Broward County Florida DUI records are court files and motor vehicle files that show every driving under the influence arrest, charge, and outcome in the county. These records come from the clerk of court, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
People search Broward County DUI records for many reasons, such as job background checks, court cases, insurance matters, and personal review. This page explains how DUI records work in Broward County, where they live, and how to get them in clear steps.
What Are Broward County Florida DUI Records
Broward County DUI records are legal documents that track every DUI case filed in the county. They include the arrest report, court filings, breath or blood test results, plea deals, verdicts, and sentencing orders. These records also show license suspensions, ignition interlock orders, and probation terms. Every case starts at the police level, then moves to the court system, and finally gets added to the person’s driving record at the state level.
Types of DUI Charges Filed in Broward County
Broward County handles DUI cases at different levels based on the facts of each case. A first-time DUI with a blood alcohol level at or above 0.08 is usually a misdemeanor. A second or third DUI is also a misdemeanor but carries heavier penalties. A fourth or higher DUI is a felony under Florida law. DUIs that cause injury or death are felony cases that move to a higher court. Each charge type creates a different record path in the Broward County court system.
- First-time DUI: misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail, license revoked 6 to 12 months.
- Second DUI within 10 years: misdemeanor, up to 9 months in jail, license revoked 5 years.
- Third DUI within 10 years: misdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail, license revoked 10 years.
- Fourth or higher DUI: felony, up to 5 years in prison, permanent license revocation possible.
- DUI causing serious injury or death: felony, prison time based on facts, long license action.
Where Broward County DUI Records Are Stored
DUI records in Broward County sit in three main places. The clerk of court keeps the official court file with charges, motions, and final orders. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles holds the driving record with all administrative actions like license revocations and interlock orders. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps the criminal history record used for background checks. All three systems talk to each other but each one shows a different slice of the case.
Public vs Sealed DUI Records in Florida
Most Broward County DUI records are public records under Florida law. That means anyone can request them. A judge can seal a record only in very limited cases. Florida law does not allow full expungement for a DUI conviction. A person who was arrested but never convicted may apply to seal or expunge that arrest record. Sealed records are hidden from public view but still appear on FBI and FDLE checks for some jobs.
How to Search Broward County DUI Records
Searching Broward County DUI records starts with the right database for the right question. Court records show charges and case status. Driver records show license actions. Criminal history records show arrests and convictions across Florida. Each search uses different search fields, so picking the right tool saves time and reduces errors.
Using the Broward County Clerk Website
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs the main online search for court records in the county. Users enter a full legal name, a case number, or a citation number to see the case docket. The site shows case type, charge level, judge, next hearing date, and final outcome. The clerk site covers both traffic and criminal court records, so most DUI cases will show up here.
The main county site is https://www.browardclerk.org/ and supports search by party name and case number.
Searching by Full Legal Name
A name search needs the full legal name as it appears on the court file. Adding a date of birth helps cut down matches with the same name. Searching with a year range also helps, since old records sit in the same database. When two people share a name, middle name and date of birth clear up the match. Broward County’s clerk system allows partial name matches but warns that the results may show people who are not the right person.
Searching by DUI Case Number
A DUI case number gives the cleanest search result. The case number format in Broward County looks like 23-CF-012345 or 23-MM-012345, where CF stands for felony and MM stands for misdemeanor. Anyone with the case number can pull the full docket, all filings, and the final judgment. Defense lawyers, prosecutors, and the defendant usually have this number. Insurance companies and background check firms also keep case numbers from prior cases.
Searching by Citation Number
A uniform traffic citation number can also lead to a DUI record when the ticket led to an arrest. The citation number sits on the pink or yellow ticket the officer handed out at the stop. Entering that number on the clerk site pulls the related case file. This search path works for cases that started as a traffic stop and moved to a DUI arrest during the same event.
Driving Record DUI Search Through FLHSMV
Florida driving records show the license actions that come from a DUI case. These actions include suspension, revocation, hardship license decisions, and ignition interlock orders. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles keeps a record for every licensed driver in the state. A driving record search shows the person’s full history with state traffic actions, points, and DUI-related orders.
What Shows on a Florida Driving Record
A Florida driving record lists the driver’s license number, name, address, and a full history of state actions. DUI entries include the date of arrest, the court case number, the charge level, and the license outcome. It also shows whether the driver had a hardship license during the case and when the full driving privilege returned. Court fines and probation do not show on the driving record but do show on the criminal record.
How to Order a Florida Driving Record
People can order a Florida driving record online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Online orders are the fastest option and give instant access to a printable report. A person ordering their own record needs a driver license number and the last four digits of their Social Security number. A third party can order a record only if the driver signs a release form or if the request fits a state exception for insurance, courts, or employers.
Official state driving record portal: https://www.flhsmv.gov/
Driving Record vs Court Record Differences
Court records show the legal side of a DUI case, including charges, pleas, and sentencing. Driving records show only the license side, like suspensions and interlock orders. Both records update at different times. The driving record may show a suspension before the court case finishes. Insurance companies usually want the court record, while employers and licensing boards may want both.
Broward County DUI Court Process
The court process decides what stays on a DUI record. Each step creates a new filing in the docket. Knowing the process helps readers understand what each docket entry means and what type of record will appear in a background check.
Arraignment and Plea Stage
The first court appearance is the arraignment. The judge reads the charge and the defendant enters a plea. A guilty plea ends the case and goes straight to sentencing. A not guilty plea moves the case to pretrial hearings and possibly a trial. Many DUI cases end with a plea deal that reduces the charge or the sentence. The plea deal shows on the record as a final judgment.
DUI Pretrial Programs and Diversion
Florida has a first-time DUI diversion program under Florida Statute 316.193. Some Broward County judges allow eligible defendants to enter the program in exchange for completing probation, classes, and other requirements. Successful completion leads to a withhold of adjudication. A withhold still counts as a prior offense for future cases but does not count as a conviction for some purposes. Records still show the arrest and the program completion.
Sentencing and Probation Records
Sentencing orders become part of the DUI record. A sentence can include jail time, probation, fines, community service, license revocation, and an ignition interlock order. Probation violations create new docket entries and may lead to a violation of probation case. All these filings stay on the public record. Sealed records may hide some of these details from public view but not from law enforcement.
Broward County DUI Records by City
Broward County DUI records cover cities, towns, and unincorporated areas. Each city has its own police department that makes DUI arrests, but all court files end up at the county clerk. City pages give local context but the main records still live at the county level.
Fort Lauderdale DUI Records
Fort Lauderdale is the county seat and sees the most DUI arrests in the county. Most Fort Lauderdale DUI cases sit in the Broward County Clerk of Courts system under the Fort Lauderdale Police Department arrest. Court hearings for these cases happen at the Broward County Courthouse.
Hollywood and Pembroke Pines DUI Records
Hollywood and Pembroke Pines also report high DUI case numbers. Hollywood Police Department and Pembroke Pines Police Department handle the arrests, then file the case with the county clerk. Both cities send cases to county court for trial.
Miramar, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs DUI Records
Mid-sized cities in Broward County each run their own DUI enforcement. Miramar, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs police departments file cases with the county clerk. Court hearings happen at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
Plantation, Sunrise, and Davie DUI Records
Plantation, Sunrise, and Davie police departments also file DUI cases with the county. The Davie Police Department covers a large area that includes parts of unincorporated Broward County. Court records for these cities sit in the same county system.
Broward County Clerk of Court DUI Records Access
The clerk of court is the main public access point for DUI records in Broward County. The clerk manages all court filings, hearings, judgments, and certified copies. Users can visit the clerk office in person, search online, or send a written request.
Online Records Search Tools
The clerk website offers two main search tools. The case search tool pulls up civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. The party search tool pulls up all cases linked to a specific person. Both tools work with name, case number, or filing date. Results show case status, charges, and hearing schedule. The clerk site updates most records within 24 hours of a new filing.
Official clerk site: https://www.browardclerk.org/
Web portal for court records: https://www.browardclerk.org/Web2/
In-Person Clerk Office Visits
People can visit the clerk office for in-person help. Staff can pull records, explain charges, and help with certified copy requests. In-person visits help when online search returns too many matches or when records are too old to show online. The clerk office charges a small fee per page for printed records and a higher fee for certified copies.
Phone and Mail Requests for DUI Records
Phone requests help with simple questions like case status or hearing dates. Mail requests work for certified copies but take longer to process. A mail request needs the case number, the document type, and a check or money order for the fee. The clerk office mailing address appears on the clerk website.
| Record Type | Where to Search | Typical Fee | Update Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court case docket | Broward Clerk online portal | Free to view, fee for certified copy | Within 24 hours |
| Driver license actions | FLHSMV driving record | Small fee per record | Within days of order |
| Criminal history record | FDLE background check | Fee per search | Depends on request type |
| Traffic citation record | Broward Clerk online portal | Free to view | Same day |
Broward County DUI Public Records System
Broward County DUI public records include more than just court files. They also cover arrest reports, booking photos, and police logs. These records sit across county and city systems. Knowing where to look saves time.
Arrest Reports and Booking Records
The arresting police department keeps the arrest report. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and other city departments all keep their own arrest records. Booking photos show up on jail booking systems. Booking records move into court records once the state attorney files formal charges. These records stay public unless a judge orders them sealed.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Background Checks
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state criminal history system. An FDLE background check pulls records from across Florida, including Broward County. Employers, licensing boards, and immigration offices often order these checks. The FDLE record shows arrests, convictions, and dispositions from every Florida county. Sealed records still show on FDLE checks for criminal justice and certain other jobs.
Broward County Court Case Search by Case Number
Searching by case number gives the cleanest match. Users enter the full case number, including the year prefix and division code. The system pulls the exact file, including motions, orders, and the final judgment. This method avoids name confusion and works even for very old cases.
Florida DUI Record Expungement and Sealing
Florida law limits when a DUI record can be sealed or expunged. A DUI conviction cannot be sealed or expunged under Florida law. Only a DUI arrest that did not lead to a conviction may be eligible. The process for sealing and expungement is strict and requires a court order.
Florida Statute Rules for DUI Expungement
Florida Statute 943.0585 governs expungement and Florida Statute 943.059 governs sealing. Both laws say that a person who was arrested for a DUI but never convicted may apply. A withhold of adjudication still counts as a conviction for expungement purposes. The court process requires a certification from the state attorney before the judge will sign the order.
Eligibility for DUI Record Sealing
A person can apply to seal a DUI arrest record only when the state attorney drops the case or the court dismisses it. A successful completion of a pretrial diversion program still keeps the arrest on record for some purposes. The state attorney must sign off on the sealing. Once sealed, the record is hidden from public view but stays visible to law enforcement and some licensing agencies.
Steps to File a Sealing Petition
A sealing petition starts with obtaining a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The applicant then files the petition with the court that handled the case. The state attorney reviews the petition and may object. A judge holds a hearing and signs an order to seal or deny the request. The whole process can take 6 to 12 months from start to finish.
Broward County DUI Background Check Process
Background checks using Broward County DUI records show up in many life events. Job applications, rental applications, professional licensing, and insurance underwriting all use these records. Knowing what shows up helps people prepare for the results.
Employment Background Checks
Most employers run background checks before making a job offer. A Florida background check pulls court records from every county where the applicant lived. A Broward County DUI record shows up if the arrest or conviction happened in Broward. Some employers skip candidates with a DUI record. Others weigh the case based on how old it is and what the outcome was.
Professional Licensing DUI Disclosures
Florida licensing boards for nurses, doctors, teachers, real estate agents, and many other professions ask about DUI records. A licensee must report a DUI conviction within a set time, often 30 days. The board reviews the case and may take action on the license. A sealed record still needs to be reported to a licensing board because licensing boards fall under the law enforcement exception.
Insurance and DUI Record Reviews
Auto insurance companies check driving records before issuing a policy. A DUI on the record leads to higher premiums or a policy denial. Insurance companies also review court records for DUI convictions related to claims. A person who has a sealed DUI arrest may still see higher insurance rates if the carrier uses a database that includes arrest data.
Broward County DUI Records From Other Florida Counties
DUI records from other Florida counties also matter for Broward County residents. A person who gets a DUI in another county still has that record show up on state searches. The same goes for Broward County DUI records when the person lives in another county.
Miami-Dade County DUI Records
Miami-Dade County is just south of Broward. People who drive between the two counties may face a DUI charge in either one. Miami-Dade DUI records sit in the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts system. The two county systems do not share live data, so a search must cover both counties.
Palm Beach County DUI Records
Palm Beach County sits north of Broward. DUI arrests in Palm Beach move to the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts. The court orders and license actions then link back to the driver’s state record. A statewide search picks up both Broward and Palm Beach DUI records.
Orange, Hillsborough, and Duval County DUI Records
Other large Florida counties like Orange, Hillsborough, and Duval also file DUI records in their own systems. A statewide FDLE check covers all counties at once. A county-level search covers only the county where the search runs. Drivers with cases in multiple counties need separate searches or a statewide background check.
Pinellas and Lee County DUI Records
Pinellas County and Lee County round out the list of high-DUI counties in Florida. Both counties run their own court systems and clerk offices. Their records show up on statewide background checks the same way Broward County DUI records do. County clerks in these areas have similar search tools to Broward.
Common DUI Record Issues and How to Fix Them
Several common problems come up when people check their own Broward County DUI records. Wrong case data, sealed records showing on some searches, and outdated license action data all cause confusion. Knowing what causes these issues helps fix them faster.
Name Confusion in DUI Record Search
Many people share names, so a name search often pulls up the wrong person. Using a date of birth and middle name clears up most of these cases. If the result still seems wrong, the court file itself has a full case caption with full legal names and addresses. The clerk office can verify the correct match in person with valid ID.
Sealed Records Still Showing in Some Searches
Sealed records stay visible to law enforcement, the courts, and certain licensing boards. They drop off public background checks after the court signs the sealing order. A sealed record can still show up on an FBI check because the FBI pulls data from state and local databases that may not reflect the seal yet. People who see a sealed record on a report can request a correction through the reporting agency.
Outdated License Action on Driving Record
Florida driving records sometimes show license actions that have already ended. A suspension that lifted years ago may still appear on a current report. Updating the record requires a written request to FLHSMV with proof that the action ended. Most updates go through within 30 days of the request.
Broward County Clerk Contact and Office Details
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs the DUI records search portal and issues certified copies. The main clerk office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Office hours run Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Official website: https://www.browardclerk.org/
Court records portal: https://www.browardclerk.org/Web2/
Traffic Division: https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/TrafficAndMisdemeanor
Felony Division: https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/Felony
Broward County Court site: https://browardcountycourt.us/
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County DUI Records
The questions below cover the most common search points and rule issues for Broward County DUI records. Each answer gives the exact rule, the right search path, and what to expect from the system. These FAQs help readers solve real problems without extra steps.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on a Broward County Record?
A DUI conviction stays on a Florida criminal record permanently. There is no automatic removal after a set number of years. The only way to remove a conviction is through a governor’s pardon, which is rare. A first-time DUI diversion program may show the case as a withhold, but the arrest still sits on the record. Background checks will show the case for the rest of the person’s life unless a pardon is granted.
Can I Check Someone Else’s Broward County DUI Record?
Yes, anyone can check a public Broward County DUI record. Court records are public under Florida law. A name search, case number search, or citation search will all work for a third party. Certified copies also go to third parties without the defendant’s consent. The only limit applies to sealed records, which require a court order to view.
Are Broward County DUI Records Free to View Online?
Yes, the online search on the clerk website is free to view. Users see the case docket, hearings, and final outcomes at no cost. The clerk office charges a small fee for printed copies and a higher fee for certified copies. Driver records from FLHSMV also carry a small fee per report.
What Shows Up on an FDLE Background Check for a Broward County DUI?
An FDLE background check shows arrests, dispositions, and convictions from every Florida county. A Broward County DUI appears with the arrest date, the court case number, and the final outcome. Sealed records may not show on an FDLE check for most employers, but law enforcement agencies and certain licensing boards can still see them.
Can a DUI Arrest Be Expunged in Broward County?
A DUI arrest with no conviction may be eligible for expungement under Florida law. The applicant needs a certificate of eligibility from FDLE, the state attorney’s sign-off, and a court order. A DUI conviction cannot be expunged. A withhold of adjudication also cannot be expunged. The expungement process takes several months and requires a court hearing.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Broward County DUI Record?
Certified copies come from the Broward County Clerk of Courts office. The request can be made in person, by mail, or online through the clerk portal. The request needs the case number, the document type, and the fee per certified page. Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and serve as legal proof of the record for court, insurance, and employment purposes.
Will a Broward County DUI Show Up in Another State?
Yes, a Broward County DUI conviction gets reported to the National Crime Information Center and to other state systems through the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. Other states may treat the conviction as if it happened in their own state. This can affect license privileges, insurance rates, and job applications in another state. Sealing the record in Florida does not always hide it from other states.