The Broward County Court Docket is the master public record of every court case filed in Broward County, Florida. It lists each case by number, names the parties, and tracks every step from filing to final judgment.
The Clerk of the Courts office in Fort Lauderdale keeps and updates this docket for the entire 17th Judicial Circuit.
Broward County has more than 1.9 million residents. The court system handles thousands of new cases each month across civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate divisions. Anyone can look up a Broward County Court Docket entry online or at one of four physical courthouse locations across the county.
This page explains the full docket system. It covers the online search tools, search by name, search by case number, search by date, and search by attorney. It also breaks down docket types: civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, felony, misdemeanor, small claims, juvenile, arraignment, motion, trial, and pretrial. Fee details, access rules, and office contacts appear at the end of the page.
How the Broward County Court Docket System Works
The Broward County Court Docket system sits inside the Clerk of the Courts office. The clerk serves as the official record keeper for the 17th Judicial Circuit. Every case filed in Broward County passes through this office. Each new case receives a unique case number. From that point forward, the clerk enters every filing, motion, hearing, and ruling into the docket.
The docket acts as a running log. It shows what happened in a case, when it happened, and who acted. A typical docket entry lists the date, the type of action, the party or attorney involved, and the judge assigned to the case. The clerk posts most entries within hours of the action. This gives the public a near real-time view of court activity.
Florida law makes the Broward County Court Docket a public record. Florida Statute Chapter 119 sets the public access rules. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists the small set of records kept off the docket. These include sealed cases, expunged records, juvenile dependency files, mental health records, and substance abuse treatment records.
Where to Search the Broward County Court Docket Online
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs two free online tools. Both let you search the docket from any device with internet access. No account is required for basic lookups.
The main search portal sits at browardclerk.org/Search. The second tool lives at browardclerk.org/web2. Both pull from the same docket database. They show the same case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries.
The Broward County Clerk homepage is the starting point for any docket search. From there, you can reach the case search tool, the records request page, and the fee schedule. The site also lists office hours and phone numbers for each courthouse in the county.
The case search portal allows free docket lookups. You can enter a name, case number, or date range. Results show case type, status, and the full list of docket entries. Each entry links to a details page with more court activity.
The web search tool offers a second way to reach the same docket data. Some users prefer it for filtering results by court division. Both tools support searches by party name, case number, citation number, and date range.
Broward County Court Docket Search by Name
Search by name is the most common method used on the Broward County Court Docket. You enter a last name and first name into the search box. The system then pulls up all cases tied to that person in Broward County.
Type the full last name to get the best results. Add the first name. If you have a middle name or initial, include it. Common names may return many results. Narrow your search with a date range or case type filter if needed.
Each result shows the case number, the case type (civil, criminal, traffic, family, or probate), the filing date, and the current status. Click any result to see the full docket entries. The docket entries show all filings in the case in reverse chronological order.
Broward County Court Docket Search by Case Number
Search by case number gives the fastest results on the Broward County Court Docket. Each case in Broward County carries a unique number. The format starts with a two-letter code for the case type, then a two-digit year, then a six-digit sequence. For example, a 2024 civil case might read CACE24001234.
Enter the full case number into the search box. The system pulls up that exact case. From there you see the full docket, all parties, and the hearing schedule. This method works best when you already have the case number from a prior court visit or from your lawyer.
Broward County Court Docket Search by Date
Search by date lets you see what cases were filed or heard on a specific day. You pick a start date and an end date. The system returns all cases with filings or hearings in that range.
You can combine date search with a name or case type. This is useful for tracking recent court activity in Broward County. Many local news outlets and legal researchers use this method to track docket filings over time.
Broward County Court Docket Search by Attorney
Search by attorney shows all cases where a specific lawyer appears in the Broward County Court Docket. Enter the attorney bar number or full name. The system lists every case tied to that attorney in the 17th Circuit.
This method helps clients track their own cases. It also helps opposing counsel check for conflicts of interest. Law firms often run these searches to build a full picture of an attorney caseload in Broward County.
Broward County Civil Court Docket
The Broward County civil court docket covers lawsuits between private parties. These include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and debt collection actions. Civil cases in Broward County fall under the 17th Judicial Circuit when the amount in question is over $50,000. Smaller civil cases fall under the county court division.
The civil docket tracks the full life of a lawsuit. It shows the complaint, the answer, all motions, discovery requests, and rulings. The clerk enters each new filing into the docket. The online portal shows these entries as soon as they post.
Search the Broward County civil court docket by case number, party name, or attorney. Use the case type filter set to “Civil” to narrow results. The docket entries show hearing dates, motion deadlines, and trial schedules.
Broward County Criminal Court Docket
The Broward County criminal court docket tracks all criminal cases filed in the county. This includes felony cases, misdemeanor cases, and violations of county or municipal ordinances. The State of Florida files criminal cases through the Office of the State Attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit.
The criminal docket starts with the arrest or charging document. It then shows arraignment dates, pretrial hearings, motion filings, plea agreements, and trial outcomes. Each step enters the docket as a new entry.
Anyone can search the Broward County criminal court docket online. Use a defendant name search for the most direct results. The system shows pending and closed criminal cases. The docket also shows bond amounts, conditions of release, and assigned judges.
Broward County Felony Docket
The Broward County felony docket covers all felony-level criminal cases. Felonies are crimes that can carry a state prison sentence of more than one year. The clerk enters each felony case into the docket at the time of filing.
Felony cases follow a set path. They start with an arraignment. They move through pretrial motions, discovery, and plea negotiations. Some go to trial. The docket records every step in this path.
Broward County Misdemeanor Docket
The Broward County misdemeanor docket covers all misdemeanor-level criminal cases. Misdemeanors are crimes that can carry up to one year in county jail. Common examples include simple battery, petit theft, and driving on a suspended license.
Misdemeanor cases move faster than felonies. They often resolve at arraignment or pretrial. The docket shows the final outcome, which may be a dismissal, a guilty plea, or a trial verdict.
Broward County Arraignment Docket
The Broward County arraignment docket lists all cases set for arraignment on a given day. An arraignment is the first court appearance for a criminal defendant. The judge reads the charges and asks for a plea.
The arraignment docket is part of the larger criminal docket. You can search it by date to see who has arraignment hearings that day. This is useful for family members, employers, and bail bond agents.
Broward County Pretrial Docket
The Broward County pretrial docket shows all cases set for pretrial hearings. Pretrial hearings cover motions, discovery disputes, and plea offers. Many criminal cases resolve at the pretrial stage.
You can search the pretrial docket by date or by defendant name. Each entry shows the time, the courtroom, and the assigned judge for the hearing.
Broward County Motion Docket
The Broward County motion docket lists all pending motions set for hearing. Motions are written requests to the judge. Common motions include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions to continue a case.
The motion docket updates daily. It is a subset of the larger criminal and civil dockets. You can search it by date, judge, or attorney.
Broward County Trial Docket
The Broward County trial docket shows all cases set for trial. It includes both jury trials and bench trials. The trial docket lists the case, the parties, the attorneys, and the scheduled trial date.
Trial dates often change. The docket reflects the current schedule, including any continuances. Check the docket close to the trial date for the most current time and courtroom.
Broward County Traffic Court Docket
The Broward County traffic court docket covers all traffic-related cases. This includes speeding tickets, careless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), and license violations. Traffic cases in Broward County are heard in the county court division.
The traffic docket shows the citation number, the violation, the fine amount, and the court date. You can search by citation number for the fastest results. You can also search by driver name or date range.
Most traffic cases resolve without a trial. The defendant either pays the fine, attends traffic school, or pleads no contest. The docket records the final outcome of the case.
Broward County Family Court Docket
The Broward County family court docket covers all family-related cases. This includes divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. Family cases in Broward County are heard in the family division of the 17th Circuit.
The family docket is more restricted than other dockets. Some family court records are sealed. These include adoption files, paternity cases involving minors, and cases involving domestic violence. Sealed records do not appear in the public online search.
You can search the Broward County family court docket by case number or party name. You can also search by date to see the daily family court calendar.
Broward County Probate Court Docket
The Broward County probate court docket covers all probate cases. This includes wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. Probate cases in Broward County are heard in the probate division of the 17th Circuit.
The probate docket tracks the entire administration of an estate. It shows the petition, the will, the inventory, and the final distribution. Guardianship cases show the petition, the medical reports, and the annual accounting.
You can search the Broward County probate court docket by case number, party name (often the deceased name), or attorney. Most probate records are public, with a few exceptions for sealed mental health files.
Broward County Small Claims Docket
The Broward County small claims docket covers all small claims cases. Small claims are civil cases where the amount in dispute is $8,000 or less. They are heard in the county court division.
Common small claims cases include landlord-tenant disputes, security deposit claims, and consumer complaints. The small claims docket is part of the civil court docket. You can filter your search by case type to see only small claims cases.
Broward County Juvenile Court Docket
The Broward County juvenile court docket covers all cases involving minors. This includes delinquency cases, dependency cases, and truancy filings. Juvenile cases in Broward County are heard in the juvenile division of the 17th Circuit.
Most juvenile records are confidential under Florida law. They do not appear in the public online docket search. Only parties to the case, their attorneys, and approved agencies can access juvenile docket entries.
Broward County Circuit and County Court Dockets
Broward County has two main court levels: circuit court and county court. The Broward County circuit court docket covers serious cases. This includes felonies, family law, probate, juvenile delinquency, and civil cases over $50,000. The Broward County county court docket covers less serious cases. This includes misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, and civil cases up to $50,000.
Both dockets are managed by the same clerk office. The online search tool shows results from both levels. Use the case type filter to narrow your search to one level or the other.
Broward County Daily Court Docket and Calendar
The Broward County daily court docket shows all cases set for hearing on a specific day. It is sometimes called the court calendar docket. The daily docket includes arraignments, pretrial hearings, motion hearings, trials, and sentencings.
You can view the daily court docket online. The clerk updates it each business day. It serves as a useful tool for attorneys, litigants, and the public. You can search by date, division, judge, or courtroom.
The Broward County hearing docket is the same as the daily docket. It is the list of all hearings scheduled for a given day. You can check it the night before to confirm your court date, time, and location.
Broward County Court Docket Schedule and Status
The Broward County court docket schedule shows the future court dates for a case. It includes motion deadlines, pretrial conferences, and trial dates. You can view the schedule by searching for a specific case.
The Broward County court docket status shows the current state of a case. Status options include pending, active, closed, dismissed, and disposed. You can see the status on the main case page in the online portal.
Check the docket the day before any scheduled court appearance. Court dates can change. Continuances and rescheduling happen often. The online docket reflects the most current schedule.
Broward County Court Docket Entries
Broward County court docket entries are the individual line items in a case file. Each entry shows a single action in the case. This could be a motion filed, a hearing held, an order signed, or a payment made.
Entries list the date, the type of action, the party or attorney responsible, and the judge. The clerk posts entries within hours of the action. The public can view all non-sealed entries for free online.
Broward County Court Docket Fees
The Broward County Clerk charges set fees for certified copies and document requests tied to the court docket. These fees apply whether you request the documents online or in person.
The current fee schedule for Broward County court docket records is:
- Electronic certified documents: $8.00 per document
- Copy fee: $1.00 per page
- Certification fee: $2.00 per document
- Search fee: $2.00 per case, per year searched
Electronic certified copies of court docket records from Broward County do not expire. They carry the same legal weight as paper certified copies. Documents over 100 pages are not available for online purchase. Visit the clerk office in person for large files. Email and fax requests take up to two weeks to process.
You can file new documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The portal updates the docket in real time as new filings post.
Note: Fees can change. Call (954) 831-6565 to confirm current rates before you request court docket records from Broward County.
Access Rules for Broward County Court Docket Records
Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC24-65 sets the access rules for electronic court records. The order defines 15 user roles. The general public falls under Role 7. Role 7 lets you see case numbers, party names, and basic docket entries without registration.
Attorneys of record get Role 3 access. Role 3 opens access to documents filed in their own cases. Registered users get more access than the public but less than attorneys. Judges and clerk staff hold the highest access levels.
Some docket records stay sealed. Sealed and expunged records are hidden from public view. Juvenile dependency cases, mental health records, and substance abuse treatment records are confidential under Florida Rule 2.420. The clerk must redact Social Security numbers and bank account details before any docket record goes public. If you think a record was wrongly sealed, you can ask the clerk to review it.
Broward County Clerk Office Locations and Contact
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs four courthouse locations. The main office is the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Three regional courthouses serve the north, south, and west parts of the county.
You can reach the Broward County Clerk at (954) 831-6565 for general questions. Attorneys have a dedicated line at (954) 831-5600. The Archives Division takes calls at the main number, option 3. Send records request faxes to (954) 831-5550. Email records questions to Redactarchives@browardclerk.org. The official website is browardclerk.org.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Courthouse (Main) | 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| North Regional | 1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 | (954) 831-1209 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| South Regional | 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021 | (954) 831-0353 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| West Regional | 100 North Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324 | (954) 831-2339 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
You can also reach the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers at flclerks.com for statewide docket questions. Florida Statute Chapter 119 covers public records access. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 covers sealed records.
FAQ About Broward County Court Docket
This section covers common questions about the Broward County Court Docket. The answers below address search methods, case types, access rules, fees, and certification of docket records. Use these answers to learn how the docket system works in Broward County, Florida. For case-specific questions, contact the clerk office at the numbers listed above.
How do I search the Broward County Court Docket for free?
You can search the Broward County Court Docket for free at browardclerk.org/Search. Enter a name, case number, citation number, or date range. The portal shows case numbers, party names, hearing dates, and docket entries. No account or payment is required for basic lookups. Certified copies and large document orders do carry a fee. You can also search at browardclerk.org/web2. Both tools pull from the same docket database and show the same results.
What types of cases appear in the Broward County Court Docket?
The docket covers every case type filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit. This includes civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, small claims, and juvenile cases. It covers felonies, misdemeanors, arraignments, pretrial hearings, motion hearings, and trials. Both circuit-level and county-level cases appear in the same online portal. Use the case type filter on the search page to narrow your results. The filter helps you see only one type of case at a time.
Can I see sealed records in the Broward County Court Docket?
No. Sealed and expunged records are hidden from the public online docket. Juvenile dependency cases, mental health records, and substance abuse treatment records stay confidential under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. The clerk cannot release these records without a court order. If you are a party to a sealed case, you can request access through your attorney or by filing a motion with the court in Broward County.
How current is the online Broward County Court Docket?
The online docket updates throughout the business day. Most new filings appear within hours of entry. E-filed documents post to the docket in real time. The clerk makes manual entries within one business day. For the most current time and courtroom for a hearing, check the docket the day before your court date. Continuances and rescheduling happen often. The online docket reflects the most current schedule available.
What is the difference between the circuit and county court dockets?
The Broward County circuit court docket covers serious cases. This includes felonies, family law, probate, juvenile delinquency, and civil cases over $50,000. The Broward County county court docket covers less serious cases. This includes misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, and civil cases up to $50,000. The same clerk office manages both dockets. Use the case type filter to view cases at one level or the other.
How do I get a certified copy of a Broward County Court Docket entry?
Request a certified copy through the clerk records request page at browardclerk.org/GeneralInformation/RecordsRequest. The fee is $8.00 per electronic certified document. You can also request certified copies in person at any of the four courthouse locations. Processing time for email and fax requests runs up to two weeks. Electronic certified copies do not expire and carry the same legal weight as paper copies.
Can I search the Broward County Court Docket by attorney name?
Yes. Enter the attorney full name or Florida Bar number into the online search portal. The system lists every case tied to that attorney in Broward County. This search helps clients track their cases. It also helps opposing counsel check for conflicts of interest. The results show both active and closed cases for the attorney. You can filter by case type to narrow the results.