Search and Copy Section Services

This section of the County Records Division maintains film or digitized images of all instruments filed for record in the Official Records of Broward County.

Records prior to 1978 are not yet computerized and can be accessed in only two ways, by coming to our office or by written request.

The index of instruments recorded on and after January 1, 1978 may be accessed by clicking "Public Search" on the previous menu. You may view images of any document recorded on or after August 24, 1998 (the date we began imaging) at no charge. Images prior to that date are being converted from microfilm.  We anticipate having all images (back to 1883) available in the near future.  Our index contains a listing of pertinent names extracted from those documents. Documents are numbered with a Clerk's File Number (CFN) and with the Official Records Book and Page Number(s).

Searching property addresses or legal descriptions: We do not index legal descriptions except on property transfers and do not have the ability to search property. What we can do is search under any name or names you indicate and provide you with the results of that search. We cannot guarantee that there are not other instruments of record impacting a specific property filed under other names. If you are checking for liens, you may also wish to check with the municipality in which the property is located, as well as with our Zoning Code Services at 954-357-8259. If your query is related to the potential purchase of a piece of property, it may be advisable to obtain the services of a professional to provide maximum assurance of a clear title.

Search and copy services are provided upon payment of statutory fees and for that reason requests for searches of our records cannot be provided over the telephone, by fax or via E-mail.

If you want to obtain a copy of a specific document by mail:

1. Describe the document, such as Mortgage, Deed, Lien, Judgment, Affidavit etc.

2. List the parties named on the document, such as from John Doe to Bank X.

3. If known, indicate the Clerk File Number or Book/Page Number for the document.

4. Indicate whether you wish to have the copy certified.

5. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

6. Indicate the name and telephone number or Internet address of someone to contact in the event the Search & Copy Section has a question.

7. Enclose your request with a check for FEES due, made payable to the "Board of County Commissioners" and mail to:

                         County Records Division
                         P.O. Box 14668
                         Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302
                         Attn: SEARCH & COPY SECTION, ROOM 119 (prominently displayed)

If you want us to conduct a search of all documents recorded under a specific name, the search is $1.50 per name per year searched. Send your request, check, and a self-addressed, envelope to us at the above address. We will provide you with a printout of the search results from which you may make your selection for a copy order.

Fax: At the present time, we are not set up for this service. Look for future updates.

Back to Top