Davie Family Court Records Search Guide
Davie family court records are filed with the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The town sits in the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. All divorce, custody, and family law cases go through the county court system. The county clerk keeps these records and gives public access to them. You can search online or visit the courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Davie has over 105,000 residents and serves as an important community for family court services in Broward County.
Davie Quick Facts
Where to Find Davie Family Court Records
Davie does not have its own family court. Cases go to the Broward County Courthouse. The main branch sits in Fort Lauderdale at 201 SE 6th Street, where you can visit the clerk's office to get copies of records, file new cases, or request certified documents. The 17th Judicial Circuit covers all of Broward County, and judges here hear divorce, custody, child support, and adoption cases. The county clerk manages these papers and stores both physical and digital files for all residents of Davie and the surrounding communities.
| Office | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
| Address | 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
The Town of Davie maintains its own City Clerk office at 6591 Orange Drive, Davie, FL 33314, reachable at (954) 797-1000. It is important to understand that city clerks do not keep or maintain court records of any kind. All family court papers, divorce filings, custody orders, and related documents are filed and stored at the county level through the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The city clerk handles town codes, permits, city council minutes, and municipal business only.
Online Access to Davie Family Court Records
You can search Davie family court records online through the Broward County Clerk's web-based case search system. The state portal at MyFloridaCourtAccess also provides access to cases filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Both systems are open to the public and allow you to search by party name or case number from any computer with internet access. The online system displays comprehensive case information including party names, filing dates, case status, and scheduled hearings. Some documents are viewable directly through the portal, though you may need to pay fees to access full document images.
To search online, go to browardclerk.org and look for the case search link. You can search by name or case number without creating an account. The system is free to search, and you only pay if you want to view or download documents. This makes it easy to check case status or find basic information without visiting the courthouse. Not all records appear online, as some older cases stay in paper files and some new cases have delays in posting. Check back if you find nothing, or call the clerk if you need help.
What you need to search:
- First and last name of a party
- Case number if known
- Approximate year of filing
Types of Davie Family Court Records
Family courts see many kinds of cases, and the Broward County Clerk maintains records for all of them. Divorce records are the most frequently requested type, containing the petition for divorce, final judgment, and any settlement agreements reached by the parties. Child custody records include parenting plans that outline time-sharing schedules and decision-making responsibilities for each parent. Child support records contain payment orders, wage garnishment papers, and payment history documentation.
Paternity records establish legal fatherhood and may include DNA test results. Domestic violence records include injunctions and protective orders that help keep victims safe. Guardianship records document cases where someone has been appointed to care for a minor child or incapacitated adult. Adoption records are sealed in Florida and cannot be viewed without a court order protecting the privacy of the parties involved. Name change records are public documents showing the old and new names approved by the court. Most family court records are public under Florida's open records laws, though certain sensitive information is protected from disclosure.
City vs County: Who Keeps Davie Court Records
Understanding the difference between city and county record keeping is essential for Davie residents. The Town of Davie has its own clerk's office that handles municipal matters such as business licenses, permits, and local ordinances. However, all family court records are maintained exclusively by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. This is because Florida's court system operates at the county level, not the city level.
When you need divorce papers, custody orders, child support records, or any other family court documents, you must contact the Broward County Clerk in Fort Lauderdale, not the Davie town clerk. The county clerk's office maintains the official records for all 31 cities in Broward County, including Davie. This centralized system ensures consistent record keeping and makes it easier to access records for cases that may involve parties from multiple cities within the county.
How to Request Davie Family Court Records
You have several options for getting records from the Broward County Clerk. The clerk offers online search tools, in-person visits, phone requests, and mail options. Each method has its own steps and benefits. Online access works for many cases, and you need a case number or party name to search. The search tool shows basic case data, and full documents may cost a fee. In-person visits let you view files directly, and you can print copies at the clerk's office. Staff members help with the process and can explain what you need.
Plain copies cost $1 per page at the clerk's office. Certified copies cost $7 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with the certification seal proving that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original court record. Many legal purposes require certified copies. To order by mail, write to the Broward County Clerk with case details and document names, enclosing a check for the estimated fees. Call (954) 831-6565 to confirm the fee amount before mailing your request.
You must bring ID when you visit to prove who you are. This rule protects private information. Some records seal from public view, including juvenile and adoption cases. You may need a court order to see them. Their office stays busy with requests, so plan for possible wait times.
Broward County Family Court Records
Davie is located in Broward County, and all family court records for the town are maintained at the Broward County Clerk's office. The county serves many cities throughout South Florida with the same centralized court system. For more comprehensive information about the county court system, filing procedures, and available services, visit the Broward County family court records page.