Brenda D. Forman serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Broward County, Florida, within the 17th Judicial Circuit. First elected in 2016, she oversees a massive administrative and financial operation that manages court records, marriage licenses, passports, and the county’s multi-billion dollar financial accounts.
Understanding the Role of the Broward County Clerk of Court
The position of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is a multifaceted constitutional role established by the Florida Constitution. As of 2026, Brenda Forman continues to manage an office that acts as the primary record-keeper for the judiciary and the chief financial officer for the county government. This dual responsibility makes the office one of the most critical components of local governance in South Florida.
The "Clerk" side of the role focuses on the judicial system. This involves processing all court-related documents, managing jury summons, and ensuring that the legal process is documented accurately and accessible to the public. The "Comptroller" side involves acting as the treasurer and auditor for the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. In this capacity, Forman’s office ensures that taxpayer funds are spent according to the law and that the county's financial reporting is transparent and accurate.
Brenda Forman’s administration has been defined by a push toward technological modernization, aiming to reduce the reliance on physical paperwork and increase the speed of judicial processing. For residents, this means that most interactions with the office—from paying traffic fines to searching for property deeds—now begin on a digital platform.
Key Public Services Managed by Brenda Forman’s Office
Navigating the legal system can be a daunting task for many citizens. The Clerk’s office serves as the bridge between the public and the court system. Under Forman’s leadership, the office provides several essential services that impact the daily lives of Broward residents.
Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies
One of the most frequent points of contact for the public is the Marriage Division. To obtain a marriage license in Broward County, both parties must appear in person, provide valid identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), and provide Social Security numbers.
Florida law requires a three-day waiting period for Florida residents unless they have completed a state-sanctioned premarital preparation course. If both parties are non-residents of Florida, there is no waiting period. As of 2026, the standard fee for a marriage license is approximately $86.00, though this is reduced for those who complete the premarital course. The Clerk’s office also offers civil marriage ceremonies at several courthouse locations, providing a streamlined legal process for couples.
Passport Applications
The Clerk of the Circuit Court is a designated Passport Acceptance Facility. While the U.S. Department of State ultimately issues the passport, Forman’s office handles the initial application process. This includes verifying documentation, collecting fees, and taking passport-quality photographs.
Residents must schedule appointments for passport services, particularly at the high-volume central courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Requirements typically include proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a valid government-issued ID, and the appropriate application forms (DS-11).
Court Records and Public Access
The Clerk is the custodian of all court records in the 17th Judicial Circuit. This includes civil, criminal, probate, and family court documents. Under Florida’s "Sunshine Law," most of these records are public. Brenda Forman’s office maintains an extensive online database where individuals can search for case information, view court dockets, and track the status of legal proceedings.
However, certain records are exempt from public disclosure, such as those involving juveniles, sensitive family law matters, or sealed criminal cases. The office is responsible for "redacting" (obscuring) confidential information before releasing documents to the public, a process that has become increasingly automated through sophisticated software during Forman's tenure.
Professional Background and Election History
Brenda D. Forman’s path to the Clerk’s office is a significant part of Broward County’s political history. She is the first African American woman to hold this position in the county. Before becoming the Clerk, she worked in various capacities within the office, providing her with a foundational understanding of the administrative complexities involved.
The 2016 Breakthrough
Forman was first elected in November 2016, succeeding her ex-husband, Howard C. Forman, who had held the post for years. Her initial campaign focused on transparency and improving employee morale. Her victory marked a shift in the office's leadership style and demographic representation.
Subsequent Re-elections (2020 and 2024)
In 2020, Forman faced a competitive primary and general election but secured a second term by emphasizing her experience and the technical upgrades she implemented during her first four years. By the 2024 election cycle, her platform centered on the stability of the court system during the post-pandemic era and the successful integration of remote filing systems. As of 2026, she is serving her third term, focusing on long-term fiscal auditing and the enhancement of the "Self-Help Center" for pro se litigants (individuals representing themselves in court).
Navigating the Broward Clerk’s Digital Infrastructure
A primary goal of the Brenda Forman administration has been the transition to a "paperless" court system. This transition is governed by Florida Supreme Court mandates but implemented at the local level by the Clerk.
The E-Filing Portal
Attorneys and self-represented litigants use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal to submit documents to the court. This system is available 24/7, allowing for the filing of lawsuits, motions, and evidence without a physical trip to the courthouse. For the Clerk’s office, this requires maintaining a robust IT infrastructure to ensure that every digital submission is correctly routed to the appropriate judge and recorded in the official docket.
E-Certify and Digital Records
In recent years, Forman’s office introduced "E-Certify" services. Traditionally, obtaining a certified copy of a court document required a physical seal and a signature. Now, the office can provide electronically certified documents that are legally valid for government agencies, employers, and educational institutions. This service has significantly reduced the turnaround time for record requests.
Financial Oversight and the Comptroller Function
While many recognize Brenda Forman for her role in the courtroom, her duties as Comptroller are equally vital. She acts as the "Watchdog" of county tax dollars.
- Auditing: The office performs internal audits of county departments to ensure compliance with financial regulations and to prevent fraud or waste.
- Investment of Public Funds: The Comptroller manages the county’s investment portfolio. These investments must be low-risk and liquid enough to meet the county’s operational needs.
- Financial Reporting: Every year, the office produces the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), a detailed document that outlines the county's financial health, assets, and liabilities.
| Service Category | Primary Function | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Court Records | Search civil/criminal dockets and case statuses. | Online via BrowardClerk.org |
| Marriage Services | Issuing licenses and performing ceremonies. | In-person (Appointment recommended) |
| Official Records | Deeds, mortgages, liens, and marriage certificates. | Searchable online database |
| Traffic/Fines | Payment of citations and court-ordered fees. | Online portal or automated phone system |
| Passports | Accepting new passport applications. | In-person by appointment only |
| Jury Duty | Managing summons and juror excusals. | Online portal for registration |
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
Despite the move toward automation, users often encounter issues when interacting with the Clerk’s office. Understanding how to resolve these is essential for efficient legal processing.
Issues with Record Searches
A common problem occurs when a user cannot find a specific case. This is often due to variations in name spelling or cases being filed under different categories (e.g., searching in "Traffic" when the case is a "Criminal" misdemeanor). If an online search fails, the best course of action is to visit the Public Access department in person, where staff can perform a deeper search using Social Security numbers or specific case dates.
Delays in Document Processing
While E-filing is instantaneous, the "acceptance" of the document by the Clerk's staff may take 24 to 48 hours. During high-volume periods, such as the end of the fiscal year or following major legal changes, processing times may increase. Users should allow for this buffer when filing time-sensitive documents.
Resolving License Suspensions
Many residents interact with the Clerk’s office because of a suspended driver's license due to unpaid traffic fines. Brenda Forman’s office often holds "Operation Green Light" events. These are specialized periods where residents with overdue fines can pay their debt without the standard collection agency surcharges, allowing them to reinstate their driving privileges more affordably.
FAQs about Brenda Forman and the Broward Clerk’s Office
How do I contact Brenda Forman's office directly? The main office is located at the Broward County Central Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. However, the Clerk maintains several satellite locations in Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and Hollywood to provide more localized services. You can reach the general information line through the official Broward Clerk website or the main courthouse switchboard.
Can the Clerk’s office give me legal advice? No. By law, the staff in Brenda Forman’s office, including the Clerk herself, cannot provide legal advice. They can explain court procedures, help you find forms, and describe how the filing process works, but they cannot tell you which form to use or how to argue your case. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney or visit the Courthouse Self-Help Center.
Where can I find the fees for filing a lawsuit in Broward County? Filing fees are set by the Florida Legislature and vary by the type of case and the amount of the claim. For example, filing a small claims case (under $8,000) has a different fee structure than a major civil litigation. A full schedule of current fees is available on the "Fees and Costs" section of the Broward Clerk’s official website.
How do I search for a property deed or mortgage? Property-related documents are kept in the "Official Records" section of the Clerk’s office. This is separate from "Court Records." You can search by name, date, or document type on the Clerk’s online Official Records search tool. These records go back several decades and are essential for real estate transactions and title searches.
What should I do if I receive a jury summons? If you receive a summons, you must respond to it by the date indicated. The Broward Clerk’s office provides an online "Juror Portal" where you can confirm your attendance, request a postponement, or claim an exemption (such as for age, medical reasons, or full-time student status).
Final Recommendation for Interacting with the Office
For anyone needing to interact with Brenda Forman’s office in 2026, the most effective strategy is to utilize digital resources first. The Broward Clerk’s website has been designed to handle approximately 80% of routine public needs—including record searches, fine payments, and appointment scheduling—without the need for a physical visit. If you must visit a courthouse, ensure you have a scheduled appointment for services like marriage licenses or passports, and bring government-issued identification. For complex legal filings, utilizing the Self-Help Center located at the main courthouse can save significant time and prevent the rejection of incorrectly filed documents.
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