Public Records in Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines public records are available through the City of Pembroke Pines and the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The city holds records created by its own departments, including permits, ordinances, and city commission files, while the Broward County Clerk maintains court records and official recorded instruments for the 17th Judicial Circuit. Florida's open records law gives every person the right to request Pembroke Pines public records without needing to identify themselves, state a purpose, or fill out a formal form.

Your Right to Records

Florida law gives every person the right to see and copy public records. You don't have to give your name. You don't have to explain why you want the records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes spells this out clearly. It covers all levels of government, so records held by Pembroke Pines city departments and Broward County offices are both open by default.

The law says agencies must respond to your request promptly. They cannot delay for no good reason. If a record can be copied quickly, it often happens the same day. Larger or more complex requests may take longer, but the agency must give you a time estimate if asked. A request that is denied must come with a written explanation citing a specific exemption under Section 119.071. Common exemptions include some law enforcement investigative records, personal medical data, and records tied to ongoing criminal cases. Most everyday requests run into no problems.

Court Records Through Broward Clerk

All civil, criminal, family, and probate cases filed in Pembroke Pines fall under the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains these records. You can search them online through the Broward Clerk's official website. The portal lets you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date at no charge.

The clerk's office handles a wide range of record types. Civil court files include small claims, civil disputes, and injunctions. Criminal records cover misdemeanor and felony charges filed in Broward. Family court holds divorce, custody, and adoption records. Probate files deal with estates and guardianships. Each is a separate division in the court system, but all run through the same clerk's office.

For records you can't find online, visit the clerk in person. The main courthouse is at 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Copies cost $0.15 per page for plain copies. Certified copies carry an added certification fee per document. Bring a case number if you have one. It speeds up the search considerably.

City of Pembroke Pines Records

The City of Pembroke Pines handles its own records for city departments. These include building permits, zoning applications, city commission meeting minutes, and city contracts. City Hall is at 10100 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026. The main phone number is (954) 431-2200. The city's official website also has contact information for making a public records request.

Building and permit records are useful for homeowners, buyers, and contractors. If a property has had work done, there's likely a permit on file. These records show what was built, when it was done, and whether it passed inspection. They're kept by the city's development services department and can be requested by address.

The city also holds records tied to its police department. Pembroke Pines has its own police force. Incident reports, arrest logs, and other police records can be requested through the Police Department's records unit. Some of these are posted online as public blotters. Others require a written request. Law enforcement records sometimes carry exemptions, but many are open to the public once a case is no longer active.

The city site lists department contacts and links to commonly requested records, including permits, agendas, and financial reports for Pembroke Pines.

Property Records

Property records for Pembroke Pines are held by the Broward County Property Appraiser. These files cover ownership history, assessed values, lot size, and tax information. You can search by address or parcel number on the property appraiser's website. The records are free to view online.

The Broward County Clerk's official records division also maintains deed records, mortgage documents, and liens. If a property has been sold or refinanced, there's a recorded deed on file. These records go back many decades and are an important resource for title searches and real estate research. Tax records are handled by the Broward County Tax Collector. If you need to know whether property taxes are current, or want a history of tax payments, that office has the data.

How to Make a Records Request

You can ask for records in person, by phone, by mail, or by email. There's no required form under Florida law, though many agencies have their own forms for convenience. You just need to describe the records clearly enough for staff to find them.

Common details to include: the type of record you want, such as a court case, permit, or incident report; a date range or time frame; the names of people or addresses involved; and a case number if you have one. Fees apply for copies. The standard rate is $0.15 per page for printed copies. Certified documents cost more. The first 30 minutes of staff time to gather records is free. If it takes longer, agencies may charge for the extra time at the pay rate of the lowest-paid qualified staff member who can do the work.

If a request is denied, you have options. The Florida Attorney General's office runs a mediation program. You can reach them at (850) 245-0140. The AG's office at myfloridalegal.com has more details. Mediation is free and often resolves disputes faster than going to court. The Florida Association of Court Clerks at flclerks.com can also help you locate the right clerk office for records in other counties.

Vital Records

Birth and death certificates for events in Pembroke Pines are filed with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics at the state level, not with the city or county. You can order them through the Florida Department of Health. Marriage and divorce records are different. Marriage licenses are issued by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Divorce records are filed with the circuit court. Both types are searchable through the Broward Clerk's portal, and certified copies may require a fee and a written request.

Nearby Cities

Other Broward County cities near Pembroke Pines have public records resources through the same 17th Circuit clerk system.

Broward County Records

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