About Broward County
Broward County, Florida is a major metropolitan county located in the southeastern portion of the Sunshine State, positioned between Palm Beach County to the north and Miami-Dade County to the south. The county seat is Fort Lauderdale, which serves as the governmental and commercial hub.
- The Broward County Clerk of Courts, situated at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-831-6565), serves as the official record keeper for court proceedings and certain public records.
- The Broward County Property Appraiser's Office, located at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-357-6830), assesses all real and tangible personal property for tax purposes.
Broward County encompasses approximately 1,323 square miles and is home to an estimated population exceeding 1.94 million residents, making it the second-most populous county in Florida. The county was established in 1915, named after Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, Florida's 19th governor who championed Everglades drainage projects. Major landmarks include Fort Lauderdale Beach, Port Everglades (one of the world's busiest cruise ports), the Everglades Wildlife Management Areas, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
The county comprises 31 incorporated municipalities including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Miramar, and Pompano Beach. The Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division, located at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, maintains official recorded documents. What makes Broward County unique is its combination of extensive coastline, diverse multicultural population, thriving tourism industry, significant cruise port operations, and the presence of the Seminole Tribe of Florida's sovereign territories.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) is responsible for law enforcement services across the county, including patrolling unincorporated areas and providing police services to certain municipalities. The office also manages the Broward County Jail system, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records.
The BSO is known for its specialized units such as the SWAT team, K-9 unit, and marine patrol, which are tailored to address specific law enforcement needs in the county. Additionally, the BSO runs community outreach programs aimed at fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and residents.
Police Departments
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.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Broward County is primarily provided by the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), headquartered at 2601 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (phone: 954-765-4321, website: sheriff.org). BSO serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and contracts with several municipalities including Tamarac, Lauderhill, Pembroke Pines, and others.
- The agency operates multiple district stations throughout the county and provides court security, civil process, and detention services.
- Requests for arrest records can be submitted directly to BSO's Records Unit at 2601 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, or to individual municipal police departments.
- The Broward Sheriff's Office processes public records requests with varying fees for research, copying, and certification.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from immediate for online inmate searches to several business days for comprehensive arrest history reports.
Inmate lookup for individuals detained at the Broward County Main Jail and North Broward Detention Center can be accessed through the BSO website at sheriff.org/LE/Pages/inmatesearch.aspx, providing booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Municipal police departments operate independently in cities including Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Hollywood Police Department, Coral Springs Police Department, Plantation Police Department, Sunrise Police Department, Pompano Beach Police Department, and Davie Police Department, among others. Arrest records in Broward County are public records accessible under Florida Statute Chapter 119, the Florida Public Records Law.
Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in arrest records and can be viewed through the online inmate search system. The Seminole Tribe of Florida operates its own Seminole Police Department on tribal lands including the Hollywood and Big Cypress reservations, which are sovereign territories within Broward County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
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.
The Florida Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for more comprehensive background checks, which may include fingerprint-based searches.
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.
- Requests for these records may require a formal application and, in some cases, a fee.
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.
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.
- The bond and bail process in Florida allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on bail amounts can be accessed through the inmate lookup system.
Visitation rules at the Main Jail require appointments, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines regarding dress code and behavior.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Broward County are taken and retained by the Broward County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website.
The online inmate search tool allows individuals to view mugshots along with arrest details. Florida does not have specific laws mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, although individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
The Broward County court system operates under the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, with the main courthouse located at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-831-6565). The circuit court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $30,000, family law including divorce and custody, probate, guardianship, juvenile dependency and delinquency, and appeals from county court.
- Broward County Court, also part of the 17th Judicial Circuit, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $30,000, traffic violations, small claims up to $8,000, and landlord-tenant evictions.
- Court records can be searched online through the Broward County Clerk of Courts Official Records Search at browardclerk.org, which provides access to civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic case information.
- Online access to most records is free for viewing, though certified copies require fees ranging from $2.00 per page for standard documents to $5.00 for certified copies plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- The Clerk's Records Department processes in-person and mail requests at 201 SE 6th Street, Room 1950, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
- Case information dating back decades is available, with digital records generally accessible from the mid-1990s forward and older records available through manual search services with associated research fees.
Additional courthouse locations include the North Regional Courthouse at 1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, and the South Regional Courthouse at 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021. Under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 and Florida Statute 28.2221, court records are presumed public unless specifically exempted by law or court order, with certain confidential information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children's identities redacted.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Broward County are maintained by the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division, located at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-357-5367, website: broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury). The office records and maintains deeds, mortgages, satisfaction of mortgages, liens (judgment, mechanic's, tax), easements, restrictive covenants, declarations of condominium, plat maps, surveys, powers of attorney, military discharges (DD-214s), and other instruments affecting real property title.
- Official records can be searched free of charge online at officialrecords.broward.org, where users can search by name, document type, book and page, or official record number dating back to 1978.
- Recording fees are established by Florida Statute 28.24 and include $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page, with additional fees for supplemental services.
- The Property Appraiser's online search portal provides free access to property characteristics, assessed values, ownership information, exemption status, sales history, aerial photography, and building sketches.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee and can be requested in person, by mail, or online.
Images of recorded documents are available for viewing and printing at no charge for non-certified copies. Property tax information and assessment records are maintained separately by the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-357-6830, website: bcpa.net). The Broward County Tax Collector, located at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 118, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-357-4828, website: broward.org/taxcollector), collects property taxes and provides online payment options and tax certificate information.
An advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping portal is available at gis.broward.org, offering parcel boundaries, zoning, flood zones, and comprehensive property data layers.
Vital Records
Vital records for Broward County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Broward County can be obtained from the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, Vital Statistics Office, located at 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 (phone: 954-467-4700).
- Birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day if the record is on file; mail requests generally take 2-3 weeks.
- Statewide vital records for events occurring anywhere in Florida since 1917 can be requested from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O.
- Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231 (phone: 904-359-6900, website: floridahealth.gov/certificates).
- Online ordering of Florida vital records is available through VitalChek at floridahealth.gov with expedited processing and delivery options for additional fees.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Florida Statute 382.008 and 382.025. The marriage license fee is $86.00, reduced to $61.00 if both parties complete a premarital preparation course. Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification and social security numbers; there is no waiting period or blood test requirement in Florida.
Divorce decrees and dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Courts as court records and can be requested through the Civil Division at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Genealogical researchers can access historical vital records subject to confidentiality periods: birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 50 years under Florida law.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Broward County are available through multiple governmental agencies depending on the business type and registration level. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As - DBA) are filed with the Broward County Clerk of Courts, Official Records Division, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-357-7360).
- Fictitious name registrations cost $50.00 and must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Broward County as required by Florida Statute 865.09.
- Business tax receipt fees vary based on business type, number of employees, and location.
State-level business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and trademarks is maintained by the Florida Division of Corporations, accessible through the Sunbiz.org website (dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz), which provides free online searching of business names, registered agents, officer information, annual reports, and document images dating back decades. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, health care practitioners, and cosmetologists are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and searchable at myfloridalicense.com/verification. Local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) are required for businesses operating in Broward County and are issued by the Broward County Tax Collector, Business Tax Division, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-357-4828, website: broward.org/TaxCollector).
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning information are managed by individual municipalities and by Broward County's Planning and Development Management Division at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 102, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-357-6632) for unincorporated areas. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (gflalliance.org) serves as the regional economic development partnership and chamber of commerce, providing business resources, networking, and economic data.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Broward County are administered by the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, with offices at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 102, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (phone: 954-357-7050, website: browardvotes.gov). Voter registration in Broward County can be completed online through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, by mail using a Florida Voter Registration Application, or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, driver license offices, or designated voter registration agencies.
- Florida law requires voters to register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- The Supervisor of Elections provides comprehensive election results and statistics on the website, including historical data, turnout demographics, and precinct maps.
- Public records requests for election materials can be submitted through the Supervisor of Elections office, with fees applicable for extensive research or copying.
Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, view sample ballots, and check the status of mail ballots through the Supervisor of Elections website at browardvotes.gov or by calling 954-357-7050. Broward County operates numerous early voting sites typically beginning 10 days before Election Day and continuing through the Sunday before the election, with extended hours including evenings and weekends. In the November 2024 general election, Broward County recorded voter turnout of approximately 68% of registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in presidential election cycles; the county had over 1.3 million registered voters.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives races, Florida state offices including Governor, Cabinet positions, State Legislature seats, and various local municipal and county positions.
Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) can be requested online at browardvotes.gov, by phone at 954-357-7050, by mail, or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office; requests are valid through the end of the calendar year for the second ensuing regularly scheduled general election. Election records that are public under Florida Statute 97 and 101 include voter registration lists (with certain personal information exempt), campaign finance reports filed with the Supervisor of Elections for local candidates and committees, candidate qualifying documents, precinct-level election results, and early voting and vote-by-mail statistics. Florida's sunshine laws ensure transparency in campaign finance, with candidates and political committees required to file regular financial reports disclosing contributions and expenditures, all available for public inspection at browardvotes.gov and through the Florida Division of Elections.
Economy & Demographics
Broward County's economy is diverse and robust, with a gross domestic product exceeding $110 billion, making it one of Florida's largest economic centers. Major economic sectors include tourism and hospitality, international trade and logistics, marine industries, financial services, healthcare, technology, aviation, and education.
- The median household income in Broward County is approximately $62,000, though this varies significantly among municipalities, with more affluent areas like Parkland and Weston exceeding $100,000 median household income.
Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is one of the world's busiest cruise ports, serving over 3.8 million cruise passengers annually, and ranks among the top container ports in Florida, handling petroleum products, building materials, and cargo. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport serves over 36 million passengers annually and is a major economic driver. Major employers include Spirit Airlines (headquartered in Miramar), AutoNation (Fort Lauderdale), Citrix Systems, American Express, Ultimate Software (now part of UKG), Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Broward Health system, Memorial Healthcare System, and Nova Southeastern University.
The county unemployment rate typically tracks close to the Florida state average, generally ranging between 3-4% in recent years prior to economic disruptions. The Seminole Tribe of Florida operates significant gaming and hospitality enterprises including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, generating substantial employment and economic activity. Technology and financial technology sectors have grown significantly, with numerous startups and established companies choosing Broward County for its quality of life, business climate, and talent pool.
The county has invested in economic development initiatives including innovation hubs, business incubators, and workforce development programs. Major development projects include mixed-use urban redevelopment in downtown Fort Lauderdale, expansion of Port Everglades facilities, and ongoing infrastructure improvements to support population growth and business expansion. Agriculture plays a minimal role compared to tourism and services, though some western areas near the Everglades support nurseries and specialty agriculture.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Free Search | Property: ✅ Free Online Access | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail with Fees | Business: ✅ Online State & County | Elections: ✅ Comprehensive Online | Overall Score: 9/10 — Broward County provides excellent digital access to public records with robust online portals for property, court, arrest, and election information, exceeding state transparency standards.