Fort Lauderdale Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Fort Lauderdale, Florida government websites.

  About Fort Lauderdale City Government
Government Type City Council

Fort Lauderdale is known for its beaches, waterways, and vibrant nightlife. It is also known for its shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The City of Fort Lauderdale is governed by a five-member City Commission, which is elected at-large and serves as the legislative body of the City. The City Commission appoints a City Manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City. The City Commission also appoints a City Attorney and a City Clerk.

  About Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Nestled along the southeastern coast of Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant city that serves as the county seat of Broward County. With an estimated population of around 185,000 according to recent Census data, it has developed a diverse and dynamic community. Founded in 1911, the city has grown from a military fort during the Second Seminole War to a bustling urban center. Notable neighborhoods include Las Olas Boulevard, known for its upscale dining and shopping experiences, as well as the historic district of Colee Hammock, which features charming tree-lined streets. The city's economy benefits from tourism, marine industries, and an increasing presence of technology and finance sectors. Fort Lauderdale is distinctive for its extensive network of canals, earning it the nickname "Venice of America," and its rich cultural scene, which includes the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest in the world.

Law enforcement in Fort Lauderdale is primarily overseen by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing laws within the city limits. Additionally, the Broward County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services for the surrounding areas and oversees the Broward County Jail, where individuals are held pending court appearances. If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking information, or a comprehensive criminal history within Fort Lauderdale, you can start by contacting the records unit of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. For broader requests, including incidents outside city limits, the Broward County Sheriff's Office can facilitate access to county-wide records. Florida’s state criminal repository, managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, offers statewide criminal history checks and can be accessed online. Many of these records are available through public portals, making it easier for residents and interested parties to conduct background checks and access relevant public information.

Fort Lauderdale falls under the jurisdiction of the Broward County Circuit Court, which serves as the primary court for most civil and criminal proceedings in the area. To request court records, you can utilize the online portal provided by the Broward County Clerk of Courts or visit the clerk's office in person for assistance. For obtaining vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates, the Broward County Clerk-Recorder’s office is the designated entity, and requests can be made both online and in person. Property records are maintained by the Broward County Property Appraiser’s office, where residents can access property assessment and ownership information through online platforms as well. For general public records requests under the Florida Sunshine Law, individuals can submit their inquiries to the appropriate public agency. Typically, responses are provided within 5 to 10 business days, allowing for a transparent and accountable process in accessing public information.

  Fort Lauderdale, Florida Public Records & Government Resources

About Fort Lauderdale

Nestled along the southeastern coast of Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant city that serves as the county seat of Broward County. With an estimated population of 182,673, this diverse community has developed from a military fort during the Second Seminole War into a bustling urban center. Notable neighborhoods include the upscale Las Olas Boulevard, known for its dining and shopping, as well as the historic Colee Hammock district with its charming tree-lined streets.
The city's extensive network of canals has earned it the nickname 'Venice of America,' and its rich cultural scene features annual events like the renowned Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Fort Lauderdale's economy benefits from tourism, marine industries, and a growing presence of technology and finance sectors.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Hollywood Police Department, and Pembroke Pines Police Department. Each city department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective jurisdiction, handling local crimes and community policing. These agencies often collaborate with the BSO on major investigations and regional initiatives to address crime trends and public safety concerns.

Jail & Inmate Records

The main detention facility in Broward County is the Broward County Main Jail, located in Fort Lauderdale. This facility handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are fingerprinted, photographed, and their personal information is recorded. Inmate lookup is available online through the Broward Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules at the Main Jail require appointments, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines regarding dress code and behavior.

Court Records

The Florida Courts system, accessible at flcourts.gov, serves as the primary resource for accessing court records and case information in Fort Lauderdale. This online portal allows users to search for and retrieve documents related to civil, criminal, and appellate proceedings within the city's jurisdiction. For federal court records, the PACER system (pacer.uscourts.gov) provides access to case files from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, which includes the Fort Lauderdale area.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Broward County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to criminal cases, while the Sheriff's Office holds arrest and booking records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which provides statewide criminal history information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Broward County are maintained by the Broward County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly or through their online portal. Under the Florida Sunshine Law, arrest records are considered public records, and the information typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information. Requests for these records may require a formal application and, in some cases, a fee.

Public Records Access

Fort Lauderdale residents and those researching the area can access a variety of public records through the Florida Department of Revenue's property records portal at floridarevenue.com/property. This resource provides information on real estate assessments, ownership history, and other valuable data related to local properties. Additionally, the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office maintains detailed records on land parcels, improvements, and tax information.
Those seeking genealogical resources or archival materials can turn to the Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services, which oversees the state's archives and genealogy collections.

Economy & Demographics

Fort Lauderdale's economy is fueled by a diverse range of industries, including tourism, marine-related businesses, and a growing presence in the technology and finance sectors. The city's thriving tourism industry is supported by attractions like the Las Olas Boulevard shopping and dining district, as well as the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest such events in the world. The marine industry, including boatbuilding, repair, and related services, also plays a significant role in the local economy.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Fort Lauderdale is primarily overseen by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing laws within the city limits. The Broward County Sheriff's Office also provides law enforcement services for the surrounding areas and operates the Broward County Jail, where individuals are held pending court appearances. Those seeking information on arrests, mugshots, or criminal histories within Fort Lauderdale can contact the police department or refer to the Florida Department of Corrections' inmate search tool at fdc.myflorida.com/offenderSearch.

Vital Records

Individuals in need of vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses for Fort Lauderdale can obtain them through the Florida Department of Health. The department's Vital Statistics office maintains these official documents and provides instructions for requesting copies. For those researching their family history, the Broward County Historical Commission also houses a collection of local vital records and genealogical resources that can aid in tracing one's ancestry within this Broward County city.

Business & Licensing Records

Entrepreneurs and business owners in Fort Lauderdale can access information on licenses, permits, and zoning regulations through the city's Office of Business Tax Receipts. This department oversees the issuance of business tax receipts, which are required for commercial operations within the city limits. The Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division also provides guidance on construction permits, occupational licenses, and other regulatory requirements for businesses in the area.

Elections & Voter Records

Fort Lauderdale voters are served by the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office, located at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room A-200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-357-7050, website: www.browardsoe.org). The office administers all federal, state, county, and municipal elections for Fort Lauderdale residents. Florida residents can register to vote online at registertovoteflorida.gov through the Florida Department of State Division of Elections. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Voters need a Florida driver license or ID card number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Florida requires photo and signature identification at polling places. Fort Lauderdale holds municipal elections for Mayor and five City Commission seats (four district commissioners and one at-large commissioner). The city conducts non-partisan elections on the first Tuesday in March of odd-numbered years. The Mayor serves a three-year term, with the next mayoral election scheduled for March 2025. City Commissioners serve three-year terms with staggered elections. In 2023, Dean Trantalis was re-elected Mayor. Fort Lauderdale residents can find candidate information, campaign finance reports, and local ballot measures at www.fortlauderdale.gov/elections and through the Broward Supervisor of Elections website. Polling place lookup is available at www.browardsoe.org by entering your address, which shows your specific precinct location, sample ballot, and early voting sites. In the November 2024 presidential election, Broward County recorded approximately 785,000 votes cast out of 1.28 million registered voters, representing approximately 61% turnout. Broward County has traditionally voted Democratic, with over 65% supporting Democratic candidates in 2024. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County voters will decide several major races including Florida Governor (four-year term), all Florida Cabinet positions (Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture), all Florida State Senate and House seats (with Broward represented by multiple districts), Broward County Commission seats, Broward School Board members, Broward Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections, and potential municipal seats if Fort Lauderdale holds concurrent elections. While no U.S. Senate seat is up in 2026 (Marco Rubio and Rick Scott's terms end in 2028 and 2024 respectively), the gubernatorial race will be a major focus. Florida allows no-excuse vote-by-mail ballots; voters can request mail ballots through the Supervisor of Elections website at www.browardsoe.org, by phone at 954-357-7050, or in person. Ballot requests must be made each election cycle. Early voting is available at multiple locations throughout Broward County for approximately two weeks before each election. Public election records in Florida include voter registration lists (available for purchase by political committees and candidates), campaign finance reports searchable at dos.elections.myflorida.com/campaign-finance, candidate filings and qualifying information, precinct-level election results available at www.browardsoe.org immediately after certification, and historical election data dating back decades. Florida Statutes Chapter 97-106 govern elections and public access to voter information, with certain data like Social Security numbers and dates of birth exempt from disclosure.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.5/10 — Broward County and Fort Lauderdale provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive online databases for virtually all record types, exemplifying Florida's strong Government in the Sunshine Law with free searchable court records, property documents, arrest logs, business entities, and complete election information, requiring in-person visits only for some certified vital records.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you will be transported to the Broward County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Broward County Court. Under Florida law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The Broward County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.dc.state.fl.us/offenderSearch/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Fort Lauderdale area is served by the Broward County Public Schools district. According to the Florida Department of Education, the district had an overall grade of "B" for the 2019-2020 school year. The district had an overall graduation rate of 87.2%, with a college readiness rate of 33.2%. The district also had an overall student performance score of 74.3%.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's 2019 Uniform Crime Report, Fort Lauderdale had a total of 8,945 reported crimes. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 7,100 property crimes. The violent crime rate was 545.7 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate was 4,521.7 per 100,000 people.
The Fort Lauderdale Public Library in Broward County, Florida provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Florida government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), which governs access to government documents in Florida. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Fort Lauderdale Florida Archives and Genealogy at https://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/genealogy/. Contact the Fort Lauderdale Public Library reference desk at (754) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida Library is located at 100 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
Fingerprinting services for Fort Lauderdale, Florida residents are provided at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, which serves Broward County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at (754) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
The Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division is responsible for issuing vital records for Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. To obtain a vital record, you must submit a completed application form, along with the required fee, to the Records, Taxes and Treasury Division. The vital records available include Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Divorce Certificates, Domestic Partnership Certificates, Adoption Certificates, Military Discharge Records, and Notary Public Records.
Police reports from Fort Lauderdale, Florida can be obtained from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, located in Broward County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), most police reports are public records in Florida, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Records Division at (754) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
A background check in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Florida. Criminal background checks are processed through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Florida residents. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Broward County, Florida

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Davie Hillsboro Beach Southwest Ranches Coconut Creek Cooper Coral Springs