Fort Lauderdale, Florida Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
Warrants are public records in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Law. This legislation establishes that most governmental records, including warrants, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this right of access to public records.
The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains warrant records as part of its official duties under Florida Statutes § 28.13, which requires clerks to maintain legal records for public inspection. These records are maintained to ensure transparency in judicial proceedings and to provide citizens with information regarding legal actions that may affect them or others within the jurisdiction.
Certain warrant information may be temporarily exempt from public disclosure during active criminal investigations as provided in Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(c). However, once a warrant has been executed or is no longer part of an active investigation, the information generally becomes available for public inspection.
Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Fort Lauderdale?
Members of the public seeking warrant information in Fort Lauderdale may access several official resources:
Broward County Clerk of Courts 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 831-6565 Official Website The Clerk's office maintains court records including warrant information, accessible through their online portal during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Broward County Sheriff's Office 2601 W Broward Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 764-4357 Official Website The Sheriff's Office provides access to warrant information through their public records division.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Florida Wanted Persons Database This statewide database includes warrant information from jurisdictions throughout Florida, including Fort Lauderdale.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.01(2)(f), agencies are encouraged to provide remote electronic access to public records when feasible. The aforementioned resources comply with this statutory directive by maintaining online databases accessible to the public.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Fort Lauderdale in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine if a warrant has been issued for their arrest in Fort Lauderdale may utilize several official channels:
Broward County Clerk of Courts Records Division 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 831-6565 Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Individuals may request a search of court records by providing proper identification.
Broward County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division 2601 W Broward Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 831-8900 The Warrants Division maintains records of all active warrants issued within the jurisdiction.
17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 831-7000 Court records may be searched at public terminals located within the courthouse.
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, court records are presumed to be open to public inspection. Individuals may be required to present valid government-issued identification when requesting warrant information in person to verify their identity in accordance with security protocols established under Florida Statutes § 119.071(5).
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Fort Lauderdale
The verification of outstanding warrants in Fort Lauderdale may be conducted through several authorized channels:
In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Broward County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. A government-issued photo identification is required for all in-person inquiries.
Electronic Database Search: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a statewide warrant database that includes Fort Lauderdale warrants. This database is updated regularly in compliance with Florida Statutes § 943.053.
Telephone Inquiry: The Broward County Sheriff's Office Warrants Section may be contacted at (954) 831-8900. Telephone inquiries require verification of identity and may be subject to limitations pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071.
Legal Representation: Licensed attorneys may conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients through access to court information systems as provided in Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(b)(1).
All warrant searches are conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida Statutes § 119.07, which governs the inspection and copying of public records.
Contents of a Fort Lauderdale Warrant Records
Fort Lauderdale warrant records contain specific information as required by Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.121. Standard warrant records include:
- Case Identification: Court case number and jurisdiction identifier
- Subject Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and last known address of the subject
- Warrant Classification: Designation as arrest warrant, bench warrant, or capias
- Judicial Authority: Name of the issuing judge and court
- Offense Details: Statutory citation and description of alleged violation(s)
- Issuance Information: Date of issuance and expiration date, if applicable
- Bond Determination: Amount of bond, if set, or notation of "no bond" status
- Service Instructions: Special instructions for law enforcement regarding service of the warrant
The content requirements for warrants are established pursuant to Florida Statutes § 901.02, which specifies that all warrants must be supported by an affidavit stating facts sufficient to establish probable cause. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430, which establishes retention schedules for court records.
Search Warrant Records in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale Police Department
1300 W Broward Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 764-4357
Official Website
Broward County Sheriff's Office
2601 W Broward Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 764-4357
Official Website
Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 831-6565
Official Website
