Pembroke Pines City Probate Court Records are filed and stored at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale because Pembroke Pines sits inside Broward County. The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs the probate division for the entire county.
Anyone who died while living in Pembroke Pines has their estate case handled by this clerk office. This page shows you how to look up these records, what types of probate cases exist, how much it costs, and where to get help.
Where Pembroke Pines Probate Cases Are Filed
All probate matters for Pembroke Pines residents go through the Broward County Clerk of Courts office. There is no separate probate court inside Pembroke Pines city limits. The clerk office handles filing, record keeping, fee collection, and issuing official documents like letters of administration.
The 17th Judicial Circuit in Florida
The 17th Judicial Circuit covers only Broward County. Probate judges in this circuit hear formal administrations, summary administrations, guardianships, and trusts. The circuit headquarters sit in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The clerk office is the first stop for most people, not the judge. The clerk accepts new petitions, collects fees, stamps documents, and stores every case file.
Clerk of Courts Leadership and Office
Brenda Forman serves as the elected Clerk of Courts for Broward County. Her office runs the probate division along with civil, criminal, family, and traffic divisions. The main office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The phone number for general questions is (954) 831-6565. The website at browardclerk.org lists all services and fee schedules.
How to Search Pembroke Pines Probate Court Records
You can search Pembroke Pines probate records three ways: online, in person, or by mail. The fastest option for most people is the online search tool on the clerk website. Older records and certain documents may require an in-person visit or written request.
Online Search Through the Clerk Portal
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs a public search portal at browardclerk.org. You can search probate cases by the decedent’s full name, case number, or attorney bar number. Most cases filed after 2000 appear in this system. You do not need an account to run a basic name search. The portal shows case type, filing date, judge, current status, and a list of filed documents. To see or download the actual document images, you may need to pay a per-page fee through the portal.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal Access
The 17th Judicial Circuit connects to the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. Attorneys and parties to active cases log in to file new documents, view the docket, and receive alerts. Members of the public can still view basic case data through this portal. E-filing speeds up document submission and gives you same-day confirmation that your filing went through.
In-Person Records Request Procedure
You can visit the Broward County Courthouse Records Department on the first floor. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it. Staff will pull the file for you. You can review documents on site or pay for copies. Wait times vary by day, with Monday mornings usually busiest. Arriving midweek after 1:00 PM often means shorter lines.
Mail and Email Request Methods
For records that are not available online, send a written request to the clerk records department. Include the decedent’s full name, date of death if known, case number, a list of documents you want, your phone number, return address, and a check or money order for the estimated fee. The clerk mails the copies back to you. Email requests work for some record types but require a signed release form for sealed or sensitive documents.
Types of Probate Cases in Broward County
Florida law sets out four main ways to settle a deceased person’s estate. The right path depends on the estate’s value, what assets the person owned, and how long ago they died. Pembroke Pines families use one of these procedures for almost every estate case.
Formal Administration Process
Formal administration applies when the estate value exceeds $75,000 or when the decedent owned real property. A judge appoints a personal representative, usually named in the will. The personal representative must publish a notice to creditors, inventory all assets, pay debts, and distribute what remains. The full process takes six months to a year, and often longer if a creditor or heir objects. An attorney is strongly advised for formal administration.
Summary Administration Procedure
Summary administration is faster and cheaper. It applies when the estate is worth $75,000 or less, or when the person died more than two years ago. No personal representative gets appointed. The court issues a single order that transfers assets and discharges debts. The creditor claim period is shorter. Most small Pembroke Pines estates qualify for summary administration.
Disposition Without Administration Rules
This option handles very small estates worth less than $6,000 in non-exempt personal property. The only assets allowed are those needed to pay funeral costs, medical bills, and final expenses. There is no real property. The clerk processes the petition without a court hearing. It is the simplest and cheapest probate path.
Ancillary Administration for Out-of-State Assets
When a non-Florida resident owns property in Florida, ancillary administration handles just the Florida assets. The home state probate court appoints a personal representative, who then opens a separate Florida case to transfer the Florida property. Pembroke Pines residents who own property in other states do the reverse when they die: Florida handles their main estate, and the other state runs an ancillary proceeding.
Probate Filing Fees and Court Costs
Court costs come from state law and clerk office fee schedules. The exact amount depends on the estate size, case type, and number of motions filed. Always call the clerk to confirm current fees before you file anything.
Formal Administration Filing Costs
Opening a formal administration costs $400 or more based on the estate value. Florida statutes use a sliding scale, so larger estates pay more. Each motion, petition, or objection after opening adds another filing fee. A typical formal administration with creditor claims, inventory filing, and final accounting may cost $1,000 to $2,500 in total court fees alone.
Summary Administration Filing Costs
Summary administration costs less to open. Most petitions fall in the $235 to $400 range. Since there is no personal representative to bond, no inventory hearing, and no creditor publication period of the same length, total costs stay low. Many Pembroke Pines families complete summary administration for under $500 in court fees plus attorney fees.
Certified Copy and Document Fees
The clerk charges per page for copies. Standard copies run $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a $2.00 to $7.00 certification fee per document. Exemplified copies, which carry an apostille for use in foreign countries, cost more and require extra processing time.
| Service Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration Opening Fee | $400 and up |
| Summary Administration Opening Fee | $235 to $400 |
| Disposition Without Administration Fee | Under $100 |
| Standard Copy Per Page | $1.00 |
| Certified Copy Fee Per Document | $2.00 to $7.00 |
| Exemplified Copy Fee | Higher, varies |
Florida Death Records and Vital Statistics
You need a certified death certificate to open almost any probate case. Death certificates come from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, not the court clerk. The Bureau operates under the Florida Department of Health.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Contact
The Bureau of Vital Statistics runs the statewide death record system. Their main office is in Jacksonville, Florida. You can order death certificates online, by mail, by phone, or in person at county health department locations. The Bureau website at floridahealth.gov lists every ordering method, current fees, and processing times. Most online orders process within five business days.
Death Certificate Application Process
To order a Florida death certificate, you must be an eligible applicant. Eligible people include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, or legal representative of the deceased. You fill out an application with the decedent’s full name, date of death, place of death, and your relationship. You also need a copy of your ID. The Bureau verifies the record against its database before issuing the certificate.
Death Certificate Fees and Delivery Times
Each certified death certificate costs around $5 to $20 depending on the order method and delivery speed. Rush and same-day service is available at the Jacksonville office for an extra fee. Mail orders take two to four weeks. Online orders with standard processing take five to ten business days. You can pay by credit card, check, or money order.
| Order Method | Fee Range | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online Order | $5 to $20 per copy | 5 to 10 business days |
| Mail Request | $5 to $20 per copy | 2 to 4 weeks |
| In-Person at County Health Dept | $5 to $20 per copy | Same day to 5 days |
| Rush Service | Higher fee | Same day or next day |
Public Records and Confidentiality Rules
Florida has a strong public records law. Most probate records become public once filed. Anyone can view and copy them without showing a reason. Some records stay sealed or partially redacted to protect privacy.
Records Open to the Public
Petitions, wills admitted to probate, court orders, inventories, accountings, and final discharge papers are all public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes guarantees public access to these records. You do not need to be a family member, creditor, or attorney to view them. You only pay the standard copy fees.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Medical records attached to a probate case may be sealed by court order. Financial account numbers get redacted in some filings. Guardianship records for minors and incapacitated adults carry extra privacy protections. Wills deposited with the clerk before the testator dies stay confidential during that person’s lifetime. Once they die and a probate case opens, the will becomes public.
Requesting Copies of Records
You can order copies in person, by mail, or online through the clerk portal. In-person requests need a valid photo ID. Mail requests must include case number, document description, return address, and payment. Online requests through browardclerk.org let you pay by credit card and download PDFs when available.
Legal Help for Pembroke Pines Residents
Probate can be confusing and costly without legal help. Several organizations in Broward County offer free or low-cost legal services to residents who qualify.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County
Legal Aid Service of Broward County offers free civil legal help to low-income residents. They handle probate, guardianship, landlord-tenant, and family law cases. You can apply at legalaidbroward.org or call their intake line. They check income eligibility before accepting a case. Their office sits in Fort Lauderdale and serves all of Broward County, including Pembroke Pines.
Broward County Bar Association Referral
The Broward County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service that connects you with licensed probate attorneys. Many attorneys offer a free 30-minute consultation. The referral service charges a small fee, then you negotiate fees directly with the attorney. Visit browardbar.org or call their referral line.
Florida Bar Statewide Referral Service
The Florida Bar offers a statewide lawyer referral service at floridabar.org. You can search by legal topic and county. The service gives you names of three attorneys in your area. You contact each one to set up a consultation. The Florida Bar also has a public consumer section with guides on probate and estate law.
Official Contact Information and Location
The Broward County Courthouse main office handles all Pembroke Pines probate matters. You can visit, call, or write to request records or file new cases.
Broward County Courthouse Details
The Broward County Courthouse is located at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The main phone number is (954) 831-6565. The probate division has its own direct line you can request through the main switchboard. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk office closes on federal and state holidays. Parking is available in nearby garages for a fee.
Website and Online Portal
The official Broward County Clerk of Courts website is www.browardclerk.org. The 17th Judicial Circuit website at www.17th.flcourts.org has local rules, administrative orders, and links to court forms. The Florida Department of Health vital records site at www.floridahealth.gov handles death certificates. Use these official sites to avoid scams or third-party services that charge extra fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pembroke Pines Probate Records
Below are answers to common questions people ask when looking up Pembroke Pines probate court records. These cover search methods, fees, timing, and related legal topics that affect families and researchers.
How do I look up a probate case in Pembroke Pines?
Go to browardclerk.org and use the public case search tool. Type the decedent’s full legal name into the search box and filter by case type probate. The system shows the case number, filing date, judge, and current status. You can then click into the case to view the docket and available documents. If the case does not appear, it may be too old or sealed by court order. For older cases, call the clerk records department at (954) 831-6565 for help.
Are Pembroke Pines probate records public?
Yes. Most probate records are public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. You can view petitions, wills, orders, inventories, and accountings without showing a reason. You only pay the copy fees set by the clerk. Some records stay sealed, including medical files, certain financial account numbers, and guardianship records for minors. Wills deposited before death stay private until the testator dies and a case opens.
How much does it cost to file a probate case in Broward County?
Opening a formal administration costs $400 or more. Summary administration runs $235 to $400. Disposition without administration costs under $100. These fees are set by Florida statute and collected by the clerk. You also pay per-page fees for copies and certification fees for official stamped documents. Call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 to confirm the current fee before you file anything.
Where do I get a death certificate for a Pembroke Pines resident?
Order the death certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics at floridahealth.gov. You can also visit the Broward County Health Department in Fort Lauderdale for in-person service. Eligible applicants include spouses, parents, children, siblings, and legal representatives. Each certified copy costs $5 to $20 depending on the order method. You need a death certificate to open almost any probate case in Florida.
What is the $75,000 estate limit for summary administration?
Florida law allows summary administration when the probate estate is worth $75,000 or less. This limit counts only probate assets, which include property held in the decedent’s name alone. It does not count life insurance, retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, or property held in a trust. Summary administration is also available when the person died more than two years ago, no matter the estate size.
Can I handle a Pembroke Pines probate case without an attorney?
Yes, for simple summary administrations and dispositions without administration, many people file without an attorney. The clerk self-help center has basic forms and instructions. You must still follow all Florida probate rules, serve proper notice, and file complete paperwork. For formal administration or any case with disputes, real property, or large assets, hire an attorney. Mistakes in probate can cost heirs time and money.
How long does probate take in Broward County?
Summary administration typically takes two to four months from filing to final order. Formal administration runs six months to a year, and longer if creditors object or heirs contest the will. The court sets hearings, and calendar delays add time. Working with an experienced probate attorney speeds up document preparation and avoids rejected filings that restart the clock.