Broward County police blotter records are daily logs of arrests, incidents, and calls handled by the Broward Sheriff’s Office and local city police departments. These records are open to the public under Florida law.
You can search for them online, request copies by mail, or visit a records office in person. This page explains how the system works, who keeps the records, and what steps to follow when you need a copy.
How the Broward County Records System Works
Broward County has many law enforcement agencies. The Broward Sheriff’s Office, also called BSO, covers unincorporated parts of the county and contracts with several cities. Other cities, like Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, run their own police departments. Each agency keeps its own blotter records. The records show arrests, traffic stops, disturbances, thefts, and other events that police respond to.
Who Keeps the Records
BSO keeps records for the areas it patrols. The city police departments keep records inside their city limits. The Broward Clerk of Courts keeps court records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or FDLE, keeps statewide criminal history data. Knowing which agency to contact saves time.
Types of Records You Can Request
You can ask for arrest reports, incident reports, traffic crash reports, booking photos, and call logs. Some records are open right away. Others have a waiting period. Florida law lists which records are public and which stay private.
Broward Sheriff’s Office Records Portal
The BSO uses a public records system called GovQA. You can submit a request online at sheriff.org/LE/Pages/Request-a-Record.aspx. The portal tracks your request and sends you email updates. This is the fastest way to get blotter records from BSO.
Online Request Steps
Go to the BSO public records page. Click the link to start a new request. Fill in the form with details about the record you need. Add the date, location, and names of people involved if you know them. Submit the form and wait for a reply by email. Staff process most requests within a few business days.
In-Person and Mail Requests
You can also visit the BSO Public Records Unit at 2601 West Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The lobby opens Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Security screening is required for entry. Staff can help you fill out the form at the kiosk. Reports are emailed to you, not handed out in person. Mail requests go to BSO Public Records Unit, Attention: Erin Foley, RMLO, P.O. Box 9507, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310. Mailed requests take longer than online ones.
What to Include in Your Request
Add as much detail as you can. A case number helps a lot. The date, time, and place of the incident also help. Names of people involved are useful. The more you share, the faster staff can find the record. Vague requests take more time and may cost more.
Online Search Tools for Recent Activity
BSO offers online tools to search arrests and bookings. You do not need to file a records request to use them. The tools show recent bookings, charges, and mugshots. The data updates as new arrests happen.
Arrest Search Database
Go to sheriff.org and look for the arrest search tool. You can search by name or booking date. The results show the person’s name, charges, and booking date. You can also see a booking photo. This tool helps you check on a recent arrest without calling the agency.
Booking Blotter and Mugshots
The jail booking blotter is a list of people processed at the BSO main jail. It shows the name, booking time, and charges. Mugshots come from the booking process. They become part of the public record. Search by name or date to find a specific person.
Daily Police Activity Log
BSO posts a daily log of calls for service. The log shows the type of call, the area, and the time. It does not show names of people involved. The log helps you see what happened in a neighborhood on a given day.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department Records
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is separate from BSO. It serves only the city of Fort Lauderdale. The department keeps its own blotter records. You need to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for incidents inside city limits.
How to Contact the Records Division
The Records Division sits at 1515 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can call (954) 828-5465 for questions. The department does not take records requests by phone, email, or fax. You must visit in person or send a letter by mail.
Fees for Fort Lauderdale Reports
Accident reports cost $0.15 for a single-sided page, $0.20 for a double-sided page, and $1.00 for each certified page. You must pay before the records are released. The department accepts cash, check, or money order. Bring exact payment if you visit in person.
Accident Report Rules
Fort Lauderdale accident reports require a sworn statement. The statement proves you have a right to the report. You must sign the statement in front of a notary. Only people involved in the crash, their lawyers, and insurance agents can get a report during the first 60 days.
Traffic Crash and Accident Reports
Traffic crash reports in Florida follow special rules. They stay private for 60 days after the crash. After 60 days, anyone can buy a copy. The 60-day rule protects people involved in the crash.
Florida Crash Portal
You can buy crash reports online at the Florida Crash Portal. The portal is run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Each report costs $10 plus a $2 convenience fee. You can search by crash date, county, and names of drivers.
Who Can Get a Crash Report Early
During the 60-day window, only certain people can get a crash report. This list includes drivers in the crash, their lawyers, licensed insurance agents, insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, and victim services programs. Anyone else must wait until the 60 days pass.
Sworn Affidavit for Crash Reports
You must sign a sworn affidavit to get a crash report from BSO. The affidavit states that you have a legal right to the report. You can download the affidavit form from the BSO website. Mail the signed form with your records request.
Other Municipal Police Departments in Broward
Many cities in Broward County run their own police departments. Each one keeps its own blotter records. Below is a list of major city police departments and their contact data.
| City | Department | Records Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood | Hollywood Police Department | (954) 967-4411 |
| Pembroke Pines | Pembroke Pines Police Department | (954) 431-2200 |
| Miramar | Miramar Police Department | (954) 602-4000 |
| Coral Springs | Coral Springs Police Department | (954) 346-1300 |
| Pompano Beach | Pompano Beach Police Department | (954) 786-4200 |
| Davie | Davie Police Department | (954) 693-8200 |
| Plantation | Plantation Police Department | (954) 797-2100 |
| Sunrise | Sunrise Police Department | (954) 746-3100 |
| Lauderhill | Lauderhill Police Department | (954) 497-4700 |
| Tamarac | Tamarac Police Department | (954) 597-8500 |
| Margate | Margate Police Department | (954) 972-7111 |
| Coconut Creek | Coconut Creek Police Department | (954) 973-6700 |
| Deerfield Beach | Deerfield Beach Police Department | (954) 480-4300 |
| Weston | Weston Police Department | (954) 389-2000 |
How City Departments Handle Records Requests
Most city police departments use the same public records law as BSO. Each has its own form and process. Many accept walk-in requests during business hours. Some let you email a request. Call the records division first to learn the process for that city.
Common Fees Across Departments
Most departments charge per page. The fee is often $0.15 for a single-sided page and $0.20 for a double-sided page. Certified copies cost more. Some departments charge a flat fee for an incident report. Ask about fees before you submit a request.
Florida Public Records Laws
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says government agencies must open their records to the public. The law covers police blotter records, arrest reports, and many other documents. Each agency must follow the law.
Chapter 119 and Your Right to Records
Under Chapter 119, you can ask for any record that is not exempt. Agencies must respond in a reasonable time. They can charge only the actual cost of copying the record. They cannot charge for the time it takes to find the record. If an agency denies your request, you can challenge the denial in court.
Common Exemptions Under Section 119.071
Some records stay private. Active criminal investigations are exempt. Identity of crime victims can be exempt. Home addresses of police officers and their families are exempt. Medical records and Social Security numbers are exempt. Agencies must redact exempt parts and release the rest.
Crash Report Rules Under Statute 316.066
Florida Statute 316.066 covers traffic crash reports. The 60-day rule applies statewide. Releasing a crash report to an unauthorized person during the 60 days is a third-degree felony. After 60 days, the report is open to the public. You can buy it from the Florida Crash Portal or the agency that handled the crash.
What Information Blotter Records Contain
A police blotter record shows the basic facts of an incident. The level of detail depends on the type of record and the time passed. Below are the most common items you will find.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest records show the person’s name, date of birth, and address. They list the charges and the booking date. They show the arresting agency and the officer’s name. A booking photo, or mugshot, is often included. The record may also show the bond amount and court date.
Incident Reports
Incident reports cover events that may not lead to an arrest. They include thefts, vandalism, disturbances, and missing persons. The report shows the date, time, and location of the event. It lists the people involved and a summary of what happened. Officer notes and witness statements may be part of the report.
Call Logs and Dispatch Records
Call logs show the type of call and the time of dispatch. They list the area and the unit that responded. Call logs do not show personal names. They give a snapshot of police activity in a neighborhood on a given day.
Traffic Crash Reports
Crash reports show the date, time, and place of the crash. They list the drivers, vehicles, and witnesses. They describe how the crash happened. Diagrams and photos may be part of the report. Insurance companies use crash reports to process claims.
How to Request Records Step by Step
Follow these steps to get a police blotter record in Broward County. The process is similar for BSO and city departments.
Step One: Identify the Right Agency
Find out which agency handled the call. If the incident happened in unincorporated Broward, contact BSO. If it happened in a city, contact that city’s police department. Check the address of the incident to pick the right agency.
Step Two: Gather Key Details
Write down the date, time, and location. Add the case number if you have it. List the names of people involved. The more detail you give, the faster staff can find the record.
Step Three: Submit Your Request
Use the GovQA portal for BSO records. Use the city’s records form for city records. You can also mail a written request or visit in person. Bring a photo ID if you visit the records office.
Step Four: Pay the Fee
Most agencies charge a small fee per page. Pay the fee when you pick up the record. Online requests let you pay by credit card. In-person requests may accept cash, check, or money order.
Step Five: Wait for the Record
Most requests take a few business days. Complex requests take longer. You will get an email when the record is ready. Download the record from the portal or pick it up at the office.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Records requests do not always go smoothly. Here are common problems and ways to fix them.
Request Denied or Delayed
Some records are exempt under Florida law. Agencies must cite the exemption. If the denial seems wrong, ask for a written reason. You can appeal the denial in court. You can also contact the Florida Office of Open Government for help.
Record Cannot Be Found
Old records may be archived. The agency may need time to pull the file. Provide more details to help staff search. If the record is missing, ask the clerk of courts or FDLE for a copy.
Fees Higher Than Expected
Agencies can charge only the actual cost of copying. They cannot charge for staff time. If the fee seems high, ask for a breakdown. You can challenge the fee in writing.
Records for Federal and State Crimes
Some crimes fall under federal or state law. Federal agencies like the FBI keep their own records. State agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol also keep their own records. Federal and state records follow different rules than county records.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE keeps criminal history records for the whole state. You can request a copy of your own criminal record online. FDLE also publishes a public sex offender registry and a public corruption registry. The agency is a good source for statewide data.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The FBI keeps federal crime records. You can request a copy of your own FBI record through the FBI website. Federal records follow the Freedom of Information Act. Processing times can take months.
Florida Highway Patrol
The Florida Highway Patrol handles crashes on state roads and interstates. You can request a crash report from FHP using the Florida Crash Portal. FHP reports follow the same 60-day rule as local crash reports.
How Records Are Used in Court and by the Public
People use blotter records for many reasons. Lawyers use them to build cases. Journalists use them to report on crime. Landlords and employers use them to screen tenants and workers. Victims use them to file insurance claims.
Legal and Insurance Use
Attorneys use police reports to gather facts for lawsuits. Insurance adjusters use crash reports to settle claims. Both groups need official copies with a stamp or seal. Certified copies carry a small extra fee.
Personal Safety and Background Checks
Many people search blotter records to check on a neighborhood. Parents check on registered sex offenders near schools. Tenants check on crime in a new neighborhood. Online blotter tools make these searches quick and easy.
Media and Research
Reporters use blotter data to write crime stories. Researchers use it to study crime trends. Both groups need access to large amounts of data. Bulk records requests can take longer and cost more.
Contact Data and Visiting Hours
The Broward Sheriff’s Office Public Records Unit serves as the main hub for county-wide records requests. You can also reach out to local city departments for incidents inside city limits. Below is the contact data for BSO and a map of the public records office.
Official website: https://www.sheriff.org/LE/Pages/Request-a-Record.aspx
Phone: (954) 831-8700
Address: 2601 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Lobby hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mail address: P.O. Box 9507, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310
Records custodian: Erin Foley, RMLO
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Broward County police blotter records. These cover search methods, fees, waiting periods, and legal rules. The answers are based on current Florida public records law and BSO policy.
How long does it take to get a police blotter record?
Most records requests take a few business days. Simple requests with a case number may be ready the same day. Complex requests with many pages can take two to four weeks. Old records that need to be pulled from archives can take longer. You will get an email update as staff process your request through the GovQA portal.
Can I get a crash report right after the accident?
No. Florida law has a 60-day waiting period for traffic crash reports. Only drivers in the crash, their lawyers, insurance agents, and a few other groups can get a report during that time. After 60 days, anyone can buy a copy through the Florida Crash Portal or the agency that handled the crash. Sharing a crash report with an unauthorized person during the 60 days is a third-degree felony.
Are mugshots public record in Florida?
Yes. Mugshots taken during the booking process are public record in Florida. You can find them through the BSO arrest search tool at sheriff.org. Many third-party websites also post mugshots. Be careful with third-party sites. Some charge high fees and may not update records after charges are dropped.
What if my records request is denied?
You can appeal the denial. First, ask the agency for a written reason. The agency must cite the Florida Statute that exempts the record. If the denial seems wrong, you can file a lawsuit in court. You can also contact the Florida Office of Open Government for free help. The office can review the denial and suggest next steps.
Can I get records from a case that is still open?
Active criminal investigations are exempt under Florida Statute 119.071. You will not get records from an open case until the investigation closes. Some records from closed cases may also be exempt if they could harm a future case. The agency will let you know when the records become public.
Do I have to pay for police blotter records?
Yes, but the fee is small. Most agencies charge $0.15 for a single-sided page and $0.20 for a double-sided page. Certified copies cost $1.00 each. Crash reports cost $10 plus a $2 fee through the Florida Crash Portal. Agencies cannot charge for staff time spent finding the record, only the cost of making copies.
Can I search blotter records from my phone?
Yes. The BSO arrest search tool works on mobile browsers. The GovQA portal also works on phones. The Florida Crash Portal is mobile-friendly. Some third-party apps also pull data from public sources. The official BSO tools are the most accurate and up to date.