Fort Lauderdale City Civil Court Records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Court. Fort Lauderdale is the county seat of Broward County.
All civil filings, judgments, and court papers for the city go through this one clerk’s office. You can search these records online or visit the central courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This page explains how the records system works, where to look, what you can view, and what rules apply.
Where Fort Lauderdale Civil Court Records Are Kept
All civil court records for Fort Lauderdale sit in one place. The Broward County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for the entire county. This means Fort Lauderdale shares the same records office as Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Deerfield Beach, and Coral Springs. One clerk, one filing system, and one set of public records.
Broward County Clerk of Court Role
The Broward County Clerk handles every civil case filed in the county. The clerk accepts new filings, stores old case files, issues certified copies, and runs the online search portal. When a judge signs an order in a Fort Lauderdale civil case, the clerk adds it to the public file. When a party files a motion, the clerk logs it in the docket. The clerk’s office is the central hub for civil court records in Fort Lauderdale.
- Accepts new civil filings
- Stores case dockets and judgment records
- Issues certified and plain copies
- Runs the official online case search
- Records liens, satisfactions, and final orders
17th Judicial Circuit Court System
Fort Lauderdale sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers all of Broward County. The circuit has two main court levels for civil cases. Circuit Court hears cases with claims above $30,000. County Court hears cases with claims up to $30,000. Both court levels file their records through the same Broward County Clerk. The case number on any record tells you which level handled the case.
Why Fort Lauderdale Uses the County Clerk
Florida uses a county-based court records system. Each of the 67 counties runs its own clerk’s office. Fort Lauderdale does not have a separate city court for civil matters. City courts in Florida handle only traffic and local ordinance violations. Civil lawsuits, contract disputes, small claims, and evictions all flow through the county clerk. This makes the county clerk the only place to find civil court records for Fort Lauderdale.
How to Search Fort Lauderdale Civil Court Records
You have three main ways to search Fort Lauderdale civil court records. You can use the Broward County Clerk’s website, the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, or visit the central courthouse in person. Each method works for different needs. Online search works best for quick checks. The portal works for statewide lookups. In-person visits work for certified copies and sealed file reviews.
Online Search Through the Broward Clerk Website
The Broward County Clerk runs a free public search tool on its official website. The tool lets you look up civil cases by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. Results show the case type, filing date, current status, judge assigned, and a list of filed documents. You can view most documents online as PDF files. The website works on phones, tablets, and computers. No account or login is needed for basic searches.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal Search
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal links every county clerk in the state into one search system. You can use it to find Fort Lauderdale civil court records and file new civil cases at the same time. The portal also connects to case dockets, hearing schedules, and judgment records across all 67 Florida counties. Registration is free. The portal works around the clock from any device with internet access.
In-Person Search at the Central Courthouse
The central courthouse for Broward County sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. You can visit the clerk’s office and use public computer terminals to search civil records. Staff can help you locate case files, pull physical folders, and order copies. In-person visits help when you need older records not yet scanned online. The clerk’s office also has self-service copy machines that charge per page.
Search by Name, Case Number, or Party
Three search fields work across all tools. A name search requires the full legal name of a party. A case number search requires the full format used by the clerk, which includes the court prefix, year, and sequence number. A party search works for businesses, corporations, and individuals. The Broward Clerk website accepts partial matches for names. The E-Filing Portal requires exact name spelling or exact case numbers for clean results.
Types of Civil Court Records Available
Fort Lauderdale civil court records cover every type of civil case filed in Broward County. You can find records for lawsuits, contract disputes, debt collection, property actions, personal injury claims, and more. The record types fall into three court levels based on claim value. Knowing the level helps you narrow your search and read the docket correctly.
Circuit Civil Court Records
Circuit civil court records cover claims above $30,000. These cases include complex contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice, real property actions, business dissolutions, and class actions. Circuit civil cases get a case number starting with a CCE, CPC, or CA prefix. The docket shows motions, hearings, trial dates, and final judgments. Most circuit civil records are open to the public unless a judge seals them.
County Civil Court Records
County civil court records cover claims from $5,000 to $30,000. These cases include smaller contract disputes, consumer complaints, and civil actions between individuals. County civil cases get a case number starting with a COCE or CCO prefix. The docket shows filings, hearing dates, and final dispositions. Public access rules apply the same way as circuit civil records.
Small Claims and Eviction Records
Small claims cases cover disputes up to $8,000. These are the most common civil filings in Fort Lauderdale. Landlord-tenant disputes, unpaid debts, and property damage claims often start in small claims. Eviction cases, also called residential eviction actions, get a separate case number prefix. The clerk’s docket shows the petition, service of process, judgment, and writ of possession if the judge orders one.
Judgments, Liens, and Final Orders
Final judgments, money judgments, and recorded liens all appear in the public record. A money judgment shows the amount one party must pay another. A judgment lien attaches to real property in the county where it is recorded. Satisfaction of judgment records show when a debt is paid. These records stay public for years and help anyone check whether a person or business has open judgments in Fort Lauderdale.
Fees, Copies, and Certified Documents
The Broward County Clerk charges set fees for copies and certified documents. Online access to view records is free. You only pay when you want copies or official certifications. Fee amounts can change each year under Florida law and county rules. The clerk’s website lists the current fee schedule for civil records.
Standard Copy Fees
Plain copies of civil court documents cost a small per-page fee. You can print from public terminals at the courthouse for less than mailing copies. Self-service copiers charge per page. If you need many pages, ordering online through the clerk’s portal saves time. Online copies arrive by email as PDF files for a flat digital fee.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and signature. Courts, banks, title companies, and government agencies usually require certified copies. The fee for a certified copy is higher than a plain copy. The clerk adds a certification fee plus the per-page fee. Same-day certification is available at the counter. Mail requests take longer but work for most needs.
Online Access Fees
Basic case search on the Broward Clerk website costs nothing. Viewing docket entries costs nothing. Downloading single documents is free. Bulk record pulls or full docket exports may carry a service fee. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal charges a small convenience fee only when you file a new case or submit a document. Searching for existing records on the portal costs nothing.
Public Access Laws and Confidentiality Rules
Florida law makes most government records open to the public. Civil court records in Fort Lauderdale follow the same rule. Some records have limits for privacy or safety reasons. Knowing the public access law helps you know what you can view, what you must request, and what stays private.
Florida Public Records Act Chapter 119
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives the public the right to see government records. Civil court records fall under this law. You do not need to be a party to a case. You do not need a reason. You do not need to give your name. The clerk must let you view the file within a reasonable time after you ask. This law covers Fort Lauderdale civil court records held by the Broward County Clerk.
Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 controls confidential information in court filings. Anyone who files civil papers in Fort Lauderdale must use the Notice of Confidential Information form when the filing includes sensitive data. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and similar private details must be flagged so the clerk can keep them out of public view. If private data slips into a public file, anyone can ask the clerk to remove it at no charge.
Sealed and Restricted Records
A judge can seal a civil court record by signing a court order. Sealed records stay off the public search results. Only people named in the court order can see the file. Restricted records work the same way. Some records get sealed to protect trade secrets, minors, or victims of certain crimes. Most civil cases in Fort Lauderdale stay open and searchable.
Self-Help Tools for Fort Lauderdale Civil Cases
People who file civil cases without a lawyer can use free tools to help. The Florida Courts website offers forms and guides. The E-Filing Portal has a tool that fills out forms by asking questions. These resources work for Fort Lauderdale civil cases filed through the Broward County Clerk.
Florida Courts Self-Help Forms
The Florida Courts self-help page has form packets for common civil case types. Small claims forms, eviction forms, debt collection forms, and civil complaint forms are all available as PDFs. The forms include step-by-step instructions. You fill them out and file them with the Broward County Clerk. Standard filing fees still apply. Self-help staff at the clerk’s office can answer basic questions about forms and procedures.
DIY Florida Online Filing Tool
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through questions and fills out court forms for you. The tool covers more than 20 form types used in civil cases. After you finish the questions, DIY Florida produces a ready-to-file PDF. You upload the PDF through the portal and submit it to the Broward County clerk. The tool reduces errors and saves time for people who file cases on their own.
E-Filing Portal Help and Training
The E-Filing Portal help desk answers calls on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. The phone number is (850) 577-4609. Training videos on the portal website show how to create an account, submit a filing, search a docket, and serve a party. Most Fort Lauderdale civil cases can be filed entirely online through the portal. Standard filing fees apply.
Contact Details and Courthouse Location
The Broward County Clerk’s office runs civil records services for Fort Lauderdale. The main office sits inside the Broward County Central Courthouse. You can call, visit, or search online through the official website below.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Office | Broward County Clerk of Court |
| Central Courthouse | 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Official Website | browardclerk.org |
| Statewide E-Filing Portal | myflcourtaccess.com |
| Judicial Circuit | 17th Judicial Circuit |
| Court Levels | Circuit Civil and County Civil |
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Lauderdale Civil Court Records
Below are common questions people ask about Fort Lauderdale civil court records. Each answer explains the rule, the search method, and the contact details you need. These answers reflect current Florida law, Broward County Clerk procedures, and statewide portal rules as of 2026. Rules and fees can change, so always check the official website for the latest details before you file or request records.
Are Fort Lauderdale civil court records free to search online?
Yes, basic online searches are free. The Broward County Clerk website lets you search civil cases by name, case number, or party at no cost. Viewing docket entries and downloading single documents also costs nothing. You only pay when you order certified copies, request bulk exports, or file new documents through the E-Filing Portal. Filing fees are set by Florida statute and apply statewide.
How do I find a civil case by name in Fort Lauderdale?
Go to the Broward County Clerk website at browardclerk.org and open the case search tool. Type the full legal name of a party. You can search by last name first or full name. Results show all matching civil cases filed in Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale. Click any case to see the docket, filings, and hearing dates. You can also use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for statewide name searches.
Can I view sealed civil court records in Fort Lauderdale?
No, sealed records stay off public search tools. Only people named in the sealing court order can view sealed files. To view a sealed record, you must ask a judge to unseal it or join the original court order. The clerk cannot release sealed files to the public. Most civil cases in Fort Lauderdale stay open and do not get sealed unless a judge signs a specific order.
What is the difference between Circuit Court and County Court civil records?
Circuit Court civil records cover claims above $30,000 and complex cases like personal injury, medical malpractice, and real property disputes. County Court civil records cover claims from $5,000 to $30,000 plus small claims up to $8,000 and eviction cases. Both levels file through the same Broward County Clerk. Case number prefixes tell you which court heard the case.
How long does the Broward Clerk keep civil court records?
The Broward County Clerk keeps civil court records permanently for most case types. Older paper files have been scanned into the digital system. Records from recent years are easy to view online. Older physical files from before the digital era can still be pulled at the courthouse. Records retention rules come from the Florida Department of State and apply statewide.
Can I use Fort Lauderdale civil court records for a background check?
Yes, civil court records are public and can help with background research. You can check for money judgments, liens, eviction filings, and civil lawsuits against a person or business. Many employers, landlords, lenders, and title companies use these records. Some third-party background check services pull the same data from the Broward County Clerk and statewide portals.
How do I get a certified copy of a Fort Lauderdale civil court order?
Visit the Broward County Central Courthouse at 201 SE 6th St in Fort Lauderdale. Go to the clerk’s office and request a certified copy. Bring the case number if you have it. Pay the certification fee plus the per-page fee at the counter. You will get the document with the clerk’s seal and signature the same day. You can also mail a request to the clerk’s office with a check and a self-addressed stamped envelope.