Miramar City probate court records are public files that show how the estates of people who lived in Miramar, Florida are settled after death. These records include wills, petitions, court orders, inventories, and discharge papers.
Because Miramar sits inside Broward County, all probate filings go through the Broward County Clerk of Courts under the 17th Judicial Circuit. Anyone can search these records, request copies, or use them for legal, family history, or financial reasons. This page explains where these records live, how to search them, what types of probate cases exist in Florida, what fees apply, and how death certificate and vital records connect to the probate process.
Where Miramar Probate Cases Are Filed
Miramar has no local probate court. The city falls under Broward County, so all estate filings go to the county courthouse. The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles the paperwork, stores the records, and issues certified copies to the public.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Office
The Clerk of Courts office for Broward County is the main hub for every probate matter tied to Miramar residents. Clerk Brenda Forman runs the office. Her team manages filings, collects fees, and keeps the public case search system up to date. The office serves only Broward County, which includes Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Davie.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Brenda Forman |
| Address | Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Website | www.browardclerk.org |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 17th Circuit |
17th Judicial Circuit Probate Division
The 17th Judicial Circuit oversees all probate judges for Broward County. Probate judges hear formal administration cases, sign off on summary administration orders, and handle guardianship filings. Cases are rotated between judges, and the clerk’s office can tell you which judge is assigned to a specific estate. The 17th Circuit website at 17th.flcourts.org posts administrative orders, court calendars, and probate division contacts that apply to Miramar cases.
How to Search Miramar Probate Records
Searching Miramar probate records is free and open to the public. Two main tools cover every estate filed in Broward County. The clerk’s website and the Florida statewide court access portal both let you look up cases by name or case number.
Broward Clerk Public Case Search
The Broward County Clerk’s website at browardclerk.org runs a public case search tool. You can type in a decedent’s last name or full name to see all matching probate cases. The system shows the case name, type, filing date, and docket entries. Many documents are available to view or download right from the docket. Older cases from before 2000 often require an in-person visit to the courthouse records room.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers all participating counties, including Broward. You can search dockets statewide without creating an account. To view full document images, you may need to visit the courthouse in person or order certified copies through the clerk. The portal works well for confirming whether an estate was opened in a different Florida county.
What You Need Before You Search
Before you start your search, gather as much detail as you can. A full legal name, date of death, and last known address help narrow the results. A case number speeds things up if you already have it. Without a case number, searching by last name brings up every match in the system. If the decedent lived in another Florida county at the time of death, that county’s clerk holds the file instead of Broward.
- Full legal name of the deceased
- Date of death or year of death
- Last known address in Florida
- Case number, if you have it
- Name of the personal representative, if known
Types of Probate Cases in Miramar and Broward County
Florida law under Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes sets out how estates must be handled. The right path depends on how much the estate is worth and how long ago the person died. Each type of case creates a different set of court records.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is the full probate process. It applies when the estate value exceeds $75,000. A personal representative is appointed by the court to manage the estate. That person must publish a notice to creditors, file an inventory of assets, pay valid debts, and distribute what remains to heirs. Florida law requires an attorney for most formal administration cases. The minimum time frame is six months from the date the court issues letters of administration.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a shorter, cheaper path. It applies when the gross estate is worth $75,000 or less, or when the decedent died more than two years ago. No personal representative is appointed. The court signs an order that directs how assets get transferred to heirs. This path works well for smaller Miramar estates and can finish in a few weeks when no one contests the paperwork.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the most basic option. It applies only when the deceased left no real property and the total assets are less than the cost of final medical and funeral bills, capped at $6,000. The clerk handles this at the counter with no full court hearing. It is not used often, but it solves very small estate problems quickly.
Ancillary Administration
Ancillary administration applies when a non-Florida resident dies owning real property in Broward County. A second Florida probate proceeding transfers the Florida property, while the primary administration happens in the decedent’s home state. Miramar sees these cases when a snowbird passes away leaving a home behind.
Fees for Miramar Probate Filings
Broward County clerk fees come from a mix of Florida statutes and local fee schedules. The amounts listed here are typical ranges as of 2026. Always call the clerk to confirm current rates before you file.
Standard Filing Fees
Formal administration cases carry an opening fee of about $400 or more, depending on the estate value. Each later filing has its own charge. Certified copies of court documents cost around $1.00 to $2.00 per page, plus a small per-document certification fee. Exemplified copies, which title companies and out-of-state agencies often require, cost more than regular certified copies.
Summary Administration Fees
Summary administration is cheaper to open. Expect a range of $235 to $400 for the initial petition. The clerk can quote the exact amount when you call (954) 831-6565. You will also need certified copies of the final order to transfer bank accounts or vehicles, so add copy fees to your budget.
Fee Waivers and Reduced Costs
People who qualify as low-income can ask for a fee waiver. Submit an affidavit of indigency with your filing packet. If the court approves it, the filing fee drops to zero. The clerk’s office has affidavit forms at the counter and often posts them on the website.
| Filing Type | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration Opening | $400 and up |
| Summary Administration Petition | $235 to $400 |
| Disposition Without Administration | Under $100 |
| Certified Copies (per page) | $1.00 to $2.00 |
| Exemplified Copies | Higher than certified |
Public Access to Miramar Probate Records
Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, makes most probate records open to anyone. Petitions, wills admitted to probate, court orders, inventories, and discharge documents are all public. You do not need to be a family member or have a legal stake in the estate to view or copy these files.
What Records Are Public
Once a probate case opens, the petition, will, order admitting the will, letters of administration, inventory, final accounting, and discharge become public. Anyone can ask for a copy. The clerk charges a small fee per page plus a certification fee per document.
What Records Stay Sealed
A will deposited before the testator dies stays confidential during that person’s lifetime. After death, the will holder must deposit the will with the circuit court clerk within 10 days under section 732.901 of the Florida Statutes. Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers are often redacted before public review. Some guardianship files are restricted by court order.
How to Get Copies In Person or By Mail
For in-person requests, bring a photo ID and the case number if you have it. The clerk’s office is on the first floor of the Broward County Courthouse. For mail requests, send a letter with the case name, case number, the specific documents you need, your return address, and a check for the estimated fees. The clerk mails the copies back to you within a few business days.
- Photo ID for in-person pickup
- Case name and number
- List of specific documents needed
- Return address and contact phone
- Check or money order for fees
Florida Death Certificates and Probate Records
Florida death certificates and probate records often work together. Personal representatives, banks, and insurance companies usually ask for a certified death certificate before they release estate assets. The Florida Department of Health, through the Bureau of Vital Statistics, issues these certificates. Some probate cases require a Florida death certificate apostille for use in other countries.
Ordering a Florida Death Certificate
You can order a Florida death certificate by mail, online, or in person through the county health department. The Florida vital records office keeps records from 2009 to the present. Older records, including the Florida statewide death index covering 1900 to 1977, sit at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics and the State Archives. The standard fee is set by Florida statute. Same day service and expedited service cost more.
Death Certificate Options for Florida Residents
Florida residents can order a death certificate copy at the county health department vital records office where the death happened. They can also mail an order with a Florida death certificate request form, order online through approved vendors, or download a PDF request form from the Florida Department of Health. Genealogy searchers often need older certificates and use FamilySearch or the Florida Archives death index.
Death Certificate Options for Non-Residents
Non-residents whose loved one died in Florida can still order certificates by mail. The Florida death certificate mail order form is available on the Department of Health website. Some third-party services offer Florida death certificate same day service or expedited delivery to anywhere in the country. Apostille service is also available for foreign use through the Florida Secretary of State.
Legal Resources for Miramar Residents
Miramar residents have several free and low-cost legal options for probate questions. The main groups serving Broward County include Legal Aid, the Broward County Bar Association, and the Florida Bar.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County
Legal Aid Service of Broward County provides free civil legal help to qualifying low-income residents. Probate cases are among the case types they accept. Visit legalaidbroward.org to check eligibility and apply for help. They can also connect clients with volunteer probate attorneys for simple matters.
Broward County Bar Association Referral Service
The Broward County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at browardbar.org. They match you with a licensed probate attorney. Many lawyers offer a free or low-cost first meeting. The Florida Bar also runs a statewide referral service at floridabar.org for cases outside Broward County or for specialty needs.
Florida Probate Code Self-Education
The Florida Probate Code is free to read at the Florida Legislature website. Chapters 731 through 735 cover every probate type. Chapter 733 covers formal administration. Chapter 735 covers summary administration. Reading these chapters before you hire a lawyer or file anything gives you a solid base of knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miramar Probate Records
The questions below cover the most common issues Miramar residents and researchers face with probate records and death certificates. Each answer is direct, fact-based, and updated for 2026 procedures. Use these to save time and avoid mistakes when filing or searching.
How Long Does Probate Take in Broward County?
Formal administration in Broward County takes at least six months from the date the court issues letters of administration. The clock starts after the petition is filed and a judge signs the order. Simple summary administration cases finish in 8 to 12 weeks. Disposition without administration cases finish at the counter in one visit. Contested formal cases can run 12 to 24 months or more depending on disputes, creditor claims, and court calendar delays.
Can I Get a Death Certificate the Same Day in Florida?
Yes. Florida death certificate same day service is available at the county health department vital records office in the county where the death was recorded. You must appear in person with a valid photo ID and proof of relationship or legal need. The expedited service costs more than the standard fee. Online same day delivery is also offered through approved third-party vendors for an extra charge.
What Is a Florida Death Certificate Apostille?
A Florida death certificate apostille is a certificate from the Florida Secretary of State that verifies the death certificate for use in foreign countries. Apostilles are required when a Florida estate involves property or accounts in a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. You must first order a certified death certificate, then submit it to the Secretary of State for the apostille stamp. Processing takes several business days.
Are Old Florida Death Records Available for Free?
Florida death records from 1900 to 1977 are free to search through the Florida death index pre-1977 hosted on FamilySearch and the Florida Archives website. You can view scanned images of death certificates and index entries at no cost. The State Archives holds microfilm and digital copies of older records. Certified copies of older certificates still require a fee and an order through the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File Probate in Miramar?
Florida law requires an attorney for most formal administration cases. You can file a summary administration or disposition without administration on your own in many cases. Even for simpler cases, hiring a probate attorney reduces errors and speeds up the process. The Broward County Bar Association referral service at browardbar.org lists attorneys who offer low-cost first meetings for Miramar residents.
Where Can I Search Florida Death Records by County?
You can search Florida death records by county through each county health department vital records office. Broward County vital records serve Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, and other Broward cities. Miami-Dade, Orange, Hillsborough, Duval, and Palm Beach counties also run their own vital records offices. The Florida Department of Health website links to each county office for direct searches and certified copy orders.
Can Non-Family Members Request Miramar Probate Records?
Yes. Florida public records law lets anyone request Miramar probate records, even without a family connection. The clerk will provide copies of petitions, orders, inventories, and discharge papers to any member of the public who pays the copy fee. Sealed or redacted portions of files are limited to Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and items the court has specifically ordered sealed.
Miramar Probate Records Contact and Office
For in-person visits, certified copies, or case status questions, contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts probate division at the main courthouse address listed below. The clerk’s office handles all filings, searches, and certified copy requests for Miramar residents. Phone lines are open during business hours, and the public case search runs 24 hours a day on the clerk’s website.
- Broward County Courthouse: 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Probate Phone: (954) 831-6565
- Website: www.browardclerk.org
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Florida Department of Health Vital Records: www.floridahealth.gov