Fort Lauderdale city public records include arrest logs, booking photos, inmate rosters, police reports, court filings, and property documents held by city and county agencies. Anyone can request these records under Florida Statute Chapter 119 without paying a fee for the first 30 minutes of staff time.
This resource explains where to find each record type, who holds it, and how to get copies in 2026.
The Florida Attorney General’s open government page at myfloridalegal.com outlines statewide rules that apply to all agencies, including the City of Fort Lauderdale, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
What Counts as a Fort Lauderdale City Public Record
A public record is any document, photo, or data file created or kept by a government agency while doing public work. In Fort Lauderdale, these records cover three main groups: law enforcement files, court filings, and administrative documents.
Law enforcement records include arrest reports, booking logs, daily arrest lists, inmate rosters, and mugshots. Court records include criminal case files, civil cases, traffic tickets, and family court orders. Administrative records include city budgets, meeting minutes, contracts, permits, and property deeds.
Florida law treats all of these as open by default. An agency can hide a record only if a specific statute allows it. Common exemptions include juvenile records, active criminal intelligence files, and Social Security numbers.
Main Agencies That Hold Fort Lauderdale Records
Fort Lauderdale does not have one central records office. Records are split across city, county, and state agencies based on who created the file.
- Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD): handles arrest reports, incident reports, and calls for service within city limits.
- Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO): runs the county jail system, booking facility, and inmate lookup for all of Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale.
- Broward County Clerk of Courts: keeps court records, official records (deeds, liens, mortgages), and marriage licenses.
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): maintains the statewide criminal history database and public sexual offender registry.
- Broward County Property Appraiser: holds property ownership, assessed value, and parcel data.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department Contact
The FLPD headquarters sits at 1300 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. The non-emergency line is (954) 764-4357. The police records unit releases police reports, accident reports, and arrest reports for events that happen inside Fort Lauderdale city limits. The official website is fortlauderdale.gov/police.
Broward Sheriff’s Office Contact
BSO headquarters sits at 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. The general line is (954) 831-5900. BSO operates the Main Jail at 555 SE 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, which is the booking point for all Fort Lauderdale arrests. The inmate lookup is at browardsheriff.org/inmate-search.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Contact
The Clerk’s downtown office sits at 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The main phone is (954) 831-6565. Court records and official records are searchable online at browardclerk.org.
Fort Lauderdale Arrest Records and Booking Information
Fort Lauderdale arrest records show when a person was taken into custody, the charge, the booking number, and the arresting officer. These records come from FLPD for city arrests and BSO for the booking process. The booking number (also called the inmate ID or booking ID) is the key piece of data used to track someone from arrest through release.
Arrest records are public the moment the person is booked into the jail. Most agencies post a daily arrest log within 24 to 48 hours. Florida law does not require a waiting period for adult arrest records.
What an Arrest Record Contains
- Full name and date of birth of the arrested person
- Booking number and date of booking
- Charges filed and statute numbers
- Arresting agency and officer
- Bond amount and bond status
- Scheduled court date
- Mugshot (booking photo)
How to Search Fort Lauderdale Arrest Records
Three main methods exist to search arrest records in Fort Lauderdale:
- BSO Inmate Search: Free online tool at browardsheriff.org/inmate-search. Search by name or booking number. Shows current inmates and recent releases within the past 48 hours.
- FLPD Daily Arrest Log: Posted on the Fort Lauderdale Police Department page of the city website. Updated each business day.
- Public Records Request: Email or mail a request to FLPD Records for historical arrests. The first 30 minutes of search time is free.
Fort Lauderdale Booking Records and Mugshots
Booking records are the official files created when someone enters the jail. They include the intake photo (mugshot), fingerprint data, personal property log, medical screening, and charge list. BSO keeps booking records for all Broward County arrests, including Fort Lauderdale Police Department arrests.
Mugshots are public record in Florida. They can be viewed on the BSO inmate search page for current inmates and on third-party arrest record sites that pull from the same public data. Mugshots of people who were arrested but not convicted are still public, but Florida law (Section 901.43) allows a person to petition a court for expungement or sealing of a mugshot if charges were dropped or they were found not guilty.
Accessing Fort Lauderdale Booking Photos
The BSO inmate search tool shows a current booking photo for every person in custody. The photo updates after each new booking. If a person has been released, their photo is removed from the active search after 48 hours but still exists in the booking record archive.
To get a copy of a specific booking photo, submit a public records request to BSO Records at 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Include the booking number, full name, and date of birth. Standard fees apply for copies.
Fort Lauderdale Inmate Search and Jail Records
Fort Lauderdale inmate search gives the public real-time data on who is in the Broward County jail system. The jail holds people arrested by FLPD, BSO deputies, and other Broward County law enforcement agencies. Inmate records include housing location, bond amount, next court date, and release date.
Broward County Jail Locations
- Main Jail (Central Booking): 555 SE 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 — this is where all Fort Lauderdale arrests are processed.
- Joseph V. Conte Facility: 1351 NW 27th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 — houses medium and minimum security inmates.
- North Broward Bureau: 1550 NW 27th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 — handles court transport and releases.
How to Use the BSO Inmate Search Tool
Go to browardsheriff.org/inmate-search. Enter the last name and first name, or use the booking number if you have it. Results show current inmates first, then recent releases. Click a name to see full details: charges, bond, court date, housing unit, and mugshot.
The system updates every 15 minutes from the jail management system. If someone was just arrested, their record may take 1 to 2 hours to appear after the booking process finishes.
Bond and Release Information
Bond amounts are set during the first appearance hearing, which happens within 24 hours of arrest. Bond can be paid at the Main Jail 24 hours a day. Cash, certified checks, and most bail bond agents are accepted. The court date listed in the inmate record is when the defendant must appear for arraignment or trial.
Fort Lauderdale Police Arrest Reports and Incident Reports
An arrest report is the detailed narrative written by the arresting officer. It includes witness statements, evidence collected, the probable cause statement, and the officer’s account of the arrest. An incident report covers events that did not result in an arrest, such as thefts, vandalism, or traffic crashes.
Both report types are public record once the investigation is closed. Open investigations may be exempt under Florida Statute 119.071.
Requesting a Police Report from FLPD
Police reports can be requested in person at FLPD headquarters or by email to the records unit. The first 30 minutes of staff time is free. After that, the agency bills at the rate of the lowest-paid staff member who can do the search. Standard copy fees are $0.15 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee per document.
Include in your request: the report number if known, the date of the incident, the location, and the names of people involved. Most simple requests are filled within 5 business days.
Fort Lauderdale Court Records Search
Court records for Fort Lauderdale cases are held by the Broward County Clerk of Courts under the 17th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk’s online system, called eCaseView, allows free searches by name, case number, or citation number.
Types of Court Records Available
- Criminal cases (felony, misdemeanor, DUI)
- Civil cases (contracts, personal injury, small claims)
- Family court (divorce, custody, support)
- Probate and estate filings
- Traffic and criminal traffic cases
- Domestic violence injunction files
Search results show case number, party names, filing date, charges or claim type, court division, and upcoming hearing dates. To view the actual document images, a subscription fee may apply, or you can view documents for free at public terminals in the Clerk’s office.
Accessing Court Documents in Person
The Broward County Courthouse is at 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Public terminals are on the first floor near the Clerk’s office. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can search and view documents at no cost. Printed copies are $0.15 per page.
Fort Lauderdale Property Records and Official Documents
Property records for Fort Lauderdale are split between the Broward County Clerk (for recorded documents) and the Broward County Property Appraiser (for ownership and tax data). Both are public and searchable online.
Clerk Official Records Search
The official records index at browardclerk.org covers deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, and easements recorded in Broward County. Search by name, document type, or recording date. Documents go back to 1978 in the digital system. Older records require an in-person visit to the Clerk’s office.
Property Appraiser Records
The Property Appraiser site at bcpa.net shows current owner, parcel ID, assessed value, tax history, sales history, and building sketches. Search by address, name, or parcel number. This is the best tool for checking who owns a property and its current market value.
How to File a Public Records Request in Fort Lauderdale
No form is required to request a public record. Florida law only requires that you describe the record clearly enough for the agency to locate it. You can submit a request by mail, email, phone, or in person.
Step-by-Step Request Process
- Identify the agency that holds the record.
- Write a clear description of the record, including dates, names, and case or report numbers.
- Submit the request to the agency’s records contact by mail, email, or in person.
- Wait for a response. Most agencies respond within 10 business days for simple requests.
- If denied, ask for the specific statutory exemption in writing. You can appeal through the Attorney General’s mediation program at (850) 245-0140.
You are not required to give your name or explain why you want the record. Anonymous requests are allowed under Florida law.
Fees, Copies, and Certified Records
Florida law sets standard fees for public records across all agencies. The fees are set by statute and apply statewide.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Staff search time (first 30 minutes) | Free |
| Staff search time (over 30 minutes) | Billed at lowest-paid staff rate |
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.15 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Digital copy (email or USB) | No fee beyond staff time |
Payment is usually accepted by check, money order, or cash. Some agencies take credit cards in person. Always ask about accepted payment methods before sending a request.
Florida Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida Statute Chapter 119 is the foundation of public records access in Fort Lauderdale. It states that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of official business are public unless a specific statute exempts them.
Key rights under Chapter 119:
- You can request any record not covered by a specific exemption.
- You do not need to show ID or give a reason.
- Agencies must respond in a reasonable time.
- You can appeal denials through the Attorney General’s office.
If a record is denied, the agency must cite the exact exemption. A blanket statement like “exempt” is not valid. You can file a complaint with the Attorney General or sue in court to enforce your rights.
Common Record Search Scenarios
Searching for Someone in Jail
Use the BSO inmate search at browardsheriff.org/inmate-search. Enter the full legal name. If you only have a nickname, try variations of the real name. Search results show current inmates only. If the person was released in the past 48 hours, they will appear in the recent releases list. For older releases, submit a records request to BSO.
Looking Up Recent Fort Lauderdale Arrests
The FLPD daily arrest log is posted on the city website. BSO also posts a countywide booking log. Third-party sites collect the same data and present it in a search format, but the source is always the agency records.
Checking a Criminal History
For Florida statewide criminal history, use the FDLE Criminal History Search at oca.fdle.state.fl.us. A fee of $24 applies for a full report. This pulls from all Florida arrests, not just Fort Lauderdale.
Verifying Property Ownership
Use the Broward County Property Appraiser at bcpa.net. Search by address or owner name. The result shows current owner, parcel data, and tax bill status.
Fort Lauderdale Records Contact Directory
| Agency | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale City Hall | 100 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 828-5000 | fortlauderdale.gov |
| Fort Lauderdale Police Department | 1300 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | (954) 764-4357 | fortlauderdale.gov/police |
| Broward Sheriff’s Office | 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | (954) 831-5900 | browardsheriff.org |
| BSO Main Jail (Booking) | 555 SE 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-5900 | browardsheriff.org/inmate-search |
| Broward County Clerk of Courts | 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 | browardclerk.org |
| Broward Property Appraiser | 115 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 357-6830 | bcpa.net |
| Florida Attorney General (Mediation) | PL-02 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | (850) 245-0140 | myfloridalegal.com |
| FDLE Criminal History | 2331 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | (850) 410-8100 | fdle.state.fl.us |
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Lauderdale Public Records
The questions below cover the most common record searches in Fort Lauderdale. They address arrest lookups, booking photo access, jail inmate searches, and the rules that apply to each request type. Use this section to find quick answers before submitting a formal records request.
How Do I Find Recent Arrests in Fort Lauderdale?
Recent Fort Lauderdale arrests appear in two places. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department posts a daily arrest log on the city website at fortlauderdale.gov/police. The Broward Sheriff’s Office lists all countywide bookings, including FLPD arrests, on the inmate search page at browardsheriff.org/inmate-search. The FLPD log updates each weekday morning. The BSO system updates every 15 minutes from the jail management database. For arrests older than 30 days, you must submit a public records request to the agency that made the arrest. Include the full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. The first 30 minutes of search time is free.
Where Can I Search Fort Lauderdale Booking Records and Mugshots?
The BSO inmate search tool at browardsheriff.org/inmate-search shows current inmates with their booking photos. The tool displays the full name, booking number, charges, bond, and next court date. For people who have been released, booking photos remain in the booking record archive but are not shown on the public search page. To get a copy of a past booking photo, submit a public records request to BSO Records at 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Include the booking number, full name, and date of birth. Standard copy fees of $0.15 per page apply.
How Do I Find Someone in the Broward County Jail?
Go to browardsheriff.org/inmate-search and search by name. The system shows every person currently in custody at any BSO facility, including the Main Jail, the Conte Facility, and the North Broward Bureau. Results show housing location, bond amount, and court dates. If the person is not in the system, they have either been released or were arrested in a different county. For release information, call BSO at (954) 831-5900. The jail population changes throughout the day as people are booked and released.
Are Fort Lauderdale Arrest Records Public If Charges Were Dropped?
Yes. The arrest record remains public even if charges are dropped, the person is found not guilty, or the case is dismissed. Florida law treats arrest data as public at the time of booking. A person can petition the court for expungement or sealing under Florida Statute 901.43 or 943.0585. If the court grants the petition, the record is removed from public access. Until that happens, anyone can request a copy of the arrest report, mugshot, and booking record through a public records request.
What Is the Difference Between an Arrest Record and a Police Report?
An arrest record is a summary showing that a person was taken into custody, the charges, and the booking number. A police report is the full narrative written by the officer, including witness statements, evidence, and the probable cause for the arrest. The arrest record is shorter and is what shows up on the daily arrest log. The police report is the full case file. Both are public once any active investigation is closed. To get a police report, contact the FLPD Records Unit at (954) 764-4357 or BSO Records at (954) 831-5900.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Public Record from Fort Lauderdale?
Most simple requests are filled within 5 to 10 business days. Requests for old records, large files, or records that need redaction take longer. Florida law requires a response in a “reasonable” time but does not set a hard deadline. If a request takes more than 30 minutes of staff time, the agency can bill you for the extra time. If your request is urgent, mark it as such and explain the reason in writing. Some agencies have a rush process for an extra fee.
Can I Get Fort Lauderdale Public Records for Free?
Online searches through BSO, the Clerk, and the Property Appraiser are free to use. Viewing documents on public terminals at the courthouse is also free. Copy fees of $0.15 per page apply for printed copies. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. The first 30 minutes of staff search time is always free. If your request can be answered with an existing online search, you will not pay anything.