Broward County Public Records offer instant online access to over 1.3 million official documents recorded from January 1, 1978, to today. This includes property deeds, mortgage agreements, liens, plat maps, easements, and court filings. Residents, attorneys, title companies, and researchers use these records for real estate transactions, legal cases, background checks, and government oversight. The county provides free online searches with thumbnail previews, and certified copies are available for a small fee. For older records before 1978, microfilm retrieval is handled in person at the Records & Taxes Treasury office in Fort Lauderdale.
How to Search Broward County Public Records Online
The primary portal for Broward County Public Records is the Official Records Search system. Users can search by document number, grantor or grantee name, recording date, or keyword. Each result shows a thumbnail image, allowing users to preview content before ordering. Certified copies cost $0.10 per black-and-white page and $0.25 per color page as of 2022. The system generates a receipt with a tracking number for every order. This service is available 24/7 and complies with Florida’s public records laws.
Types of Records Available in Broward County
Broward County Public Records cover a wide range of legal and financial documents. Property-related records include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps. Court records include civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases from the Clerk of Courts. Corporate filings such as business charters, annual reports, and registered agent details are linked through the Florida Division of Corporations. Sheriff’s records include incident reports and arrest logs. All records are indexed and searchable by name, date, or document type.
Property and Real Estate Documents
Property records are among the most frequently requested Broward County Public Records. These include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgage agreements, lien filings, and subdivision plats. Each document is assigned a unique book and page number for tracking. Users can verify ownership, check for liens, or confirm property boundaries. The system also shows easements and right-of-way agreements that affect land use.
Court and Legal Filings
The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains an online case search tool for public records. Users can find civil lawsuits, criminal charges, probate matters, and family court cases. Each entry includes docket numbers, filing dates, party names, and PDF copies of judgments or orders. All documents are stamped with the clerk’s official seal and filing date. Email addresses of court staff are public, but personal emails can be protected upon request.
Corporate and Business Records
Broward County Public Records include business filings through the Florida Division of Corporations. Users can search for corporate charters, annual reports, and registered agent information. These records are cross-referenced with county documents for complete business history. This helps verify legitimacy, track ownership changes, or support due diligence in transactions.
Sheriff and Law Enforcement Records
The Broward Sheriff’s Office provides public access to incident reports, arrest logs, and forensic photographs. Requests are processed Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fees are based on actual copying costs, as defined by Florida Statute 119.071. The office follows accessibility guidelines and offers records in formats compatible with screen readers.
How to Request Certified Copies of Records
Certified copies of Broward County Public Records are required for legal proceedings, title transfers, or official verification. Users can order them online through the Official Records portal or in person at the Records & Taxes Treasury office. Each certified copy includes a seal and signature from the County Recorder. Fees are $0.10 per black-and-white page and $0.25 per color page. Processing takes 1–3 business days, and receipts include a docket number for tracking.
In-Person Requests
For records not available online or pre-1978 microfilm files, visit the Records & Taxes Treasury office at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Staff assist with searches, retrieval, and certification. The office is open weekdays during business hours. Call 954-357-9031 for appointments or questions.
Online and Email Requests
Most Broward County Public Records can be requested online. The portal allows users to search, preview, and order certified copies electronically. Email requests can be sent to the protected address listed on the county website. Fax requests are accepted at 954-357-9031. Include the document number, names, and recording date to speed up processing.
Fees and Payment Options
Broward County charges minimal fees for public records to cover reproduction costs. As of August 2022, black-and-white copies cost $0.10 per page, and color copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies include an additional certification fee. Payments can be made online by credit card or in person with cash, check, or money order. No fees apply for viewing records online.
Fee Exemptions and Waivers
Florida law allows fee waivers for certain public interest requests, such as those from journalists, researchers, or government agencies. Waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis and require written justification. The County Recorder’s office reviews all waiver requests within five business days.
Accessibility and Compliance
All Broward County Public Records portals comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. This ensures access for users with disabilities. Features include screen reader compatibility, high-contrast modes, and keyboard navigation. The Clerk of Courts and Sheriff’s Office post accessibility policies on their websites.
Redaction of Sensitive Information
In 2020, the Broward County Clerk implemented automatic redaction of Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, and other personal identifiers in court records. This protects privacy while maintaining public access. Users can contact the clerk’s office for help with redaction issues.
Additional Resources and Related Searches
Broward County Public Records are part of a broader network of government databases. The Inspector General’s office provides audit reports and complaint records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers criminal history checks. State courts provide online dockets for statewide cases. These resources help users gather complete information for legal or personal needs.
BrowardGov Portal
The BrowardGov website links to multiple public records systems, including corporate filings, property records, and court cases. It serves as a central hub for county services and information. Users can search by name, date, or document type across multiple databases.
NetRonline and Third-Party Access
NetRonline provides an alternative portal for Broward County Public Records. It offers real-time status updates and electronic PDF downloads. Other third-party sites aggregate data but may charge higher fees. Always verify information through official county sources.
Common Uses for Broward County Public Records
People use Broward County Public Records for many reasons. Homebuyers check property titles and liens. Lawyers verify court filings for cases. Journalists investigate government actions. Researchers study local trends. Businesses confirm corporate details. These records support transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.
Real Estate Transactions
Title companies and real estate agents rely on Broward County Public Records to clear titles, confirm ownership, and identify encumbrances. Searching deeds, mortgages, and liens prevents legal issues during sales.
Legal and Background Checks
Attorneys use court records to build cases. Employers and landlords may request arrest logs or civil filings for background checks. All requests must follow Florida’s public records laws.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Public Records
Many users have questions about how to access, use, or interpret Broward County Public Records. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official policies and user experiences.
Are Broward County Public Records free to view?
Yes, viewing Broward County Public Records online is free. Users can search, preview thumbnails, and read summaries at no cost. Fees only apply when ordering certified copies or printed documents. These fees cover reproduction and certification, not access.
How far back do online records go?
Online Broward County Public Records date from January 1, 1978, to the present. Older records exist on microfilm and require in-person retrieval at the Records & Taxes Treasury office. Staff can assist with searches and provide certified copies for a fee.
Can I get a record if I don’t know the exact name or number?
Yes. The search system allows partial name matches and keyword searches. Users can also search by date range or document type. If results are unclear, contact the Records office for help narrowing the search.
Are email addresses of government employees public?
Yes, under Florida law, email addresses of public employees are considered Broward County Public Records. However, individuals can request privacy by submitting written requests to avoid disclosure in public responses.
What if I receive a suspicious tax or legal notice?
If you get a letter demanding payment for a fake tax lien or legal fee, it may be a scam. Verify all notices by calling the official agency directly. For tax issues, contact the Broward County Tax Collector at 954-404-2400. Report fraud to local law enforcement.
Can I access arrest photos or booking records?
Yes, booking photos and arrest logs are part of Broward County Public Records and available through the Sheriff’s Office. Requests must include the person’s name and date of arrest. Some images may be withheld if part of an active investigation.
How do I correct an error in a public record?
To correct a mistake in a Broward County Public Record, contact the office that maintains it. For property records, reach the Records & Taxes Treasury. For court records, contact the Clerk of Courts. Provide proof of the error and request a correction form. Processing may take several weeks.
Official Contact Information
For assistance with Broward County Public Records, use the following official contacts:
Broward County Records, Taxes & Treasury
Address: 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-357-9031
Website: https://www.broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury/Records/Pages/Default.aspx
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Phone: 954-831-8700
Website: https://www.browardclerk.org/
Public Records Email: publicrecords@browardclerk.org
Broward Sheriff’s Office – Public Records Unit
Phone: 954-831-8700
Website: https://www.sheriff.org/LE/Pages/Request-a-Record.aspx
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.