Broward County services are handled by different offices, cities, courts, state agencies, and service providers. Use this guide to find a starting point for common requests and learn what information to have ready.
A property search, tax bill, recorded deed, and court case may involve the same address or person, but they belong to different systems. Permitting, water service, and other local services can also depend on where a property is located.
Independent website: Broward County, FL Public Services is not operated by or affiliated with Broward County government, the Broward County Clerk of Courts, the Broward County Property Appraiser, the Broward County Tax Collector, the State of Florida, or any other public agency. This site provides general information. It does not accept government payments, issue official records, process applications, determine eligibility, or make decisions about public services.
Where to Start
Find the task that matches your request. The table shows which page to use first, what information may help, and what to check with the responsible office or system.
| Task | Where to start | What to have ready | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find a court case | Case Search | Case number or full name of a party | The Clerk of Courts provides court case searches. Access to documents can vary by case. |
| Find a recorded deed or mortgage | Official Records | Name, document number, recording date, or book and page, if known | Broward County’s recorded land documents are searched separately from court cases. |
| Look up a property | Property Search | Street address, owner name, or parcel ID | Property search can identify a parcel and show assessment information. It is not the tax payment system. |
| Question an assessed value or exemption | Property Appraiser | Property address or parcel ID | The Property Appraiser handles assessments and exemptions. The Tax Collector handles tax bills and payments. |
| View or pay a property tax bill | Property Tax | Property address, account information, or tax notice | Confirm the bill, tax year, payment options, and deadlines through the Tax Collector’s official system. |
| Check a building permit | Permit Search | Property address or permit number | The responsible permitting office depends on the property location and type of work. |
| Find or respond to a traffic citation | Traffic Ticket Search | Citation number, driver information, or case number | Check response options with the Clerk of Courts. A citation may not appear online immediately. |
| Find someone in custody | Inmate Search | Full legal name and booking information, if known | Confirm current custody information before making plans for a visit or request. |
| Apply for a marriage license | Marriage License | Identification and information for both applicants | Applying for a new license differs from requesting an existing marriage record. |
| Renew a vehicle registration | Vehicle Registration Renewal | Registration or renewal notice and vehicle information | Confirm available renewal methods and any additional requirements with the official motor vehicle service. |
Which Government or Service Provider Handles It?
An address in Broward County does not mean Broward County government handles every service there. Cities, courts, the school district, state agencies, and other providers have separate responsibilities.
County Services and City Services
Broward County’s Building Code Division provides building services in the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD), which covers unincorporated areas, and in certain other areas it serves by agreement. Incorporated cities may have their own building, code enforcement, business, and utility processes.
Before starting construction, use Building Department and Permit Search to understand the process. Then confirm which office handles the work at the exact property address. A mailing city or ZIP code alone does not establish permitting jurisdiction.
Driver Licenses and Vehicle Registration
Driver license and vehicle registration services follow Florida motor vehicle rules, but the provider, location, and appointment options can differ by transaction. Start with Driver License or Vehicle Registration Renewal, then confirm current options with the office handling that service before visiting.
Schools, Public Health, and Hospital Care
Public Schools covers enrollment and school assignment questions handled through Broward County Public Schools. Verify an address and current assignment through the school district’s tools.
The Health Department page covers the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. Broward Health covers a separate healthcare system with hospitals and patient services. Check which organization provides the service you need.
Similar Records, Different Systems
The Broward County Clerk of Courts provides searches and records services for court cases. Broward County’s Records, Taxes and Treasury Division maintains Official Records, which include recorded deeds and mortgages. A document in one system will not necessarily appear in the other.
For an agency report, permit file, meeting material, or other government document, identify the office that keeps it. Public Records explains how to begin that type of request.
A new marriage license application is also different from requesting information about a license or record already on file. Use Marriage License for the application process and Clerk of Courts to identify the applicable process for an existing record.
Property Value, Tax Bills, and Permits
Property assessment, tax collection, and building permits are separate processes. The Property Appraiser handles assessed values and exemptions. The Tax Collector handles property tax bills and payments. A permit is handled by the building office responsible for the property and type of work.
A Business Tax Receipt is separate from a building permit. Business activity and location may also bring city, zoning, or other licensing requirements. Confirm the applicable approvals before opening or changing operations.
Before You Search or Call
Gather the identifiers you know. A case number, parcel ID, citation number, or exact street address can narrow a search more effectively than a name alone.
For Court and Traffic Matters
- Case number or citation number, if available
- Full legal name of the person or business involved
- Approximate filing or citation date
- Type of case or matter
If a citation does not appear in Traffic Ticket Search, check the Clerk’s current instructions rather than assuming the matter has been dismissed.
For Property, Permits, and Taxes
- Exact street address and unit number, if applicable
- Parcel ID, property account number, or permit number, if known
- Tax year or permit application date
- The city or unincorporated area where the property is located
Confirm the property location before choosing a permitting or utility provider. For assessment and tax questions, have the parcel ID or information from the tax notice ready when available.
For Custody and Jail Questions
Have the person’s full legal name and any booking information available. Use Inmate Search for a custody lookup and Jail for information about facilities and visits. Confirm current instructions with the responsible agency before traveling.
Everyday and Community Services
Water Bill helps identify the billing provider for an address. Transit covers routes, fares, and paratransit information; check current schedules and service notices before a trip.
For animal-related needs, Animal Care and Humane Society cover different organizations and services. Mosquito Control addresses reporting and prevention. For an immediate emergency, call 911. For a non-emergency public safety question, identify whether the location is served by Fire Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office, or a city agency.
Housing Authority explains housing program searches and waiting-list questions, while Library covers branches, cards, and available services. Confirm current availability and requirements with the responsible organization before applying or visiting.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you know the type of help you need but not the responsible office, use the service pages above to narrow your question. For general Broward County service information, you can also contact the County’s 311 Broward Call Center.
311 Broward
Call 311 where available or 954-831-4000 for general questions about Broward County services. Courts, cities, state agencies, and other separately operated organizations may have their own contacts.
Check the Property Location
For a service tied to an address, first identify whether the property is in a city or an unincorporated area. Then check which office provides the specific service before applying or paying. A mailing city or ZIP code may not identify the responsible local government.
Quick Contact Guide
These general public contacts are starting points when an online page does not answer your question. Have the case number, parcel ID, tax notice, or other relevant details ready before calling.
| Office | Use this contact for | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 311 Broward Call Center | General Broward County service questions and help identifying a County office | 954-831-4000 |
| Broward County Clerk of Courts | Court cases, traffic matters, marriage licenses, and Clerk services | 954-831-6565 |
| Broward County Property Appraiser | Property assessment records, values, parcel information, and exemptions | 954-357-6830 |
| Broward County Tax Collector — Tax Services | Property tax bills, collections, and tax payment questions | 954-357-4829 |
| Broward County Library — Main Library | Main Library information and help finding a branch | 954-357-7444 |
Looking for another office? See the Broward County Departments directory for additional department contacts and service descriptions.
About Our Information
Fees, deadlines, contacts, service areas, and online systems can change. Confirm current requirements with the organization handling your task. Applications, payments, record orders, and other government transactions must be completed through that organization’s official process.
City names and ZIP codes can help locate an area. Confirm the responsible office using the complete address when a service depends on location.
This is an independent information website. Government transactions and official decisions are handled by the responsible agencies.