, the booking number, the arresting agency, the charge or charges, the bond amount set at first appearance, and the current custody status. These records are public under Florida law unless sealed by a court order, expunged under Section 943.0585, or part of an active investigation.
What an Arrest Record Contains
A standard Broward County arrest report includes the booking number, the inmate’s full legal name, date of birth, race, sex, height, weight, eye and hair color, home address on file, arresting agency, officer name, incident location, charge description, Florida statute number, bond amount, and arresting officer’s narrative. The booking photo, also called a mugshot, is taken at the jail and filed with the arrest record. The arrest record and the mugshot are public unless a judge has ruled otherwise.
Where to Find Broward County Arrest Records
Three main sources hold Broward County arrest records. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail and the central booking system. The Clerk of Courts holds the court case file that follows the arrest. Third-party aggregator sites also repost the data, but the official BSO portal is the most accurate and most up-to-date source for Broward County arrest records online.
Broward County Recent Arrests and Booking Records
Broward County recent arrests are posted by the Sheriff’s Office as bookings occur. Each booking generates a public record that includes the date, time, charge, and facility. The BSO updates its inmate roster throughout the day, so recent arrests appear within hours of the booking process. This is the same database that powers the Broward County booking records system used by attorneys, bail bond agents, news outlets, and the public.
Broward County booking information typically lists the inmate’s full name, booking number, booking date, arresting agency, current charges, and housing location inside the jail. Bond amounts, court dates, and release times show up once those events are logged.
Broward County Inmate Search and Jail Records
The Broward County inmate search lets anyone look up a person who is currently in custody or was in custody at a BSO facility. The portal is free and runs on the BSO website. The search accepts a last name, first name, or booking number. Results show all matching inmates with their current status, charges, bond, and court date. A second jail records search covers past inmates and historical bookings.
Broward County Jail Facilities in 2026
The Sheriff’s Office operates several detention facilities. Each facility feeds arrests into the same public roster.
- Main Jail (Joseph V. Boffa Building): 555 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Paul Rein Detention Facility: 1800 NW 31st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
- North Broward Bureau: 1 N. University Drive, Plantation, FL 33324
- Broward County Stockade (closed for redevelopment; inmates transferred)
Broward County Mugshots
Broward County mugshots are booking photos taken at intake. The Sheriff’s Office posts each mugshot with the booking record in most cases. Mugshots are public under Florida law because they are created by a government agency during the booking process. A mugshot may be removed or hidden only if the related arrest is expunged, the case is sealed by a court, or the person was never formally charged and qualifies for a pre-trial diversion program. Websites that repost mugshots for a fee are not the official record. The official mugshot is the one held by BSO and viewable through the BSO inmate search portal.
Broward County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Reports
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) is the largest law enforcement agency in the county. It handles patrol, investigations, and corrections for unincorporated Broward and several contracted cities. BSO creates the official arrest records for arrests made by its deputies. Reports include the deputy’s narrative, witness lists, evidence logs, and probable cause affidavits.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) |
| Headquarters | 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 |
| Phone (Non-Emergency) | (954) 764-4357 (HELP) |
| Phone (Records) | (954) 831-8300 |
| Records Request Email | records@browardsheriff.org |
| Website | www.browardsheriff.org |
| Sheriff | Gregory Tony (as of 2026) |
To request a BSO arrest report, file a records request through the BSO Public Records Unit. The request can be made online, by mail, or in person. Most reports are ready within 5 to 10 business days. Reports for arrests that are still under active investigation may be delayed or partially redacted. The agency must cite the exact exemption when withholding information.
Broward County Police Department Arrest Records
Broward County contains 31 incorporated municipalities. Each city runs its own police department, and each department files its own arrest records. Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Hollywood Police Department, Pembroke Pines Police Department, Miramar Police Department, Coral Springs Police Department, Pompano Beach Police Department, and Sunrise Police Department are the largest city agencies. Each city agency posts its own arrest log and runs its own records request process.
Fort Lauderdale Arrest Records
Fort Lauderdale arrest records cover arrests made by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD). The city uses its own records system separate from BSO. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is located at 1300 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Phone: (954) 828-5700. Arrest logs and incident reports are available through the FLPD Records Division. Fort Lauderdale arrest records are searchable online at flpd.gov.
Other Major City Police Departments in Broward
- Hollywood Police Department: 3250 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33021. Phone: (954) 764-4357
- Pembroke Pines Police Department: 9500 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. Phone: (954) 431-2200
- Miramar Police Department: 11765 City Hall Promenade, Miramar, FL 33025. Phone: (954) 602-4000
- Coral Springs Police Department: 2801 Coral Springs Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33065. Phone: (954) 346-1300
- Pompano Beach Police Department: 100 SW 3rd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. Phone: (954) 786-4200
How to Search Broward County Arrest Records by Name
The fastest way to run a Broward County arrest search by name is the BSO inmate lookup tool at browardsheriff.org. Type the last name, add the first name if you know it, and select a date range. Results show every matching booking at any BSO facility, current or past. The tool also accepts a booking number for a direct match.
For a Broward County arrest history search, run the same name through the Clerk of Courts case search at browardclerk.org. The Clerk system shows the full court record for each case, including the original arrest, all hearings, plea, sentence, and any appeals. Together, the BSO inmate search and the Clerk case search give a complete picture of a person’s arrest record and case outcome in Broward County.
Arrest Log Updates and Timing
The Broward County arrest log updates as bookings occur. Most arrests appear in the public roster within 2 to 4 hours of intake. Court case records post within 24 to 72 hours. The Clerk’s case index may take longer for cases that are still in the pre-file stage. For older cases, archived records go back to 1990 in digital form and to 1972 in microfilm at the courthouse.
Broward County Arrest Lookup for Specific Charges
The BSO inmate search does not let you filter by charge type. To run a charge-based Broward County arrest lookup, use the Clerk’s official records search or a third-party data service that indexes BSO bookings. The most common charges in 2026 include driving under the influence (DUI), battery, drug possession under Florida Statute 893.13, retail theft, domestic violence, and probation violations. The Clerk’s system groups cases by Florida statute number, so a charge-based search is best done at the court level, not the jail level.
Florida Public Records Law and Broward County
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the backbone of every Broward County public records request. The law says any person can ask to see or copy any public record made or received by a government agency. No reason is required. No ID is required. The agency must respond in a reasonable time. Section 119.07 sets the fee rules, including the right to inspect records at no charge during normal business hours and to pay only for copies.
Broward County has formalized this through online portals. The Clerk uses an online request form. BSO uses a separate request portal. Each city agency has its own process. When a record is exempt, the agency must cite the exact statute. When only part of a record is exempt, the agency must release the rest.
Exemptions and Sealed Records in Broward County
Not every record is open. Florida law lists dozens of exemptions. Common ones in Broward County include:
- Active criminal intelligence and investigative records under Section 119.071(2)
- Juvenile criminal records under Section 985.04
- Medical records and mental health records
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and taxpayer IDs
- Home addresses of active law enforcement, judges, and certain public officials
- Sealed or expunged records under Sections 943.0585 and 943.059
- Warrant information before an arrest is made
To seal or expunge a Broward County arrest record, the person must apply to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and get a court order from the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The process can take 6 to 12 months.
Fees and Certified Copies
Broward County public records fees follow Florida law. The Clerk charges $1.00 per page for court case copies and $1.00 per page for official recorded instruments. Certification costs an extra $5.00 per document. Plain administrative copies cost up to $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page. Electronic records already in digital form may be free or cost less. The first 30 minutes of research time is free. After that, agencies can bill at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee who can do the work. For very large requests, the agency can ask for a deposit before starting the work.
Always ask for a written fee estimate before placing a large request. The estimate protects both the requester and the agency. Payment is usually accepted by cash, check, money order, and credit card at the Clerk’s office. Online orders accept credit card and e-check.
Disputes and Appeals
If a Broward County agency denies a records request, the requester can appeal. The first step is to ask the agency for a written reason with the exact exemption cited. If the denial stands, the requester can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office through the Open Government mediation program at (850) 245-0140. The First Amendment Foundation at floridafaf.org also helps requesters. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the requester can file a civil lawsuit under Section 119.12, and a judge can order the agency to release the records plus attorney fees.
Contact Information for Records Requests in Broward County
Use the contact list below to reach the right office for each type of record.
| Record Type | Agency | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court cases, official records, marriage, civil | Broward Clerk of Courts | (954) 831-6565 | www.browardclerk.org |
| Arrest reports, inmate search, jail records | Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) | (954) 831-8300 | www.browardsheriff.org |
| Fort Lauderdale arrests and reports | Fort Lauderdale Police | (954) 828-5700 | www.flpd.gov |
| Hollywood arrests and reports | Hollywood Police | (954) 764-4357 | www.hollywoodfl.org |
| Pembroke Pines arrests and reports | Pembroke Pines Police | (954) 431-2200 | www.ppines.com |
| Miramar arrests and reports | Miramar Police | (954) 602-4000 | www.miramarfl.gov |
| Coral Springs arrests and reports | Coral Springs Police | (954) 346-1300 | www.coralsprings.org |
| Property records and deeds | Broward Property Appraiser | (954) 357-6830 | www.bcpa.net |
| Property tax records | Broward Tax Collector | (954) 831-4000 | www.browardtax.com |
| Statewide criminal history | Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) | (850) 410-8100 | www.fdle.state.fl.us |
Quick Reference for Common Searches
- Broward County arrest records online: BSO inmate search at browardsheriff.org
- Broward County arrest search by name: BSO inmate portal or Clerk case search
- Broward County recent arrests: BSO daily arrest log on the Sheriff’s website
- Broward County booking records: BSO inmate search, filter by booking date
- Broward County mugshots: BSO inmate search results page
- Broward County jail records: BSO inmate search plus Clerk case search
- Broward County FL arrest log: BSO public arrest log
- Fort Lauderdale arrest records: Fort Lauderdale Police Department records unit
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Public Records
The questions below cover the most common points raised by users searching for Broward County arrest records, jail records, and public record access in 2026. Each answer reflects current Florida law, current BSO and Clerk procedures, and current fee schedules as of July 2026.
How do I run a free Broward County arrest search by name?
Go to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office inmate search at browardsheriff.org. Type the last name in the search box. Add the first name if you know it. The system returns all matching inmates who are currently in custody or were in custody recently. Each result shows the booking number, charges, bond, and housing location. For older arrests, run the same name through the Clerk of Courts case search at browardclerk.org. Both tools are free. No account or fee is required.
Are Broward County mugshots removed after an arrest is dismissed?
Mugshots stay online until the related case is sealed or expunged by a court order. A dismissal or a “not guilty” verdict alone does not remove the mugshot. To remove it, the person must apply to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility and then file a petition with the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Once the judge signs the order, BSO updates the public record. The process usually takes 6 to 12 months from start to finish.
Can I get a certified copy of a Broward County arrest report?
Yes. Certified copies of arrest reports are available from the arresting agency. For BSO arrests, place the request through the BSO Records Division and ask for a certified copy. The fee is $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Police departments in cities also issue certified copies for arrests made by their officers. The certified copy has the agency’s official seal and is accepted by courts, employers, and licensing boards.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a court record?
An arrest record is created by the police at the time of arrest and is held by the arresting agency or jail. It shows the arrest, the charges, the booking, and the booking photo. A court record is created when the State Attorney files formal charges. The court record shows the case number, all hearings, motions, plea, sentence, and final judgment. Both are public in Broward County. The Clerk of Courts holds the court record. BSO holds the arrest record. For a full picture, search both systems using the same name.
How long does the Clerk of Courts keep Broward County public records?
Digital court records go back to 1990. Microfilm records cover cases from 1972 through 1989. Older paper records are stored at the courthouse archive and require an in-person request. Official records (deeds, mortgages, liens) go back to 1978 in digital form. Marriage records go back to 1927. Arrest records held by BSO cover the agency’s history since 2007 in digital form, with older arrests scanned on request. Records are never destroyed unless a court orders it under a retention schedule.
Can I access Broward County arrest records from a phone?
Yes. The BSO inmate search and the Clerk case search both work on mobile browsers. The interfaces are mobile-friendly. You can also call the BSO Records Division at (954) 831-8300 during business hours. For a written record, the BSO public records portal accepts online requests 24 hours a day. Email requests are also accepted at records@browardsheriff.org, but the portal is faster.
What should I do if my Broward County arrest record is wrong?
File a correction request with the arresting agency. For BSO arrests, contact the Records Division in writing. Include the booking number, your full name, date of birth, and a clear statement of what is wrong. Attach proof such as a court order or a dismissal paper. BSO has 30 days to correct the record or explain why it cannot. For errors in the court record, contact the Clerk of Courts at (954) 831-6565. For background check errors, contact FDLE at (850) 410-8100.