Fort Lauderdale City Court Docket records list every court action, hearing, and filing for cases in the city. The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps these records.
You can search the docket online, by phone, or in person at the Central Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street. This page explains how the system works, where to look, what you can find, and what it costs.
What Is the Fort Lauderdale City Court Docket
The Fort Lauderdale City Court Docket is a public list of court events for cases filed in Fort Lauderdale. Each entry shows the case number, the people named, the case type, and the next court date. The docket grows every time a judge signs an order, a lawyer files a paper, or a hearing gets set. People use the docket to check when a court date will happen, what was filed, and what the judge decided.
Fort Lauderdale sits in Broward County, Florida. The city does not run its own court system. Broward County runs all courts for city cases through the 17th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Courts keeps the docket and makes it open to the public under Florida law.
Broward County Clerk and the 17th Judicial Circuit
The Broward County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official record keeper for the 17th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers only Broward County. It is one of the busiest circuits in Florida. The clerk office handles case files, docket entries, certified copies, and public records requests. Court staff at the clerk office do not give legal advice. They only process papers and answer questions about case status.
The clerk office is the main point of contact for anyone who needs docket data. Lawyers, parties to a case, researchers, and the general public all rely on the clerk office for accurate court records.
Courthouses That Handle Fort Lauderdale Cases
Broward County runs four main courthouses. Fort Lauderdale cases can be heard at any of them based on case type and schedule.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Central Courthouse | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 |
| North Regional Courthouse | 1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 | (954) 831-6565 |
| South Regional Courthouse | 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021 | (954) 831-6565 |
| West Regional Courthouse | 100 North Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324 | (954) 831-6565 |
The Central Courthouse is the main location and handles most felony, civil, family, and probate cases. Traffic and misdemeanor cases may go to any of the four buildings based on where the event took place and the court’s schedule.
How to Search Fort Lauderdale Court Docket Records Online
The Broward County Clerk runs a free online case search. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The search works for all case types, including civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate matters. No account is needed for a basic search.
Go to the clerk website and click on Case Search. Type the last name of any party in the case. The system returns a list of matching cases. Click the case number to see the full docket. The docket shows filings, hearing dates, judge names, and orders.
A second search tool is also available. The web search option lets you look up cases by date range, case type, or division. This is useful when you do not know the full party name.
Search the Docket by Name
To search the Fort Lauderdale court docket by name, use the party name search on the clerk website. Enter the last name first, then the first name. Narrow the search by selecting a case type or date range. The system will show every case where that person appears as a party. Results list the case number, type, filing date, and current status.
Common names return many results. Use middle initials, birth years, or address filters to narrow the list. The clerk office does not release Social Security numbers or full dates of birth. Some details stay sealed under Florida law.
Search the Docket by Case Number
Searching by case number gives the fastest result. The case number has a prefix that shows the case type. For example, a case starting with “CF” means criminal felony. “MM” means criminal misdemeanor. “DR” means domestic relations. “SC” means small claims. “TR” means traffic. Knowing the prefix helps you confirm you have the right case.
Type the full case number into the search box on the clerk website. The docket opens with all filings, motions, orders, and hearing dates. You can print or save the docket as a PDF.
Fort Lauderdale Civil Court Docket Records
The Fort Lauderdale civil court docket covers disputes between people or businesses. Civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property damage, landlord-tenant fights, and small claims matters. The docket lists every paper filed by either side. Plaintiffs and defendants can check the docket to see what the other party filed and when the next hearing is set.
Civil case dockets are public. Anyone can view the docket online or at the clerk office. To see the actual documents filed, you may need to order copies. Some civil records stay sealed by court order, such as cases involving trade secrets or minors.
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Court Docket Records
The Fort Lauderdale criminal court docket covers felony and misdemeanor cases filed by the State of Florida. Each entry shows the charges, the defense lawyer, the state attorney, the bond status, and the next court date. Victims, witnesses, defendants, and lawyers all use the criminal docket to track case progress.
Criminal dockets update fast. A new motion filed today may show up on the docket by the next business day. You can sign up for email alerts on the clerk website. Alerts send a message each time a new entry is added to a case you follow.
Some criminal records are sealed or expunged. Those do not appear in public searches. The clerk office follows Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration when deciding what to show.
Fort Lauderdale Traffic Court Docket Records
The Fort Lauderdale traffic court docket lists traffic tickets, civil infractions, and driving offenses. Common entries include speeding, careless driving, driving with a suspended license, and DUI. Each entry shows the citation number, the court date, the fine amount, and the outcome.
You can pay most traffic fines online through the clerk website. You can also contest the ticket by mail or in person. The traffic docket shows whether you paid, requested a hearing, or failed to appear. A failure to appear on a traffic case can lead to a license suspension by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Fort Lauderdale Small Claims Court Docket
Small claims court handles disputes for amounts up to $8,000. Cases are heard by a county court judge. The Fort Lauderdale small claims docket is part of the civil docket. You can search for small claims cases the same way you search other civil cases. Small claims hearings are shorter and less formal than other civil trials. Many small claims cases settle before the hearing date.
Common small claims cases in Fort Lauderdale include unpaid rent, security deposit disputes, damaged property, and consumer complaints. The docket shows the claim amount, the parties, and the hearing outcome.
Arraignment Dockets and Daily Court Calendar
An arraignment is the first court appearance in a criminal case. The judge reads the charges, and the defendant enters a plea. The arraignment docket is a daily list published by the clerk office. You can find the arraignment docket online or posted at the courthouse the morning of the hearing.
The daily court calendar lists every hearing set for that day. Each division has its own calendar. The clerk website posts the daily calendar by 7:30 a.m. on the day of the hearing. Click on a case to see the parties, the time of the hearing, and the courtroom number. Calendars change as cases get continued or settled.
Hearing Schedule and Docket Status
You can check hearing schedules on the Fort Lauderdale court docket through the clerk website. The schedule shows the date, time, and courtroom for each hearing. The docket status field shows the latest action in the case, such as “Pending,” “Disposed,” or “Closed.” A status of “Pending” means the case is still active. A status of “Disposed” means the judge has issued a final ruling.
To check the docket status, you need the case number or the full name of a party. The clerk office does not give case status updates by phone for civil cases. You must search online or visit the courthouse in person.
Fees for Court Docket Copies
The clerk office charges set fees for copies of docket records. Here is the current fee schedule:
- Standard copy: $1.00 per page
- Certified copy: $2.00 per document
- Electronic certified copy: $8.00 per document
- Records search: $2.00 per case, per year searched
Electronic certified copies never expire. They carry the same legal weight as a paper certified copy. For cases with documents over 100 pages, you cannot order copies online. You must visit the clerk office or mail a records request. Mail and fax requests take up to two weeks to process.
Pay for copies online with a credit or debit card. In-person payments can be cash, check, money order, or card. The clerk office does not accept personal checks for amounts over $5,000.
Florida Public Records Laws and Sealed Records
Florida law makes most court records open to the public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules for public access. You do not need to give a reason to view the docket. You do not need to be a party to the case. You do not need to pay a fee just to look at records online.
Some records stay sealed. Sealed records include adoption files, juvenile cases, mental health hearings, trade secrets, and cases where a judge has issued a specific sealing order. Expunged records are removed from public view by court order. The clerk office follows Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration when deciding what records to seal.
If a record is sealed, the docket entry still shows up in search results, but the documents behind it are not viewable. You can see the case number and the parties, but not the filings.
E-Filing New Documents
Lawyers and self-represented parties can file new court papers through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal connects directly to the Broward County clerk system. Filings go in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You get a filing stamp the moment the clerk office accepts the paper.
Self-represented parties need an account to e-file. You can register for free on the e-filing portal. The portal charges a small convenience fee per filing, set by the e-filing vendor, not the clerk office. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check.
Administrative Order AOSC24-65 sets the access rules for electronic court records in Broward County and across Florida. The order controls who can view what records and what fees apply.
Common Errors When Searching the Docket
Many users hit the same problems when they search the Fort Lauderdale court docket. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them.
Wrong case prefix. The prefix tells you the case type. A wrong prefix returns zero results. Double-check the prefix from any paper you have. The clerk office uses standard Florida prefixes.
Misspelled names. The search is strict. A name spelled wrong returns no results. Try alternate spellings, use the full middle name, or search by date of birth if you have it.
Old cases. Cases over 10 years old may not be in the online system. You can ask the clerk office for archived records. The archive office stores older files on microfilm or in long-term storage.
Sealed records. If a case is sealed, the docket shows up but the documents are not viewable. You need a court order to see sealed records. The clerk office cannot unseal records by request.
How the Clerk Homepage Helps
The Broward County Clerk homepage is the main starting point for all court services. From the homepage, you can reach case search, records request forms, fee schedules, e-filing, marriage licenses, and official records.
Each tool on the homepage links to a clear set of forms. The homepage also has contact details for every courthouse in the county.
Contact, Office Hours, and Location
Main clerk office phone: (954) 831-6565
Attorney hotline: (954) 831-5600
Official website: browardclerk.org
Central Courthouse address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Office hours for the clerk office at the Central Courthouse are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on federal and state holidays. The public terminal room stays open during the same hours. You can use the public terminals to search the docket for free.
FAQ
The questions below cover what users most often ask about the Fort Lauderdale City Court Docket. Each answer gives clear steps, exact sources, and the rules that apply.
How Do I Find a Court Date in Fort Lauderdale?
To find a court date in Fort Lauderdale, search the docket by case number or party name on the Broward County clerk website at browardclerk.org. The docket shows the next hearing date, time, and courtroom. You can also view the daily court calendar, which is posted online by 7:30 a.m. on the day of the hearing. For criminal cases, you can sign up for email alerts that send a message each time a new docket entry is added, so you never miss a court date.
Are Fort Lauderdale Court Records Free to View?
Yes, basic online searches of the Fort Lauderdale court docket are free. You can look up case type, parties, filing dates, and hearing dates at no cost. The clerk office charges only for copies of documents. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document. Electronic certified copies cost $8.00 per document. You can use the public terminals at the Central Courthouse for free access to the same search tools.
What Is the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Docket in Fort Lauderdale?
Civil dockets cover disputes between people, businesses, or government agencies, such as contract claims, personal injury, and small claims matters. Criminal dockets cover cases filed by the State of Florida against a person accused of breaking the law, including felonies, misdemeanors, and DUI. The case number prefix tells you the type. Civil cases start with “CA,” “SC,” or “CC.” Criminal cases start with “CF” for felony, “MM” for misdemeanor, or “TR” for traffic. Both dockets are public and searchable the same way.
Can I Search the Fort Lauderdale Court Docket Without a Case Number?
Yes, you can search the docket by party name. Enter the last name, then the first name, on the clerk website case search page. The system returns every case where that person appears as a plaintiff, defendant, or party. Common names may return many results, so use middle initials, date of birth, or case type filters to narrow the search. You can also search by attorney bar number to find every case a specific lawyer has filed in Fort Lauderdale.
How Long Does the Clerk Office Take to Process a Records Request?
Online requests for docket copies process within 24 hours for documents under 100 pages. Mail and fax requests take up to two weeks. In-person requests at the Central Courthouse process the same day in most cases. The clerk office charges $2.00 per case, per year searched, plus copy fees. For large requests, you should call the records department first to confirm the cost and the timeline.
Why Is a Case Missing From the Fort Lauderdale Online Docket Search?
Some cases do not appear in the online search because they are sealed, expunged, or archived. Sealed cases are hidden from public view by court order under Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. Expunged cases are removed from the public record. Cases over 10 years old may be archived and not viewable online. To see archived records, contact the clerk office records department. You may need to file a written request and pay a search fee.
Can I Pay a Traffic Ticket Through the Fort Lauderdale Court Docket System?
Yes, you can pay a Fort Lauderdale traffic ticket through the clerk website. Search the docket by citation number or party name. Click on the case and select the option to pay the fine. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check. A small convenience fee applies to online payments. You can also pay by mail or in person at any Broward County courthouse. Failure to pay or appear on a traffic case leads to a license suspension and additional fines.
Authority and Entity Expansion List
Add the following topics in future updates to grow topical authority for the Fort Lauderdale court docket page. Sort by priority and ranking impact.
- Detailed step-by-step walkthrough of the clerk online case search with screenshots for each field
- Comparison table of civil, criminal, traffic, and small claims case prefixes and what each means
- Glossary of common docket abbreviations, including “MOT,” “ODR,” “PTR,” and “HRG”
- Guide to the Florida e-filing portal with screenshots, account setup steps, and fee structure
- Case study examples of sealed vs. public docket entries with redacted sample data
- Map of all four Broward County courthouses with parking, public transit, and entry details
- Timeline of Florida public records law changes affecting docket access from 2020 to 2026
- List of common motion types filed in Fort Lauderdale civil and criminal cases
- Procedural checklist for self-represented parties using the docket to prepare for hearings
- Resource links to legal aid organizations serving Fort Lauderdale residents