What the Broward County Clerk of Courts can tell you about your license

The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains records of traffic violations, court judgments, and fines related to driving in Broward County. If you have received a ticket, been cited for a violation, or had a court case involving your driving, the clerk's office holds the official record. You can contact them to find out whether any outstanding fines, suspensions, or court orders are attached to your name and driver's license number.

This is different from checking your license status with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The clerk's office tells you about court cases and fines; DHSMV tells you whether your license is currently valid, suspended, or revoked. If you need to know both — whether you have unpaid fines in Broward County and whether your license is active — you will need to contact both offices.

The Broward County Clerk of Courts does not issue, renew, or suspend licenses. They record what happened in court and what you owe. If a suspension is in place because of an unpaid fine or court judgment, paying that fine or satisfying the judgment may allow you to restore your license through DHSMV.

Key Takeaways

  • The Broward County Clerk of Courts holds records of traffic tickets, violations, and court judgments in Broward County only, not your overall license status.
  • You can search court records online for free through the clerk's website or call the Traffic Division directly for faster answers about specific cases.
  • If you have an unpaid fine or court order in Broward County, that may be why your license is suspended — but you must check with DHSMV to confirm your license status.
  • Paying a fine to the clerk's office does not automatically restore your license; you may need to file a separate restoration request with DHSMV after the fine is paid.

Searching Broward County court records online

The Broward County Clerk of Courts operates a free online case search system called Broward County Court Records (accessible through the clerk's official website). You can search by your name, case number, or driver's license number to find traffic cases filed in Broward County.

To search online, go to the clerk's website, select the public records search tool, and enter your information. The system will show you any traffic cases, the charges, the court date, the outcome, and any fines or restitution ordered. This search covers cases in Broward County Circuit Court and County Court. The results are updated regularly but may lag by a few days.

If you find a case in the search results, the record will tell you the case number, the violation code, the fine amount, and whether it has been paid. If the fine shows as unpaid, that unpaid balance may be reported to DHSMV and could trigger a license suspension.

Calling the Broward County Clerk's Traffic Division

If you need an when ready answer or the online search does not return clear results, you can call the Broward County Clerk of Courts Traffic Division directly. The phone number is (954) 831-6565. Have your driver's license number or case number ready when you call.

The Traffic Division staff can tell you whether you have an open case, what the fine amount is, whether it has been paid, and what the current status is. They can also explain what steps you need to take if you owe money or if a suspension is in place. Wait times vary, especially during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

If you are calling about a case that is several years old, the clerk's office may direct you to archived records, which can take longer to retrieve. Provide as much detail as you have — the approximate year of the ticket, the violation type, or the court date — to speed up the search.

Understanding fines, suspensions, and what comes next

If the Broward County Clerk of Courts shows that you have an unpaid fine, that fine is a debt to the court. The court may report it to DHSMV, which can result in a license suspension. A suspension means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted.

To lift a suspension caused by an unpaid fine in Broward County, you must first pay the fine to the clerk's office or arrange a payment plan. Once the fine is paid and the court records are updated (usually within one to two business days), you then contact DHSMV to request a license restoration. Paying the fine alone does not restore your license automatically.

If you cannot pay the full fine at once, ask the clerk's office about payment plans or hardship waivers. Some courts allow you to pay in installments or reduce the fine under certain circumstances. The clerk's office can explain what options are available for your specific case.

Checking your actual license status with DHSMV

The Broward County Clerk of Courts can tell you about fines and court cases, but only the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can tell you whether your license is currently suspended, revoked, or valid. You must check with DHSMV separately.

DHSMV maintains the statewide license database. A suspension can be caused by an unpaid fine in Broward County, but it can also be caused by unpaid fines elsewhere in Florida, a medical suspension, a failure to appear in court, or other reasons. The clerk's office will not have that full picture.

To check your license status with DHSMV, visit their website (flhsmv.gov) and use the Driver License Status Check tool, or call (850) 617-2000. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. This check is free and takes less than a minute.

What to do if you find an unpaid fine or court order

If the Broward County Clerk of Courts shows an unpaid fine or active court order, your next step depends on what you owe and why.

If you owe a fine: Contact the clerk's office to confirm the amount, ask about payment methods (online, by phone, in person, or by mail), and ask whether a payment plan is available. Pay as soon as you can, because unpaid fines are reported to DHSMV and can result in a suspension.

If you have a court order you do not understand: Call the Traffic Division and ask them to explain what the order means and what you must do to satisfy it. Some orders require payment; others require you to take a defensive driving course or complete community service.

If you believe the fine or order is wrong: You have the right to request a hearing or file a motion to vacate the judgment. The clerk's office can direct you to the judge's office or the court clerk who handles that type of request. This process varies by case type and judge.

After you have paid or satisfied the court order: Contact DHSMV to request a license restoration. Provide them with proof that the fine has been paid or the order has been satisfied. DHSMV will lift the suspension once they confirm the court records have been updated.

In-person visits to the Broward County Clerk's office

If you prefer to handle this in person, the Broward County Clerk of Courts has multiple locations throughout the county. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but satellite offices serve other areas. You can find the address and hours on the clerk's website.

Bring your driver's license and any court documents you have (ticket, summons, judgment). Staff can look up your case, explain what you owe, and tell you how to pay. In-person visits often result in faster answers than phone calls, especially if you have a complex case or need documents printed.

Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will paying a fine to the Broward County Clerk restore my license?

Paying the fine removes the debt to the court, but it does not automatically restore your license. After you pay, the court updates its records (usually within one to two business days). You then contact DHSMV separately and request a license restoration. DHSMV will lift the suspension once they confirm the fine has been paid.

Can I check my license status online without calling?

Yes. The Broward County Clerk of Courts offers a free online case search on their website. For your overall license status (whether it is suspended, valid, or revoked), use DHSMV's Driver License Status Check tool at flhsmv.gov. Both searches are free and available 24/7.

What if I have a case in Broward County but I live out of state?

You can search online or call the clerk's office from anywhere. If you owe a fine, you can pay by phone, online, or by mail — you do not have to appear in person. Ask the clerk's office which payment methods are available and whether you need to provide any additional documentation.

How long does it take for a paid fine to show up in the system?

Most payments are recorded within one to two business days. If you paid online or by phone, ask for a confirmation number. If you paid in person or by mail, keep your receipt. When you contact DHSMV to request a license restoration, provide the confirmation number or receipt so they can verify the payment if it has not yet appeared in the court system.

What if the clerk's office says I owe money but I already paid?

Ask for a case number and request that the clerk's office research the payment. Provide your confirmation number or receipt. If the payment was made more than a few days ago and still does not show, ask whether the payment was applied to the correct case or whether there is a processing delay. Request written confirmation once the payment is found and recorded.