Sunrise Public Records

Sunrise public records are available through the City of Sunrise and the Broward County Clerk of Courts. City documents including permits, code enforcement records, city commission minutes, and city contracts are held at Sunrise City Hall at 10770 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351. Court case files, official property documents, and recorded instruments for the Sunrise area go through the Broward County Clerk at browardclerk.org under the 17th Judicial Circuit. Florida's open records law gives any person the right to search and request these records without stating a reason.

Florida's Open Records Law

Every government record in Florida starts as public. That's the rule under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law applies to city agencies, county offices, and state departments alike. Sunrise city records and Broward County records both fall under it.

You don't need to give your name. You don't need to say why you want the records. The agency can't make you fill out a special form, though many have their own forms for convenience. The point is to keep government open and accountable.

Agencies must respond promptly. If a record can be pulled right away, it usually is. Bigger or older requests may take more time, but the agency has to give you a time estimate if you ask. Delays for no real reason are not allowed.

Some records are exempt. Section 119.071 covers most of the exceptions, which include certain active law enforcement investigation files, some medical records, and juvenile records. But most of what people typically search for, court filings, property deeds, permits, meeting minutes, is open without issue.

Court Records in the 17th Judicial Circuit

All court cases tied to Sunrise go through the 17th Judicial Circuit. That circuit covers all of Broward County. The Broward County Clerk of Courts is where you search for those records. The online portal lets you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date at no cost.

Civil cases include small claims, contract disputes, and injunctions. Criminal records cover misdemeanor and felony charges. Family court holds divorce filings, custody orders, and adoption records. Probate handles estate matters and guardianships. All of these pass through the same clerk's office, though they're organized into separate divisions.

If you need a certified copy of a court document, you can request it through the clerk's website or visit in person. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies carry a higher fee per page. Bring a case number when you go. It saves time and helps staff find the file quickly.

The main Broward County Courthouse is at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. There are also branch locations across Broward. For Sunrise area matters, the closest branch may be quicker depending on the case type.

City of Sunrise Records

The City of Sunrise keeps its own records for local government functions. City Hall is located at 10770 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351. The main city phone number is (954) 746-3233. The city's official website has contact details for each department, as well as posted agendas, minutes, and some records available without a formal request.

Building permits are among the most commonly requested city records. If a home or commercial property had construction, additions, or renovations, there's a permit on file. These records show what work was approved, who the contractor was, and whether inspections passed. Buyers, lenders, and contractors often need them.

Zoning and land use records, city contracts, budget documents, and commission meeting minutes are also part of the city's public record. Most of these can be found posted on the city website or requested through the city clerk's office. City financial records are available under the same open records rules that apply to all other documents.

Sunrise has its own police department. Police records from the Sunrise Police Department include incident reports, arrest logs, and case records. Some of these are posted online. Others require a written request. Law enforcement files sometimes carry exemptions for ongoing investigations, but many routine records are open.

Florida Statewide Clerk Directory

The screenshot below is from the Florida Clerks of Court statewide directory, which lists every county clerk office and their contact details across Florida, including the Broward County Clerk serving Sunrise.

The directory is a useful starting point if you need to contact the Broward Clerk's office or find out which branch handles a specific case type.

Property Records

Property records for Sunrise are held by the Broward County Property Appraiser. You can search by address or parcel number on their website. The records include ownership history, land values, lot size, and tax data. It's free to look up online.

The Broward County Records, Taxes, and Treasury Division holds deed records, mortgages, and liens. These go back many decades. A recorded deed is filed every time a property changes hands. These records are important for title searches and real estate research.

Tax records come from the Broward County Tax Collector. That office shows whether property taxes are paid, past tax bills, and payment history. Most of this is searchable online. You don't need to visit an office for basic lookups.

How to Request Records

You can ask for records in person, by phone, email, or mail. No specific form is required by law, though agencies often have their own forms. Just describe what you need well enough for staff to find it. Include the record type, the date range, and any names or addresses involved.

Fees are set by state law. Copies cost $0.15 per page. The first 30 minutes of staff time to locate or compile records is free. After that, agencies can charge based on the pay rate of the lowest-paid staff member who can do the work. Certified documents cost more than plain copies.

If your request is denied, you can contact the Florida Attorney General's Government Records Mediation Program at (850) 245-0140. The AG's open government page explains the mediation process. It's free and resolves disputes faster than taking the matter to court.

Vital Records

Birth and death records from Sunrise go to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, not to the city. You order those through the Florida Department of Health.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Broward County Clerk. Divorce records are filed in circuit court. Both are searchable through the Broward Clerk's online portal. Certified copies of either require a fee and sometimes a written request with identifying details.

Nearby Cities

Several nearby Broward and South Florida cities also have public records resources through county offices and their own city departments.

Broward County Records

Court records and official records for Sunrise are maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Court.