The Broward County Clerk of the Courts serves as the official custodian of court records and county funds in Broward County, Florida. It provides essential services including processing traffic tickets, issuing marriage licenses, managing jury summons, and facilitating public access to civil and criminal court filings through its digital portal and multiple physical courthouse locations.
As of 2026, the Broward County Clerk’s Office has expanded its digital infrastructure to accommodate a growing population and a higher demand for remote legal services. Whether you are a resident responding to a jury summons, a legal professional e-filing documents, or an individual searching for public records, understanding the administrative workflows of the Clerk is essential for timely compliance with Florida law. This guide provides an exhaustive breakdown of the Clerk’s primary functions, procedural requirements, and the digital tools available to the public.
The Role and Jurisdiction of the Broward County Clerk
The Clerk of the Court is a constitutionally elected officer in the State of Florida, established under Article V of the Florida Constitution. In Broward County, the office serves four primary roles: Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts, County Recorder, Auditor/Custodian of County Funds, and Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners.
The "Clerk" is not a judge and cannot provide legal advice; however, the office is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the judicial process by managing the flow of information and funds. In 2026, the office continues to operate under the leadership of the elected Clerk, managing millions of records across various divisions including Civil, Criminal, Probate, and Family Court.
Administrative Divisions
The office is divided into several specialized departments. The Criminal Division handles everything from municipal ordinances to capital felonies. The Civil Division manages lawsuits, small claims, and evictions. The Family Division oversees sensitive matters such as domestic violence injunctions, divorces, and child support. Finally, the Official Records Division is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, and other documents that form the public record of real estate ownership in Broward County.
Accessing Court Records and Public Information
Public access to court records is a fundamental right in Florida, governed by the "Government-in-the-Sunshine" laws. The Broward Clerk provides a robust online search portal that allows users to view case dockets and documents from their own devices.
Case Search Functionality
The online Case Search tool is the most frequently used feature of the Clerk’s website. In 2026, the system allows for searches by:
- Party Name: Searching for individuals or businesses involved in a case.
- Case Number: The specific identifier assigned by the court (e.g., CACE, COCE).
- Citation Number: Specifically for traffic and uniform citations.
- Attorney Name/Bar Number: Useful for legal research and verifying counsel.
When searching records, it is important to distinguish between publicly accessible documents and confidential records. Certain filings, particularly in family law or juvenile cases, may be redacted or sealed by court order to protect the privacy of minors or victims. If a document is listed but not viewable online, a formal request for a "Redacted Copy" or a visit to the physical courthouse may be necessary.
Official Records (Deeds and Mortgages)
Separate from court cases, the Official Records (OR) search is used for property research. If you are buying a home or verifying a lien in 2026, you must search the OR index. This database contains all recorded instruments in Broward County, including "Notices of Commencement," "Satisfactions of Mortgage," and "Final Judgments." The Clerk charges a per-page fee for certified copies of these documents, which are often required for real estate closings or legal evidence.
Paying Traffic Tickets and Fines
Managing traffic citations is a primary point of contact between the public and the Broward Clerk. Under Florida Statute, a citation must be resolved within 30 calendar days of issuance. Failure to act within this timeframe typically results in a late fee and the suspension of the individual’s driver's license.
Payment Options in 2026
- Online Portal: The most efficient method, accepting major credit and debit cards. Note that a third-party processing fee is applied to all digital transactions.
- Phone Payments: An automated system is available for those who cannot access the internet.
- In-Person: Payments can be made at any of the four regional courthouses (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, or Deerfield Beach).
- Mail: Checks or money orders must be sent with the citation to the Central Courthouse.
The Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Option
For eligible citations, drivers may elect to attend a traffic school to avoid points on their license. In 2026, this election must be made at the time of payment. Once the "School Election" fee is paid, the driver has 60 to 90 days (depending on current local rules) to submit a certificate of completion to the Clerk’s office. If the certificate is not filed on time, the Clerk will assess additional fines and points will be applied retroactively.
Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies
The Broward Clerk is the only authority in the county permitted to issue marriage licenses. In 2026, the process remains streamlined but requires strict adherence to identification and residency rules.
Requirements for a Marriage License
Both parties must appear in person at a Clerk’s office location. They must provide:
- Valid Identification: A state-issued driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
- Social Security Numbers: Required for U.S. citizens (the physical card is often not required, but the number is mandatory).
- Age Verification: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Minors (17) require specific parental consent forms under Florida Statute 741.04.
The Three-Day Waiting Period
For Florida residents, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period between the issuance of the license and the performance of the ceremony. This wait is waived if the couple has completed a state-sanctioned Pre-Marital Preparation Course and presents the certificate to the Clerk. For non-residents of Florida, there is no waiting period.
The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the license to the Clerk’s office within 10 days for recording. Once recorded, the Clerk will mail a certified copy to the couple, which is the legal proof needed for name changes and insurance updates.
Passport Application Services
The Broward Clerk acts as a Passport Acceptance Agent for the U.S. Department of State. While the Clerk does not "issue" the passport, they verify the application and documents before forwarding them to the federal government for processing.
In 2026, passport services at the Broward Clerk are strictly by appointment. Applicants must bring a completed (but unsigned) DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or naturalization certificate), and a valid government-issued photo ID. The Clerk’s office also offers on-site photo services for an additional fee, ensuring that the photograph meets the rigorous federal specifications regarding lighting, background, and head positioning.
Jury Duty: Obligations and Procedures
Jury duty is a mandatory civic responsibility. The Broward Clerk manages the jury pool for the 17th Judicial Circuit. If you receive a summons in 2026, you are legally required to respond.
How to Respond to a Summons
Recipients can respond via the "Juror Portal" on the Clerk’s website. This portal allows you to:
- Confirm Attendance: Let the court know you will appear on the specified date.
- Request an Excusal: Florida law provides specific exemptions (e.g., being a full-time student, a primary caregiver for a child under 6, or having a medical condition).
- Postpone Service: Most jurors are allowed one one-time deferral to a later date within a six-month window.
Reporting for Service
On the day of service, jurors typically report to the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The Clerk provides a "Juror Orientation" that explains the selection process. It is important to note that Broward County operates on a "One Day or One Trial" system. If you are not selected for a jury panel on your first day, your service is considered complete for the year.
Self-Help Centers and Pro Se Litigants
For individuals who cannot afford an attorney or choose to represent themselves (pro se), the Broward Clerk provides a Self-Help Center. This resource is particularly valuable for simplified legal matters.
- Small Claims: For disputes involving $8,000 or less.
- Evictions: For landlords seeking to recover possession of property.
- Divorce: For "Simplified Dissolution of Marriage" cases where there are no minor children and both parties agree on asset division.
The Self-Help Center provides standardized forms approved by the Florida Supreme Court. While the Clerk’s staff cannot fill out the forms for you or provide strategy, they can ensure that you have the correct packet and explain the filing fees associated with each case type.
Locations and Contact Information
The Broward County Clerk of the Courts operates several branches to serve different regions of the county. In 2026, users should verify which services are offered at each location, as some specialized services (like Passport Acceptance) may be restricted to specific hubs.
| Location Name | Address | Primary Services |
|---|---|---|
| Central Courthouse | 201 SE 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale | Criminal, Civil, Family, Marriage, Jury |
| North Regional | 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach | Traffic, Marriage Licenses, Passports |
| South Regional | 3550 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood | Traffic, Marriage Licenses, Small Claims |
| West Regional | 100 N. Pine Island Rd, Plantation | Traffic, Marriage Licenses, Family Law |
Note: Operating hours across all locations are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, though digital services remain accessible 24/7.
E-Filing and Digital Infrastructure in 2026
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is the mandatory gateway for attorneys to submit documents to the Broward Clerk. In 2026, this system has evolved to include more robust features for "Self-Represented Litigants" (SRL).
Benefits of E-Filing
- Immediate Confirmation: Users receive a time-stamped "Electronic Filing Receipt," which is crucial for meeting statutory deadlines.
- Reduced Paper Waste: Most case files are now entirely digital, allowing judges and clerks to access records simultaneously.
- Automated Service: The portal can automatically "serve" other parties in the case via email, reducing the need for physical mail or process servers for subsequent filings.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Clerk’s Office
Even with advanced digital systems, users frequently encounter administrative hurdles. Here are common issues and how to resolve them:
Missing Citation in the System
If you received a traffic ticket and it does not appear in the online search after 7-10 days, do not ignore it. There may be a delay in the officer uploading the data. You should contact the Traffic Division directly to verify the status, as the 30-day clock begins on the day you received the ticket, not the day it appears online.
Expired Payments and License Suspensions
If a payment is made after the due date, the Clerk’s system may have already initiated a "D6" suspension with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). In this case, paying the fine is only the first step. You must also pay a "reinstatement fee" and ensure the Clerk has cleared the suspension in the state’s database.
Technical Issues with Case Search
During periods of high traffic or maintenance in 2026, the Case Search portal may occasionally go offline. If a search yields "No Records Found" for a known case, try searching by the party's last name and first initial only, as variations in spelling or suffixes (Jr., Sr.) can sometimes cause search errors in the database index.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a record if I don't have the case number?
You can use the "Search by Name" feature on the Broward Clerk’s Case Search portal. For the best results, use the "Contains" or "Begins With" filters if you are unsure of the exact spelling. If the individual has a common name, you can narrow the search by adding a birth year or selecting a specific "Court Type" (e.g., Traffic or Felony).
Can I get a marriage license the same day I apply?
While you can apply for and receive the physical license the same day, you cannot typically get married on that same day if you are a Florida resident. There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period unless you have completed a pre-marital course. Non-Florida residents are exempt from this wait and can be married immediately after the license is issued.
What should I do if I lost my jury summons?
If you lose your summons, contact the Jury Room at the Central Courthouse as soon as possible. You will need to provide your full name and date of birth so they can look up your juror ID number and reporting date. You can also log into the Juror Portal using your personal information to retrieve your status.
How much does it cost to file a Small Claims case?
In 2026, filing fees are determined by the "Amount in Controversy" (the dollar amount you are suing for). Fees typically range from $55 for claims under $100 to over $300 for claims between $2,501 and $8,000. Additionally, there are fees for issuing a summons and for the service of process via the Sheriff or a private process server.
How do I request a refund for an overpayment?
Refund requests must be submitted in writing to the Clerk’s Accounting Department. You should include your case number, the receipt number from the overpayment, and a brief explanation of the error. Processing refunds usually takes 4 to 6 weeks as the office must verify the funds have cleared and audit the case financial ledger.
Are all court hearings held in person in 2026?
Not necessarily. While many criminal and jury trials are held in person at the courthouses, many civil, small claims, and traffic hearings are conducted via remote video conferencing (such as Zoom). You must check the "Notice of Hearing" filed in your case or the specific judge’s requirements on the 17th Judicial Circuit website to determine the location of your hearing.
Practical Recommendation for Residents
To ensure the best experience with the Broward County Clerk of the Courts, residents should prioritize the use of the online portal for all routine transactions. Whether paying a fine or searching for a property deed, the digital interface provides a faster turnaround and a clear paper trail. If you must visit a courthouse in person, aim for "Mid-Week" (Tuesday through Thursday) and arrive early in the morning to avoid the peak crowds that typically form around lunch and at the end of the business day. Always bring a valid government-issued ID and your case or citation number to expedite your service at the window.
