Public Access

What types of Public Access Services are provided by the Clerk of Courts?

The Clerk's Office provides basic and detailed Internet access to Civil, Criminal, and Probate case information via the On-Line Services link on the Clerk's home page located at www.browardclerk.org

With the exception of the Basic Public Access Case Search, the On-Line Services programs are subscriber-based services that require the user to set-up an account. Anyone is eligible for access.

How Do I Perform a Public Access Case Search at no Cost?

A Public Access Case Search provides the user with basic case summary information (at no cost). To view more detailed case information the user will need to create and purchase a Premium Access Individual or Company Account.

1. Go to the Clerk of Courts web site www.browardclerk.org
   
   
2. Click on the On-Line Services button.
   
   
3. Click on "Accept" to accept the disclaimer page.
   
   
4. On the On-Line Services screen click on the upper left button "Public Access Case Search"
   
   
5. To search by party name: Enter party's last and first name, and then click on the "Search by Party" button. If your party name search is not returned, try performing a partial name search.
   If results are available you will see them on the following "Party Search" screen
   
   To search by case number: Enter the proper case number format for Internet searches, click on "Search by Case Number" button. If results are available you will see them on the following "Case Number Search" screen.
   
   
6. To view "Case Summary Information" . . . click on the dot next to appropriate case search, then click on "View Selected Case Summary" bar.
   
   
7. To view detailed case information, such as, the disposition, docket, parties, counts, remarks, warrants, collections, etc. the user will need to subscribe to the Premium Access Services Individual or Company Account.

What type of Basic Case Information can I access at no cost?

How may I obtain more information for this case?

The Case Detail pages provide more information on a particular case. Once you have performed your search, you may navigate to these detail pages. Select the CASE DETAIL button on the Case Summary page to view more information about your selected case. The Party Detail page will be displayed. Select the links on the blue tabs along the top of the screen to navigate to other detail pages.

What if my case is not listed in the search results?

First, verify that the search criteria used is for a “Broward County” case.

If it is a new Broward County case, rerun your search at a later date until the case is entered into the system. There is a 24 hour lag time between when a case is entered and when the case is available for viewing over the internet.

If your case is not listed on the search results page, make sure that your case is not listed on a different search results page. Only 20 cases are listed on each search results page. If your search returned more than 20 cases, there will be a list of additional search results pages at the bottom of the screen. Select the "2" in the search page list and select the button VIEW ENTRIES FOR A SELECTED PAGE (UP TO 20 PER PAGE). The second page of search results will be displayed. Review all search results pages to find your case. Once you find your case, select the radio button next to your case. Then select the button VIEW SELECTED CASE SUMMARY to see information about your case.

If your case is not listed on any search results page, your search did not return your case. You may enter a new search using different search criteria. To search by different criteria, select the PERFORM ANOTHER SEARCH button. Using different search criteria may help to return your case. For example, if your party name search is not returned, try performing a partial name search. If your case number search is not returned, make sure that the case number format is correct. There is a specific case number format for Internet searches.

If you are performing a public search, the Public Search page will be displayed. This page provides the ability to search by Party Name, Case Number and/or Citation Number. Enter different search criteria for your new search. Search criteria may be combined across the different sections of the Public Search page.

If you are performing a premium access search (i.e., you have registered with a premium access account), the Premium Party Page will be displayed. Enter your new search criteria on the appropriate search page. Searches can be performed by case party, case identifier, citation number, event, filing information, disposition, and docket. The blue tabs along the top of the premium search pages provide the ability to easily navigate to all premium access search pages. Premium access search pages include Party Name Search, Case Identifier Search, Citation Number Search, Disposition Search, Docket Search, Filing Search, and Event Search. Search criteria may be combined across the different sections of each Premium Access page (but not across tabs or pages).

What is a partial name search?

A partial name search provides the ability to perform a search on part of a name. A Partial Name search will return all cases matching that part of a name. If you do not know how to spell a party’s Last Name, you may search by the starting letters in the party’s name. If you think the party’s last name is “Anderson” or “Andersen”, enter “Ander” in the Last Name field and select the Partial Name Search checkbox. All cases that have party last names starting with “Ander” will be returned by your search. The Partial Name search may also be used with Business or Organization Names.

What is "Disposition Entered*"?

Case and count status of "disposition entered" signifies that although either a Court ruled on or disposed of the underlying case or count, or it was otherwise disposed of by operation of law, it nonetheless allows for the possibility that there may still be other actions or matters pending or due on or related to that case or count, including but not limited to, fine, fee or cost payments due; probation, restitution or special conditions pending; attorney's fees motions pending; defendant declared unable to stand trial and committed to a hospital; appeals pending; and others. Again, for complete and accurate information, you are cautioned to consult the official records of the Clerk of Court, which are only those records which are kept in the court files in the Clerk of Court's office in the Broward County Courthouse.

Does the type of citation affect my search?

No, the type of Citation will not affect your search. Entering the unique citation number or Notice to Appear (NTA) Number will return your case, regardless of citation type.

Can I combine search criteria?

Under any search page or tab, you may combine the search criteria by filling the required data fields and any or all of the remaining optional data fields (if available).

May I combine search criteria across tabs?

No, each tab is a separate search and cannot be combined with other tab searches.

May I search by both personal name and business name?

No, you may only search by either personal name or business name, but not both.

What is a State Reporting Number?

A State Reporting Number is a number that uniquely identifies your case in the State of Florida. On July 6, 1998, an administrative order was issued by the Supreme Court of Florida adopting a Uniform Case Numbering System for the Florida Courts System. The Case Number System includes a unique identifier that will distinguish the origin of a case, type of case, year of the filing and the numerical sequence of a case when case numbers are displayed externally in an automated format for public access.

How are companion cases defined?

A companion case is defined as a case whose case number has been modified, but the actual case has the same parties and same charges/counts. For example, if a case is moved to a different courthouse location, the case number will change. There are two case numbers on record for the same case, but only the most recent one will have completely up-to-date information. These cases are companion cases.

Companion cases have an alpha character following the case number. Example: 'A' denotes the first companion case; 'B' denotes the second companion case, etc.

How are Transferred cases defined?

A transferred case is defined as an actual case having the same date of incident and same charges/counts. The case number has been changed to a new case number, when one case or count is transferred to another case, location or authority. There may be multiple case numbers on record for the same case, but only the most recent one will have completely up-to-date information. A case transfer may be done for many reasons:

* Transfer to central Courthouse for jury trial, Drug Court Division (criminal cases).

* Transfer to other authority (I.e., Juvenile, fugitive, etc.)

* Transfer to the Felony Division.

* Transfer Companion to another case number when there are multiple defendants on a case.

What is the ID Type?   

The ID Type identifies, by name or number, the individual that the search is being performed. The information found within the listing is as follows:

Bar ID:   Bar ID: A unique identification number assigned to Broward County Attorneys by the Florida Bar Association. The ID Type identifies the type of ID Number. For example, a BARID ID Type identifies the ID Number as the Bar ID of an attorney. Search by the attorney's name to locate the Identification Number and then perform the search in the ID Number Field.

BCCN:   A "Broward County Control Number"(BCCN) is generated by the Broward Sheriff's Office to uniquely identify a defendant. The ID Type identifies the type of ID Number. Search by the defendant's name to locate the BCCN and then perform the search in the ID Number Field.

Judge/General Master/Hearing Officer List:  The following applies to the Clerk of Courts Internet web Site:

What is Court Type?  

Court Type identifies the type of case within an area of the court system. The information found within the listing is as follows:

Civil Division – Circuit Court:    The Division of the Courts in which cases are filed where the amount of controversy exceeds $15,000. This Division also handles mortgage foreclosures in excess of $15,000.

Civil Division – County Court:    The Division of the Courts in which cases are filed where the amount of controversy does not exceed $15,000. This Division also handles mortgage foreclosures and Tenant Evictions.

Civil Division – Family Court:   Family Court: The Division of the Courts, where the issue in controversy entails family matters such as divorces, adoptions, domestic violence and child support.

Code Violation:   Relate to cases filed within the County Civil Division. These can include abandoned cars, unkept property or a building contractor or tradesman practicing without being licensed by the County.

Criminal Appeal:    When a party dissatisfied with a decision of the judge appeals to a higher court to reverse the decision.

Felony:   A felony is a serious crime such as murder, robbery, sexual assault or grand theft. A felony conviction could result in a State prison sentence, loss of certain civil rights and possible exclusion from certain jobs.

Misdemeanor:   A crime less serious than a felony.

Municipal Ordinance:  A case within the Traffic and Misdemeanor Division, which relates to Municipal Ordinances. These can include abandoned cars, unkempt property or a building contractor or a tradesman practicing without being licensed by the municipality.

Probate:   A Division of the Court that processes estates, mental health cases and guardianship auditing and reporting.

Traffic – Criminal:  A traffic violation punishable as a crime, i.e., fleeing, leaving the scene, reckless driving, etc.

Traffic - Infraction:  A traffic violation where a non-criminal violation may require community service hours, but is not punishable by incarceration and for which there is no right to a trial by jury or court-appointed counsel.

What is Party Type?  

Party Type identifies the role a person plays in a particular court case. The party types are found in the drop-down menu.

Listed below are some of the most frequently used Party Types.

What are the Civil Code Descriptions?  

The following list consists of all frequently used Civil Docket Code and Party Type that are used to describe for a Civil Court cases. Party types are found in the drop-down menu.

What is Event Type?

Event Type identifies the type of hearing in a particular court case. The event types are found in the drop-down menu after selecting 'Search by Event'.

What is Case Type?  

Case Type identifies the cause of action in a particular court case. The case types are found in the drop-down menu after selecting 'Search by Filing Information'.

What is Date Type?  

Date Type identifies the date of a particular milestone in a case. These include:

1. Letters Filed - The date a letter was issued assigning a guardian or representative in a Probate case.
2. Will Filed - The date a Will was filed in a Probate case.
3. Incident Date - The date of an incident in a Traffic or Criminal case.
4. Case Filed - In Civil or Probate cases, the date the case was filed with the Clerk. In Criminal cases, the date the State Attorney's Office filed charges.

What is Disposition?

Disposition identifies how the case was resolved. The dispositions are found in the drop-down menu after selecting 'Search by Disposition'.

What is Adjudication?

What is Docket Entry?

Every case has a listing of the pleadings filed. A Docket Entry is an entry identifying the title of each pleading. The descriptions of docket entries are found in the drop-down menu after selecting 'Search by Docket'.

What is an alias search?

An alias search uses an assumed name as the search criteria. An alias search provides the ability to perform a party search by any alias names on file. The alias search will only return alias names on file with the Clerk. When the alias search box is checked, the names returned by the search are aliases, and information matching the party's "real" name.

What are the common abbreviations used by the Clerk?

What are the case number formats for each given court type?

The following tables outline the different case number formats for each given court type in Broward County. The Clerk Case Number is the same as the Case Number, as seen throughout the Clerk's Internet web site. The Uniform Case Number is the same as the State Reporting Number, as seen throughout the Clerk's Internet web site.

CIRCUIT

COUNTY

The following Court Types will NOT appear on the Clerk of Court Internet Web Site:
DR  Adoption
DR  Adoption(Juvenile)
DR  Marriage License
MH  Mental Health
GA  Guardianship
CJ  Delinquency
DP  Dependency
CO  Animal Control

What is the proper case number format for Internet searches?

Criminal, Misdemeanor and Traffic Case Numbers

Case numbers must be entered in a specific format for Internet searches. In order for a case number to be valid and return the proper case, the case number must be thirteen letters or numbers. Special characters (such as "-", "$", "#", "%") will not be accepted.

If your case number does not equal 13 characters, a dash "-" may exist in the middle of the case number. Replace the dash with zeros until your case number equals 13 characters. For example:

Civil and Probate Case Numbers

Case numbers must be entered in a specific format for Internet searches. In order for a case number to be valid and return the proper case, the case number must be at least thirteen letters or numbers. Special characters (such as "-", "$", "#", "%") will not be accepted.

If your case number does not equal at least 12 characters, a dash "-" may exist in the middle of the case number. Replace the dash with zeros until your case number equals 12 characters. For example:

What are Key Dates?

Key Dates are events scheduled in the future for the case displayed on the case summary page. These events have not yet occurred and have already been scheduled for the case. These dates should be noted by the appropriate parties in a case.

What do I do if my summary download file opens in my browser window or in another application?

If your summary download file opens within your browser window or another application without prompting you to save it to a particular location on your computer, then you simply need to go up to the "File" menu within the application and select the "Save As" option. When saving your file give it a name and assign it a file type. The file type you select should be ".txt".

How do I view my summary download file?

You may view your summary download file in one of two ways. You may open your download file in any word processing program (such as MS-Word, WordPerfect, or NotePad). Alternatively, if you would prefer to view your download file in a spreadsheet format, you may import it into a spreadsheet program such as MS-Excel. During the file import process you will need to indicate that you are importing a semi-colon (;) delimited file.

What is the delimiter used in summary download files?

The delimiter used in summary download files is a semi-colon (;).