Deerfield Beach City Family Court Records are held by the Broward County Clerk of Court, not the city clerk. The 17th Judicial Circuit handles all family law cases in this area.
Residents of Deerfield Beach, Florida file for divorce, custody, child support, paternity, and adoption through the county court. The Broward County Clerk keeps a full record of every case filed since the court was set up. You can look at most of these records online or in person at the clerk’s main office in Fort Lauderdale. This page shows you how to get the records you need, what types of files exist, and where to ask for help.
Where to Get Deerfield Beach Family Court Records
All family court records for people who live in Deerfield Beach go through the Broward County Clerk of Court. The city of Deerfield Beach does not store court files. The county clerk’s office acts as the main record keeper for the 17th Judicial Circuit, which covers every city in Broward County. This includes Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Miramar, and Coral Springs. Knowing the right office saves you time and stops you from going to the wrong place.
The County Clerk Office
The Broward County Clerk of Court, Brenda D. Forman, is the elected official who runs the records office. Her office stores divorce decrees, custody orders, child support records, paternity judgments, and adoption final orders. The main office sits at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, about 20 minutes south of Deerfield Beach by car. You can walk into the office Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to ask for records in person. The clerk’s staff will help you look up a case by name or case number. You will need a valid photo ID to enter the building.
City vs County Clerk
Deerfield Beach has two different clerk offices that serve very different jobs. The City of Deerfield Beach Clerk sits at 150 NE 2nd Avenue and handles local city business. This office keeps city commission minutes, building permits, city contracts, and local ordinance records. It does not keep any family court files. The Broward County Clerk at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale keeps all court records. For any divorce, custody, support, paternity, or adoption record, always contact the county clerk. Going to the city clerk for court records will waste your trip.
The 17th Judicial Circuit
Deerfield Beach sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit is one of 20 judicial circuits in the state. The main courthouse for family law cases in the 17th Circuit is the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Family cases are heard in the Family Division of this court. The judges in the Family Division decide divorce, custody, support, and other family law matters. All paperwork filed with these judges becomes part of the public record kept by the clerk. The 17th Circuit also handles appeals from county court for family matters. Family law cases in Broward County follow Florida’s family statutes and local court rules. The clerk’s office is the official custodian of all records created through these courts.
How to Search Family Court Records Online
You do not need to drive to Fort Lauderdale to see family court records. The Broward County Clerk runs a free online search tool. You can also use the statewide Florida portal. Both tools let you look up cases by party name, case number, or filing date. The records you see online are official and updated daily. Some files need a small fee to view or print, but basic case data is free. Most people can finish their search in a few minutes from home.
Broward Clerk Online Portal
The Broward County Clerk website at www.browardclerk.org has a Case Search tool. Click the “Case Search” link on the home page to start. You can type in a last name, first name, or full name. You can also type in a case number if you have one. Add a date range to narrow the search. The results show case type, filing date, parties listed, and judge. Click on a case number to see the full docket. The docket lists every paper filed and every hearing held. Some documents are free to view. Others cost $1.00 per page to print or download. The portal works on a phone, tablet, or computer. No special software is needed.
Florida E-Filing Portal
The statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 Florida counties. You can search for Deerfield Beach family cases here too. This tool works well if you need to search across more than one county. The portal also lets lawyers and self-represented parties file new papers. To search for records, pick “Broward County” from the county list. Then enter your search terms. The portal links to the same case data the county clerk uses, so the records match what you would see in person. The system is run by the Florida Courts system and updates records as soon as the clerk enters them into the official docket.
Search by Name or Case Number
Two main search methods work on both portals. Searching by name asks for the last name of either party in the case. The results show all cases where that person appears. Searching by case number is faster when you know it. Florida case numbers follow a set format, like “FMCE-XX-XXXXXX.” Family cases in Broward County start with the letters “FM” for family matters. Each case number is unique and stays with the file forever. The clerk can help you find a case number if you only know names and dates. The name search is helpful for people who need to look up past cases involving themselves or family members.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Family court covers many different legal matters. Each type creates its own set of records. The clerk keeps all of these on file. Some are open to the public. Others are sealed by court order. Common family court record types include divorce files, child custody files, child support orders, paternity cases, adoption decrees, and domestic violence injunctions. Knowing the type of record you need helps you ask the right questions when you call the clerk.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are some of the most common family court files. They include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the financial affidavit from each spouse, settlement agreements, and the final judgment of divorce. The final judgment states how the court divided property, debt, and other issues. You can view most divorce records online through the clerk portal. Certified copies of the final judgment cost a small fee per page. These certified copies are what you need to show you are legally divorced, for name changes, or for remarriage. Florida does not require a waiting period to remarry after the final judgment is entered, but you do need the certified copy as proof. The clerk’s office keeps these files for the rest of your life.
Custody and Support Records
Child custody cases create parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and orders about parental rights. These papers show who makes decisions for the child and when each parent has time with them. Child support records include income information, payment orders, and payment history. Florida uses a strict formula to set child support based on each parent’s income and the child’s needs. You can view custody and support orders online. Some details, like bank account numbers, get redacted for privacy. Certified copies of these orders come from the clerk’s office. The Florida Department of Revenue also handles child support payments and can show payment history.
Adoption and Paternity Records
Adoption records in Florida are sealed by law once the adoption is final. Only the adopted person, the adoptive parents, or a court order can open them. The original birth certificate also gets sealed and a new one is issued. Paternity records are more open. They show who the legal father is and often include DNA test results. These records are important for child support, custody, and inheritance. You can ask the clerk for paternity records if you are a party to the case or have a legal reason to see them. Paternity cases also create orders about the child’s last name, custody, and support once the father is legally established.
Domestic Violence Records
Domestic violence cases in Broward County move through the court fast. A victim can ask for a temporary injunction, which a judge can grant the same day. The clerk keeps the petition, the injunction order, and any hearing notes. These records are public, but the petitioner’s address is kept private for safety. You can look up active injunctions through the clerk portal. The clerk does not give out sealed addresses or phone numbers. The sheriff’s office enforces injunctions and can answer questions about how one works. Repeat violations of an injunction are criminal offenses and lead to arrest.
How to Get Certified Copies of Records
A regular printout from the online portal works for many needs. Some uses, like immigration, name change, or court filings in another state, need a certified copy. A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp from the clerk and shows it is a true copy of the court file. The clerk is the only office that can issue certified copies. You can get them in person, by mail, or sometimes online for a small extra fee.
In-Person Requests
Go to the Broward County Clerk’s main office at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale to get a certified copy in person. Bring a valid photo ID. Bring the case number if you have it. Bring the names of the parties and the year the case was filed if you do not have the case number. The clerk will search the file and print the certified copy. You pay at the cashier window before leaving. The whole process usually takes less than 30 minutes during off-peak hours. Mornings right after opening tend to be the busiest. Late mornings or early afternoons are the best time for a quick visit.
Online and Mail Requests
You can order certified copies online through the Broward Clerk website. The system charges a fee per document plus a small service charge. You pay with a credit or debit card. The clerk mails the certified copy to you in a few business days. You can also send a written request by mail. Include the case number, names of the parties, your contact information, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail the request to the Records Department at the main office. Make sure to include a check or money order for the correct fee. The clerk will return the certified copy in the envelope you provided.
Fees and Payment
Certified copies in Broward County cost $1.00 per page for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. A typical divorce judgment runs 5 to 15 pages. Most certified copies cost between $5 and $30. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Online orders use a card only. Make checks payable to “Broward County Clerk of Court.” Fees can change, so call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 to confirm current rates before you order. The fee structure is set by Florida law and is the same across the state for most certified copies.
What Records Are Sealed or Confidential
Most family court records are public, but some get sealed by court order or state law. Sealed records cannot be viewed by the public, even online. The clerk will tell you if a record is sealed and explain the steps to open it. Some records are partly redacted, meaning you can see the file but some personal details are blacked out. The clerk does this to protect private information like social security numbers, bank accounts, and the addresses of victims.
Adoption Sealed Records
Florida law seals all adoption records once the court issues the final decree. This protects the privacy of birth parents, adoptive parents, and the adopted child. An adult adopted person can ask the court to open their own adoption file after they turn 18. They must file a petition and serve notice to the other parties. A judge decides whether to unseal the file. Birth parents and adoptive parents have rights to ask the court for contact information in some cases through the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry. The registry is run by the Florida Department of Children and Families and helps match birth relatives who want to make contact.
Juvenile Records
Records about children involved in family cases get special protection. Files involving child abuse, neglect, or dependency are sealed. Only the parents, lawyers, and court officials can see them. The clerk’s office cannot give these files to the public. A court order is needed to open a sealed juvenile file. The court looks at the reason for the request and the best interest of the child before unsealing anything. Even the parties to the case must ask the court for permission to get the full file in some situations. This rule applies across Florida, not only in Broward County.
Personal Information Redactions
The clerk removes personal details from public files on a regular schedule. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and the addresses of domestic violence victims are redacted. The redaction protects people from identity theft and harm. You will see blank lines or black bars in place of the removed data when you view a redacted file online. The full data is still in the court’s sealed record, but only the parties to the case and their lawyers can see it. The clerk follows the redaction rules set by the Florida Supreme Court and federal privacy laws.
Broward County Clerk Contact and Location
The Broward County Clerk of Court runs the records office for all of Broward County, including Deerfield Beach. You can reach the clerk by phone, online, or in person. The main office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale, about 15 miles south of Deerfield Beach. Free public parking is available near the courthouse. The office is closed on state and federal holidays. For driving directions, the address can be found on Google Maps at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Broward County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
| Main Office Address | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Main Office Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Website | www.browardclerk.org |
| Case Search Portal | www.browardclerk.org (Case Search link) |
| Florida Courts E-Filing | www.myflcourtaccess.com |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Payment Methods | Cash, check, money order, credit card, debit card |
| Certified Copy Fee | $1.00 per page (subject to change) |
For record requests by mail, send your written request, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Records Department at the main office address above. Include the case number if you have it. The clerk processes mail requests within 5 to 10 business days. You can also email general questions through the contact form on the clerk’s website. The Records Department staff answer calls during business hours. Long wait times are common on Mondays and the day after holidays. Midweek calls usually connect fastest.
Frequently Asked Questions
People who need Deerfield Beach family court records often ask the same questions. The answers below cover the most common ones. The information is based on current clerk office rules and Florida law as of 2026. If your question is not covered here, call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 for the latest details. You can also send a question through the contact form on www.browardclerk.org. The clerk’s office updates its rules and fee schedules as needed, so checking ahead of time helps avoid delays.
Can I view Deerfield Beach divorce records for free?
Yes. Basic case data, docket entries, and most non-sealed documents are free to view through the Broward Clerk Case Search tool. You only pay a fee when you want to print, download, or get a certified copy. The free online view is enough for many needs, like checking if a divorce is final or seeing the case history. The free records are updated every business day. For certified copies or large document sets, you need to pay the per-page fee set by Florida law. There is no subscription or signup needed to use the free search tool. Anyone with internet access can run a search at any time of day or night.
Do I need to be a lawyer to look up family court records?
No. The Broward Clerk Case Search tool is open to everyone. You do not need to be a lawyer or have a legal reason. Anyone can search for non-sealed family court records by name or case number. The system does not ask for proof of identity to view public records. The clerk’s office is bound by Florida’s public records law, which says court files must be open to the public unless a judge orders them sealed. A few sensitive files, like adoption and juvenile dependency records, stay sealed even from the public. Law firms and the public use the same portal and see the same data.
How long does it take to get a certified copy by mail?
Mail requests for certified copies usually take 5 to 10 business days to process and ship. The time depends on the size of the file and how busy the records department is. Online orders for certified copies often ship faster, sometimes within 2 to 3 business days. In-person requests give you the certified copy the same day, often within 30 minutes. Plan ahead for mail requests if you have a deadline. Add time for postal delivery, which can take another 3 to 5 business days within the United States. The clerk recommends ordering online for the fastest mail delivery.
What if the records I need are sealed?
You must file a motion with the court to open sealed records. The judge will look at your reason for asking and decide whether to unseal the file. Common reasons that work include a legal claim, a criminal case, or a personal need like a medical or immigration matter. The court often requires notice to the other parties before opening a file. A lawyer can help you draft the motion. The clerk cannot open sealed records for you without a court order, even if you are a party to the case. The court may set a hearing where both sides can speak before the judge makes a decision.
Are divorce records from 50 years ago still on file?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk keeps family court records going back many decades. Older paper files are stored in the clerk’s archive and can be pulled on request. Some very old files may take longer to find because they are not yet scanned into the digital system. The clerk charges the same certified copy fee for old records as for new ones. Call the main office to ask about a specific old case. Staff can tell you if the file is on site or if it needs to be pulled from the archive. Records from before the 1970s are still available but may need extra time to locate.
Can I see child custody and parenting plan records online?
Yes, most child custody orders and parenting plans are public and can be viewed through the Case Search tool. The parenting plan shows the time-sharing schedule, decision-making duties, and other details the judge ordered. Sensitive personal data, like social security numbers and bank account details, are redacted. The full sealed file is not online. For certified copies of the parenting plan, order them through the clerk as you would for any other document. The fee is the same per-page rate. Some custody records are sealed when there is a concern about child safety, but most routine cases are open to the public.
Is there a way to get records if I do not know the case number?
Yes. The clerk can search by the full name of either party in the case, the approximate filing date, and the case type. Bring as much detail as you can when you visit the office. The staff will run a name search and pull up matching cases. Online, you can do a name search on the Case Search tool by typing the last name and first name. Add a date range and case type to narrow the results. The clerk can also help by phone if you give them the names and years. A common name may return many results, so the more details you provide, the faster the search goes.