Fort Lauderdale City Family Court Records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The city sits in the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
All family law cases filed by Fort Lauderdale residents go through the county court system. This includes divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption cases. The clerk’s office holds the files and lets the public see them. You can look at most records online or at the courthouse in person.
Where Fort Lauderdale Family Court Records Are Kept
Family court records for Fort Lauderdale are stored at the Broward County Clerk of Courts office. The clerk runs the filing system for the whole county. The main office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The clerk serves every city in Broward County, not just Fort Lauderdale. Brenda D. Forman serves as the current Broward County Clerk of Courts.
The Main Clerk’s Office Location
The main Broward County Courthouse is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. This building holds the main clerk’s office. You can go there Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The phone number is (954) 831-6565. The website is browardclerk.org. All family court papers for Fort Lauderdale are filed in this office.
Why the County Handles the Records
Florida runs its court system at the county level. Fort Lauderdale is the county seat of Broward County. That means the county court system covers the city. The city of Fort Lauderdale has its own City Clerk office at 100 N. Andrews Avenue. That office handles city council records and local rules. It does not keep family court records. All family court files are at the county level.
Other Clerk Office Locations in Broward
The clerk has branch offices across Broward County. These branches handle some court records. For family court records, the main downtown Fort Lauderdale office is the best place to start. The branch offices can help with basic questions. They can also send you to the right office for older files.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk of Courts | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
| Current Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
How to Search Fort Lauderdale Family Court Records Online
You can search Fort Lauderdale family court records from your home computer. The Broward County Clerk runs a free online search tool. The Florida state court system also has a portal. Both let you look up cases by name or case number. You do not need an account to use them.
Using the Broward Clerk Website
Go to browardclerk.org to start your search. Click on the case search link on the home page. You can type a first and last name. You can also type a case number if you have one. The system shows case type, filing date, and party names. You can see the status of a case. Some documents are viewable as PDF files. You may need to pay a fee to view full document images.
Using the Florida State Portal
MyFloridaCourtAccess is the state court portal. It covers all 67 Florida counties. The site is at mfc.flcourts.org. You can search the 17th Judicial Circuit through this portal. The state portal works well if you need to check cases in more than one county. It shows the same basic case data as the county website.
What You Can See for Free
Free search results show party names. They show the case number and case type. They show the filing date. They show the division and judge assigned. They show upcoming hearing dates. They show the case status. Full document images may cost a small fee per page.
- First and last name of a party
- Case number if you have it
- Year the case was filed
- Type of case you are looking for
Types of Fort Lauderdale Family Court Records
The Broward County Clerk keeps many types of family court records. Each type has its own file system. Most files are open to the public. Some files are sealed by a judge. Sealed files need a court order to open.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records are the most common family court files. They include the petition for dissolution of marriage. They include the final judgment. They include any settlement agreements. They include property and debt orders. They also include parenting plans if the couple had children.
Child Custody and Parenting Plan Records
Custody records show time-sharing schedules. They show who makes decisions for the child. They show the parenting plan filed with the court. They include any orders to change custody. They also include mediation reports in some cases.
Child Support Records
Child support records show the support amount ordered. They show payment history. They show wage withholding orders. They show any enforcement actions. They also show arrears balances if support is overdue.
Paternity Records
Paternity records show who the legal father is. They include DNA test results in many cases. They include orders to pay child support. They also include custody and time-sharing orders tied to the paternity case.
Adoption Records
Adoption records are sealed in Florida. The clerk does not show them to the public. You need a court order to open an adoption file. Birth parents and adult adoptees can request access through the court.
Domestic Violence Records
Domestic violence records include protective orders. They include injunctions. They include dating violence orders. They include repeat violence orders. They also include sexual violence orders. Some of these records are public. Some are sealed to protect the victim.
Name Change Records
Name change records are public files. They show the old name. They show the new name. They show the court order. They are often needed for ID changes after a divorce.
How to Get Copies of Fort Lauderdale Family Court Records
You have three ways to get copies of family court records. You can go to the clerk’s office in person. You can order by mail. You can view and print some records online.
In-Person Copy Requests
Visit the clerk’s office at 201 SE 6th Street. Bring your photo ID. Bring the case number if you have it. Staff will pull the file for you. You can ask for plain copies or certified copies. Same-day service is normal for most requests.
Mail Requests
You can mail your request to the clerk. Include the case number. Include the names of the parties. Include the documents you need. Include a check for the fees. Mail to the Broward County Clerk of Courts at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Allow about two weeks for mail requests. Older cases may take longer.
Costs for Copies
Plain copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $7 for the first page. Each extra page is $1. The certification seal proves the copy is a true copy. Many legal uses need a certified copy. Examples include remarriage and name changes.
| Copy Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Plain copy | $1 per page |
| Certified copy (first page) | $7 |
| Certified copy (extra pages) | $1 per page |
| Online document image | Varies by page count |
Filing a New Family Court Case in Fort Lauderdale
New family cases in Fort Lauderdale are filed at the county courthouse. The 17th Judicial Circuit handles all family law filings for the city. You can file for divorce, custody, support, paternity, or adoption. The clerk accepts new filings during business hours.
Where to File
File your case at the Broward County Courthouse. The clerk’s office is on the first floor. The family court intake window handles new filings. Bring your completed forms. Bring copies of any supporting papers. Bring your filing fee. The clerk stamps your papers and gives you a case number.
Filing Fees
The filing fee for a new divorce case in Florida is $408. This is set by state law. Service of process fees are extra. Service fees cover delivery of papers to the other party. A sheriff’s service fee is often $10 per person. A private process server fee is higher.
Electronic Filing
Most family cases in Broward County use e-filing. You can file through the Florida e-filing portal. The portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. You upload PDF files. You pay by credit card. You can e-file from home. The clerk reviews the filing and accepts it. E-filing is faster than paper filing in most cases.
Sealed and Restricted Family Court Records
Some family court records are sealed. A judge orders the file sealed. Adoption files are sealed by state law. Some domestic violence files are sealed. Records that identify minor children may be restricted. The clerk cannot show you a sealed file without a court order.
Adoption File Privacy
Adoption records in Florida are closed. Birth parents cannot see the file. Adult adoptees need a court order. The court may grant access for medical reasons. The court may grant access for family history. The clerk cannot release these files without the order.
How to Request Access to a Sealed File
You must file a motion with the court. The motion asks to open the sealed file. A judge reviews the request. The judge may grant or deny the request. You should talk to a lawyer before filing this motion. The court may set a hearing on the request.
Getting Legal Help for Family Court Cases
Many people need legal help in family court. Fort Lauderdale has many family law attorneys. There are also free legal aid options. Self-help services are at the courthouse for people who file on their own.
Free Legal Aid in Broward County
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida serves Broward County. They help with divorce, custody, and support cases. They help with domestic violence cases. The phone number is (954) 736-2400. You must meet income limits to qualify. The agency can help you file the right forms.
Self-Help Centers at the Courthouse
Broward County runs a self-help center. It is at the main courthouse. Staff help you find the right forms. Staff explain the court process. Staff cannot give you legal advice. The service is free. The center helps people who do not have a lawyer.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service. The phone number is 1-800-561-2808. They match you with a family law attorney. The first 30-minute consultation is low-cost. You can ask about fees and experience. The attorney can take your case if you agree.
Visiting the Fort Lauderdale Courthouse
Plan your visit before you go. Bring all needed papers. Know the office hours. Know the security rules. The courthouse is a busy place. Give yourself extra time for security screening.
Courthouse Location and Map
The Broward County Courthouse is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. It sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The building is near the New River. The federal courthouse is across the street.
Parking and Building Access
Public parking is near the courthouse. The county parking garage is on SE 6th Street. There are metered spots on nearby streets. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. You will go through a security checkpoint. Do not bring weapons. Do not bring food or drinks past security.
What to Bring to the Clerk’s Office
Bring a valid photo ID. Bring the case number if you have it. Bring cash or a credit card for fees. Bring paper and a pen to take notes. Bring any forms you need to file. The clerk can answer questions about the filing process.
- Photo ID
- Case number or party names
- Payment for fees
- Forms to file (if filing a new case)
Common Questions About Fort Lauderdale Family Court Records
People often ask the same questions about family court records in Fort Lauderdale. The answers below cover the most common topics. They cover searches, copies, sealed files, and filing steps. These answers reflect the rules in place as of August 2026.
Can I see Fort Lauderdale divorce records online?
Yes, most Fort Lauderdale divorce records are online. The Broward County Clerk website shows basic case data. You can search by name or case number. The system shows the petition, final judgment, and parenting plan. Full document images may cost a fee per page. Sealed divorce files are not online. You must visit the clerk for sealed files.
How do I find a Fort Lauderdale paternity case number?
You can search by the name of a party at browardclerk.org. The system will show the case number. You can also call the clerk at (954) 831-6565. Staff can look up the number for you. Have the full name and birth year ready. The clerk may ask for photo ID before giving case details.
Are Fort Lauderdale child custody records public?
Most custody records are public. The parenting plan is usually part of the public file. Some files are sealed to protect a child. Sealed files need a court order to open. You can view custody orders at the clerk’s office. You can also view them online through the case search tool.
How much does a certified copy of a Fort Lauderdale divorce record cost?
Certified copies cost $7 for the first page. Each extra page is $1. The clerk adds a court seal to the copy. The seal proves the copy is a true copy. Many legal uses need a certified copy. Examples include name changes and remarriage. You can order certified copies in person or by mail.
Can I get Fort Lauderdale family court records from another state?
Yes, you can request records by mail. Mail your request to the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Include the case number and party names. Include a check for the fees. Include your return address. The clerk mails the copies to you. Allow two to three weeks for processing.
What is the 17th Judicial Circuit family court?
The 17th Judicial Circuit is the Florida court system for Broward County. It handles all family law cases in the county. The circuit has judges who only handle family cases. These judges hear divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption matters. The 17th Circuit covers all of Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale.
Where do I file for child support in Fort Lauderdale?
File your child support case at the Broward County Courthouse. The clerk’s office is at 201 SE 6th Street. You can file in person or through the e-filing portal. Bring your completed forms and filing fee. The Department of Revenue can also help you file a support case in some situations.
Official website: browardclerk.org
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM