Miramar Public Records Search

Miramar public records are split between the City of Miramar and Broward County, depending on the type of document you are looking for. City records like building permits, code enforcement files, and city commission minutes come from the city. Court cases, property deeds, and official recorded documents are handled by the Broward County Clerk of Courts in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Anyone can request these records, and no name or reason is required under Florida law. This guide covers the main sources and how to find what you need.

Open Records Rights in Florida

Florida's Chapter 119 public records law gives everyone the right to see or copy government records. You don't have to give your name. You don't need to explain your purpose. The law covers city departments in Miramar, county offices in Broward, and state agencies alike.

Agencies are required to respond without unreasonable delay. They must give you a time estimate if a request is large. Records must be made available during normal business hours. If a request is denied, the agency must cite a specific statutory exemption. It can't just say no.

Most records are open. Exemptions under Section 119.071 cover things like active law enforcement investigations, certain personal medical data, and some records tied to minors. These exemptions are narrow. For most everyday requests, there's no issue getting what you need.

Broward County Court Records

Miramar is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit. All court cases from the city, whether civil, criminal, family, or probate, are filed with the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The clerk's online case search is available at browardclerk.org. You can search by name, case number, or date range at no charge.

Civil court records cover lawsuits, small claims, foreclosures, and protective injunctions. Criminal records include misdemeanor and felony charges. If someone was charged with a crime in Broward County courts, the case is in the clerk's system. Charges, disposition, and sentencing information are all part of the public record once a case is filed.

Family court files contain divorces, custody orders, and support matters. These are generally public, though records involving minors or sensitive information may be restricted. Probate records deal with estates and guardianship. Both types are searchable through the same Broward Clerk portal.

In-person visits can be made to the main courthouse at 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Certified copies start at $1.00 per page for the first page and $0.15 per page after that. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Bring cash or a check; card policies vary by location.

Florida Attorney General Open Government Resources

The image below comes from the Florida Attorney General's Open Government page, which provides guidance on Florida's public records and sunshine laws, including how to resolve disputes when records are denied.

The AG's office runs a free Government Records Mediation Program that can help you get records that were improperly withheld, without needing to go to court.

City of Miramar Records

The City of Miramar keeps records for its own government functions. These include building permits, zoning decisions, city commission meeting minutes, financial reports, and contracts. City Hall is at 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025. Main phone: (954) 602-3000.

The City of Miramar's official website has information on city services and links to public records resources. Commission meeting agendas and minutes are often posted online. For records not available on the website, contact the city clerk's office with a written request.

Miramar Police Department records are handled separately. The department's records unit manages incident reports, arrest logs, and police files. Some of these are available through the department's online portal. Others require a formal request. Active investigations may have partial exemptions, but most completed case reports are public.

Building records are kept by the city's development services department. These cover all permit applications, approved permits, inspections, and code violations tied to any property in the city. This data is especially useful when researching a home purchase or commercial property. You can request records by property address.

Property and Tax Records

Property records for Miramar run through Broward County. The Broward County Property Appraiser's database lists all parcels, ownership history, assessed value, and tax status. Searches are free online by address or parcel number.

Recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens are maintained by the Broward County Records Division. Each time a property is sold or a lien is placed, the document is indexed and stored. This is the source for title research and lien checks. Viewing records online is free; certified copies carry a fee.

Property tax payment history and current balances are managed by the Broward County Tax Collector. Most of this data is free to look up online. If taxes are overdue, a tax certificate may have been issued, which is also a public record.

How to Submit a Records Request

You can request records by email, phone, mail, or in person. Florida law doesn't require a specific form. A plain written description of what you need is enough. Include the record type, a date range, and any names or addresses relevant to the request.

Fees are set by state law. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies are more. Staff time over 30 minutes may be charged at the lowest qualifying employee's hourly rate. For simple requests, there's often no fee beyond the copy cost.

If your request is denied, contact the Florida AG's mediation program at (850) 245-0140 or visit myfloridalegal.com. This service is free and handles disputes between requesters and agencies without litigation.

Vital Records

Birth and death records are filed with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Certified copies require an application and fee. Marriage licenses come from the Broward County Clerk. Divorce records are part of the circuit court filings, accessible through the Broward Clerk's portal.

Nearby Cities

Other Broward County cities with public records pages are listed below.

Broward County Records

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