Broward County Arrest Records

Got a feeling someone you know was arrested in Broward County? Or maybe you're trying to find out the charges and bail amount before calling a bondsman? Here's exactly how to search arrest records in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Broward County Arrest Records Explained

Under Florida's broad public records law, commonly known as the Sunshine Law, arrest records in Broward County are generally considered public information. This means that anyone can access details about recent arrests, bookings, and ongoing criminal cases. The Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) maintains the local arrest logs and booking information, while the Broward County Clerk of the Courts keeps the official criminal court records. These documents provide transparency and allow the public to track individuals through the local justice system.

A typical Broward County arrest record contains essential details, including the individual's mugshot, booking date, specific criminal charges, case number, and eventual court disposition. It is crucial to remember that an arrest record is simply a documentation of an arrest and is not a conviction. Under the law, every individual remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and many arrests do not ultimately lead to a conviction.

What to Do After Finding an Arrest Record

If you locate a loved one's arrest record in Broward County, the immediate priority is securing their release. You must first confirm the bond amount set by the court. Once the bond is established, contacting a licensed Florida bail bond agent is the fastest and most practical step to navigate the jail system, post the required bail, and bring your loved one home.

3 Ways to Search Broward County Arrest Records

1. Broward County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster and recent booking log. You can usually search by name, booking number, or date of arrest. This is the fastest way to find out if someone was recently arrested and what their bail is set at.

2. FDLE — Florida Department of Law Enforcement

The FDLE maintains a statewide criminal history database. You can run a free name-based search to see if someone has an arrest record anywhere in Florida — not just Broward County. This is useful if you're not sure which county the arrest happened in.

3. Broward County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court handles the actual court records — case numbers, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information. If you need to know the status of a criminal case (not just the arrest), this is where to look.

What Information Can You Find?

• Full name and date of birth of the arrested person
• Booking date and time
• Charges — felony vs. misdemeanor, specific statute violated
• Bail amount — how much it costs to get out
• Mugshot — Florida is a public records state, so booking photos are public
• Court dates — when the person needs to appear
• Holding facility — which jail they're in

Are Arrest Records Public in Florida?

Yes — and it's not even close. Florida has the Sunshine Law, one of the most expansive public records laws in the country. Arrest records, booking photos, police reports, and court documents are all public information. Anyone can access them, and government agencies are required to provide them upon request.

This means that if someone was arrested in Broward County, you can find their booking information, mugshot, and charges without special access or a paid service. The free resources above will get you what you need.

Found the Arrest — Now What?

If you've confirmed that someone was arrested and you know the bail amount, the next step is posting bail. Here's how:

1. Call QuickBail at (941) 477-6888
2. Tell us the person's name and Broward County as the location
3. We connect you with a licensed bail bondsman in minutes
4. You pay 10% of the bail amount
5. Your loved one gets released — typically 4–8 hours

Related: Broward County Jail Info | Broward County Bail Schedule | Start Bail Process