Broward County felony records are public court files that document serious criminal cases handled in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. These records cover every felony case filed in the county, from initial charges through final sentencing.
The Broward Clerk of Court maintains these files and provides free public access through online portals and courthouse terminals. This page explains how to search felony case information, what documents each file contains, and what fees apply for official copies.
What Felony Records Show in Broward County
Broward County felony records contain a complete history of each criminal case filed in circuit court. Felonies are the most serious category of crimes under Florida law and include offenses such as burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, robbery, fraud, and homicide. Misdemeanor cases stay in county court, but felony cases move to circuit court for trial and sentencing.
Basic Case Facts
Every felony record starts with core case details. The file shows the unique case number assigned by the Clerk of Court at filing. It lists the full legal name of the defendant, the date of birth, and the date the case opened. You also see the assigned division, the judge assigned to the case, and the name of the state attorney handling prosecution.
Charges Filed
The charging section lists each criminal count against the defendant. Each charge cites the Florida Statute number, the crime name, and the degree of felony. Felonies in Florida carry three degrees: life felony, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, and third-degree felony. Capital felonies and life felonies carry the harshest penalties under state law.
Court Actions and Outcomes
Felony files include a docket sheet that lists every court event in chronological order. The docket shows arraignment dates, motion hearings, plea agreements, trial dates, and verdict entries. Each entry includes the document type, the filing party, and the judge who handled the event. The docket serves as the backbone of the entire case file.
Sentence Information
The final section records what happened at case resolution. Sentences may include prison time, probation, fines, restitution, or community control. The judgment document shows credit for time served, mandatory minimums, and any special conditions. If the defendant entered a plea deal, the plea agreement appears with the negotiated sentence terms.
Where Broward County Stores Felony Case Files
Felony case files pass through several agencies during their lifetime. Each agency maintains a portion of the record based on its role in the criminal justice process.
The Clerk of Court’s Role
The Broward County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller manages the master file for every felony case. The Clerk stores the original charging documents, motions, orders, and judgments. The Clerk also keeps the official docket sheet that tracks all activity. The Clerk’s office provides certified copies of court orders and judgments for a fee.
17th Judicial Circuit Court
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court hears all felony cases in Broward County. The circuit includes felony divisions that handle criminal cases, plus specialized courts for drug offenses, mental health, and veterans. Each felony division has its own judges and case managers. The court itself does not maintain the files, but it creates the orders and judgments that become part of the Clerk’s record.
Statewide FDLE Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the statewide criminal history database. This database collects arrest and disposition data from all 67 Florida counties, including Broward. The FDLE system provides a single search point for criminal history checks that span multiple counties. The database covers arrests, charges, plea outcomes, and verdicts from county, circuit, and federal cases.
Florida Department of Corrections
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks inmates in state prison. If a felony conviction results in a state prison sentence, the offender enters the FDC system. The public Offender Search shows the inmate’s current location, sentence length, release date, and disciplinary history. County jail inmates do not appear in this database.
Free Online Search Methods for Broward Felony Cases
Three free online databases allow you to search Broward County felony records from any computer or phone. Each database serves a different purpose.
Clerk of Court Online Portal
The Broward Clerk of Court operates a free public records search at browardclerk.org. The portal lets you search criminal cases by defendant name, case number, citation number, or attorney bar number. Search results show the case number, party names, charges, and current status. You can view the docket sheet for free, but document images require a small fee per page.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The FDLE charges $24 per name-based search through its Criminal History Search portal at web.fdle.state.fl.us. This search checks felony records across all Florida counties in one query. Results show arrests, charges, dispositions, and the court that handled each case. The system returns results instantly on screen. You can print or save the report as a PDF.
State Corrections Offender Search
The Florida Department of Corrections provides a free Offender Search at dc.state.fl.us. This database shows current state prison inmates, their sentence details, and their release dates. You can search by name or Department of Corrections number. The search includes inmate photos, facility locations, and projected release dates. County jail inmates do not appear in this system.
Searching Felony Records by Name or Case Number
The most common search methods use a defendant name or a case number. Each method produces different results and works best for different situations.
Name-Based Search Steps
Start with the Clerk of Court portal when searching by name. Enter the defendant’s last name first, followed by the first name. Add a middle name or initial when known. Narrow the search by selecting Broward County and the criminal case category. The system returns matching cases with case numbers, filing dates, and current status flags.
Case Number Lookup Steps
Case numbers provide the fastest path to a specific file. The Broward case number format starts with a two-digit year, followed by the case type code, then a sequence number. Felony case numbers use the prefix CF for criminal felony cases. Enter the full case number in the Clerk’s portal to pull up the complete file immediately.
Date Range Search
Date range searches help when you know when an event happened. The Clerk’s portal lets you set a start date and end date for case filings or court events. You can also filter by charge type or case status. Date searches work well for tracking recent court activity in felony divisions.
Attorney Party Search
The Clerk’s portal includes a search by attorney bar number. Enter the Florida Bar number to pull up every case where that attorney served as defense counsel or prosecutor. This search helps attorneys track their case loads and helps journalists research legal trends in the county.
Visiting the Broward County Courthouse
Online searches cover most needs, but some records require an in-person visit. The main courthouse and satellite locations provide public terminals and staff assistance.
Main Courthouse Address
The main Broward County Courthouse stands at 201 Southeast 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The courthouse sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale near the federal courthouse and county government center. Public parking is available in nearby garages for a fee. Free parking is limited in the surrounding area.
Public Terminal Access
The Clerk’s office provides free public terminals in the courthouse lobby. These terminals connect to the same database as the online portal. The terminals print documents at $1 per page. You can save searches to a USB drive when needed. Terminals operate on a first-come basis during business hours.
Staff Assistance and Hours
Clerk staff can help locate cases that do not appear online. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you have. The Criminal Records department operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Phone support runs during the same hours at (954) 831-6565. Staff can pull older paper files from archive storage with two business days of notice.
Satellite Courthouses
Broward County operates satellite courthouses in West Park and Deerfield Beach. These locations handle civil and family cases, but felony records requests must go to the main Fort Lauderdale courthouse. The satellite offices can direct you to the main courthouse for felony record searches.
Costs for Felony Records and Copies
Most felony record searches cost nothing, but copies and certified documents carry fees. The fee structure is set by Florida statute and applies statewide.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular copies cost $1 per page. The Clerk’s office charges $2 per page for double-sided documents. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, and credit card. Credit card payments carry an additional processing fee.
Certified Copies
Certified copies of court orders, judgments, and other documents cost $7 for the first page and $2 for each additional page. A certified copy includes a raised seal and the Clerk’s signature. Legal proceedings and immigration cases often require certified copies instead of regular photocopies.
Online Access Fees
The online portal charges $1 per page for document images. Search access remains free. The FDLE charges $24 per criminal history check. The Department of Corrections search is free. Payment for online portal fees runs through a secure credit card processor.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
Florida law allows certain felony records to be sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay in the system but become hidden from public searches. Expunged records get destroyed by court order. Both processes require a judge’s approval.
Who Qualifies
You qualify for seal or expunge only if you have no prior seal or expunge orders. Your case must have ended without a conviction, meaning charges were dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty. You cannot seal or expunge a record if you received a withhold of adjudication for certain offenses. Driving under suspension charges do not qualify.
How to Seal a Record
To seal a felony record, file a petition with the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was handled. The petition must include a certified copy of the disposition. You also need a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE. The court schedules a hearing and notifies the state attorney. A judge signs the order if you meet all requirements.
How to Expunge a Record
Expungement follows the same steps as sealing, with one major difference. The court physically destroys the physical case file. The Clerk removes the case from the public database. Only the FDLE retains a confidential record for criminal justice purposes. Expunged records do not appear in background checks.
Crimes That Cannot Be Sealed
Florida law blocks seal or expunge for specific offenses. These include murder, attempted murder, sexual offenses, kidnapping, domestic violence, and certain drug trafficking crimes. Any felony that requires the defendant to register as a sex offender cannot be sealed. A full list of disqualifying offenses appears in Florida Statute 943.0585.
Florida Sunshine Law and Public Records
Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, guarantees public access to government records. Felony case files fall under this law. The Clerk of Court cannot deny access without a specific statutory exemption.
Your Access Rights
You have the right to view most felony case records without giving a reason. You do not need to show identification. You can take notes, make copies, or request digital copies. The Clerk must respond to your request within a reasonable time frame. Refusal to provide access can be challenged through a lawsuit.
Records That Remain Hidden
Some felony records are exempt from public access. Sealed and expunged records stay confidential. Juvenile records remain hidden from public view. Active criminal intelligence information stays sealed. Records involving victims of certain crimes may have identifying details redacted. Grand jury proceedings stay secret by law.
Submitting a Public Records Request
Submit a written public records request to the Clerk’s office for documents not available online. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of the records you want. The Clerk has five business days to respond. A reasonable fee may apply for extensive requests. A denial can be appealed to the courts.
Practical Uses for Broward Felony Records
People search felony records for many reasons. Each use case has different requirements and standards for accuracy.
Employment Background Checks
Florida law restricts how employers can use criminal records in hiring. Most employers cannot ask about arrests that did not lead to conviction. Employers can ask about felony convictions. Background check companies pull data from the FDLE and county Clerk databases. Employers must follow federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines when reviewing criminal history.
Tenant Screening
Landlords use felony records to screen rental applicants. Florida law allows landlords to deny applications based on certain felony convictions, especially drug-related offenses. Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, religion, or disability. A background check must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Personal Safety Research
Individuals search felony records to check the background of new acquaintances, neighbors, or romantic partners. Public record searches help people make informed decisions about personal safety. A quick FDLE search costs $24 and returns results from every Florida county.
Legal Case Preparation
Attorneys search felony records to research opposing counsel, judges, and prosecutors. Pattern analysis of plea deals and trial outcomes helps attorneys build strategy. Journalists use felony records to research criminal justice trends and write accurate stories about the local court system.
Broward County Clerk of Court Contact Details
Main Office: 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Website: www.browardclerk.org
FDLE Criminal History: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
FDC Offender Search: dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Felony Records
Broward County felony records raise many practical questions from residents, employers, attorneys, and researchers. The answers below address the most common concerns about access, accuracy, costs, and legal limitations. Each answer draws from current Florida statutes, Clerk of Court procedures, and FDLE policies. The information reflects standards in place for 2026.
How long does Broward County keep felony case records?
Broward County keeps felony case records permanently under Florida law. The Clerk of Court stores all felony files from the date of filing through final resolution and beyond. Digital records stay in the online database indefinitely. Paper records older than 1990 remain in archive storage at the main courthouse. Expunged records get destroyed, but sealed records remain in the system for law enforcement access. Researchers and attorneys can request access to decades-old felony files through the Clerk’s archive request process. The archive team requires two business days to pull paper files from storage. Older cases that were never digitized require a manual search through microfilm records.
Can I search felony records for free in Broward County?
Yes, free searches cover most felony record needs in Broward County. The Clerk of Court online portal at browardclerk.org provides free name and case number searches. The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search is free for state prison inmates. The Clerk’s public terminals in the courthouse lobby are free to use. The only paid search is the FDLE statewide criminal history check, which costs $24 and covers all Florida counties at once. The FDLE fee covers the cost of compiling records from multiple agencies and processing the official report. Most people who only need Broward County results can use the free Clerk portal.
What shows up on a Broward County felony background check?
A Broward County felony background check shows arrests, charges, court appearances, plea deals, trial verdicts, sentences, probation status, and prison commitments. The check includes case numbers, court locations, and judge assignments. Convictions and withholds of adjudication both appear. Dismissed charges show with the dismissal notation. Sealed records do not appear. Expunged records do not appear. Active warrants do not show in standard background checks. Federal felony charges handled in Fort Lauderdale federal court do not appear in state database searches. A complete background check requires both state and federal database searches.
How do I remove a felony from my record in Broward County?
Florida law allows felony record sealing and expungement in specific circumstances. You must first get a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE. The certificate confirms you meet the basic requirements. File a petition with the Clerk of Court in Broward County. Pay the filing fee, which currently runs $42 for sealing and $42 for expungement. Serve the petition on the state attorney. Attend the court hearing. A judge signs the order if you meet all criteria. The whole process takes three to six months from start to finish. Most people hire an attorney to handle the paperwork and represent them at the hearing.
Are Broward County felony records available to out-of-state employers?
Yes, out-of-state employers can request Broward County felony records through the FDLE. The FDLE provides certified criminal history reports for $24 per name search. The reports show felony convictions from all Florida counties, including Broward. Employers in other states often use third-party background check companies that pull data from the FDLE database. The reports meet federal standards for criminal background checks under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Some employers require FBI-level checks that include out-of-state and federal records. The FDLE search covers only Florida arrests and convictions. A national search requires a separate FBI Identity History Summary check.
Can I see someone’s felony record without their permission in Broward County?
Yes, public felony records can be viewed without anyone’s permission in Broward County. Florida’s Sunshine Law guarantees public access to court records. You do not need to notify the defendant or get a court order. The records include docket sheets, motions, orders, and judgments. Some personal details may be redacted under specific statutory protections. Victim information in certain cases stays sealed. Identifying details for juvenile offenders stay hidden. Witness names in ongoing investigations may be redacted. The Clerk of Court can refuse access only when a specific Florida statute or court order blocks disclosure.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Broward County?
Florida law splits criminal offenses into felonies and misdemeaneors based on the severity of the crime. Felonies are punishable by more than one year in state prison. Misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of one year in county jail. Felony cases move through circuit court. Misdemeanor cases stay in county court. Broward County felony cases get case numbers starting with the CF prefix. Misdemeanor cases use the MM prefix. The Clerk maintains separate databases for each case type. Background checks treat felony convictions more seriously than misdemeanor convictions under most federal employment guidelines.