Lauderhill City civil court records are open files that show civil lawsuits filed in the city. Lauderhill sits inside Broward County in southeast Florida.
All civil cases for Lauderhill move through the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. The Broward County Clerk of Court holds every paper, ruling, and hearing date for these cases.
What Are Lauderhill Civil Court Records
Lauderhill civil court records cover non-criminal legal fights between people or businesses. These files hold lawsuits over money, property, contracts, and other private claims. Each record lists the parties, the type of case, the filing date, and the final result.
Who Files These Cases
Private people, landlords, small business owners, and large companies file civil cases in Lauderhill. A person who feels wronged can file a claim against another party. The clerk accepts these papers on behalf of the court. Many filers use a lawyer, but self-represented filers also use the clerk each day.
Where These Records Are Stored
The Broward County Clerk of Court stores every Lauderhill civil court record in a central system. Paper files sit in secure vaults at the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Digital copies live in an online database open to the public. Both locations serve the public during business hours.
How to Search Lauderhill Civil Court Records
The Broward County Clerk runs a free public search tool for civil cases. The tool covers every case type filed in Lauderhill. You do not need an account to look up a case. Anyone with a name or case number can run a search from any device with internet access.
Free Online Case Search Tool
The public case search lives on the Broward Clerk website. The main page lets you pick a search method. Most people search by party name. The tool pulls results from the full county database. The search shows case number, case type, filing date, and current status for each match.
Search by Case Number
A case number search gives the fastest results when you already know the number. Each civil case has a unique code based on the year and case type. Type the full case number into the search box. The system returns one exact match for that number. You will see the full docket right away.
Search by Party Name
A party name search works well when you only know who filed the case. Type the last name first, then the first name. Add a middle name or initial if you have it. The system lists every case tied to that person. Scroll through the results to find the right case.
Using the Florida E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to all 67 county clerks across the state. Lauderhill cases appear in this statewide system too. You can check status, file new papers, and pay fees through the portal. A free account takes only a few minutes to set up. Visit myflcourtaccess.com to start.
Broward County Clerk of Court Locations
Lauderhill does not run its own civil court. All Lauderhill civil cases go through the Broward County Clerk. The clerk runs two main locations that serve Lauderhill residents. Each spot offers in-person search help and copy services.
Main Courthouse Fort Lauderdale
The main courthouse sits at 201 SE 6th Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This office handles records for every case type in the county. Public terminals in the lobby let you search cases for free. Staff at the front desk answer basic questions about case files.
West Regional Courthouse Plantation
The West Regional Courthouse sits at 100 North Pine Island Road in Plantation. This office sits closer to Lauderhill than the downtown location. Many Lauderhill residents use this office for civil records. Walk-in search help is available each business day.
Hours and Phone Numbers
Both Broward Clerk locations open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The main phone line is (954) 831-6565. Call this number for help with case searches or filing questions. Walk-in service stops at 3:30 PM to let staff close files for the day.
Types of Civil Cases in Lauderhill
Lauderhill sees many civil case types each year. Some involve small money claims. Others involve large lawsuits over homes, businesses, or injuries. The court system splits these cases between County Court and Circuit Court based on the dollar amount at stake.
Small Claims Cases
Small claims cases cover money disputes up to $8,000. Most small claims involve unpaid debts, damaged property, or contract issues. The court uses simple rules so people can file these cases without a lawyer. A judge hears the case and makes a ruling at the hearing.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Landlord-tenant cases in Lauderhill cover evictions, unpaid rent, and security deposit fights. Most of these cases fall under County Court. Florida law controls how these cases move through the system. The clerk provides special forms for landlord-tenant filings.
Contract Disputes
Contract disputes involve broken promises between two parties. A business deal gone wrong often lands in civil court. The claim amount decides whether the case stays in County Court or moves to Circuit Court. Written contracts make these cases stronger for the party with proof.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Personal injury cases involve harm caused by another person or business. Car crashes, slip and fall events, and medical mistakes create these cases. Most personal injury claims go to Circuit Court due to high dollar amounts. Lawyers handle most of these filings.
Eviction Filings
Eviction cases force a tenant to leave a rental property. Florida law sets strict timelines for evictions. A landlord files the case, and the clerk sets a hearing date. Tenants get a chance to respond before the judge rules on the eviction request.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Lauderhill civil court cases carry filing fees based on the claim amount. The clerk sets these fees under Florida law. Higher claims mean higher fees. The court also charges small fees for summons, copies, and certifications.
County Civil Filing Fees
County Court civil fees in Lauderhill follow a set schedule. Each tier matches a dollar range. The clerk charges less for small claims and more for larger claims. Tenant removal actions carry their own flat fee.
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $100 | $55.00 |
| $100 to $500 | $80.00 |
| $500 to $2,500 | $175.00 |
| $2,500 to $15,000 | $300.00 |
| $15,000 to $30,000 | $400.00 |
| Tenant Removal | $185.00 |
Circuit Civil Filing Fees
Circuit Court civil fees start higher than County Court fees. Cross-claims and counterclaims add extra charges. A summons costs $10.00 for each defendant named in the case. The clerk can quote exact fees before you file your case.
Accepted Payment Methods
The clerk accepts cash, cashier’s checks, money orders, and credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express all work at the clerk window. Personal checks are not accepted for new civil filings. Online filings through the E-Filing Portal accept electronic payments too.
Confidential and Sealed Records
Some civil court records stay private. Florida law lists exactly what stays hidden from the public. The clerk redacts certain data before any record goes online. Sealed records stay closed to everyone outside the case.
What Gets Redacted
Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers get redacted from public files. The clerk does this for free when they spot private data. Filers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form tells the clerk which parts to hide.
Sealed Case Access Rules
Sealed records stay closed to the general public. Only parties on the case, their lawyers, and the court can view sealed files. Some adoption files and juvenile records also stay sealed. The clerk cannot open a sealed file without a court order.
E-Filing and Remote Access
Florida courts moved to electronic filing years ago. Every new civil case in Lauderhill can start online. Old cases are also moving to digital files as paper records get scanned. The E-Filing Portal makes this process simple.
Setting Up an Account
A free E-Filing Portal account lets you file papers from home. Sign up with your name and email at myflcourtaccess.com. The system emails you a link to confirm your account. Once confirmed, you can file new cases and check existing ones.
The portal guides you through each filing step. Pick the case type, upload your papers, and pay the fee. The system sends your papers to the Broward County clerk right away. You get an email when the clerk accepts or rejects your filing.
E-Track Case Alerts
E-Track sends email alerts when something new lands on a case you watch. Set up E-Track through the Broward Clerk website. Pick the cases you want to follow. The system emails you when new motions, orders, or hearing dates hit the docket.
Public Records Law and Access Rights
Florida law makes government records open for inspection. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes covers public records. Civil court records in Lauderhill fall under this law. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file without a reason.
Florida Statute Chapter 119
Chapter 119 sets the rules for public access in Florida. The law covers records held by government offices. Courts must open civil case files to the public. A few narrow exceptions protect sealed records and private data. Most Lauderhill civil cases stay open for inspection.
Fees for Copies and Certifications
The clerk charges $1.00 per page for regular copies. A certified copy adds $2.00 per document. Search fees cost $2.00 per year searched when staff help you find a case. Online self-service searches stay free. The clerk must respond to records requests in a reasonable time.
Self-Help Resources for Lauderhill Residents
People who file civil cases without a lawyer can use free help resources. Florida courts run a self-help center with forms and guides. The Broward County Bar Association also points people to local lawyers.
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts self-help page covers many civil case types. The site lists forms for evictions, small claims, and contract disputes. Each form comes with step-by-step directions. Self-represented filers in Lauderhill can print these forms for free.
DIY Florida Form Builder
DIY Florida sits inside the E-Filing Portal. The tool asks simple questions and creates court forms based on your answers. Over 20 form types are available. The system fills in your details so you do not make errors. The finished form goes straight to the clerk.
Local Legal Aid Options
Legal Aid Service of Broward County helps low-income residents with civil cases. The Broward County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral line. These groups charge less than private lawyers. The clerk cannot give legal advice but can point you to these resources.
Court Structure in the 17th Judicial Circuit
Lauderhill sits in the 17th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers all of Broward County. Civil cases split between two court levels based on the dollar amount at stake. The split keeps small cases moving fast and gives big cases the resources they need.
Circuit Court vs County Court
Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. Personal injury, complex contract disputes, and real estate lawsuits go to Circuit Court. County Court covers civil claims up to $30,000. Small claims under $8,000 stay in County Court too. Evictions also fall under County Court rules.
Where to File Different Case Types
The case type and dollar amount decide where you file. A small unpaid debt claim goes to County Court. A large injury lawsuit goes to Circuit Court. Family law and probate cases also go to Circuit Court. The clerk can tell you which court level applies to your case.
How to Get Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the court seal and verify that a document is real. Banks, employers, and other agencies often ask for certified copies. You can get them from the clerk in person, by mail, or online.
In-Person Requests
Walk into the Broward Clerk office with your ID and case details. Tell the clerk which documents you need. Pay the copy fee plus the certification fee. Most requests finish the same day. The clerk hands you certified copies before you leave the lobby.
Online and Mail Requests
The Broward Clerk website accepts certified copy requests online. Mail requests also work for older cases. Send a written request with the case number, party names, and payment. Mail requests take longer than in-person orders. The clerk mails certified copies back to you with tracking.
Contact Information and Official Resources
The Broward County Clerk of Court is the main contact for Lauderhill civil court records. Use the phone, website, or walk-in window to get help. Staff can answer questions about searches, filings, and copies.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk Website | browardclerk.org |
| Florida Courts E-Filing Portal | myflcourtaccess.com |
| Main Phone Line | (954) 831-6565 |
| Main Office Address | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| West Regional Address | 100 North Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324 |
| Business Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Florida Courts Self-Help | flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Court-Help |
Frequently Asked Questions
Many Lauderhill residents have questions about civil court records. The answers below cover the most common issues. These answers reflect current Florida law and Broward County clerk rules. Check the clerk website for the latest updates before you file or search.
Are Lauderhill civil court records free to search?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk offers free public search tools for Lauderhill civil court records. You can search online any time without paying. The free search covers case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status. Staff searches cost $2.00 per year searched. Copy fees and certification fees still apply when you need paper documents.
How long does it take to get certified copies?
Certified copy requests in person finish the same day. Walk into the clerk office with your ID and case details. Staff copy the documents and stamp them with the court seal. Mail requests take seven to ten business days. Online requests through the clerk portal finish in three to five business days. Rush service is not available.
Can I view sealed civil cases?
No. Sealed civil cases stay closed to the public. Only parties on the case, their lawyers, and court staff can view sealed files. A judge must sign an order to open a sealed file. The clerk cannot share sealed records with family members, employers, or the general public.
What if I cannot find a case online?
Older cases from before digital records may not appear online. Call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 for help. Staff can search paper files for cases from past years. Bring a case number or full party names to speed up the search. Search fees apply for staff lookups in old paper files.
Do eviction records show up in public search?
Yes. Eviction records in Lauderhill show up in the public search tool. These records list the landlord, tenant, property address, and case outcome. Anyone can run a name search and see eviction history. Sealed eviction records stay hidden from public search results.
Can I remove my personal information from court files?
Florida law lets you ask to remove some personal details from public files. Sensitive data like social security numbers and bank account numbers get redacted for free. Other personal data stays in the public record. A lawyer can help you ask the court to seal specific records when the law allows it.
How do I know if a judgment is still active?
The public case search shows case status for every active and closed case. An active judgment shows a status of pending or open. A satisfied judgment shows the debt was paid. A clerk can tell you if a judgment lien still has force. Search fees may apply for staff lookups on judgment status.