Pembroke Pines city civil court records contain every filing, motion, judgment, and court order tied to non-criminal lawsuits filed by or against people who live or own property in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The city sits inside Broward County, so all civil court actions go through the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
There is no separate city court for Pembroke Pines. Any resident, attorney, business, landlord, tenant, or member of the public can view these records online, request copies, or visit a local courthouse during normal business hours. This page covers the full structure of civil filings in Pembroke Pines, the exact search tools available, the fee schedule, exemption rules, and how to get certified copies of any document.
How Pembroke Pines Civil Court Records Work
Civil court records in Pembroke Pines cover any lawsuit between private parties, businesses, or government entities that seeks money, property, or a court order. Criminal matters, traffic tickets, and juvenile cases follow separate rules and are not part of the civil docket. Civil cases in Pembroke Pines move through two court levels inside the 17th Judicial Circuit, and each level keeps its own set of public files managed by the county clerk.
Where Pembroke Pines Civil Cases Are Filed
Every Pembroke Pines civil case begins with a filing at the Broward County Courthouse. The clerk stamps the document, assigns a case number, and adds the file to the public docket. Filings happen in person at any Broward County courthouse or through the statewide e-filing portal. Once filed, the case belongs to the public record and stays open for viewing unless a judge seals it.
The Role of the Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court acts as the official record keeper for Pembroke Pines civil actions. The clerk receives filings, stores paper files, maintains digital images of every document, collects fees, issues summons, and runs the public search portal. The clerk does not decide cases, but the office holds every motion, exhibit, order, and judgment that comes out of a case.
Types of Civil Cases Filed in Pembroke Pines
Civil cases from Pembroke Pines include landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, contract disagreements, debt collection lawsuits, personal injury claims, real property disputes, foreclosure filings, and mortgage actions. Family law cases such as divorce, paternity, and custody go through a separate division but are also maintained by the same clerk’s office. Probate and guardianship filings round out the main civil categories in Pembroke Pines.
Step-by-Step Online Search Methods
Online search tools give the fastest way to pull up a Pembroke Pines civil case. The clerk runs a public portal that covers every case type filed in the county. Users can search by name, case number, party type, or filing date. Most documents are available as viewable images without a login.
Broward County Clerk Public Search Portal
The Broward County Clerk public search portal at browardclerk.org lets any user run a free search. Type a last name and first name into the search box, choose the case type, and the system returns matching results from across the county. Public users see case number, party names, filing date, judge, and a list of filed documents. Registered users and attorneys of record see additional details and full document images in sealed or sensitive case types.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal Access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com connects to every county clerk in the state. Pembroke Pines residents can use it to file new civil cases, pay fees, upload documents, and check the status of pending actions. Setting up an account is free. Users can also search existing cases through the portal without creating an account.
Searching by Name, Case Number, or Party
The clerk’s portal accepts three main search types. A name search works well when the user knows at least a partial spelling of a party. A case number search returns the exact case file when the full number is known. A party-type search separates plaintiffs, defendants, and third parties. Combining filters such as date range, case type, and court division narrows the results quickly.
Tracking a Case With eTrack
The eTrack tool inside the Broward eServices menu lets users follow a case and receive email alerts whenever a new document is filed. This tool works for civil, family, probate, felony, traffic, and misdemeanor cases. Lawyers and self-represented parties use eTrack to monitor case progress without checking the docket manually every day.
In-Person Records Requests at the Courthouse
Anyone who needs certified copies or wants to view original paper files can visit a Broward County courthouse. Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Staff at the clerk’s office assist with locating files, pulling records, and processing copy or certification requests.
South Regional Courthouse for Pembroke Pines
The South Regional Courthouse at 3550 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, Florida 33021 is the closest full-service clerk location for Pembroke Pines residents. The office handles civil filings, accepts payments, and provides public access terminals. The building is roughly eight miles from the center of Pembroke Pines and offers free parking.
Central Courthouse and Other Locations
The Central Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 serves as the main hub for civil records in Broward County. Two additional courthouses operate in the county, including the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach and the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. Pembroke Pines residents may visit any of the four locations for civil record needs.
Documents Needed for In-Person Requests
Public users only need a valid photo ID to enter a courthouse and use the public terminals. Attorneys and registered users must present their bar number or user credentials. For certified copy requests, the clerk asks for the case number or party name and a payment method. Cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards are accepted.
Copy and Certification Fees
Plain paper copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page. Electronic certified documents cost $8.00 each and are available immediately after payment. Documents over 100 pages cannot be purchased online and must be requested in person. Certified copies never expire and can be used for any legal purpose in Pembroke Pines civil court actions.
Civil Court Filing Fees and Cost Breakdown
Florida law sets the civil filing fees that apply to every Pembroke Pines case. Fees vary based on the type of case, the claim amount, and the court level. The table below shows the standard fee schedule for Broward County civil filings in 2026.
County Civil Court Filing Fees
County civil cases cover claims up to $30,000. Filing fees for county civil cases range from $55 for claims up to $100 up to $400 for claims between $15,000 and $30,000. Each summons costs $10. A writ of garnishment costs $85. Service of process through the sheriff’s office carries separate fees set by Broward County.
Circuit Civil Court Filing Fees
Circuit civil cases cover claims over $30,000, family law matters, probate, and guardianship. The filing fee for most circuit civil actions is $401. Petitions for injunction cost $401 plus service fees. Complex business litigation cases may carry additional surcharges based on the amount in controversy.
Small Claims and Eviction Costs
Small claims cases in Pembroke Pines handle disputes up to $8,000. The filing fee for small claims is $55 for claims up to $100, scaling up to $300 for claims between $5,000 and $8,000. Residential and commercial eviction filings carry a base fee of $195 for the first tenant and $95 for each additional tenant in the same action.
Fee Waivers for Indigent Parties
Florida Statute 57.082 allows the court to waive filing and summons fees for parties who qualify as indigent. The applicant must submit a financial affidavit showing income below 125 percent of the federal poverty line. The clerk reviews the form and forwards it to a judge for approval. Other costs such as service of process may still apply even when filing fees are waived.
| Case Type | Claim Range | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| County Civil | $0 – $100 | $55 |
| County Civil | $100 – $500 | $80 |
| County Civil | $500 – $2,500 | $175 |
| County Civil | $2,500 – $15,000 | $300 |
| County Civil | $15,000 – $30,000 | $400 |
| Circuit Civil | Over $30,000 | $401 |
| Small Claims | $5,000 – $8,000 | $300 |
| Residential Eviction | Per case | $195 |
| Summons (each) | All cases | $10 |
| Writ of Garnishment | All cases | $85 |
Public Access Laws and Record Exemptions
Florida’s broad public records law gives anyone the right to inspect and copy civil court records in Pembroke Pines. The clerk must provide access during business hours and may charge only the fees set by statute. A few narrow exemptions protect personal information and sealed files.
Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119)
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes declares that all state, county, and municipal records are open for public inspection. This includes Pembroke Pines civil court filings, exhibits, orders, and judgments. The clerk cannot deny access because a person is not a party to the case. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through the online portal.
Records Sealed or Restricted by Court Order
A judge may seal a civil case file or specific documents when the law allows it. Sealed records include adoption files, certain juvenile matters, sensitive personal injury settlements, and trade secrets protected by court order. The clerk blocks public viewing of these records and requires a court order before releasing them. Anyone seeking access to a sealed file must file a motion and obtain approval from the assigned judge.
Personal Information Redacted from Files
Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minor children’s identifying information are redacted from public files before the documents become viewable online. The redaction process is automatic for new filings. Users who need the unredacted version must request it through the clerk and provide proof of legal need.
Common Case Types in Pembroke Pines Civil Court
Pembroke Pines generates a steady flow of civil cases tied to its population of about 179,000 residents. The most common case categories reflect the city’s mix of homeowners, renters, retirees, and small businesses.
Landlord and Tenant Disputes
Eviction filings make up a large share of civil cases in Pembroke Pines. Landlords file for nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and holdover tenancy. Tenants file counterclaims for security deposit disputes, repair issues, and wrongful eviction. Most landlord-tenant actions stay in county court because the claim amount is usually under $30,000.
Contract and Debt Disputes
Breach of contract cases cover everything from home renovation disagreements to unpaid business invoices. Debt collection lawsuits filed by credit card companies, medical providers, and auto lenders also fall in this category. Pembroke Pines residents may be defendants in these actions, and the public docket shows every step of the case from summons through judgment.
Personal Injury and Property Damage
Car accidents, slip and fall claims, and product liability suits filed by Pembroke Pines residents typically land in circuit court because the damages often exceed $30,000. Insurance companies file subrogation claims to recover payments made on behalf of their insureds. Settled cases usually end with a stipulation and dismissal order posted to the public record.
Real Property and Foreclosure Cases
Mortgage foreclosure filings remain a regular part of the Broward County civil docket. Pembroke Pines homeowners facing foreclosure see their names, lender information, and loan amounts in the public file. Quiet title actions, partition suits, and boundary disputes also pass through the same circuit civil division.
Self-Help Resources for Pro Se Litigants
People who handle Pembroke Pines civil cases without a lawyer have several free resources at their disposal. The clerk runs a self-help center, and the Florida Supreme Court publishes plain-language guides for common case types.
Self Help Equal Access Center
The Broward County Clerk operates a Self Help Equal Access Center at the Central Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Room 1800. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visitors can use public computers, access Westlaw and Lexis for legal research, and ask law librarians for help with civil forms and procedures.
Florida Courts Self-Help Programs
The Florida Courts self-help page at flcourts.gov provides free forms and instructions for small claims, evictions, family law, and other civil matters. The site explains each step in plain English and includes sample forms that users can download and fill out. Self-represented parties in Pembroke Pines can rely on these resources without paying attorney fees.
DIY Florida E-Filing Tool
DIY Florida inside the statewide E-Filing Portal walks users through the filing process step by step. The tool asks plain-language questions, generates the right forms, and submits them to the Broward County clerk. DIY Florida works for new filings, responsive pleadings, and many other common civil documents filed by Pembroke Pines residents.
Contact Details for Pembroke Pines Civil Records
The section below lists the official phone numbers, addresses, and websites for the agencies that handle civil court records in Pembroke Pines. Use this contact list when filing documents, requesting certified copies, or asking questions about a case.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The main office for civil court records sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The clerk’s office answers phone calls Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and processes walk-in requests during the same hours.
- Main Office: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- South Regional Courthouse: 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021
- Phone: (954) 831-6565
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Website: https://www.browardclerk.org/
- E-Filing Portal: https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/
- Florida Statutes Chapter 119: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html
Florida 17th Judicial Circuit Court
The 17th Judicial Circuit covers Broward County, including Pembroke Pines. The circuit court’s main website posts court calendars, judge assignments, and form packets for civil, family, and probate cases.
- Website: https://www.17thcircuit.fl.gov/
- Self-Help Center: 201 SE 6th Street, Room 1800, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common points people ask about Pembroke Pines civil court records. Each answer pulls directly from Florida law, clerk fee schedules, and the public records portal. Read through these before filing a request or visiting a courthouse so you know exactly what to expect.
Are Pembroke Pines civil court records free to search online?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk public search portal is free for basic case lookups. Anyone can type a name or case number and view the docket entry, party list, judge assignment, and filing dates. Viewing document images also costs nothing for most civil cases. The only charges apply when a user requests a certified copy, a plain paper copy, or a printed document from the public terminal. Electronic certified copies cost $8.00 each and are delivered as a PDF after payment.
How long does the clerk keep Pembroke Pines civil case files?
The Broward County Clerk keeps civil case files permanently for most case types. Closed cases remain in the public record for decades and are not destroyed. Older paper files have been scanned into the digital system, so users can still pull them up through the portal or request paper copies from the archives division. Sealed records are stored separately and remain restricted until a court order lifts the seal.
Can I remove my name from a Pembroke Pines civil court record?
Removing a name from a public civil record is difficult. Florida only allows expungement for certain criminal cases, not civil matters. A civil case stays on the public docket even after a judgment is paid or a case is dismissed. The only way to hide a civil record is to ask a judge to seal the file, which requires a strong legal reason such as identity theft, mistaken identity, or a settlement agreement that calls for confidentiality.
What is the difference between county civil and circuit civil cases in Pembroke Pines?
County civil cases in Pembroke Pines cover claims up to $30,000. These cases move faster and use simpler procedures. Circuit civil cases cover claims above $30,000, real property disputes, and other complex matters that require more time and resources. The court level affects filing fees, motion practice, and trial procedures. Knowing the difference helps users pick the right filing path and avoid paying the wrong fee.
How do I find a civil judgment in Pembroke Pines?
Civil judgments appear in the docket entry of every case once the judge signs the order. Users can search by name on the Broward Clerk portal and click on the case number to see the judgment date, amount, and creditor. Certified copies of the final judgment cost $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page. Judgments stay on the public record for ten years and can be renewed for additional ten-year periods.
Can I search Pembroke Pines civil records by address?
The Broward County Clerk portal does not support an address-only search for civil cases. Users must search by party name or case number. If the address is the only piece of information available, the user can run a property record search through the Broward County Property Appraiser and then look up the owner on the civil docket. This two-step process works for foreclosure, lien, and eviction cases that name a specific property.
What should I do if I find an error in a Pembroke Pines civil record?
Anyone who spots a mistake in a Pembroke Pines civil record should contact the clerk’s office in writing. Include the case number, the document with the error, and a clear description of the correction needed. The clerk reviews the request and forwards it to the assigned judge for an order if the change affects a legal right. Clerical errors can be fixed with a simple correction order. Substantive errors usually require a motion filed by a party in the case.