Pembroke Pines City Florida background check records give you a full picture of a person’s criminal history in this Broward County city of 180,000 residents. These records pull from local court files, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and federal databases.
Anyone running a check on a Pembroke Pines resident or someone who lived there can use county, state, and federal systems. The city sits 15 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and falls under the 17th Judicial Circuit. Court files, arrest records, and conviction data all flow through the Broward County Clerk of Courts office in Fort Lauderdale.
You can run a background check for many reasons. Employers, landlords, volunteer groups, and private citizens all need these records. Florida has strong public records laws that make most criminal data open to the public. Knowing which agency holds which record saves time and money. This page explains where to look, what each system covers, how much it costs, and how long it takes in 2026.
What Pembroke Pines Background Check Records Include
A full Pembroke Pines background check pulls records from three main sources. Each source covers a different layer of a person’s criminal past. Local records show city and county cases. State records cover all of Florida. Federal records reach across the entire United States.
Local Court Records in Broward County
Broward County court records cover criminal cases, civil suits, traffic offenses, and family court filings for Pembroke Pines residents. The Broward County Clerk of Courts stores these files in Fort Lauderdale. The clerk’s office is led by Brenda D. Forman. Her office indexes cases by name, case number, and date filed. You can search the clerk’s online portal for free. The system shows case status, charges, and final outcomes. Court records include felony and misdemeanor cases filed at the county level. They also show probation violations, bond hearings, and sentence orders.
Statewide Florida Criminal History
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History system, called CCH. This database covers all 67 Florida counties, including Broward. FDLE records show arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentences from across the state. A statewide check picks up any case filed against a person anywhere in Florida. Statewide records include sealed cases only when requested by specific agencies. Most public users see only non-sealed history.
Federal Records and National Database
Federal court records for Pembroke Pines fall under the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Fort Lauderdale. Federal cases include drug trafficking, immigration offenses, and federal firearms charges. The FBI’s national database, called NGI, covers federal arrests and convictions nationwide. Fingerprint-based checks reach the FBI database. Name-based FDLE checks cover Florida only and do not include out-of-state records unless shared with Florida.
How to Request a Pembroke Pines Background Check
You have three main ways to run a background check on someone in Pembroke Pines. Each method has different steps, costs, and turnaround times. The right choice depends on why you need the check and how complete you need it to be.
Online Name-Based Search Through FDLE
The fastest way to check Florida criminal history is through FDLE’s CCHInet system. You need the person’s full name, date of birth, and a credit card. The search costs $24 per request. Most results return within minutes. The search picks up arrests, charges, and dispositions filed in Florida. The online search does not include sealed records. It also does not cover federal cases or records from other states.
To start a search, go to the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Create an account or log in as a guest. Enter the subject’s name and date of birth. Pay the $24 fee with a credit card. Print or save the report. The report shows all matching Florida criminal history records tied to that person.
Fingerprint Check at LiveScan Locations
Fingerprint checks give the most complete results. They cover Florida and the FBI database. You must visit a LiveScan provider in person. The provider scans your fingerprints digitally and sends them to FDLE and the FBI. Pembroke Pines has several LiveScan locations in western Broward County. The FDLE processes the prints and sends back a report within 24 to 72 hours.
Fingerprint checks cost more than name searches. The state fee for an FDLE fingerprint check is $24. The FBI portion costs $14.75. The LiveScan vendor adds a service fee of $10 to $30. Most fingerprint checks in Pembroke Pines cost $50 to $80 total. Many employers require fingerprint checks for jobs in childcare, healthcare, and finance.
In-Person Requests at the Broward Clerk
You can request court records in person at the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The main office sits at 201 SE Sixth Street in Fort Lauderdale. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring a photo ID and the subject’s full name. Staff can help you pull up case files, certified copies, and docket sheets. In-person requests cost the same as online searches but take longer if you need many records.
You can also mail a records request to the clerk’s office. Send a written request with the subject’s name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the copy fees. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process.
Costs and Turnaround Times for 2026
Background check costs in Pembroke Pines vary based on the type of check and the agency involved. Most checks cost less than $100. Turnaround times range from minutes to two weeks depending on the method. Knowing the exact fees and timing helps you plan ahead.
FDLE Fees for Florida Residents
FDLE charges $24 for a name-based criminal history search. This fee covers the state database search and report generation. There is no extra charge for multiple records on the same person. You pay the $24 each time you run a search through CCHInet. Volunteer organizations get a reduced fee of $18 per search. The reduced rate applies only to registered nonprofit groups running volunteer background checks.
| Service | Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| FDLE name-based search | $24 | Minutes |
| FDLE fingerprint search | $24 | 1 to 3 days |
| FBI fingerprint check | $14.75 | 1 to 3 days |
| LiveScan vendor fee | $10 to $30 | Same day |
| Broward Clerk online search | Free | Instant |
| Certified court copies | $1 per page | 1 to 5 days |
Fingerprint and FBI Check Costs
Fingerprint checks through LiveScan vendors in Pembroke Pines cost between $50 and $80 in total. The vendor fee covers the scanning equipment and fingerprint capture. The state fee covers FDLE processing. The FBI fee covers the national database search. Some vendors offer walk-in service without an appointment. Others require you to schedule a visit. Most locations open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
County Court Record Copy Fees
Online searches at the Broward Clerk are free. Printed copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card at the clerk’s office. Mail requests require a check or money order. The clerk does not accept cash through the mail.
Florida Public Records Laws You Should Know
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes opens most government records to the public. This includes arrest reports, court filings, and criminal history data. Knowing your rights helps you get records faster and avoid unlawful denials.
Chapter 119 Open Records Rules
Chapter 119 says any person can request public records without giving a reason. Government agencies must respond to records requests promptly. They can charge only the actual cost of duplication. Agencies cannot deny a request because the requester is not a Florida resident. If an agency denies a request, it must explain the legal basis for the denial in writing. You can appeal the denial through the Attorney General’s office.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Florida law allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records. Chapter 943 covers the rules for sealing and expungement. A sealed record stays in the FDLE system but is hidden from public view. An expunged record is physically destroyed. Most background checks do not show sealed or expunged records. Only specific agencies can see sealed files, including law enforcement, courts, and certain licensing boards.
You cannot get a sealed or expunged record through a public records request. The FDLE maintains a list of sealed cases but does not release the contents. If you run a check and find no records, the person may have had a record sealed. The FDLE seal and expunge section handles all requests for these services.
Exempt Records Under Florida Law
Some records stay exempt from public release even under Chapter 119. Active criminal intelligence data is exempt. Information about crime victims under age 16 stays confidential. Juvenile criminal records stay sealed under most circumstances. Personal details about law enforcement officers and judges stay exempt. Home addresses of certain public officials also stay exempt from public release.
Background Checks for Employment in Pembroke Pines
Employers in Pembroke Pines run background checks for many types of jobs. The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets federal rules for employment background checks. Florida law adds extra rules for certain regulated industries. Knowing which check you need depends on the job type.
FCRA-Compliant Screening
The Fair Credit Reporting Act covers background checks done by third-party screening companies. FCRA requires employers to get written consent before running a check. The employer must give the candidate a copy of the report and a chance to dispute errors. FCRA applies to most private employers in Pembroke Pines. It does not apply to federal jobs or some law enforcement positions.
FCRA-compliant checks typically pull from FDLE, the Broward Clerk, the National Sex Offender Registry, and the FBI database. The screening company produces a single report for the employer. The employer uses the report to make hiring decisions. The candidate has the right to see the report and correct any errors.
Chapter 435 Regulated Employment
Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes lists jobs that need a specific level of background screening. These jobs include childcare workers, teachers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers. Chapter 435 checks require fingerprinting and a search of state and federal databases. Employers in these fields must run a Level 2 background check. A Level 2 check includes fingerprinting and reaches the FBI database.
Many Pembroke Pines employers must also run checks on volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults. Schools, youth sports leagues, and senior centers all require background screening. The screening uses the same FDLE and FBI systems as paid employment checks.
Volunteer and Tenant Screening
Volunteer organizations can run FDLE background checks at a reduced fee. The nonprofit must register with FDLE to qualify for the lower rate. Tenant screening follows FCRA rules when done by a third party. Landlords who run their own checks using FDLE CCHInet still face limits on how they use the data. Florida law bars landlords from discriminating based on arrest records that did not lead to conviction.
Pembroke Pines Police and Local Records
The Pembroke Pines Police Department keeps local incident reports and arrest logs. The department does not run formal background checks. For a formal check, you must use county or state systems. The police department can release incident reports for events that happened in Pembroke Pines city limits.
Incident Reports and Arrest Logs
Pembroke Pines Police Department records cover traffic stops, arrests, and calls for service. Incident reports show what officers found at a scene. Arrest logs list people taken into custody by the department. You can request incident reports by contacting the police records division. The department charges a small fee for copies. Most reports become public 10 days after the incident.
Sex Offender Registry Searches
Florida maintains a public sex offender registry through FDLE. The registry lists all registered sex offenders living in Florida, including Pembroke Pines. You can search the registry by name, address, or zip code. The registry shows the offender’s photo, address, and the crime that led to registration. The registry updates within 24 hours of any change in status. You can search the registry for free at the FDLE website.
Warrant Searches in Broward County
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office runs warrant searches for active warrants in the county. You can search warrants online through the sheriff’s website. The search shows outstanding warrants for people in Pembroke Pines and other Broward cities. Warrant searches are free. You can search by name or date of birth. Active warrants show the charge, bond amount, and case number.
Official Contact Information
This section lists the agencies that handle background check records in and around Pembroke Pines. Each office has its own hours, fees, and procedures. Save these contacts before starting your search.
| Agency | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk of Courts | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Florida Department of Law Enforcement | 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | (850) 410-7000 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Pembroke Pines Police Department | 9500 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 | (954) 431-2200 | 24 hours |
| Broward County Sheriff’s Office | 2601 W Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | (954) 765-4321 | 24 hours |
| U.S. District Court Southern District | 299 E Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 769-5400 | Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common concerns people have about Pembroke Pines background checks. Each answer explains the rules, costs, and procedures for specific situations. Use these answers to plan your check and avoid common mistakes.
How long does a Pembroke Pines background check take?
A name-based FDLE search returns results in minutes. A fingerprint check takes 1 to 3 days for state results and up to 5 days for FBI results. Court record searches through the Broward Clerk are instant online. Mail requests to the clerk take 5 to 10 business days. Plan ahead based on how fast you need the results. Most employers accept results that are less than 90 days old.
Can I run a background check on myself in Pembroke Pines?
Yes. You can run a background check on yourself using FDLE CCHInet. The $24 fee applies. You can also request your own court records from the Broward Clerk for free. Many people run self-checks before applying for jobs or leases. Self-checks help you spot errors in your own record before an employer sees them.
What shows up on a Florida background check?
A Florida background check shows arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentences for non-sealed cases. It includes felony and misdemeanor convictions. It shows pending charges and dropped charges. It does not show expunged records. It does not show civil cases unless they are part of a criminal file. Traffic infractions do not appear on FDLE criminal history checks. Out-of-state records do not appear unless shared with Florida.
How do I fix an error on my Pembroke Pines background check?
Contact FDLE if the error is on your state criminal history record. You can file a challenge through the FDLE website. You will need to provide proof of the error. FDLE investigates and corrects verified errors within 30 days. Contact the Broward Clerk if the error is on a court record. You may need to file a motion with the court to correct the record.
Are Pembroke Pines arrest records public?
Yes. Most arrest records are public under Florida law. You can view them through the Broward Clerk’s online portal or by requesting copies. Some arrest records stay exempt, including those involving juveniles, sex crime victims, and active investigations. Arrests that did not lead to charges still appear on FDLE checks. Florida law limits how employers can use non-conviction arrest data.
Do I need a reason to request Pembroke Pines background records?
No. Florida’s public records law lets anyone request records without giving a reason. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to explain why you want the records. Agencies must respond to valid requests. They can only deny a request if a specific law exempts the record. If your request is denied, the agency must cite the law that allows the denial.
What is the difference between a name-based and fingerprint check?
A name-based check uses a person’s name and date of birth to search Florida criminal history. It costs $24 and returns results in minutes. A fingerprint check uses biometric data to search state and FBI databases. It costs $50 to $80 and takes 1 to 5 days. Fingerprint checks are more accurate and pick up records tied to aliases. Many regulated jobs require fingerprint checks.