Plantation City Family Court Records are official court files stored by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Plantation is a city in Broward County, Florida, with a population near 92,000.
All family law cases from Plantation residents go through the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The 17th Circuit serves the entire county, so every divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption case from Plantation files at the county level. The clerk serves as the keeper of these records. Most family court files stay open to the public. Adoption files and some injunction files stay sealed by law. This page covers how to look up records, request certified copies, file new cases, and contact the correct offices.
Where Plantation City Family Court Records Are Kept
Plantation does not run a separate family courthouse. The city uses the county court system shared by all Broward County communities. Every family case files at the county level through the clerk’s office. The court hears these cases at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The West Regional Courthouse in Plantation also hears family cases. Both courthouses share the same clerk records system.
The Role of the Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the official record keeper for every court case in the county. The clerk files all family court papers, indexes them by case number, and stores the originals. Brenda D. Forman serves as the current clerk. The main office sits at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Staff at the clerk’s office help visitors locate specific cases, pull files for viewing, and make copies. The clerk maintains both paper files from older decades and electronic records for newer cases.
The 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida
The 17th Judicial Circuit covers every court in Broward County. The circuit includes family, civil, criminal, probate, and traffic divisions. Family cases get assigned to specific divisions based on the filing date and case type. Each division has one judge and a judicial assistant. The circuit uses a Unified Family Court system. This system links related family cases to the same judge. A divorce case and a related custody case often stay before the same judge from start to finish. The circuit serves Plantation along with every other city in the county.
How to Search Family Court Records Online
Online tools make it easy to look up family court records from home. Three main tools serve Plantation residents. The Broward Clerk’s online case search shows case status and party data. The courtMAP system gives hearing schedules and text alerts. The Florida E-Filing Portal handles new case filings. Each tool serves a different purpose. Florida does not offer a single statewide case search. Records are searched county by county through each clerk’s own online system.
Broward Clerk Online Case Search
The Broward County Clerk offers a free case search on the website at browardclerk.org. The search page lets visitors look up cases by name or case number. No account is needed for a basic search. Enter the last name and first name of any party. Adding a birth year or filing year narrows the results. The search returns a list of matching family cases. Click any case number to see the docket, hearing history, and order list. Basic case data is free to view. Document images and certified copies cost money.
courtMAP Management Platform
courtMAP is an online Management and Access Platform built on Broward’s court technology. The system gives access to hearing schedules and case notifications. Users can sign up for SMS text alerts about upcoming court dates by entering a case number and a mobile phone number. The platform covers family, civil, criminal, and traffic cases in the county. courtMAP works with the clerk’s case search. Together they give a full picture of any family court case from start to current status.
Florida E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is a statewide system for filing new court papers. The portal sits at myflcourtaccess.com. Lawyers and self-represented filers use this portal to submit new family cases and motions. A filing fee applies for new cases. The portal checks filings for errors before accepting them. Existing records cannot be searched through this portal. Use the county clerk’s search tool for that purpose. The E-Filing Portal only accepts new submissions.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Family courts handle many case types. Each type creates its own file of records. Some files hold financial papers. Others hold child-related papers. The court system sorts files by case type and division. Anyone can request a copy of most family court files. The clerk stores them at the main office in Fort Lauderdale.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records show the end of a marriage. The file holds the petition, the final judgment, and the property settlement. Financial affidavits appear in the file too. Child support and custody terms get added when minor children are part of the case. The final judgment divides marital assets and debts between the spouses. These records stay public after the divorce becomes final. Both former spouses can request copies for remarriage or name changes.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Custody records track parenting plans and time-sharing schedules. The file holds the parenting plan form, mediation reports, and custody evaluations. Court orders about decision-making authority appear in the file. School records and home studies may appear as evidence. The judge signs the final order. Parents can request changes later by filing a supplemental petition. The same division usually handles the modification case.
Child Support Records
Child support records hold the support order and the payment history. The Florida Department of Revenue often handles the payment side through a state system. The court file shows the income figures used to set the support amount. Deviation findings get documented in the order. Arrears and enforcement actions appear too. Parents can check payment records through the clerk’s office or the state payment system. Support orders can be modified when income changes.
Paternity Records
Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood for unmarried parents. The file holds the petition, DNA test results, and the court order. A paternity order sets child support and custody rights. Unmarried fathers often file these cases to gain custody rights. Mothers also file to establish support. The records stay public once filed and decided by the judge. Paternity cases link to support and custody cases in the same family division.
Adoption Records
Adoption records stay sealed under Florida law. The clerk’s office cannot release them without a court order. Birth certificates get amended after an adoption. The new birth certificate lists the adoptive parents. Original birth certificates move to restricted state files. Adult adoptees can request identifying information through a court process. Step-parent and relative adoptations follow the same sealing rules. Sealed records protect the privacy of all parties.
Domestic Relations and Injunction Records
Domestic violence injunction cases file in family court too. The file holds the petition, the temporary order, and the final injunction. Hearing transcripts get added to the file. These cases sometimes link to divorce or custody cases. The petitioner can ask the court to keep the file sealed. A judge decides based on safety concerns. Violations of an injunction can lead to criminal charges in a separate case.
How to Request Certified Copies of Records
Certified copies carry the court seal. They prove the copy is a true copy of the original court record. Many legal matters need certified copies. Remarriage, name changes, and immigration cases all need them. Three ways exist to get certified copies. Visitors can come in person, send a request by mail, or order online through the clerk’s office.
In-Person Copy Requests
Visit the Broward County Clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale to get copies the same day. The office sits at 201 SE 6th Street. Bring a valid photo ID. Know the case number or the names of the parties. Tell the clerk which documents you need from the file. Pay the fee at the counter. The clerk prints the copies and applies the official seal. The process takes a few minutes for ready files. Older archived files from before 1990 take longer to pull. Staff can call an off-site facility to retrieve archived records.
Mail Request Procedure
Mail requests work for people who live far from Fort Lauderdale. Write a letter to the clerk’s office. Include the case number, names of parties, and the specific documents you need. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mail. Include a check or money order for the fees. Mail the request to the Records Department at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Processing takes about two weeks. The clerk mails the certified copies back to the requester. Add extra time for return mail delivery.
Copy and Certification Fees
Florida law sets the fees for court records. Plain copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. The certification seal is part of this fee. Postage and special handling may add small extra fees. Call the clerk’s office at (954) 831-6565 to confirm current fees before sending payment. Fee waivers are available for people who cannot pay. A judge must approve the waiver.
Filing New Family Court Cases in Plantation
Plantation residents file new family cases through the Broward County court system. The filing process depends on the case type. Self-represented filers can use the court’s self-help program. The self-help program gives forms, instructions, and limited procedural guidance. Lawyers handle most filings for their clients. Filing fees apply for new cases.
Self-Help Program for Pro Se Filers
The 17th Judicial Circuit runs a Family Self Help Program for people who file without a lawyer. The program serves self-represented parties with forms, procedural questions, and court directions. Staff helps review forms for completeness. Staff cannot give legal advice or tell filers what to write. Self-help offices sit at the Broward County Courthouse. Call the clerk’s office at (954) 831-6565 for current hours and locations. The Family Self Help Program also offers self-help packets for common case types.
SOFIA Online Document Preparation
SOFIA stands for State of Florida Interactive Access. This online tool helps self-represented filers prepare common family court forms. SOFIA asks plain-language questions about the case. The answers fill in the official court forms automatically. The system covers petitions, responses, and financial affidavits. After completing the interview, filers print the forms and file them with the clerk. SOFIA is free to use on the Florida Courts website. The tool reduces errors in completed forms.
Family Court Divisions in Broward County
Broward County uses numbered family court divisions. Each division has one judge. Family cases get assigned to one division at filing. The same division handles the case from start to finish. Division 37 sits at the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The West Regional Courthouse in Plantation also hosts family divisions. The West Regional Courthouse address is 100 N Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324. Judge Tabitha B. Eves serves at Division 81 in the West Regional Courthouse. Her office phone number is (954) 831-2314.
Privacy Rules and Sealed Records
Florida family court records are public records. The public can see most filings and dockets. Some private information gets redacted before public release. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s names often get removed from public view. Certain records stay fully sealed by law. A judge can also order specific records sealed based on the facts of a case.
Public vs Sealed Family Records
Most family court records stay public. Anyone can view the docket online through the clerk’s search tool. The full case file requires a visit to the clerk’s office. Some records stay sealed for life. Sealed records cannot be opened without a court order. Adoption files and juvenile dependency files are examples. Domestic violence files can be sealed by court order when safety is a concern. The clerk cannot release sealed records to the public under any circumstances.
Adoption Record Confidentiality
Adoption records are sealed at the time the adoption is finalized. The original birth certificate gets replaced by an amended certificate. The amended certificate lists the adoptive parents. The original certificate moves to a restricted state file. Adult adoptees can request identifying information through a court process. The court may contact birth parents as part of that process. Birth parents can file a contact preference form. Florida maintains an adoption registry for these requests.
Official Offices and Contact Information
Three main offices serve Plantation family court needs. The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles court records. The Plantation City Clerk handles city business. The West Regional Courthouse handles some hearings. Each office has its own phone number, address, and hours. Use the right office for the specific need. Calling ahead saves time on the day of a visit.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office for family court records. The address is 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is (954) 831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The website is browardclerk.org. The clerk’s office handles filings, record requests, certified copies, and case searches for the entire county.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
| Street Address | 201 SE 6th Street |
| City, State, ZIP | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone Number | (954) 831-6565 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
| Current Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
Find the Broward County Courthouse on Google Maps: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Plantation City Clerk’s Office
The Plantation City Clerk handles city records and city business. The address is 400 NW 73rd Avenue, Plantation, FL 33317. The phone number is (954) 797-2200. This office does not keep family court records. Visit this office for city permits, council minutes, and local business licenses. Staff can point visitors to the county clerk for court record needs. The City Clerk is a separate office from the county court system.
West Regional Courthouse in Plantation
The West Regional Courthouse sits in Plantation. The address is 100 N Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324. The courthouse handles some family court hearings. Judge Tabitha B. Eves serves at Division 81 in this building. The judge’s office phone number is (954) 831-2314. Call ahead to confirm hearing schedules and division assignments. Parking is available on site for court visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Records
This FAQ section answers common questions about family court records in Plantation, Florida. Each answer focuses on practical steps and key details. The answers reflect current procedures from the Broward County Clerk of Courts and the 17th Judicial Circuit. Call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 for case-specific questions.
How Do I Look Up a Family Court Case in Plantation?
Use the online case search at browardclerk.org to look up any family court case. Enter the last name and first name of a party to the case. Add a year of birth or filing year to narrow the results when many people share the same name. The search returns a list of matching family cases with case numbers, filing dates, and division data. Click any case number to see the docket, hearing schedule, and party details. Basic case data shows up free of charge. Document images cost money to view and download through the portal. The search tool works for divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption case types.
Can I View Family Court Records for Free in Broward County?
Yes, basic case data is free to view online through the clerk’s case search tool. The search shows case type, case status, hearing dates, division number, and party names. Visitors can see the full docket without paying any fee. The clerk charges for plain copies at $1 per page. Certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each extra page. Online document images follow the same fee schedule as paper copies. The free search works for cases filed in the last several decades. Older archived cases may need an in-person visit.
Are Adoption Records Public in Broward County?
No, adoption records stay sealed under Florida state law. The clerk’s office cannot release them to the public through any normal request. Adult adoptees can request identifying information through a formal court process. The court may contact birth parents as part of that process. Birth parents can register a contact preference with the Florida adoption registry. Sealed adoption records require a court order to open. The court reviews each request on a case-by-case basis. The clerk’s office cannot bypass the court order requirement for any reason.
What Forms Do I Need to File for Divorce in Plantation?
Florida family law forms cover all divorce filings in Broward County. The main petition is Form 12.901 for a petition for dissolution of marriage. Other common forms are the financial affidavit, the parenting plan, and the child support guidelines worksheet. The Florida Supreme Court approves all standard family law forms. Forms are free to download from the Florida Courts website. The Broward Self Help Program helps self-represented filers fill out the correct forms for their case. Each case may need additional forms based on the specific facts.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy by Mail?
Mail requests take about two weeks to process through the clerk’s office. The clerk pulls the file from the records system, copies the requested documents, applies the certification seal, and mails the copies back. Add a few extra days for return mail delivery through the post office. Mail delays can add more time during busy seasons. Call the clerk’s office at (954) 831-6565 to check the status of a pending mail request. In-person visits get certified copies the same day in most cases. The clerk’s office recommends in-person visits for urgent needs.
Can I File Family Court Papers Online?
Yes, use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com to file family court papers online. The portal accepts new family cases, motions, responses, and other filings. A free account is needed to file through the portal. Pay the filing fee by credit card or e-check at the time of submission. The portal checks the filing for errors before accepting it. Once accepted, the clerk processes the filing and adds it to the case docket. A confirmation email arrives with the filing details and the assigned case number. E-filing saves time and travel to the courthouse.
What Court Handles Family Cases in Plantation?
The 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida handles every family case in Plantation. The circuit includes family divisions at the main Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale and at the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the official record keeper for all these cases. The clerk’s main office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk’s phone number is (954) 831-6565. Visit browardclerk.org for case search tools, forms, and office hours. The 17th Circuit serves every city in Broward County, including Plantation.