Broward County warrant records are public court and law enforcement files that show who has an active arrest order in the county. These records are managed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) and the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
The county is home to about 1.9 million people and is the second largest county in Florida by population. Anyone can look up warrant records for free using the FDLE statewide database, the county clerk’s online portal, or by contacting BSO directly. This page covers how to search, what warrant types exist, and what to do if a warrant shows up.
Broward Sheriff’s Office and Warrant Enforcement
The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) is the main law enforcement agency that handles warrant enforcement in the county. BSO provides police services to unincorporated areas and many contract cities in Broward County. The main office sits at 2601 W. Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. The general phone number is (954) 831-8901, and the non-emergency line is (954) 764-4357. The agency runs a full-time Warrants Division that processes, tracks, and serves all warrant types issued in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
The BSO Warrants Division
The Warrants Division at BSO is responsible for processing felony warrants, misdemeanor warrants, traffic capias, juvenile pick-up orders, and writs of bodily attachment. The division confirms warrants for other law enforcement agencies across the country and works with the fugitive squad when someone cannot be found locally. Staff members work around the clock to handle warrant verification requests from officers in Florida and other states. Any warrant from Broward County is valid statewide under Florida Statute 901.04, which means a person with an active warrant can be arrested in any of Florida’s 67 counties.
Federal Coordination and Fugitive Apprehensions
BSO also works with the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI when fugitives leave Florida. Active warrants that are not cleared locally can be entered into national databases such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Once a warrant is in NCIC, any police officer in the United States can arrest the person on sight. This is why old warrants often come back to life during routine traffic stops, airport screenings, or job background checks. BSO does not erase warrants after a set time. They stay active until a judge recalls them or the person is taken into custody.
Contact Details for BSO Records Requests
Records requests for Broward County warrant files can be made by phone, in person, or through the BSO website. The public records unit handles requests during normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-in requests can be filed at the main BSO headquarters. There is no fee to check whether a warrant exists, but copies of full records may carry a small per-page charge set by Florida law.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency Name | Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) |
| Address | 2601 W. Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 |
| General Phone | (954) 831-8901 |
| Non-Emergency Line | (954) 764-4357 |
| Website | sheriff.org |
| Judicial Circuit | 17th Judicial Circuit |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Broward County Clerk of Courts Records
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps all court case files, including cases that involve warrant activity. When a judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit issues a bench warrant or capias, the clerk enters the order into the case docket. The clerk’s main office is at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk’s phone number is (954) 831-6565. Court records are public under Florida’s Sunshine Law, and most records can be searched online at no cost.
Online Case Search Through the Clerk
The clerk’s online portal lets users search by defendant name, case number, or citation number. Warrant entries show up in the docket section of criminal cases. A person looking up a case can see when a bench warrant was issued, what it was for, and whether it has been resolved. The clerk’s office processes a massive volume of cases because Broward County is the second most populous county in Florida. Copies of docket entries or full case files can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office.
Civil Warrants and Writs of Bodily Attachment
The clerk also handles civil warrants such as writs of bodily attachment. These are court orders that require a person to appear before a judge, often related to child support or other civil judgments. While these are not criminal arrest warrants, they can still result in being taken into custody if ignored. Civil warrants and criminal warrants both appear in the clerk’s public case search system. Users can filter by case type to find only criminal warrant entries or civil enforcement orders.
Clerk Contact Details
The clerk’s office accepts public records requests in person, by mail, by email, or through the online records portal. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Certified copies of warrant documents cost $1.00 per page, and additional fees may apply for certification. Users who need bulk records or older archived case files may need to submit a written request and wait for staff to retrieve the documents from storage.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
| Address | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Certified Copy Fee | $1.00 per page |
How to Search Warrant Records in Broward County
Searching warrant records in Broward County can be done in three main ways: through the FDLE statewide database, the Broward Clerk of Courts online portal, or by contacting BSO directly. Each method has different strengths. The FDLE database covers all 67 counties in Florida and is best for a quick statewide check. The clerk’s portal is best for Broward-specific docket detail. A direct call to BSO is best for confirming whether a specific warrant is still active.
FDLE Public Access System
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a free statewide database called the Public Access System. To use it, go to the FDLE website and open the wanted persons search tool. Enter a full name and the system returns results from every Florida county, including Broward. Each result shows the warrant type, the issuing agency, and the case number. The database updates regularly but does not always reflect the most recent dismissals within hours. Users who find a match should confirm the status with the BSO Warrants Division before taking action.
Broward Clerk of Courts Case Search
The clerk’s online case search is the most detailed option for Broward-specific records. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. The search returns criminal traffic cases, misdemeanor cases, felony cases, and civil cases. Warrant entries appear under the “Docket” tab. Each entry includes the date the warrant was issued, the judge who signed it, the bond amount (if any), and the current status. Users can download a copy of the docket for a small fee or view it for free.
Direct Contact with BSO
For real-time confirmation, call the BSO non-emergency line at (954) 764-4357. Staff can confirm whether a named individual has an active warrant at that moment. BSO will not provide full case details over the phone but will confirm the existence of a warrant and the issuing agency. For full details, users should follow up with the clerk’s office or request records in person at BSO headquarters. In-person requests can be filed at the records window during normal business hours.
Step-by-Step Search Process
The fastest way to check for a Broward County warrant is to follow a clear step-by-step process. Start with the FDLE database for a free statewide check, then confirm through the clerk’s portal for docket-level detail, then call BSO for live confirmation. This three-step approach reduces the chance of acting on old or outdated data.
- Go to the FDLE Public Access System website and search the wanted persons database by full name.
- If a Broward County result appears, open the Broward Clerk of Courts online case search.
- Search the clerk’s portal by name, case number, or citation number to view the full docket.
- Check the docket entries for any warrant, capias, or bond-related orders.
- Call the BSO non-emergency line at (954) 764-4357 to confirm the warrant is still active.
- If a warrant is confirmed, contact a licensed Florida criminal defense attorney before taking action.
Types of Warrants in Broward County
Broward County handles several distinct warrant types. Each type has different legal rules, different issuing authorities, and different ways to clear them. Knowing the type of warrant is the first step toward resolving it. The BSO Warrants Division and the clerk’s office both track these warrant types in their systems.
Arrest Warrants
Arrest warrants are issued after a judge finds probable cause under Florida Statute 901.02. They are typically requested by police officers or state attorneys after an investigation. Once signed by a judge, an arrest warrant has no expiration date. It stays active until the person named is arrested, the warrant is recalled by a judge, or the case is dismissed. Arrest warrants from Broward County are valid in every county in Florida and are entered into NCIC for nationwide enforcement.
Bench Warrants
Bench warrants are issued directly by a judge when a defendant fails to appear in court, violates a court order, or disobeys a subpoena. Common causes include missing a court date, failing to pay a fine, or not completing a court-ordered program. Bench warrants are common in misdemeanor and traffic cases. They remain active until the person appears in court or the judge lifts the order. Many bench warrants are issued without a bond, which means the person must be booked into custody before being released.
Capias Warrants
A capias is similar to a bench warrant but is typically issued by the clerk of court on the order of a judge. Capias warrants are most common in criminal traffic and misdemeanor cases when a defendant fails to appear. Under Florida law, capias warrants can be issued for failure to pay fines, failure to complete traffic school, or failure to appear at a scheduled hearing. Once a capias is active, the person can be arrested at any routine traffic stop or identification check.
Traffic Capias
Traffic capias are issued for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to complete traffic school, or failure to appear in traffic court. They are very common in Broward County because of the high volume of traffic cases. A traffic capias can lead to a driver’s license suspension and additional fines. Clearing a traffic capias usually requires paying the original fine plus a reinstatement fee, or appearing before a judge to address the underlying case.
Juvenile Pick-Up Orders
Juvenile pick-up orders are issued by judges in the juvenile court system when a minor fails to appear or violates a court order in a delinquency case. BSO’s Warrants Division serves these orders through the juvenile assessment center. Because the individuals are minors, these cases are handled separately from adult warrants. Parents or guardians can contact the juvenile court clerk for details on how to resolve a juvenile pick-up order.
Writs of Bodily Attachment
Writs of bodily attachment are civil warrants that order a person to be brought before a judge, most often for unpaid child support or other civil judgments. While not criminal in nature, they can still result in arrest and brief detention. Clearing a writ of bodily attachment usually requires paying the outstanding amount or appearing before a judge to address the underlying civil case.
Search Warrants
Search warrants in Broward County follow a strict set of rules. Under Florida Statute 933.07, search warrants expire 14 days after they are signed by a judge. They are used by law enforcement to search a home, vehicle, or business for evidence. Search warrant affidavits can be kept confidential until the warrant is executed or the agency determines it will not be. Search warrants are part of the public record once they are served or formally closed.
Florida Public Records Law and Warrant Access
Warrant records in Broward County are public under Florida Statute 119.07. Florida’s Sunshine Law gives anyone the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies. No reason for the search is required. No identification is required. This law applies to both BSO and the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The state legislature designed the law so the public can monitor law enforcement and court activity.
What the Public Can Access
The public can access active warrant lists, case docket entries, court orders, arrest affidavits (once unsealed), bond amounts, and case dispositions. Most of this data is free to view online through the FDLE database or the clerk’s portal. Certified copies may carry a small fee per page.
What Is Kept Confidential
Certain parts of warrant records are kept confidential. Active criminal intelligence information is exempt from disclosure under Florida Statute 119.07. Search warrant affidavits can be kept secret while an investigation is open. Under Florida Statute 901.16, an officer making an arrest on a warrant must tell the person the reason for the arrest and that a warrant was issued. The officer does not need to carry the physical warrant at the time of arrest, but must show it if the person asks.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Records that have been sealed or expunged by a court order are removed from public view. Sealed records can only be viewed by the person named, their attorney, and certain government agencies. Expunged records are destroyed or placed under court seal. Florida law limits who can have a record sealed or expunged, and the rules changed in 2023 and 2024 to allow more people to qualify. Anyone seeking to seal a record should consult a licensed attorney.
Clearing a Warrant in Broward County
Warrants in Broward County do not expire on their own. They stay active until the person is arrested, the case is dismissed, or a judge recalls the warrant. Dealing with a warrant early is almost always better than waiting for an unexpected arrest. A routine traffic stop, a job background check, or even a call for service can bring an outstanding warrant to light. Anyone with a confirmed warrant should contact a criminal defense attorney before going to the courthouse or jail.
How a Defense Attorney Can Help
A licensed Florida criminal defense attorney can often appear in court on behalf of the client and request that a warrant be quashed or that a bond be set in advance. This process, sometimes called a “walk-through,” can save the person from being booked into custody. Attorneys familiar with Broward County courts know which judges handle walk-through motions and how to present the request properly. Most attorneys offer free consultations for warrant cases.
Surrendering on a Warrant
If a walk-through is not possible, the person must surrender to BSO at the main jail in Fort Lauderdale. When surrendering, the person is booked into custody like any other arrest. After booking, the person can post bond if a bond has been set. Bail bondsmen in the Fort Lauderdale area can help with the bond process. A bondsman typically charges a non-refundable fee equal to 10 percent of the bond amount.
Paying Outstanding Fines and Fees
For traffic capias and certain misdemeanor warrants, the case can sometimes be cleared by paying the fine plus a reinstatement fee. The clerk’s office accepts payments online, by mail, and in person. Once the fine is paid, the clerk notifies the court and the warrant is recalled. This process works only for cases that do not require a court appearance. Felony cases and cases with active court orders must go through the court system.
Statute of Limitations Considerations
Florida law sets statute of limitations on certain crimes, which can affect older warrants. For example, most misdemeanors have a one- to two-year statute of limitations, while certain felonies have longer or no statutes of limitations. A defense attorney can review the case to determine whether the statute of limitations has expired and whether the warrant can be quashed on that basis.
Broward County Court System Overview
Broward County operates under the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit court handles felonies, family law, civil cases over $50,000, probate, and juvenile cases. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, and civil cases under $50,000. Both courts issue warrants, but the type of court depends on the underlying charge. Knowing which court issued a warrant helps determine the right steps to clear it.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Warrants
Felony warrants are issued by circuit court judges for crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Misdemeanor warrants are issued by county court judges for crimes punishable by less than one year. Felony cases have stricter bond rules and longer court processes. Misdemeanor cases are often resolved faster, sometimes in a single hearing.
Bond Hearings and Pretrial Release
After a warrant is issued, a judge may set a bond amount. Some warrants are issued without bond, which means the person must remain in custody until a bond hearing. Broward County uses a standard bond schedule for common charges, but a judge can change the amount based on the facts of the case. Pretrial release programs are available for some defendants, especially those charged with non-violent offenses.
Court Date and Appearance Requirements
Once a warrant is cleared, the person is given a new court date. Missing that court date can result in a new warrant being issued. Courts send reminder notices, but the person is responsible for appearing regardless of whether a reminder was received. Defense attorneys can often appear on behalf of their clients for minor matters, saving them from having to miss work or travel.
Broward County Cities and Warrant Records
Broward County includes more than 30 cities and towns. Some have their own police departments, while others contract with BSO for law enforcement. All warrant records, regardless of which city police department made the arrest, go through the BSO Warrants Division and the 17th Judicial Circuit courts. This means a warrant search covers the entire county no matter where the offense happened.
Cities With Their Own Police Departments
Larger cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Tamarac, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek, Margate, Weston, and Lauderdale Lakes have their own police departments. Officers in these cities file cases through BSO’s records system, and the BSO Warrants Division serves warrants in these cities. Warrant data is shared across all local agencies.
Contract Cities Served by BSO
Several smaller cities and unincorporated areas contract with BSO for full law enforcement services. In these areas, BSO deputies handle every step of the warrant process, from filing the original arrest report to serving the warrant. Examples include parts of Dania Beach, Lazy Lake, Sea Ranch Lakes, and some unincorporated neighborhoods. Warrant records from these areas are identical to records from cities with their own police departments.
Nearby Counties and Regional Warrant Searches
Broward County sits between Miami-Dade County to the south and Palm Beach County to the north. People often search the wrong county when looking for a warrant. Warrants are filed in the county where the underlying offense happened, not where the person lives. If a person is not sure which county issued a warrant, they can check the case docket on the clerk’s portal or search all three counties using the FDLE database.
Miami-Dade Warrant Records
Miami-Dade County has its own warrant search system run by the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. The county also uses the FDLE database. Miami-Dade handles the largest number of warrant cases in Florida because of its population size. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts provides online docket access for warrant-related cases.
Palm Beach Warrant Records
Palm Beach County uses the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) for warrant enforcement. The PBSO website hosts an active warrant search tool. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts also provides online access to case dockets. Both tools can be searched for free. Palm Beach is the third largest county in Florida by population.
Common Misconceptions About Broward County Warrants
Several myths exist about warrant records that often lead people to make poor decisions. Clearing up these myths helps people take the right steps when a warrant is discovered.
Myth: Warrants Expire After a Few Years
This is false for arrest warrants and most other warrant types. An arrest warrant stays active until the person is taken into custody or a judge recalls it. There is no automatic expiration date. Some search warrants do expire after 14 days, but arrest, bench, and capias warrants remain valid indefinitely.
Myth: Leaving the State Clears a Warrant
Leaving Florida does not clear a warrant. Warrants from Broward County are entered into NCIC, which is checked by law enforcement across the country. A person with an active warrant can be arrested in any U.S. state. Some warrants are also entered into international databases when fugitives are believed to have fled abroad.
Myth: The Court Will Send Notice Before Issuing a Warrant
Courts do not always send a notice before issuing a warrant. Many warrants are issued when a defendant fails to appear, and the court may not have a current address. It is the responsibility of the person to keep their address updated with the clerk’s office. Missing a notice does not prevent a warrant from being issued.
Myth: A Lawyer Can Erase a Warrant Without Court Action
Only a judge can recall or quash a warrant. An attorney can file a motion asking the judge to take action, but the judge has the final say. Some minor warrants, like traffic capias for unpaid fines, can be cleared by paying the fine. But most warrant cases require at least one court appearance or a formal motion.
Working With a Florida Warrant Attorney
Anyone facing a Broward County warrant should work with a licensed Florida criminal defense attorney. Attorneys who practice in Broward County know the local judges, the BSO Warrants Division, and the court procedures. Most offer free consultations and charge a flat fee for warrant resolution cases. The cost of hiring an attorney is often far less than the cost of being arrested, booked, and missing work.
What to Bring to the Attorney
Before the first meeting, gather any paperwork related to the case. This includes traffic tickets, court summons, bond receipts, and any communication from the clerk’s office. A photo ID and proof of address are also useful. The attorney will use this paperwork to pull the full docket and build a plan for clearing the warrant.
Questions to Ask the Attorney
Ask whether the warrant is for a felony, misdemeanor, or traffic case. Ask whether a bond has been set and whether a walk-through is possible. Ask about the total cost of representation and what services are included. Ask how long the process will take from start to finish. A good attorney will answer all of these questions clearly and in plain language.
Public Defender Option
People who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for a public defender. The Broward County Public Defender’s Office represents defendants charged with criminal offenses who meet the income guidelines. The office is located at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. To apply, the person must show proof of income and complete an application. Once assigned, a public defender handles the case at no cost to the defendant.
Contact Summary for Broward County Warrant Records
Three main agencies handle Broward County warrant records. Each has a specific role. Use this summary to pick the right office for your needs.
- Broward Sheriff’s Office: 2601 W. Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Phone (954) 831-8901. Non-emergency (954) 764-4357. Website: sheriff.org. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Broward County Clerk of Courts: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone (954) 831-6565. Website: browardclerk.org. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- FDLE Public Access System: web.fdle.state.fl.us/pas/restricted/PAS/home/home.jsf. Free online wanted persons database. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Warrant Records
The following questions cover the most common issues people face when searching for and clearing warrants in Broward County. Each answer gives a clear, direct explanation based on Florida law and current Broward County procedures. These answers are intended to help the public better understand the warrant process and take the right next steps.
How Do I Know if I Have a Warrant in Broward County?
You can check for a Broward County warrant by searching the FDLE Public Access System online for free. Enter your full legal name and the system will return any active warrant under that name. For more detail, search the Broward County Clerk of Courts online portal using your name or case number. To confirm a warrant is still active right now, call the BSO non-emergency line at (954) 764-4357. BSO staff can confirm or deny the existence of an active warrant at that moment.
What Happens if I Have a Warrant and Get Pulled Over?
If you have an active warrant and a police officer runs your name during a traffic stop, the officer will see the warrant in the national database. The officer will arrest you on the spot and take you to the BSO main jail in Fort Lauderdale. You will be booked, photographed, and fingerprinted before you can post bond. In some cases, the officer may let a passenger take the vehicle home. In other cases, the vehicle will be towed. Having a warrant active means every interaction with law enforcement carries the risk of arrest.
Can I Clear a Broward County Warrant Without Going to Jail?
Yes, in many cases a warrant can be cleared without going to jail. A defense attorney can file a motion with the court asking the judge to recall or quash the warrant. For minor offenses, the judge may allow you to appear at a scheduled court date rather than be booked into custody. For traffic capias, paying the original fine plus a reinstatement fee can recall the warrant. Each case is different. An attorney can tell you which option fits your situation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Warrant Attorney in Broward County?
Most Broward County warrant attorneys charge between $750 and $2,500 for a standard warrant resolution case. The exact cost depends on the charge, the court, and the complexity of the case. Felony cases cost more than misdemeanor or traffic cases. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations. If you cannot afford an attorney, the Broward County Public Defender’s Office may represent you at no cost if you meet the income guidelines.
Does a Broward County Warrant Show Up on a Background Check?
Yes. Active warrants are entered into the NCIC database, which is checked by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies that run background checks. A pending warrant can prevent you from passing a job background check, being approved for an apartment, or getting a professional license. Once the warrant is cleared and the case is resolved, the warrant entry is removed from NCIC. However, the case itself may still appear in court records.
How Long Does It Take to Clear a Warrant?
The timeline depends on the type of warrant and the court. Simple traffic capias can be cleared the same day by paying the fine. Misdemeanor bench warrants may take one to two weeks to resolve through a court motion. Felony warrants can take longer because the case may require a court hearing or pretrial conference. A defense attorney familiar with Broward County courts can usually give you a clear timeline after reviewing your case.
Can a Broward County Warrant Be Transferred to Another State?
Warrants are not transferred like cases. Once a warrant is entered into NCIC, it is visible to law enforcement in every U.S. state. That means a Broward County warrant can lead to an arrest anywhere in the country. Some states allow the governor to issue a warrant for extradition, which is a formal request to return the person to Florida. Extradition can take weeks or months to process, but it can still happen even for older warrants.