Broward County probate court records are public court files kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These records cover every type of probate case filed in the county.
They include wills, estate files, guardianship papers, and trust documents. Anyone can look at these records for free or pay a small fee for certified copies. This page explains how to search these records, what they contain, and how to get death certificates and other Florida vital records.
What Are Broward County Probate Court Records?
Probate court records are legal papers filed after someone dies. They show how a person’s money, property, and other items were handled after death. In Broward County, all probate cases go through the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. The clerk’s office stores these files and lets the public view them.
What These Records Show
Each probate file has many documents. You can see the will, if one exists. You can see who was named to handle the estate. You can see lists of property, debts, and items owned by the person who died. You can see how money was paid out to people who were owed money. You can see who received the rest of the estate.
- Last will and testament
- Petition for administration
- Letters of administration
- Inventory of assets
- Creditor claims
- Final accounting
- Order of distribution
Who Files These Records
Family members, attorneys, and court-appointed representatives file these records. A surviving spouse may open a case. Adult children may open a case. A named executor in a will may open a case. The court names a personal representative if no will exists. This person handles the estate and files the required papers.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Office Details
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs the probate division. Clerk Brenda D. Forman leads this office. The main office sits in Fort Lauderdale. It serves all of Broward County, which has nearly two million people.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk’s main office is at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes on Florida state holidays. You can visit in person to search records or ask questions at the public counter.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
| Current Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
| Street Address | 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Main Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Judicial Circuit | 17th Judicial Circuit |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
How to Contact the Clerk
You can reach the clerk’s office by phone at (954) 831-6565. You can visit the office in person during business hours. You can use the online portal at browardclerk.org for basic record searches. The clerk’s office handles questions about case status, filing requirements, and copy fees.
How to Search Probate Records Online
The Broward County Clerk offers a free online case search tool. You can use it any time of day. You do not need an account. The tool shows basic case data and filing dates.
Official Clerk Search Portal
Go to browardclerk.org to use the official search tool. Click on the court records link. Type in the last name of the person who died. Add a first name if you know it. The system will show all matching probate cases. Click on a case number to see the full file. You will see a list of all papers filed in that case.
What the Online Portal Shows
The portal lists case numbers, filing dates, and party names. It shows hearing dates and judge names. It lists the type of probate case. It shows a list of every document filed. Some documents have images you can view. Older files from the 1980s and 1990s may not have digital images. You may need to visit the office for these older files.
Records Not Available Online
Some records are only at the physical office. Sealed files are not online. Mental health records tied to guardianship cases are not online. Old paper files from before 1980 are not online. To see these records, call (954) 831-6565 first. Ask if the file is in storage. The clerk can pull the file for you or set a time for you to view it.
Florida Death Records and Probate Cases
Florida death records play a key role in probate cases. The court needs an official death certificate to open a probate file. The death certificate proves the person has died. It shows the date and place of death. It lists the cause of death. It gives the person’s full legal name and date of birth.
How to Get a Florida Death Certificate
You can order a Florida death certificate from the Florida Department of Health. You can also order from the county health department where the person died. The cost is set by state law. Standard processing takes 5 to 10 business days. Rush service is available for an extra fee. Same-day service is available at some county offices.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps all Florida death records from 1917 to today. You can order certified copies online, by mail, or in person. The bureau is part of the Florida Department of Health. Their main office is in Jacksonville. You can reach them at (904) 359-6900.
| Record Type | Time Period | Where to Order |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Death Certificate | 1917 to present | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or county health department |
| Florida Death Index Entry | 1877 to present | Florida State Archives or online genealogy sites |
| Broward County Death Record | 1917 to present | Broward County Health Department |
| Historical Death Records | Pre-1917 | Florida State Archives |
Florida Death Certificate Replacement
You can order a replacement death certificate at any time. There is no deadline. Many people order replacement copies for insurance claims, bank matters, and real estate transfers. Each certified copy costs the same set fee. You can order multiple copies in one request.
Types of Probate Cases in Broward County
Florida law allows three main types of probate. Broward County courts handle all three. The right type depends on the size of the estate and how long ago the person died.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is the full probate process. It applies when the estate is worth more than $75,000. It applies when the person died less than two years ago. The court names a personal representative. This person gathers all assets, pays debts, and distributes what remains. Formal administration takes at least 4 to 6 months. Complex cases take longer.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a faster option. It works when the estate is worth $75,000 or less. It also works when the person died more than two years ago. No personal representative is named. A lawyer files a short petition. The court signs an order that distributes the assets. Summary cases close in 2 to 3 months.
Disposition Without Administration
This is the simplest option. It works only for very small estates. There must be no real estate. The total value cannot exceed the cost of final illness and funeral. The cap is $6,000. The filing must happen within 2 years of death. A family member files a short form. The clerk signs a letter that lets one person collect the assets.
Guardianship Cases
Guardianship cases go through the same probate division. A guardian is named to care for a minor child or an adult who cannot manage their own affairs. Florida law under Chapter 744 controls these cases. The court reviews every guardianship case. Many guardianship files are sealed to protect privacy.
Filing Fees and Copy Costs
Filing fees in Broward County probate court follow Florida law. The cost to open a formal administration case is over $300. The cost to file a summary administration is lower. There are fees for certified copies of court papers. There are fees for recording documents.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration Filing Fee | $301 plus related costs |
| Summary Administration Filing Fee | $235 plus related costs |
| Disposition Without Administration | $235 plus related costs |
| Certified Copy of Court Document | $1 per page plus $2 per certification |
| Florida Death Certificate (certified copy) | $10 to $15 per copy |
| Florida Death Certificate (rush order) | Additional $10 to $20 |
Florida Vital Records Office
The Florida Office of Vital Statistics keeps all birth and death records for the state. It is part of the Florida Department of Health. You can order records through their website. You can order by mail. You can order in person at county health departments across Florida.
Florida Vital Records Office Contact
Office: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 359-6900. Website: FloridaHealth.gov. Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on state holidays.
Florida Death Records by County
Each Florida county keeps its own death records. You can order a certified copy from the county where the person died. The cost is the same as the state rate. Processing time is faster for local orders. Many counties offer same-day service for in-person requests.
| County | Health Department Phone |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade County | (305) 324-2400 |
| Broward County | (954) 467-4700 |
| Palm Beach County | (561) 840-4500 |
| Hillsborough County | (813) 307-8000 |
| Orange County | (407) 858-1400 |
| Pinellas County | (727) 824-6900 |
| Duval County | (904) 253-1000 |
Requesting Certified Copies of Records
You can request certified copies of probate court records. Certified copies have the court seal. Banks, insurance companies, and other agencies require certified copies. You can order them in person, by mail, or online. The clerk charges a fee for each certified page.
Steps to Order Certified Copies by Mail
Step 1: Write a letter that includes the case number, full name of the person who died, and date of death. Step 2: Include a check or money order for the exact amount. Step 3: Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Step 4: Mail the request to the Broward County Clerk’s office. The clerk will mail the certified copy back to you.
- Write a letter with case number, full name, and date of death
- Include a check or money order for the correct amount
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Mail the request to the Broward County Clerk’s office
Steps to Order Online
Step 1: Go to browardclerk.org. Step 2: Find the case using the search tool. Step 3: Pick the documents you need. Step 4: Pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Step 5: Download the documents or wait for them in the mail. Most online orders process in 1 to 2 business days.
- Go to browardclerk.org
- Find the case using the search tool
- Pick the documents you need
- Pay the fee with a credit or debit card
- Download the documents or wait for them in the mail
Genealogy Research and Historical Records
Probate records are a top source for genealogy research. They show family names, dates, and property. The Florida State Archives holds older records. The Broward County Historical Commission also has older files. Online genealogy sites have indexed many Florida death records.
Florida State Archives Death Records
The Florida State Archives is in Tallahassee. It holds Florida death records from 1877 to 1917. These early records are on microfilm. You can visit the archives in person. You can also request copies by mail. The archives charge a small fee per copy.
Florida Death Index Database
The Florida death index is a database of all Florida deaths from 1877 to today. You can search it by name. The index shows the county of death, the year, and the certificate number. You can use the certificate number to order a full death certificate copy.
Funeral Home and Cemetery Records
Funeral home records show burial details. They list the funeral home name, address, and date of service. Cemetery records show the plot number and date of burial. Many funeral homes in Broward County have been in business for over 50 years. Their records can fill gaps in official files.
Common Probate Filing Questions
Many people have questions about probate filing. Here are the most common questions and clear answers to help you start the process.
Where Must I File the Case?
You must file in the county where the person lived at the time of death. If the person lived in Broward County, you file in Fort Lauderdale. If the person owned property in other counties, you still file in Broward. The property paperwork can be handled through ancillary filings later.
What Papers Do I Need to File?
You need the original death certificate. You need the will, if one exists. You need a petition form. You need an estimate of the estate value. You may need names and addresses of heirs. Your attorney can help you gather all the right papers.
How Long Does Probate Take?
Simple summary administration cases take 2 to 3 months. Formal administration cases take 4 to 12 months. Contested cases can take years. The exact time depends on estate size, debt claims, and family disputes.
Florida Department of Health Death Records
The Florida Department of Health runs the state vital records system. You can order death records through their statewide portal. You can also visit local county health departments. Most orders process in 5 to 10 business days.
Florida Death Records Online Order
You can order Florida death records online through the FloridaHealth.gov website. The system is open 24 hours a day. You need a credit card to pay. You will get a confirmation email. The certified copy arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
Florida Death Certificate Mail Request
You can order by mail using a state form. The form is on the Florida Health website. Mail the form, a check, and a self-addressed envelope to the Jacksonville office. Mail orders take 2 to 3 weeks. The cost is set by state law.
Florida Death Record Verification
You may need to verify a death record for legal reasons. The Florida Department of Health offers a verification service. The service confirms a death record is real. It costs more than a standard copy. Banks and courts may ask for verification.
Records for Other Florida Counties
Each Florida county has its own clerk office. You can order probate records from any Florida county. The process is the same as Broward County. The fees are set by state law. The same three probate types apply statewide.
| County | Clerk Office Location |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade County | 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 |
| Palm Beach County | 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Hillsborough County | 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Orange County | 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 |
| Pinellas County | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Duval County | 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
Help and Legal Resources
You can handle many probate cases on your own. The Florida Courts Self-Help Center has forms and step-by-step guides. The forms are approved by the Florida Supreme Court. You can use them for free.
Free Self-Help Forms
The Florida Courts website has probate forms you can download. The forms include petitions, orders, and notices. You fill them out and file them with the clerk. The forms work for simple summary administration cases. Complex cases need an attorney.
Legal Aid in Broward County
Legal Aid Service of Broward County helps low-income residents. They help with probate, guardianship, and other civil cases. Call (954) 765-8950 for help. You must meet income rules to qualify. There is no charge if you qualify.
Broward County Bar Association
The Broward County Bar Association gives lawyer referrals. Call (954) 764-8040 to get a list of local probate attorneys. Many offer free first meetings. You can ask about fees, experience, and case handling. Pick an attorney with probate experience.
Florida Probate Law Basics
Florida probate law follows the Florida Probate Code. The code covers wills, estates, and guardianships. Chapter 731 has the general rules. Chapter 732 covers wills. Chapter 733 covers estate administration. Chapter 735 covers small estates. Chapter 744 covers guardianship.
The Will Filing Rule
Florida law says anyone who has a will must file it with the clerk within 10 days of learning about the death. This rule applies even if no probate case is opened. The will is kept in the official records. It becomes a public record once filed.
Who Can Be a Personal Representative?
The person named in the will can serve. A spouse can serve. An adult child can serve. A parent can serve. Any adult Florida resident can serve. The court must approve the choice. Out-of-state residents can serve with a Florida resident as a co-representative.
Official Contact Information
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office for probate records. The address, phone, and hours are below. The office serves all of Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 Southeast 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics handles all Florida death certificates. Their main office is in Jacksonville, Florida. You can order death certificates online, by mail, or in person at local county health departments.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: FloridaHealth.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward Probate Records
These questions cover the most common issues people face with Broward County probate records and Florida death records. Each answer gives clear, direct facts to help you move forward with your case or request.
How Do I Get a Florida Death Certificate Quickly?
Order through the Florida Department of Health online portal. Choose rush processing at checkout. The rush option cuts delivery time to 3 to 5 business days. Same-day service is available in person at the Jacksonville office and some county health departments. You need a photo ID and proof of relationship. The cost is higher for rush and same-day service. Broward County Health Department also offers same-day pickup for in-person orders placed before noon.
Can I View Broward Probate Records for Free?
Yes. The online portal at browardclerk.org lets you search and view case lists for free. Viewing most documents online is free. You only pay when you want a certified copy with the court seal. Print copies from home are not certified. They work for personal use but not for legal filings. The clerk’s public computers at the Fort Lauderdale office offer free viewing of all public records.
What If I Do Not Know the Case Number?
Use the name search tool on the Broward clerk website. Type in the last name of the person who died. Add a first name if you know it. The system shows all matching cases. The list shows case numbers, filing dates, and case types. Pick the right case from the list to see full details. You can also call the clerk’s office with the full name and date of death for a manual lookup.
Are Old Florida Death Records Public?
Florida death records become public after 50 years. Records from 1877 to 1975 are open to the public. Records less than 50 years old need proof of relationship. You must show you are a family member, legal representative, or someone with a direct legal need. The Florida State Archives holds the older records. Genealogists and family researchers often use these older public files for tree building.
How Long Are Probate Records Kept?
Broward County keeps probate records forever. Paper files are kept in storage. Old files are often scanned into digital form. You can order copies at any time. There is no cutoff date for record requests. Storage fees may apply for very old files stored off-site. The clerk’s office works to digitize older files each year, with full coverage planned for all pre-2000 cases by 2027.
Can I Get a Death Certificate From Another Florida County?
Yes. You can order from any Florida county where the death happened. You can also order from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The state office has records from all Florida counties. Processing time is the same statewide. The cost is the same statewide. Out-of-state applicants can mail requests to the Jacksonville office with the right paperwork and fees.
What If the Will Was Never Filed?
Florida law requires filing a will within 10 days of learning about the death. The clerk can help you file it now. There is no penalty for late filing by a family member. The will becomes part of the public record. The court then decides how to handle the estate based on the will. If the will is lost, a copy may be filed with witness statements to prove its terms.