Hollywood City probate court records cover every estate and will filing made by Hollywood, Florida residents through the Broward County court system. These records include petitions, wills, court orders, inventory reports, accountings, and final discharge documents.
Every Hollywood resident who owned property or assets at the time of death has a probate file that becomes a public record once filed. The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps all of these files at the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The clerk’s office also runs the public search system that lets anyone pull up case details online or in person.
Which Court Handles Hollywood Probate Cases
Hollywood has no local probate court of its own. All probate matters for Hollywood residents go through the Broward County court system, which is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers all of Broward County, including cities like Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Davie, and Miramar. The circuit handles thousands of probate cases each year, making it one of the busiest probate courts in the state. Most filings come from families settling the estates of older residents who pass away in South Florida.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Explained
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court serves only Broward County. It has a dedicated probate division that handles estate cases, guardianships, and trust matters. Judges rotate through this division on a set schedule, so the judge assigned to a new case depends on when it gets filed. The main office for the 17th Circuit sits at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, which is the same address as the Broward County Courthouse. Hollywood residents who need to attend a probate hearing must travel to this Fort Lauderdale location. The trip takes about 25 to 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic on I-95 or US-1.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Role
The Broward County Clerk of Courts acts as the official record keeper for all probate cases filed in the circuit. Brenda Forman serves as the current clerk. Her office accepts new filings, stores case documents, issues certified copies, and runs the public search system. The clerk’s office also processes payments for filing fees and copy requests. Anyone who needs to open a new estate case or pull old records must work through this office. The clerk does not give legal advice, but the staff can answer procedural questions and direct people to the right forms.
Main Courthouse Location and Hours
The main Broward County Courthouse sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The building opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone line for the clerk’s office is (954) 831-6565. The clerk’s website at browardclerk.org provides a full list of department contacts, forms, and fee schedules. Hollywood residents can visit the South Regional Courthouse at 3550 Hollywood Boulevard for some clerk services. The main probate counter operates out of Fort Lauderdale. The South Regional office handles some civil filings and passport services but defers complex probate questions to the main office.
| Office Detail | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Clerk of Court | Brenda Forman |
| Main Address | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone Number | (954) 831-6565 |
| Website | www.browardclerk.org |
| Office Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| South Regional Office | 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021 |
How to Search Probate Records Online
The Broward County Clerk offers free public access to most probate records through two main online tools. These systems let anyone search cases by name, case number, or attorney name. Records cover most cases filed in recent decades. Older files from before the digital system started may need an in-person visit or a phone request to the clerk’s office. The online tools work on phones, tablets, and computers through any modern web browser.
Using the Broward Clerk Online Portal
The main search tool sits on the browardclerk.org website. Users can click on the public records search link and choose probate as the case type. The search form asks for the deceased person’s last name, first name, and birth year if known. Results show the case number, filing date, judge assigned, and current status. Clicking on a case number opens a docket list with all filed documents. Many of these documents are viewable as PDF files right in the browser. The portal updates daily, so new filings appear within 24 hours of submission.
Florida Courts E-Filing System
MyFloridaCourtAccess.com provides another way to look up probate cases across all Florida counties. This statewide system lets users search Broward County probate cases alongside cases from other circuits. Attorney accounts get full access to file new documents, but the public search function only allows viewing. The system works well for checking the status of a case or pulling basic docket entries. The e-filing portal has been the required filing method for licensed Florida attorneys since 2020, so most new cases show up here first.
Searching by Name or Case Number
Name searches work best when the spelling is correct and the death date is known. The system pulls cases that match the name across all years filed. Users who only know the case number can type it directly into the case number search field for faster results. If a name search returns too many results, adding a year range or middle initial helps narrow the list. Phone support at (954) 831-6565 can help with tricky searches. The clerk’s office staff can run a name search in person for people who do not have internet access.
- Open a web browser and go to browardclerk.org
- Click the public records search link on the homepage
- Choose probate as the case type from the dropdown menu
- Type the deceased person’s last name and first name
- Add the year of death if known to narrow the results
- Review the list of matching cases with case numbers and dates
- Click the case number to open the full docket and document list
Types of Probate Cases Filed in Hollywood
Florida law recognizes four main types of probate proceedings. Each type fits a different set of facts about the estate. The right type depends on the value of assets, the presence of a will, and how long the person has been dead. Hollywood residents use the same Florida statutes that apply across the state. The court decides which type fits each new case based on the petition filed by the personal representative or the heirs.
Formal Administration Cases
Formal administration applies to estates worth more than $75,000. This is the standard probate process used in most Hollywood cases. A personal representative gets appointed by the court to manage the estate. The representative must notify creditors through a published notice, prepare an inventory of all assets, pay valid debts, and distribute what remains to heirs named in the will or determined by law. Florida law requires a licensed attorney for formal administration. The process takes at least six months and often runs longer for large estates or contested matters. Many Hollywood formal cases involve real property that needs to be sold or transferred to heirs.
Summary Administration Cases
Summary administration works for smaller estates. It applies when the gross estate value is $75,000 or less. It also applies when the person has been dead for two years or more, no matter the estate size. A single petition gets filed, and the court issues an order directing how to split the assets. No personal representative gets appointed, and no ongoing court supervision happens. An attorney is not required by law, but many people still hire one for help with the paperwork. Summary administration is common in Hollywood for residents who passed away without much property or who died more than two years before the family got around to filing.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest path. It only applies when the estate has no real property, no formal debts, and the only assets are funds needed to cover final medical and funeral bills. The total value must stay under $6,000. The clerk handles this type of case without a full court hearing. It works well for low-income estates with very few assets. Family members can file a simple petition that lists the assets, the funeral and medical costs, and the names of the heirs. The clerk signs off, and the heirs collect the funds.
Ancillary Probate Proceedings
Ancillary probate applies when someone who lived in another state dies owning property in Florida. The main probate happens in the home state, and a second proceeding runs in Florida to handle the Florida-only assets. Hollywood sees these cases when out-of-state property owners own condos or land in the area. The ancillary case stays separate from the main case but must close before the Florida assets can transfer to the new owners. Ancillary cases often run as formal administration in Florida even when the home state case is a summary proceeding.
Guardianship Cases
Guardianship cases fall under the probate division. These cases cover adults who can no longer manage their own affairs and minors who inherit money or property. The court appoints a guardian to make decisions for the protected person. Guardians must file annual reports and accounting statements. Hollywood residents who serve as guardians must file these reports with the Broward County Clerk. Guardianship cases stay open for the life of the protected person or until the court closes them.
Trust Cases
Some Hollywood residents set up living trusts during their lifetime. Trust assets do not go through probate. Trust cases come to the probate division only when someone files a lawsuit about the trust. Trust litigation cases in Broward County get heard by the same probate judges. These cases can involve disputes between beneficiaries, claims of trustee misconduct, or questions about how the trust should be interpreted.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
The Broward County Clerk sets probate fees based on Florida Statutes and a local fee schedule. The amounts change from time to time, so it pays to call the clerk’s office before filing. Most fees can be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the courthouse. Online filers pay through the e-filing portal with a credit card. Checks must be made payable to the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
Formal Administration Fees
Opening a formal administration case costs around $400 or more. The exact fee ties to the size of the estate. Estates valued between $75,000 and $250,000 pay one rate, and larger estates pay a higher rate based on a percentage of the value. Each later filing carries its own fee, such as a petition for discharge or a motion to extend deadlines. Attorney accounts can file most documents online. Self-filers must submit paper copies at the clerk’s counter or by mail. Filing fees for formal administration are set by Florida Statute 28.2401 and updated by the Florida Legislature each year.
Summary Administration Fees
Summary administration costs less than formal administration. Expect to pay somewhere between $235 and $400 to open the case. The clerk will give the exact fee when called. Certified copies of the final order cost extra. Heirs usually need these certified copies to change titles on bank accounts, real estate, or vehicles. Summary administration fees stay the same no matter the size of the estate under $75,000. The fee is a flat rate set by state law.
Copy and Certification Costs
Certified copies of probate documents cost about $1.00 to $2.00 per page. A flat certification charge also applies to each certified document. Regular non-certified copies cost less, usually $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Public viewing of files at the courthouse is free, but copies cost money. Mail requests should include a check for the estimated amount plus a self-addressed stamped envelope. Online document downloads from the clerk’s portal cost a small fee per page for most documents.
Fee Waiver Options
People who cannot pay court costs can ask for a fee waiver. The request is made through an Affidavit of Indigency form filed with the clerk. If the court approves the request, the filing fee gets dropped. The form asks about income, assets, and monthly expenses. Legal aid groups can help low-income residents fill out this form. The court looks at federal poverty guidelines when deciding on fee waiver requests. A fee waiver does not cover certified copy fees, only the initial filing fee.
Wills and Public Records
Florida has strong public records laws. Most probate documents become public once filed with the court. This includes the petition to open the estate, the will, the inventory, accountings, and the final discharge order. Anyone can view or copy these records. You do not have to be a family member or a party to the case. Public access helps heirs, researchers, and creditors track the progress of an estate.
What Records Are Public
The will itself becomes a public record after the testator dies. The petition that opens the case is also public. Inventories of estate assets are public, though some sensitive details may be redacted by the court. Accountings that list income and expenses during probate are public. Court orders, motions, and the final discharge order are all public as well. Only specific sealed records stay private, and that requires a court order based on good cause. Mental health records and minor children’s details are examples of records that may be sealed.
Confidentiality of Pre-Death Wills
Wills deposited with the clerk before the testator dies stay sealed. Section 732.901 of the Florida Statutes says wills must be deposited with the circuit court clerk within 10 days of the testator’s death. The pre-death deposit option lets people store their will with the court ahead of time. The will stays private until the clerk gets a death certificate and opens a probate case. Even the family of the deceased cannot see a pre-death deposited will without a court order.
Requesting Copies by Mail or Online
Mail requests need the case name, case number, the specific documents wanted, a return address, and a check for fees. The clerk will mail the copies back with a bill or refund if the estimate was off. Online requests through the clerk’s portal work for most common documents. In-person requests at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse need a photo ID. The clerk will pull the file at the counter, or visitors can request files in advance for pickup. Mail requests typically take 7 to 14 business days to process.
Common Probate Procedures in Hollywood
Hollywood probate cases follow the same steps that apply across Florida. The exact procedure depends on the type of case filed. Hollywood residents should know the basic timeline and steps so they know what to expect. The process can feel slow, but each step serves a purpose in protecting heirs, creditors, and the court.
Opening the Estate
The first step in any Hollywood probate case is filing a petition with the Broward County Clerk. The petition names the deceased person, lists heirs, asks for appointment of a personal representative, and requests the type of administration. The clerk assigns a case number and routes the file to the probate division. A judge reviews the petition and signs an order opening the estate. This process takes about 2 to 4 weeks from filing to order in most cases.
Notifying Creditors
Florida law gives creditors a set time to file claims against the estate. The personal representative must publish a notice in a local newspaper once a week for two weeks. Creditors then have 3 months from the first publication to file claims. Known creditors must get direct notice by mail. The personal representative reviews all claims and either pays valid ones or objects in court. Creditor disputes can drag out the probate process.
Preparing the Inventory
The personal representative must file an inventory of all estate assets within 3 months of appointment. The inventory lists all property, bank accounts, investments, and personal effects with their values. The representative signs the inventory under oath. The court reviews the inventory and may ask for corrections. The inventory is a public record that any interested person can review.
Final Accounting and Discharge
Before the estate can close, the personal representative must file a final accounting. The accounting shows all money received and all money paid out during probate. Heirs get a chance to review the accounting and object to any charges. Once the court approves the accounting, the representative files a petition for discharge. The court signs a final discharge order that ends the representative’s duties and closes the case.
Legal Resources for Hollywood Residents
Hollywood residents who need help with probate have several options. Free legal aid serves low-income residents. Private attorneys offer paid services. The Florida Bar runs a statewide referral service. Public libraries also stock probate forms and self-help books. Senior centers in Hollywood often host legal aid clinics focused on estate matters.
Free Legal Aid Options
Legal Aid Service of Broward County provides free civil legal help to qualifying low-income residents. Probate matters fall within their coverage area. Their website is legalaidbroward.org. They also run walk-in clinics at local libraries in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Pompano Beach. Income limits apply, so check their website for the current thresholds before applying. Cases handled include summary administration, simple wills, and creditor disputes for clients who meet the income test.
Attorney Referral Services
The Broward County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service at browardbar.org. The Florida Bar runs a statewide referral at floridabar.org. Many probate attorneys offer a free first meeting to discuss the case. Ask about fee structures upfront. Some charge a flat fee for simple summary administrations, while others bill by the hour for complex formal administrations. Hourly rates for Broward County probate attorneys in 2026 range from $250 to $600 per hour.
Florida Probate Statutes
The full Florida Probate Code sits in Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes. Chapter 731 covers general provisions. Chapter 732 covers wills and intestate succession. Chapter 733 covers formal administration. Chapter 734 covers guardianship. Chapter 735 covers summary administration and disposition without administration. The statutes are free to read at leg.state.fl.us. These laws apply the same way to Hollywood residents as to all other Floridians. The statutes get updated by the Florida Legislature each year, so check for the most current version before relying on any statute.
Self-Help Resources
The Broward County Clerk’s website offers self-help resources for people filing without an attorney. The site has form templates, instructions, and frequently asked questions. The Hollywood public library stocks books on Florida probate law. The Broward County Law Library at the main courthouse also has legal self-help materials. The Florida Bar publishes free pamphlets on probate basics that can be downloaded from their website.
Hollywood Probate Court Contact and Location
The official Broward County Courthouse serves as the central hub for all Hollywood probate cases. The address sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale, about 12 miles north of Hollywood. Public transit routes connect the two cities through Broward County Transit. Free parking is available in the courthouse garage for visitors who drive. Visitors must pass through a security screening at the entrance.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: www.browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
South Regional Courthouse (limited services)
3550 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 831-7200
Website: www.browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
17th Judicial Circuit Court
Website: www.17th.flcourts.org
Phone: (954) 831-6906
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover common issues that come up for people searching Hollywood City probate court records. Each answer points to the right office, fee, or form. The details reflect current Florida law and Broward County clerk practices as of August 2026. Rules and fees can change, so always confirm with the clerk’s office before taking action on any estate matter.
How do I locate a Hollywood probate case by name?
Go to browardclerk.org and click the public records search link. Choose probate as the case type. Type the deceased person’s last name and first name. Add a year of death if known to narrow results. The system shows case numbers, filing dates, and judge assignments. Click any case number to open the full docket. Most documents are available as PDF downloads. If the name search returns no results, try variations of the name spelling, or call the clerk’s office at (954) 831-6565 for help with archived records that may not be in the digital system.
Are Hollywood probate records free to view?
Viewing records at the courthouse is free. Online viewing through the clerk’s portal is also free. Certified copies cost money, usually $1.00 to $2.00 per page plus a certification fee. Regular printed copies cost less than certified ones. Mail requests must include payment with the request. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for in-person payments. Online payments go through the portal with a credit card. Cash payments require exact change or a money order at the counter.
Can I see a will before the estate case opens?
No. A will deposited with the court before the testator dies stays sealed. The will only becomes public after the clerk gets a death certificate and opens a probate case. The personal representative named in the will can sometimes get early access through a court motion. Family members must wait for the case to open in most cases. The law treats pre-death wills as private documents to protect the testator’s right to change their will at any time. Wills filed in an emergency stay sealed until the proper case opens.
Formal vs. summary administration
Formal administration applies to estates worth more than $75,000. It requires a personal representative, court supervision, and an attorney. Summary administration applies to estates worth $75,000 or less, or to anyone dead for two years or more. Summary cases skip the personal representative step. Both result in a court order that lets heirs transfer assets. Formal cases take at least 6 months, while summary cases often close in 60 to 90 days. Summary cases cost less in filing fees and attorney fees. The choice between the two depends on estate value, timing, and family needs.
How long does a Hollywood probate case take?
Formal administration cases take at least six months. Complex cases with disputes or large estates can run for two years or more. Summary administration cases close much faster, often within 60 to 90 days. Disposition without administration can finish in a few weeks. The exact timeline depends on the facts of each case, including creditor claims, real property sales, will contests, and tax issues. Cases with no disputes and clear assets close the fastest. The 3-month creditor claim period is a built-in wait time for formal cases.
Do I need a lawyer to file a Hollywood probate case?
Florida law requires a lawyer for formal administration. Summary administration does not legally require a lawyer. Disposition without administration does not require a lawyer. Many people still hire a lawyer for summary cases to avoid mistakes. Self-filers can pick up forms at the clerk’s office or download them from browardclerk.org. The clerk’s office does not give legal advice, but the staff can explain how to fill out the forms. Mistakes in self-filed cases can lead to delays or rejected petitions that require refiling and extra fees.
Can out-of-state heirs access Hollywood probate records?
Yes. Florida public records laws apply the same way to out-of-state residents. Online access works from anywhere with an internet connection. Mail requests can be sent from out of state. Phone support at (954) 831-6565 helps with questions. Certified copies can be mailed to any U.S. address. The clerk’s office does not restrict access based on where the requester lives. International requests get the same access, though international shipping may add to the cost of certified copies. Apostille services for international use cost extra and require an additional request.