Broward County police records cover all reports, arrest logs, and incident files kept by local law enforcement agencies. The Broward Sheriff’s Office runs the largest system, but each city in the county has its own records unit.
Florida state law gives the public the right to see most of these files. You can get them online, by mail, or in person at the agency office.
How Broward County Police Records Work
Broward County has one sheriff’s office and many city police departments. Each one keeps its own set of files. Records cover crimes, traffic crashes, arrests, and calls for service. You need to know which agency handled your case before you ask for a file. Picking the right agency saves time and money on your request.
What These Records Include
Broward County police records include written reports from officers who responded to a call. They list the date, place, and people involved. They also include witness statements and the officer’s notes. Most reports are open to the public unless a specific law says they must stay sealed by a judge or court order.
Agencies That Keep Records
The Broward Sheriff’s Office handles records for unincorporated areas and contract cities. Cities like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines run their own police departments. Each city police department keeps files only for events that happened inside its borders. State agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol keep records for crashes on state roads and highways.
Florida Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes sets the rules for public records across the state. The law says any person can ask for copies of government files. Agencies must release them unless a specific rule blocks access. Active investigations, juvenile cases, and some personal details are exempt from release. The law also sets the price for copies and research time.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office Records
The Broward Sheriff’s Office is the main police agency in the county. It serves unincorporated areas and contracts with many cities for police service. BSO keeps millions of files covering decades of police work. You can ask for reports from BSO through mail, email, or in person at the records unit office.
BSO Records Request
To get a BSO record, write a request that lists the case number, date, or names involved. Send it to the BSO records unit at the main office. BSO staff will search the database and tell you the cost before starting work. Most simple requests take a few business days to complete once the agency receives them.
BSO Contact Details
The main BSO office sits at 2601 West Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The phone number for non-emergency calls is (954) 764-4357. The general line is (954) 765-4321. The website at sheriff.org has forms and contact pages for records requests and other agency services.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Main Office | 2601 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 |
| Phone | (954) 765-4321 |
| Non-Emergency | (954) 764-4357 |
| Website | sheriff.org |
Visit the BSO website for the latest forms and office hours for the records unit. The site also lists district offices across the county that handle local records requests for their service areas.
Search by Name
You can ask BSO for reports that mention a specific person. Provide the full name and date of birth if you have them. BSO will search arrest logs, incident reports, and calls for service linked to that name. The agency will only release records that are not blocked by state law.
Search by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to get a specific report from BSO. You can find it on a ticket, a court paper, or a previous records request letter. Give the case number to BSO records staff. They will pull the exact file you need from the agency’s computer system.
City Police Departments
Many cities in Broward County run their own police departments. Each city stores its own reports and arrest files. You must contact the city where the incident took place. The records unit for each city has its own office hours, fees, and rules for releasing files.
Fort Lauderdale Police Reports
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department keeps files for all events inside city limits. You can request reports at the main station or online through the city website. The department also releases crash reports through a state portal run by the Florida Highway Safety Department. Call the records unit before you visit to confirm fees and office hours.
Hollywood Police Records
The Hollywood Police Department serves the city of Hollywood. Its records page on the city website lists the steps for filing a request. You can submit a form online or print it and mail it in to the records unit. The department charges per page for copies and may charge for research time on large requests.
Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs
Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs each run their own police departments. Both cities let you file records requests through their city websites. You will need a case number or the date of the incident. Each city sets its own fee for copies and research time based on Florida law.
Miramar, Plantation, and Sunrise
Miramar, Plantation, and Sunrise also have independent police departments. Their records units follow the same Florida public records law. You can ask for files by mail, email, or in person at the front desk. Most cities have a records clerk who handles these requests full time during business hours.
Other City Agencies
Other cities with their own police departments include Pompano Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Lauderhill, Tamarac, Weston, Margate, Coconut Creek, Parkland, Cooper City, and Hallandale Beach. Each one has a records page on the city website. Use the city page to find the right email or office address for your request.
Types of Police Records Available
Broward County police records cover many kinds of files. Some are open to the public and some are sealed by court order. Knowing the type of file you need helps you write a better request. It also helps the agency locate your file faster and return it to you quickly.
Incident Reports
Incident reports are the most common type of police record. They cover crimes, disturbances, and calls for service. The report lists the date, location, and people involved in the event. It also includes witness statements and the officer’s notes from the scene. Most incident reports are public after the case is closed by detectives.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest records show when a person was taken into custody by an officer. They list the charges filed, bond amount set, and the booking date at the jail. Booking photos are public records in Florida. Arrest records stay open unless the case is dismissed or sealed by a judge in Broward County court.
Traffic Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports cover vehicle accidents on public roads. They list driver details, vehicle information, injuries, and the cause of the crash. You need these reports for insurance claims and lawsuits. The Florida Highway Safety portal has crash reports from across the state, including Broward County.
911 Calls and Body Camera Footage
911 call logs and body camera videos are public records in Florida. You can ask for the audio of a 911 call made from a specific phone number or location. You can also ask for body camera footage from a specific incident. Some footage is exempt during active investigations. Agencies charge a fee for video copies.
Request Process for Police Records
Requesting police records in Broward County follows a set pattern. Each step helps the agency find the right file. Skipping a step can slow down your request or lead to a denial by the records clerk.
Pick the Right Agency
The first step is to pick the agency that handled the case. BSO covers unincorporated areas and some contract cities. Other cities have their own police departments with their own records units. State agencies handle crashes on state roads. Picking the right agency before you send your request saves time.
Gather Your Details
Collect all the details you have about the case. Write down the date, time, and place of the event. Add the full names of people involved and the case number if you know it. The more details you provide, the faster the search will be for the records clerk at the agency.
- Date and time of the incident
- Address or location of the event
- Full names of people involved
- Case or report number from any paper you have
- Type of incident or crime
- Officer name if you know it
- Your contact details for follow-up
Submit Your Request
Send your request to the records unit of the right agency. Use mail, email, or the online form on the agency website. Keep a copy of your request for your records. Some agencies also let you file requests in person at the front desk during business hours.
Pay the Required Fees
Florida law lets agencies charge for the cost of copying records. The fee is 15 cents per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost one dollar per page. Large requests may include a research fee for the time it takes to find the files. The agency will tell you the total cost before it starts the work.
Broward County Police Records Online
Many Broward County agencies now offer online forms for records requests. These forms let you file a request without visiting the office in person. They also let you check the status of a pending request. Online access saves time for people who live outside the county or work during business hours.
Online Search Forms
The BSO website has a public section for arrest logs and incident reports. City websites also have online forms for records requests. Some third-party sites collect public records from many agencies. These sites charge a fee for full reports and search access across multiple counties in Florida.
Public Records Database
The Broward County government runs a central public records portal for county agencies. The portal handles requests for county records. It also lists the contact details for city agencies across the county. You can use the portal to send a request that goes to the right office for the file you need.
Visit broward.org/OpenGovernment for the county records portal. The site has a form and a list of agency contacts across all county departments in Broward County.
Florida State Police Records
State agencies in Florida also keep police records. These files cover cases that cross county lines. They also cover events on state roads and waterways. State records are open to the public under the same Florida public records law that covers local agencies in Broward County.
FDLE Records and Background Checks
FDLE, the state criminal database agency, runs the criminal history records system for all Florida counties. FDLE provides background checks for employment and licensing. You can request your own record with fingerprints taken at a local police station. You can request someone else’s record with their written consent and proper ID.
Florida Highway Patrol Reports
The Florida Highway Patrol handles crashes on I-95, I-595, I-75, and other state roads. You can get FHP crash reports through the Florida Highway Safety portal online. The portal lists reports by name, date, or case number. You can also ask for FHP records by mail through the FHP station in your area.
Costs, Timelines, and Exemptions
Knowing the cost and timeline of a records request helps you plan. Most simple requests cost a few dollars in copy fees. Large requests can cost more based on the time it takes staff to find the files. Some records are exempt from release under specific Florida statutes.
Copy and Research Fees
Standard copies cost 15 cents per page at most Florida agencies. Certified copies cost one dollar per page. Research fees apply when staff must search many files to locate specific records. The agency will tell you the total cost in writing before it starts the work on a large request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | 15 cents |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Research fee (per hour) | Based on staff salary |
| Body camera or dash cam copy | Actual cost of media |
Release Timelines
Simple requests with a case number take a few business days to complete. Large requests may take two to four weeks at busy agencies. Requests that need redaction of personal details can take even longer. The agency will tell you the timeline when you file your request. You can ask for a status update by phone or email.
Common Exemptions
Some records are exempt under Florida state law. Active criminal investigations stay closed until the case ends. Juvenile records are exempt in most cases. Personal details like Social Security numbers and home addresses are redacted. Home addresses of current police officers are also exempt from public release.
Official Contact Details
The Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Broward County government have set contact points for records requests. Use these details to file your request or ask questions about an existing request you already submitted to the agency.
Official Website: www.sheriff.org
Phone: (954) 765-4321
Non-Emergency Phone: (954) 764-4357
Address: 2601 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Broward County Records Portal: www.broward.org/OpenGovernment
Office Address and Hours
The BSO main office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The records unit works the same hours for walk-in customers. Some district offices have longer hours for local service. Call the records unit before you visit to confirm the hours for that day.
Map Location
The main BSO office sits near downtown Fort Lauderdale. It is close to I-95 and Broward Boulevard. Public parking is available on site at no cost. View the location on Google Maps at maps.google.com/?q=2601+West+Broward+Boulevard+Fort+Lauderdale+FL+33312 to plan your route before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Broward County police records. Each question covers a topic that many people ask about. The answers give clear steps and tips for your records request so you can get the files you need without delays or denials from the agency.
How long to get a Broward County police report?
Most simple police report requests in Broward County take three to ten business days to complete after the agency receives them. Requests that include a case number, report number, or full name of a person involved tend to move faster through the system. The Broward Sheriff’s Office and city police departments each set their own release timelines based on staff workload and request volume. Requests that require redaction of personal details can take up to four weeks at busy agencies. Large requests that cover many files may take even longer to complete. You can ask the records unit for a timeline estimate when you file your request. Status updates are available by phone or email through the agency’s records clerk. Florida law does not set a strict deadline for public records requests, but agencies must respond in a reasonable amount of time. If your request stalls, you can file a follow-up or contact the Florida Office of Open Government for help with a delayed response from the agency.
Can I get police records for free in Broward County?
Florida law allows agencies to charge fees for the cost of producing public records. Broward County agencies charge 15 cents per page for standard copies of police reports and incident files. Certified copies cost one dollar per page at most agencies. There is no fee to view basic arrest logs or calls for service at the agency office in person during business hours. You can search the BSO online database for recent arrest records at no cost through the sheriff.org website. Body camera footage and dash cam videos carry a fee based on the actual cost of the recording media and the time it takes staff to copy the file. Research fees apply when staff must search many files to locate specific records you have requested. The agency provides a cost estimate in writing before starting work on a large request. Some records are free to inspect, but you must pay for copies. Third-party websites that collect public records also charge fees for full reports and search access across multiple Florida counties.
Are arrest records public in Broward County?
Arrest records are public records in Florida under Chapter 119 of state law. You can see who was booked into the Broward County jail, the charges filed, the booking date, and the bond amount set by the magistrate at first appearance. Booking photos, also called mugshots, are public records. You can request arrest records from the Broward Sheriff’s Office or the city police department that made the arrest. Most agencies post current inmate rosters on their websites for free public access. Past arrest records are available through a public records request to the agency that handled the case. Some arrest records become sealed after a case is dismissed or the person is found not guilty at trial. Juvenile arrest records are not public under Florida law. Records that identify victims of certain crimes, like sexual offenses and child abuse, are redacted before release. Sealed records require a court order to access. You can check the clerk of court website for case status and sealing orders in Broward County court.
How can I check jail records in Broward County?
The Broward Sheriff’s Office runs an online inmate lookup page on the sheriff.org website. The page lists current inmates in the Broward County main jail and the North Broward Bureau facility. The listing shows the full name, booking date, charges filed, and bond amount set for each inmate. You can search by name or booking number on the page. The page updates every few hours with new bookings and releases. For past inmates, you must file a public records request with BSO. The request should include the full name and date of birth of the person you are searching for. BSO staff will search booking records from the date range you provide in your written request. The agency will release records that are not sealed or exempt under Florida law. Released inmates appear in booking logs for a set period of time after their release. The BSO records unit can also confirm release dates and case dispositions. You can file the request through mail, email, or the BSO website contact form.
Can I get a copy of a 911 call in Broward County?
Yes, 911 calls are public records in Florida under the state public records law. You can request the audio file from the agency that took the call. In Broward County, the BSO Communications Bureau handles most 911 calls for the county. City police departments handle 911 calls within their city limits through their own dispatch centers. To request a 911 recording, you need the date, time, and location of the call. You must also identify the people involved in the call to help staff locate the recording. The agency will review the recording and redact any exempt parts, such as Social Security numbers or juvenile details. Most agencies charge a fee for the recording based on the time it takes to retrieve and copy the audio file. Some 911 calls are exempt if they involve an active investigation, a juvenile caller, or a victim of a sensitive crime like sexual assault. The agency will tell you the fee and timeline when you file your written request for the audio file.
What police records are not public in Florida?
Florida law lists specific records that are exempt from public release. Active criminal investigation files stay closed until the case ends or a court order releases them to the public. Juvenile criminal records are exempt in most cases under Florida law. Personal details like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and home addresses are redacted before any record is released. The home addresses and phone numbers of current and former police officers are exempt from public release. Body camera footage from a deadly shooting may be exempt during the active investigation by detectives. Information that could identify a victim of sexual assault, child abuse, or domestic violence is redacted from public records. Some intelligence records and confidential informant details are exempt. Undercover officer identities are protected under state law. Surveillance methods and confidential sources are also exempt from public release. Each exemption is listed in Florida Statutes Chapter 119. The agency must cite the specific exemption in writing when it denies access to a record. You can challenge a denial through the agency or in court.
How do I get a background check in Broward County?
For a statewide background check in Florida, contact FDLE, the state criminal database agency. FDLE runs the criminal history records system, which covers arrests and convictions from all Florida counties, including Broward County records. You can request your own record through the FDLE website using fingerprints taken at a local police station. The cost for a state background check is set by state law and covers the cost of the search. Employers, licensing agencies, and volunteer groups can request a check with your written consent on file. The full review takes several weeks to complete at FDLE headquarters. For local records, contact the BSO or the city police department where the arrest or incident happened in Broward County. Local records may include additional details not in the state database, like incident narratives and officer notes. The federal FBI also runs national background checks for some purposes, like firearms permits and federal employment. You can use the FDLE records portal to submit an online request or download the fingerprint card form for in-person submission at an approved location.