Plantation City probate court records are managed by the Broward County Clerk of Courts under the 17th Judicial Circuit. If a person who lived in Plantation dies with property or assets in their name, the estate usually goes through the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
This page covers how to look up those records, the types of cases filed, the fees involved, and where to get Florida death certificates needed to start the process. Plantation sits inside Broward County, so all probate filings, death certificate requests, and vital records follow the same county and state rules.
Where Plantation Probate Cases Are Filed
Every probate case for a Plantation resident goes to one place: the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The courthouse is about 6 miles northeast of Plantation. Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman runs the probate division. The office handles filings, keeps the records, and runs the public search system anyone can use.
Broward County Courthouse Location
The main courthouse sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Parking near the building fills up fast in the morning, so plan extra time. The probate division sits inside the main building. Public counters stay open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Most record searches, filings, and certified copy requests happen during these hours.
Clerk of Courts Role
The Clerk of Courts keeps all probate records for the county. That means every will filed, every petition submitted, every court order issued, and every final judgment gets stored with the clerk. Brenda Forman is the current clerk. The clerk’s office also runs the public online records portal. That portal lets you search cases by name, case number, or party name without paying a fee.
17th Judicial Circuit Coverage
Broward County belongs to the 17th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers all probate judges who hear estate cases from Plantation. The circuit’s website posts local rules, forms, and procedural orders. Judges in this circuit follow the Florida Probate Code, which sits in Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes.
How to Search Plantation City Probate Court Records
You can look up Plantation City probate court records three ways: online through the clerk’s portal, in person at the courthouse, or by phone or mail. Each option works for different needs. The online search covers most cases filed in recent years. Older records may require an in-person visit to the records room.
Online Case Search System
The Broward County Clerk runs a free public search at browardclerk.org. You can search by the deceased’s last name, the personal representative’s name, or the case number. Results show the case type, filing date, judge assigned, and docket entries. Most documents filed in the case can be viewed online as PDF files. Some financial records stay sealed under Florida law and will not show up in search results.
- Go to browardclerk.org
- Click on the “Online Records” or “Case Search” link
- Enter the last name of the deceased
- Filter by case type (select “Probate” if available)
- Review the case list and click any case to view filings
In-Person Records Request
You can visit the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, and ask for records at the public counter. Bring a valid photo ID and as much detail as you can about the case. Staff can pull files from the records room and make copies. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more and are often required for legal filings or property transfers.
Phone and Mail Requests
Call (954) 831-6565 to ask about a record. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, give you the case number, and quote copy fees. Mail requests are also accepted. Send a written request with the case details, your contact information, and a check or money order for the copy fees to the clerk’s office at the courthouse address.
Types of Probate Cases Filed in Plantation
Florida law gives families three main ways to settle an estate. The right choice depends on how much the estate is worth and how the assets are titled. All three options are available through the Broward County Courthouse for Plantation residents.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is the standard probate process. It is used for estates with probate assets worth more than $75,000. A personal representative gets appointed by the court. That person then collects assets, pays debts, and distributes what is left to the heirs. Florida law requires at least three months between the creditor notice and the estate closing. Most formal administrations need an attorney because the paperwork and court hearings are complex.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a faster and cheaper path. It works for estates with $75,000 or less in probate assets, or for any estate where the person died more than two years ago. A petition gets filed with the court. No personal representative is appointed. The court issues an order for distribution, and the estate closes. This option is common for small Plantation estates.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest route. It only applies when the deceased left no real estate and only had enough money to cover funeral and final medical bills, and the total is under $6,000. A court order releases those funds to the person who paid the costs. This option does not work if the deceased owned any real property.
Florida Death Certificates and Vital Records
Florida death certificates are required before you can open most probate cases. The Florida Department of Health keeps these records through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. A death certificate is the official proof that someone has died. Banks, courts, and land offices ask for certified copies before they will release property or close accounts.
Florida Department of Health Role
The Florida Department of Health issues death certificates for deaths that happen in Florida. State law requires a death certificate to be filed within 5 days of death. Once filed, the certificate is added to the state’s vital records system. After that, only authorized people can order certified copies. The department runs the statewide death index and keeps records on file for all 67 Florida counties.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics sits inside the Florida Department of Health. It handles requests for death certificates statewide. You can order copies by mail, online, or in person. The office processes hundreds of thousands of requests each year. They work with each county health department to file new death records and update existing ones.
Statewide Death Index Lookup
The Florida statewide death index lets you search for a death record by name, year, and county. The index covers deaths from 1877 to the present. Older records (pre-1977) have less detail and may require a written request to get a copy. Records from 1977 forward include the full certificate with cause of death, parents’ names, and other facts.
Pre-1977 Florida Death Records
Pre-1977 Florida death records are kept in state archives. These older records often have less information than modern certificates. Some only list the name, date of death, and county. To get a copy of a pre-1977 record, you need to submit a written request to the Bureau of Vital Statistics with proof of your relationship to the deceased or a legal purpose for the request.
Ordering Death Certificates in Florida
You can order Florida death certificates online, by mail, or in person. Each method has its own steps, fees, and processing times. Choose the option that fits your timeline and needs.
Online Order Process
Ordering a death certificate online is the fastest way. The Florida Department of Health works with an approved vendor for online orders. You fill out the form on the vendor’s site, pay the fee, and the certificate gets mailed to you. Online orders usually process within 5 to 10 business days. Expedited shipping is available for an extra charge.
Death Certificate Application Form
The Florida death certificate application form (called the “Vital Records Application”) is required for mail and in-person orders. The form asks for the deceased’s full name, date of death, place of death, and your relationship to the person. You also need to show a valid photo ID. The form is available on the Florida Department of Health website and at any county health department office.
Fees and Payment
The standard fee for a Florida death certificate is $15 for the first copy and $10 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Online orders add a vendor processing fee on top of the state fee. Expedited service costs more. Payment by check, money order, or credit card is accepted depending on the order method.
| Order Method | Fee (First Copy) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online (vendor) | $15 + vendor fee | 5–10 business days |
| $15 | 2–4 weeks | |
| In Person (county) | $15 | Same day in most cases |
| Expedited | $15 + rush fee | 2–3 business days |
Replacement Copies
Florida death certificate replacement copies are ordered the same way as first copies. The state does not charge extra for replacing a lost certificate beyond the standard fee. If you need a copy for a legal case, order a certified copy with the raised state seal. Regular informational copies are cheaper but cannot be used in court.
County-Level Death Records in Florida
Florida death records are filed in the county where the person died. The county health department in that county can issue certified copies. Plantation sits in Broward County, but residents may need records from other counties too. Here is how major Florida counties handle death records.
Broward County Death Records
The Broward County Health Department handles death certificate requests for deaths in Broward County, including Plantation. The office sits in Fort Lauderdale. You can walk in, order a copy, and walk out the same day in most cases. The office also processes mail orders for death records filed in Broward County.
Miami-Dade County Death Certificates
The Miami-Dade County Health Department issues death certificates for deaths in Miami-Dade. The office is one of the busiest in the state. Online orders through the Florida Department of Health vendor cover Miami-Dade records. In-person service is available at the main office in Miami.
Orange County Florida Death Records
The Orange County Health Department covers deaths in Orange County, including Orlando. Death certificate requests for Orange County go through the county office or the state vital records office. The office handles a high volume of requests because of the county’s large population.
Hillsborough County Death Records
Hillsborough County (Tampa area) death records are filed with the Hillsborough County Health Department. The office processes requests by mail, online, and in person. Florida death records by county searches can be done through the statewide index.
Palm Beach County Death Certificates
Palm Beach County death certificates are available through the county health department and the state vital records office. The county office is in West Palm Beach. Walk-in service is available during business hours.
Duval County Jacksonville Death Records
Duval County (Jacksonville) death certificates are filed with the Duval County Health Department. The office covers the Jacksonville area. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person.
Pinellas County Death Records
Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Clearwater area) death records are available through the Pinellas County Health Department. The office processes standard death certificate requests and helps with genealogy searches for older records.
Florida Death Records for Genealogy
Genealogy researchers often need Florida historical death records to build family trees. The state has made many older records available for free search. The statewide death index is the best starting point for finding ancestors who died in Florida.
Florida Historical Death Records
Florida historical death records go back to 1877. The state has digitized many of these older records and put them in the statewide index. Records from 1877 to 1909 have limited detail. Records from 1910 forward usually include the deceased’s age, birthplace, parents’ names, and cause of death.
Florida Obituaries and Death Records
Florida obituaries and death records are often used together for genealogy. Obituaries add personal details that death certificates do not include. Many Florida newspapers have digitized their archives and put them online for free. The state library and university libraries also keep newspaper collections.
Free Florida Death Records Search
Free Florida death records search options include the statewide death index on the Florida Department of Health website, FamilySearch.org, and Find A Grave. These sites let you search for free and view basic record details. Certified copies still cost the standard fee.
Apostille and Verification Services
A Florida death certificate apostille is needed when you want to use a Florida death certificate in another country. The apostille is a state certificate that proves the document is real. The Florida Department of State handles apostille requests.
Florida Death Certificate Apostille
To get an apostille on a Florida death certificate, you first order a certified copy from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Then you send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee with an apostille request form and the fee. The processing time is usually 3 to 5 business days.
Death Record Verification
Florida death record verification is the process of confirming that a death certificate is valid. Banks, insurance companies, and foreign governments sometimes ask for verification before accepting a copy. The Bureau of Vital Statistics can verify a record by phone or in writing for a small fee.
Probate Filing Fees and Court Costs
Probate filing fees in Broward County follow the Florida state fee schedule. The fee depends on the total value of the estate’s probate assets at the time of filing. Other costs come up during the case, including publication fees, recording fees, and certified copy fees.
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $1,000 | $235 |
| $1,001 – $2,500 | $270 |
| $2,501 – $10,000 | $300 |
| $10,001 – $25,000 | $355 |
| $25,001 – $75,000 | $405 |
| Over $75,000 | $405 + $3 per $1,000 over $75,000 |
Attorney fees follow Florida statutory guidelines, but families can negotiate different fee structures with their lawyer. Publication of creditor notice in a Broward County newspaper is a required cost in formal administration. Recording fees apply when the final judgment gets recorded with the county.
Legal Resources for Plantation Residents
Plantation residents have several options for legal help with probate and estate matters. The right resource depends on income, case complexity, and personal needs.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service at floridabar.org. You can search for probate attorneys in Broward County and request a referral. Many attorneys offer a reduced-fee first consultation. The site also lets you check whether an attorney is licensed and in good standing.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County
Legal Aid Service of Broward County provides free civil legal help to income-qualified residents. Probate matters may qualify for help, especially when a surviving spouse or minor child is at risk. Visit legalaid.org to learn about eligibility and apply for services.
17th Circuit Self-Help Center
The 17th Judicial Circuit runs a self-help center at the Broward County Courthouse. Staff help people who are representing themselves understand what forms they need and how to fill them out. They cannot give legal advice, but they can explain procedures in plain language. Check 17th.flcourts.org for hours and available services.
Florida Courts Statewide Forms
The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov has downloadable probate forms used across the state. If you plan to file a summary administration or handle a small estate without an attorney, this is the best source for the paperwork you need.
Office Contact Details and Hours
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main contact for Plantation City probate court records. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the main contact for death certificate requests. Below are the offices you will likely need during the probate process.
Broward County Clerk of Courts (Probate Division)
Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: floridahealth.gov/certificates
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
17th Judicial Circuit Court
Website: 17th.flcourts.org
Phone: (954) 831-7740
Self-Help Center: Located inside the Broward County Courthouse
Florida Department of State (Apostille Requests)
Address: 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-6971
Website: dos.myflorida.com
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common issues people face when looking up Plantation City probate court records and Florida death certificates. Each answer gives you direct, useful facts based on Florida law and current state procedures.
How do I get a Florida death certificate for someone who died in Plantation?
To get a Florida death certificate for a Plantation resident, order through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or the Broward County Health Department. You can order online, by mail, or in person. The fee is $15 for the first certified copy. You will need to show proof of your relationship to the deceased and a valid photo ID. Most in-person requests at the Broward County Health Department are processed the same day.
Can I search Plantation probate records online for free?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs a free public case search at browardclerk.org. You can search by the deceased’s name, the personal representative’s name, or the case number. The system shows case status, filing dates, and most documents. Sealed financial records do not appear in public search results.
What is the difference between formal and summary administration in Florida?
Formal administration is for estates with more than $75,000 in probate assets. A personal representative gets appointed, creditors get notified, and the case stays open for at least three months. Summary administration works for smaller estates or for any estate where the person died more than two years ago. It costs less and closes faster, often in a few weeks.
How long does it take to get a Florida death certificate by mail?
Mail requests to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics take 2 to 4 weeks to process. Online orders through the state vendor are faster, usually 5 to 10 business days. Expedited service is available for both mail and online orders at an extra cost. If you need the certificate right away, visit the Broward County Health Department in person.
Can I get a Florida death certificate for genealogy research?
Yes. The Florida statewide death index covers deaths from 1877 forward and is searchable for free on the Florida Department of Health website. Records from 1977 to the present have full details. Pre-1977 records have less information but are still useful for family history. Certified copies cost $15 each, but informational copies are cheaper.
What is a death certificate apostille and when do I need one?
A death certificate apostille is a state certificate that proves a Florida death certificate is real for use in another country. You need an apostille when settling an estate, claiming inheritance, or handling pension matters in a foreign country. Order a certified death certificate first, then send it to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee with the apostille request form and fee.
How much does it cost to file a probate case in Broward County?
The filing fee depends on the estate’s value. Estates under $1,000 pay $235. Estates from $1,001 to $75,000 pay between $270 and $405. Estates over $75,000 pay $405 plus $3 for every $1,000 above that amount. Other costs include publication fees, certified copy fees, and attorney fees. Confirm the current fee schedule with the clerk’s office before filing.