All Broward County records, unless exempted by state or federal law, are public records. “Public Records” means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other materials, made or received in connection with the official business of Broward County.
Florida Statute 119.01, referred to as the Florida Sunshine Law, governs the public’s right to inspect and obtain copies of public records. The Office of the Attorney General’s
Government-In-The-Sunshine Manual contains additional helpful information, including summaries of what exemptions apply to public records requests.
Anyone can request a public record in person, verbally over the telephone, in an email or in writing. You do not have to give your name or explain why you are making a request. There may be a fee associated with your request. If so, you will be notified in advance.
Online Requests & Searches |
The public can perform searches for some documents online. Visit:
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Records, Taxes & Treasury Division - Use this online records search to view a comprehensive listing of documents recorded into the Official Records of Broward County, Florida between January 1, 1978 and the present.
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Resilient Environment, formerly Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department - Access Broward County’s online databases for records concerning environmental and growth management, including building licensing and inspections.
Animal Care - Access the Animal Care website for information regarding services as well as access to:
How to Request Public Records |
Identify the Broward County agency that has the information you are requesting, based upon the topic of your public records request.
Contact information for agency Public Record Request Coordinators can be found
here and is posted in the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, and Governmental Center West, 1 N. University Drive in Plantation.
Prepare your public records request. Your request for public records should include:
- A clear concise description of the records that you are seeking. Please avoid acronyms.
- Searches of emails should include:
- Date range for the requested email messages
- Identify email accounts that should be searched
- Keywords to use during a search
In order for us to provide you the best response to your request, please carefully consider the information that will be useful to you. Very broad requests can take longer to fulfill and may become costly. The requested information will be provided in a reasonable period of time under normal conditions, unless such information is considered to be confidential or exempt from public records disclosure.
