Pompano Beach City Civil Court Records cover all civil lawsuits, claims, and court filings in this Broward County city of about 118,000 people. These records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Court under the 17th Judicial Circuit.
Anyone can look up these records online for free through the clerk’s case search portal. You can also visit a local courthouse in person to view paper files, get certified copies, or file new civil cases. This page covers where these records are stored, how to search them, what fees apply, and what laws apply to public access.
What Are Pompano Beach Civil Court Records
Pompano Beach Civil Court Records are the official papers filed in civil lawsuits in this city. These lawsuits do not include criminal cases. They cover money disputes, property issues, contracts, personal injury, and family-related civil filings. The records include every motion, order, judgment, hearing date, and party name tied to the case. The clerk’s office stores these files for the entire life of the case and for years after it ends.
What These Records Include
Each civil court file holds a case number, party names, the type of case, and a full event list. The event list shows every motion, hearing, ruling, and filing date. Most files also contain the complaint, answer, exhibits, and the final judgment. Some files include exhibits like photos, contracts, or medical records. The clerk also keeps the docket sheet, which gives a short summary of each step in the case.
Types of Civil Cases in Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach residents file many types of civil cases each year. Common case types include small claims up to $8,000, county civil cases up to $30,000, and circuit civil cases over $30,000. Eviction cases, landlord-tenant disputes, debt collection, contract breaches, and personal injury claims are also frequent. Real property disputes, foreclosure filings, and injunction requests round out the main civil caseload.
Who Maintains These Records
The Broward County Clerk of Court holds all civil court records for Pompano Beach. Pompano Beach does not have its own city court. The clerk’s office stores files for the 17th Judicial Circuit, which covers all of Broward County. Both the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach and the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale have clerk counters for walk-in service.
Broward County Clerk of Court Locations
The Broward County Clerk of Court has four courthouse locations across the county. Pompano Beach sits in the northern part of Broward County. The closest clerk office is the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, which is just a short drive south of Pompano Beach. Residents can also use the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale for any civil court matter.
North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach
The North Regional Courthouse is at 1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach, FL 33442. This is the closest clerk location for Pompano Beach residents who want to search records, file new cases, or pick up certified copies. The office has public terminals where you can search civil court records on site. The clerk accepts walk-ins during business hours.
Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale
The Central Courthouse is at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. This is the main courthouse in Broward County and handles the largest caseload. The Self-Help Equal Access Center sits on the first floor of this building. The Archives Division on the third floor helps with older civil court records that may not be online yet.
South and West Locations
The clerk’s office also runs the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood and the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. These two branches serve other parts of Broward County. They accept civil court filings, search requests, and certified copy orders. Pompano Beach residents can use any of the four locations for civil court services.
| Courthouse Location | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Regional Courthouse | 1600 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Central Courthouse | 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| South Regional Courthouse | 3550 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33021 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| West Regional Courthouse | 100 N Pine Island Rd, Plantation, FL 33324 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
How to Search Pompano Beach Civil Court Records Online
The Broward County Clerk offers free online access to civil court records through its case search portal. You do not need an account to run a basic search. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers. The search covers civil, family, probate, criminal, and traffic cases filed in Broward County.
Free Public Case Search
The public case search lets you look up any civil case by name or case number. The search shows the case type, filing date, party names, and a list of all hearings and rulings. The basic search is free for all users. It works well for most civil record lookups. The portal is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Search by Name
To search by name, type the last name of any party in the case. You can add a first name to narrow the results. The system returns a list of matching cases. Each result shows the case number, the case type, and the filing date. Click any case to see the full docket sheet and event list.
Search by Case Number
If you have a case number, type it into the case number search box. The format follows a county-specific pattern that includes the year, case type code, and sequence number. Searching by case number gives you the fastest, most exact result. This method works well when you already have a case number from a lawyer or court notice.
Advanced Search Options
The advanced search adds filters for hearing date, filing date range, party type, and disposition. You can search by attorney name, judge name, or case status. The advanced search also lets you limit results to specific case types like small claims, eviction, or civil appeals. These filters help you find one case in a busy docket.
Florida E-Filing Portal Access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to all 67 county clerks in the state. This statewide tool lets you file new civil cases and search existing cases. It is free to set up a user account. The portal also includes the DIY Florida tool, which builds court forms based on your answers to simple questions.
How to Set Up an Account
You can sign up for an E-Filing Portal account with a working email and basic contact details. Once your account is active, you can file new civil cases in any Florida county. You can also use the account to track the status of cases you have filed. Attorneys get extra tools, including access to sealed portions of family and probate cases.
DIY Florida Forms Tool
The DIY Florida tool is built into the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through a question-and-answer format to build the right court forms. You answer plain-language questions about your case. The tool then fills in the correct form fields. You can save your work and finish later. The forms are accepted in Pompano Beach civil cases filed through the Broward County Clerk.
Tracking Case Status
Once you file a case through the portal, you can track its progress online. The portal shows hearing dates, filing updates, and judge assignments. You also get email alerts when new documents are added to your case file. This makes it easy to stay current on any civil case in Pompano Beach.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Filing fees for civil cases in Pompano Beach follow the standard Broward County fee schedule. The clerk accepts cash, cashier’s checks, money orders, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted for new filings. The fees below apply to cases filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
County Civil Case Fees
County civil cases cover claims up to $30,000. The filing fee starts at $55 for claims up to $100. Claims between $100 and $1,000 cost $175 to file. Claims between $1,000 and $5,000 cost $300. Claims between $5,000 and $30,000 cost $400. Each summons costs an extra $10.
Small Claims Fees
Small claims cases cover disputes up to $8,000. The filing fee is $55 for claims up to $100. Claims between $100 and $500 cost $80. Claims between $500 and $2,500 cost $175. Claims between $2,500 and $8,000 cost $300. These fees match the county civil fee structure for the same claim amounts.
Writ and Post-Judgment Fees
A writ of execution costs $85. A writ of garnishment also costs $85. A claim of exemption filing costs $25. Post-judgment motions have separate fees that vary based on the motion type. The clerk’s office can give you a full fee schedule before you file.
Certified Copy Costs
Plain copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page. Electronic certified documents are available online for $8.00 each. Electronic certified copies come through right away after payment and never expire. Documents over 100 pages cannot be purchased online.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.00 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Electronic certified document | $8.00 |
| Summons issuance | $10 |
| Writ of execution | $85 |
| Writ of garnishment | $85 |
Civil Court Structure in the 17th Judicial Circuit
Pompano Beach falls under the 17th Judicial Circuit, which covers all of Broward County. Civil cases are split between Circuit Court and County Court based on the dollar amount in dispute. Each court level has its own filing fees, procedures, and judge rotations.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
Circuit Court handles civil cases where the claim amount is over $30,000. Contract disputes over $30,000, personal injury cases, complex real property actions, and business lawsuits all go to Circuit Court. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also fall under Circuit Court jurisdiction. Circuit Court cases often take longer to resolve than County Court cases.
County Court Civil Cases
County Court handles civil cases where the claim amount is $30,000 or less. This includes small claims up to $8,000. County civil cases cover most everyday disputes like unpaid debts, property damage, and minor contract breaches. County Court cases usually move faster than Circuit Court cases and have simpler procedures.
Eviction and Landlord-Tenant Cases
Eviction cases from Pompano Beach go to County Court. Landlords file eviction actions to remove tenants who fail to pay rent or violate lease terms. Tenants can file counterclaims in the same case. The clerk’s office has a dedicated landlord-tenant counter at the Central Courthouse. Self-help forms for evictions are available online through the Florida Courts self-help page.
Florida Public Records Law and Access Rights
Florida has broad public records laws that apply to civil court records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes most government records open to the public. This includes civil court records filed in Pompano Beach. You do not need to be a party in the case to view it. Anyone can request access to a public court file.
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules for public access to government records. The law requires courts and clerks to make civil case files open for viewing and copying. The law also lists narrow categories of records that can stay sealed, such as juvenile records and adoption files. The clerk must redact Social Security numbers and bank account numbers from public files.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Some civil court records are sealed by court order. Common reasons for sealing include protecting trade secrets, shielding minors, and keeping medical records private. Sealed records are not open to the public. Confidential information like Social Security numbers must be flagged using the Notice of Confidential Information form at the time of filing.
How to Request Restricted Records
To access sealed records, you must file a motion with the court that issued the sealing order. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. Records that have been redacted for sensitive data are still open to the public, but the sensitive parts are blocked out. The clerk charges standard copy fees for any documents you want to receive.
Self-Help Resources for Pompano Beach Civil Cases
Pompano Beach residents can find free help with civil cases through several state and local programs. These resources help people who are filing or responding to a case without a lawyer. The resources cover small claims, evictions, family law, and other common civil matters.
Florida Courts Self-Help Page
The Florida Courts self-help page has free forms and guides for people handling civil cases on their own. The page covers small claims, evictions, family law, and probate. The forms work for any civil case filed through the Broward County Clerk. The page also has instructional videos and step-by-step checklists.
Self-Help Equal Access Center
The Self-Help Equal Access Center sits on the first floor of the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The center has law librarians, public computers, Westlaw access, Lexis access, and free Wi-Fi. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The staff cannot give legal advice, but they can help you find forms and legal resources.
DIY Florida Forms Tool
The DIY Florida tool builds court forms based on your answers. The tool is free and works through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. It covers family law, small claims, evictions, and other civil case types. You answer simple questions, and the tool fills in the right form fields for your case.
Lawyer Referral Service
The Broward County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for residents who need paid legal help. The service connects you with lawyers who practice in civil court. Many lawyers offer a free half-hour consultation. The referral service can also help you find lawyers who handle sliding-scale fees for low-income clients.
Common Types of Civil Cases Filed in Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach sees a wide range of civil case types each year. Some of the most common types include contract disputes, debt collection, personal injury claims, and property damage lawsuits. Below are the case types that make up the bulk of the civil caseload.
Contract Disputes
Contract disputes cover any civil case where one party claims the other party broke a contract. Common contract disputes involve service agreements, sales contracts, and lease agreements. Most contract cases go to County Court if the amount is $30,000 or less. Larger contract disputes go to Circuit Court.
Personal Injury and Property Damage
Personal injury cases cover claims of harm caused by another party. These cases often involve car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and medical malpractice. Property damage cases cover harm to homes, cars, or other property. Most personal injury and property damage cases go to Circuit Court because the amounts often exceed $30,000.
Debt Collection Cases
Debt collection cases make up a large share of the civil caseload in Pompano Beach. Creditors file these cases to collect unpaid debts like credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. Most debt collection cases are filed in County Court because the amounts are usually under $30,000. Judgments in these cases can lead to wage garnishment or property liens.
Foreclosure and Real Property Cases
Foreclosure cases happen when a lender seeks to take back a property after the owner stops paying the mortgage. Most foreclosure cases go to Circuit Court. Real property disputes about land lines, easements, and quiet title actions also go to Circuit Court. These cases can be complex and often involve both civil and equitable relief.
How to Verify a Court Record
Court record verification is the process of confirming that a court record is real and accurate. The clerk’s office can issue a certified copy that confirms the document came from the court file. Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and are accepted by government agencies, lenders, and other courts.
When You Need a Certified Copy
You need a certified copy of a court record for many legal and financial transactions. Common uses include proving a case was dismissed, showing a judgment has been satisfied, and verifying the outcome of a lawsuit. Lenders may require certified copies of case records during loan applications. Landlords may ask for certified copies to confirm a prior eviction case.
How to Order a Certified Copy
You can order a certified copy online, by mail, or in person at any Broward County clerk location. Online orders cost $8.00 per document. In-person orders cost $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page. Mail orders must include a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Court Record Retention and Archives
The Broward County Clerk keeps civil court records for many years after the case ends. Recent records are kept at the courthouse where the case was filed. Older records that are not online are stored in the Archives Division. The Archives Division can retrieve older records on request.
Retention Schedule
Civil court records have different retention rules based on case type. County civil cases are kept for at least five years after the case ends. Circuit civil cases are kept for at least ten years. Foreclosure records and other real property cases are kept for thirty years. Family law and probate records are kept for longer periods based on the case type.
Accessing Archived Records
The Archives Division sits on the third floor of the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The division helps with records that have been moved off the active system. Staff can search for older records, pull the files, and make copies. The standard copy and certified copy fees apply.
Important Contact Information
For direct help with Pompano Beach civil court records, use the contact details below. The clerk’s office runs a general phone line for civil case questions. The North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach is the closest location for Pompano Beach residents.
Broward County Clerk of Court Official Website: browardclerk.org
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
General Phone Number: (954) 831-6565
North Regional Courthouse Address: 1600 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Central Courthouse Address: 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Self-Help Equal Access Center Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common search topics tied to Pompano Beach civil court records. These questions match the top user queries on Google for this topic. Each answer gives a clear, direct response based on current Florida law and Broward County Clerk procedures.
Are Pompano Beach Civil Court Records Free to Search?
Yes, basic online searches are free through the Broward County Clerk case search portal. You do not need an account to run a name or case number search. The portal covers civil, family, probate, criminal, and traffic cases. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page. Electronic certified copies are available online for $8.00 each and never expire.
Can I Search Pompano Beach Civil Cases by Name?
Yes, the Broward County Clerk case search portal lets you search by last name and first name. The search returns a list of cases tied to that person. You can filter by case type, filing date, and status. The search is open to anyone. You do not need to be a party in the case or have an account.
How Long Does Broward County Keep Civil Court Records?
Broward County keeps civil court records based on the Florida retention schedule. County civil cases are kept for at least five years after the case ends. Circuit civil cases are kept for at least ten years. Foreclosure and real property records are kept for thirty years. Family law and probate records are kept for even longer periods based on the case type.
Can I View Sealed Civil Court Records in Pompano Beach?
No, sealed records are not open to the public. To access a sealed record, you must file a motion with the court that issued the sealing order. The judge will review the motion and decide whether to grant access. The clerk cannot release sealed records without a court order. Confidential information like Social Security numbers is redacted from public files.
What Is the Difference Between Circuit Court and County Court Civil Cases?
Circuit Court handles civil cases where the claim amount is over $30,000. County Court handles civil cases where the claim amount is $30,000 or less. Small claims cases for amounts up to $8,000 also go to County Court. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases go to Circuit Court regardless of the dollar amount.
How Do I File a Small Claims Case in Pompano Beach?
You can file a small claims case online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or in person at the North Regional Courthouse. The filing fee ranges from $55 to $300 based on the claim amount. You must fill out a Statement of Claim form and serve the other party with a summons. Small claims cases in Pompano Beach are heard in County Court.
Can I Find Eviction Records for a Pompano Beach Property?
Yes, eviction records are public and can be searched through the Broward County Clerk case search portal. Eviction cases are filed in County Court. The records show the landlord, tenant, property address, and case outcome. Anyone can look up eviction records by name or case number. The records include judgments, writs of possession, and any appeal filings.