Find Hollywood Public Records

Hollywood is one of the largest cities in Broward County, and its public records span court filings, police reports, property data, and city government documents. Florida's open records law applies to all of these, and most can be accessed with a simple request or an online search through the Broward County Clerk's portal.

Florida's Open Records Law

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives every person the right to inspect and copy public records. No ID is needed. You don't have to say who you are or why you want the file. The law applies to all state and local government bodies, which means city offices in Hollywood and Broward County agencies are both covered.

Agencies must respond promptly. The law doesn't set a specific number of days, but courts have held that unreasonable delay is a violation. If a request involves a lot of records, staff can give you a reasonable time estimate. You should ask for one if the request seems large.

Exemptions exist under Section 119.071. These include certain law enforcement records, personal medical information, and some records involving minors. But the default under Florida law is openness. If an agency wants to withhold something, it must point to a specific legal exemption.

Court Records in the 17th Circuit

Criminal and civil cases from Hollywood are filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles all of these. Their online system lets you search by name or case number. Civil records include lawsuits, small claims, injunctions, and foreclosure cases. Criminal records cover charges from traffic violations up to felonies.

Family court records are separate. These cover divorce, child custody, adoption, and related filings. Probate court handles wills and estate matters. Both are maintained by the Broward Clerk and are searchable online at browardclerk.org. Some family records have restricted access due to the nature of the cases, but most filings are public.

If you need a certified copy of a court record, you'll have to request it through the clerk's office. The main courthouse is at 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale. Fees for certified copies start at $1.00 for the first page plus $0.15 for each additional page. Plain, uncertified copies cost $0.15 per page.

Hollywood also has a branch courthouse at the South Regional Courthouse, 3550 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33021. Many civil and county court matters are handled there. It's often more convenient than making the trip to Fort Lauderdale for routine requests.

City of Hollywood Records

The City of Hollywood keeps its own set of records separate from the county court system. These include building permits, code enforcement files, city council minutes, contracts, and budget documents. City Hall is at 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33020. Phone: (954) 921-3201.

The city's official website is a good starting point. Many documents are posted directly on the site, including agendas and approved budgets. For records not posted online, contact the city clerk's office. They handle public records requests for city departments.

Police records from the Hollywood Police Department are handled separately. Incident reports, arrest logs, and police reports are records you can request from the department's records unit. Some are available online through the department's public portal. Arrests after booking are generally public, though investigative records may be exempt while a case is active.

Building and zoning records cover permits, code enforcement actions, variance requests, and inspection reports. These are useful for anyone doing due diligence on a property. The Building Division within the city's development department maintains them. You can request specific permits by address.

City of Hollywood Online Resources

The screenshot below is taken from the official City of Hollywood website, which lists contacts and resources for public records requests across city departments.

The city site links to department contacts, online services, and forms that make it easier to request public records without an in-person visit to city hall.

Property Records

Property records in Hollywood are managed at the county level. The Broward County Property Appraiser has a searchable database of all parcels, including ownership history, assessed values, and tax information. You can look up any address for free.

Deeds, mortgages, and liens are recorded with the Broward County Records Division. Every time a property changes hands or a lender places a lien, the document is recorded and indexed. These records go back decades and are a key part of any title search. The county charges fees for certified copies but viewing records online is free.

The Broward County Tax Collector handles property tax payment history. If you need to know whether taxes are current on a property, that office is where you look. Most tax data is searchable without any fee.

Making a Records Request

Florida law doesn't require a specific form to make a records request. You just need to describe what you want clearly. That said, many agencies in Hollywood and Broward County have their own forms, which can make things easier.

You can submit requests by phone, email, mail, or in person. Most agencies prefer written requests so there's a clear record of what was asked. Include the type of record, a date range, and any names or addresses that apply. The more detail you give, the faster the search.

Fees apply for copies. The rate under Florida law is $0.15 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost more. The first 30 minutes of staff time is free. If a request takes longer, the agency may charge for the extra time. Most simple requests don't trigger these extra fees.

If you think your request was wrongly denied, the Florida Attorney General's office can help. Their mediation program is free and often resolves disputes quickly. You can reach them at (850) 245-0140 or visit myfloridalegal.com.

Vital Records

Birth and death records for Hollywood residents are handled by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, part of the Florida Department of Health. The county health department may also have some records. Marriage licenses are issued and recorded by the Broward County Clerk. Divorce records are filed with the circuit court.

Certified vital records require an application and a fee. You must show you have a qualifying relationship to the subject of the record in most cases. Some older birth and death records are available through the Florida State Archives for historical research.

Nearby Cities

Other cities near Hollywood have public records systems accessible under Florida's public records law.

Broward County Records

Public records for Hollywood are maintained through the Broward County Clerk of Court. Visit the county page for office details and online search tools.