Plantation City felony records are official court documents that show felony criminal cases filed in the Broward County court system. Plantation is a city in Broward County, Florida with over 94,000 residents.
All felony cases that happen in Plantation go through the Broward County Clerk of Court. These records include charges, court dates, plea deals, verdicts, and sentencing outcomes. Anyone can look at most of these records because Florida has strong public records laws. This page explains what felony records contain, where to find them, and how to request copies in 2026.
What Are Plantation City Felony Records
Plantation City felony records are paper and electronic files kept by the Broward County court system. These files cover every felony case connected to crimes committed inside Plantation city limits. A felony is a serious crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. Felony records differ from arrest records or police reports because they come from the court, not the police department.
Types of Felonies Tracked in Plantation
Plantation felony records cover many types of serious crimes. Common categories include violent crimes like assault, robbery, and homicide. Property crimes such as burglary, grand theft, and fraud also appear as felonies. Drug offenses like trafficking and manufacturing create felony records. Sex offenses, weapons charges, and white-collar crimes round out the main felony types. Each category has its own court process and record format.
- Violent crimes against people
- Property crimes worth over $750
- Drug trafficking and manufacturing
- Firearm and weapons offenses
- Fraud, forgery, and financial crimes
- DUI causing serious injury or death
Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor Records
Felony records and misdemeanor records are stored in the same court system but kept separate. Felonies carry penalties of more than one year in prison and fines up to $10,000. Misdemeanors carry penalties of less than one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000. Felony cases go through a formal trial process with a grand jury in serious cases. Misdemeanor cases use a simpler process called a county court hearing. Both types stay on a person’s record unless sealed or expunged.
How the Plantation Felony Court System Works
Felony cases in Plantation follow a set path through the Broward County court system. Each stage creates new records that become part of the public file. Knowing the stages helps you understand what records exist at any given time.
Arrest and First Appearance
When Plantation police arrest someone for a felony, the arrest creates a police record. The arrested person goes before a judge within 24 hours for a first appearance. The judge decides if the person can be released before trial. This hearing creates the first court record in the felony file. The record shows the charges, the defendant’s name, and the judge’s release decision.
Formal Charges and Arraignment
The State Attorney’s Office files formal charges after reviewing the police report. The defendant appears in court for an arraignment hearing. During arraignment, the defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This plea becomes part of the court record. The arraignment also sets future court dates for motions and trial.
Plea Deals and Trial Outcomes
Many felony cases end with a plea deal before trial. The defense lawyer and prosecutor work out an agreement. The judge must approve the deal during a court hearing. If no plea deal happens, the case goes to trial. Trial records include jury selection, witness testimony, and the final verdict. Sentencing happens after a guilty plea or guilty verdict.
Official Sources for Plantation Felony Records
Three main agencies hold official Plantation felony records. Each agency handles different parts of the criminal justice process. Knowing which agency to contact saves time and effort.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court keeps all court records for felony cases in Plantation. The Clerk’s office stores case files, court orders, plea agreements, and sentencing documents. You can search their online database for free or visit the office in person. The Clerk also issues certified copies of court records for legal use. Phone support is available during business hours for basic case status questions.
Plantation Police Department
The Plantation Police Department keeps records of arrests and police reports. These records show what happened at the scene of a crime. They include officer observations, witness statements, and evidence collected. Police reports are public unless they are part of an active investigation. The Police Department works with the State Attorney to build felony cases for prosecution.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state criminal history database. FDLE collects arrest records from every police agency in Florida, including Plantation Police. The database shows arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences from all 67 counties. FDLE charges a fee for each name search. Employers and licensing agencies use this database for background checks.
How to Search Plantation Felony Records Online
Online searches are the fastest way to find Plantation felony records. You can search from home at any time of day. The main online tools come from the Broward County Clerk and FDLE.
Searching the Broward Clerk Online Database
The Broward County Clerk offers a free online case search tool. Go to the Clerk’s website at browardclerk.org and click on Court Records Search. Enter the defendant’s full legal name in the search box. You can also search by case number if you have one. The search results show case type, charges, court dates, and current status. Click on a case number to see more details and documents.
- Visit browardclerk.org
- Click Court Records Search
- Choose Court Type as Circuit Criminal
- Enter last name, first name, or case number
- Click Search to view results
- Click case number for full details
Searching the FDLE Criminal History System
The FDLE criminal history search costs $25 per name search as of 2026. Payment is by credit or debit card. Visit web.fdle.state.fl.us/search to start a search. You need the person’s full legal name and date of birth. A Social Security Number is optional but helps confirm the right person. Results show up immediately on the screen with a printable certificate.
Searching by Case Number
If you know the felony case number, you can find the record quickly. Plantation felony cases use case numbers that start with the year and a sequence number. For example, a 2026 case might be 26-CF-001234. Enter the full case number into the Broward Clerk search tool. This gives you direct access to the case file without searching by name.
In-Person Records Requests in Plantation
Some felony records are only available by visiting the Clerk’s office in person. This includes older paper files, sealed document reviews, and certified copies. The main Clerk of Court office is in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Broward County Clerk Main Office Location
The Broward County Clerk of Court main office sits at 201 Southeast 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The courthouse is closed on weekends and government holidays. Public terminals are available on the first floor for free record searches. Staff members can help you locate files and make copies during business hours.
Plantation Satellite Services
Plantation does not have its own court building for felony cases. All felony hearings take place at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. However, Plantation City Hall at 400 Northwest 73rd Avenue handles some local background check requests. The Plantation Police Department at 451 Northwest 70th Terrace processes local police report requests during business hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
What to Bring for In-Person Requests
Bring a valid photo ID when visiting the Clerk’s office. Accepted IDs include a Florida driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Write down the full legal name and date of birth of the person you are researching. Case numbers help locate files faster. Bring cash or a credit card to pay for copies and certified documents.
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Case number if known
- Cash or credit card for fees
- Written request form if required
Fees and Processing Times for Plantation Felony Records
Fees for Plantation felony records depend on the type of record and how you request it. Processing times vary by request method and record type. Most online searches give instant results.
Standard Copy Fees
The Broward County Clerk charges $0.15 per page for regular copies of court documents. Each page counts as one side of a sheet. Double-sided documents count as two pages. Self-service copies at the courthouse cost $0.10 per page. Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the office.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies of felony court records cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. A certified copy has a raised seal and an official signature. Courts and government agencies often require certified copies. The Clerk can mail certified copies for an extra postage fee. Rush processing is available for an additional charge.
FDLE Background Check Fees
The FDLE criminal history search costs $25.00 per name as of July 2026. This fee is non-refundable even if no records are found. Results are available instantly for online searches. Mailed requests take 5 to 7 business days to process. FDLE accepts credit cards, checks, and money orders for payment.
Florida Public Records Laws for Felony Cases
Florida has strong laws that give the public access to government records. These laws cover most felony court records in Plantation. Knowing the law helps you understand your rights as a record seeker.
Florida Sunshine Law
The Florida Sunshine Law is found in Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes. This law says that any person can request public records from government agencies. You do not need to give a reason for your request. You do not need to be a lawyer or a citizen. Agencies must respond to requests within a reasonable time. The law covers state, county, and city agencies, including Plantation city offices.
Exemptions to Public Records Access
Some felony records are not open to the public. Active criminal investigation files may be exempt while the case is being investigated. Records sealed by court order are not available to the public. Expunged records are removed from public access entirely. Juvenile felony records have extra protections under Florida law. Victim identity information is often redacted from public files.
How to Challenge Denied Records Requests
If an agency denies your records request, you can appeal the decision. First, ask the agency for the legal reason for the denial in writing. Then, you can file a lawsuit or contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Many denied cases involve records that are part of ongoing investigations. A court order can sometimes unseal records for legal purposes.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in Plantation
Some Plantation felony records are sealed or expunged by court order. Sealed records exist but are not available to the public. Expunged records are physically destroyed or hidden from public view. Both types limit who can see the records.
How Records Get Sealed in Florida
A person can ask a court to seal their felony record under Florida Statute 943.059. The person must file a petition with the Broward County Clerk. Certain felony convictions cannot be sealed, such as sexual offenses and crimes against children. If the court grants the petition, the record is sealed. Police, prosecutors, and some licensing agencies can still see sealed records.
How Records Get Expunged
Expungement removes a felony record from public access. Florida Statute 943.0585 explains the expungement process. The person files a petition with FDLE and the local court. Not all felony records qualify for expungement. Cases that were dismissed, dropped, or resulted in a not guilty verdict often qualify. Successful expungement lets the person say they have no criminal record in most situations.
Who Can Still See Sealed Records
Even sealed felony records are available to certain agencies. Law enforcement agencies can see sealed records for criminal justice purposes. The Florida Bar can see sealed records for lawyer discipline cases. Licensing boards can see sealed records for professional licensing decisions. Military recruiters and gun purchase background checks cannot see sealed records in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plantation City Felony Records
Below are common questions people ask about Plantation City felony records. These answers cover searches, costs, eligibility, and legal rules based on Florida law in 2026. Each answer gives direct facts about how felony records work in the Broward County court system.
Can I look up felony records for free in Plantation?
Yes, you can search felony case information for free through the Broward County Clerk of Court online database. The basic name search and case number search have no cost. You can see charges, court dates, and case status without paying. However, certified copies cost $1.00 per page. The FDLE statewide background check costs $25.00 per name search. Free searches are best for basic verification of public case information.
How long do felony records stay on file in Florida?
Felony records stay on file forever unless they are sealed or expunged by court order. Florida does not automatically delete old felony records after a set number of years. A felony conviction from 30 years ago still appears in court searches today. The only ways to remove a felony record are through a successful petition to seal or expunge. Some convictions cannot be sealed or expunged under current Florida law.
Can employers see my Plantation felony record?
Yes, employers can see most felony records during background checks. Florida law does not ban employers from checking felony records. Some jobs require background checks for all applicants. Certain industries must reject applicants with felony convictions. Sealed or expunged records do not show up on standard employer background checks. Landlords, lenders, and licensing boards can also check felony records.
What is the difference between a felony and a federal crime?
A felony is a state crime handled by Florida courts. A federal crime is prosecuted by the United States government in federal court. Plantation felony records cover state crimes only. Federal crimes committed in Plantation would show up in federal court records, not the Broward County Clerk database. The penalties and procedures differ between state and federal systems.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in Plantation?
The Plantation Police Department operates a local jail for short-term holds. For longer stays, inmates go to the Broward County Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale. You can search the Broward County Sheriff’s Office inmate lookup tool online at browardsheriff.org. The search shows current inmates and their charges. Phone support is available at the Sheriff’s Office for jail status questions.
Can I remove a felony conviction from my record in Florida?
Florida law allows some felony records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. You must wait 10 years after completing your sentence for most felony convictions. You cannot have any other criminal charges during the waiting period. Certain serious felonies like murder, sex crimes, and crimes against children can never be sealed. A lawyer can help you file the right paperwork with the court.
Where can I get official Plantation felony records by mail?
You can mail a records request to the Broward County Clerk of Court at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Include the person’s full name, date of birth, and a check or money order for copying fees. Write your return address clearly on the envelope. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days to process. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for faster return of your copies.
Plantation Felony Records Contact Sheet
The following agencies handle Plantation felony records in Broward County. Keep this contact sheet for your records. Always call ahead to confirm hours and fees before visiting.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The main office for all Plantation felony court records sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Public terminals for record searches are on the first floor. The office processes certified copy requests and court document requests during business hours. Public parking is available in the courthouse parking garage for a fee.
Plantation Police Department
The Plantation Police Department keeps arrest records and police reports for crimes in Plantation. The records window handles walk-in requests for police reports. The non-emergency line answers questions about arrest status and report availability. Major case files may take longer to retrieve from storage.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE headquarters in Tallahassee runs the state criminal history database. The online search portal operates 24 hours a day. Mail-in requests go to the FDLE Criminal History Services section in Tallahassee. Customer service phone support is available during state business hours.
| Agency | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk of Court | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Plantation Police Department | 451 NW 70th Terrace, Plantation, FL 33317 | (954) 797-2100 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Florida Department of Law Enforcement | 2333 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | (850) 410-7000 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |