Hollywood City criminal records are public court files that show arrest, charge, and case data for criminal cases filed in Hollywood, Florida. The city sits inside Broward County, and every criminal case goes through the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office handles arrests and jail records. You can search these records online or in person. Most basic case data is free to view. Certified copies carry a small fee. This page explains where to look, what each record shows, and how to request copies. Hollywood sits on the Atlantic coast between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The Hollywood Police Department works with BSO on most law enforcement tasks. Court cases from Hollywood are heard at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Online portals let you check case status any time of day. Florida law makes most criminal records open to the public. Some records stay sealed by court order. Juvenile records follow different rules. Federal cases are handled in a separate court system. Use the right agency for the right type of record. County clerk files cover court cases. Police files cover incidents. State databases cover Florida-wide history. Knowing which office holds the data saves time.
Where to Find Hollywood City Criminal Records
Hollywood criminal records live in three main places. The Broward County Clerk of Courts holds court case files. The Broward Sheriff’s Office holds arrest and jail records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) holds statewide criminal history. Each office has an online search tool. Each office also takes in-person requests. The right choice depends on the type of record you need.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main source for Hollywood criminal court records. The clerk keeps files for every case filed in Broward County. This includes all felony and misdemeanor cases from Hollywood. The clerk’s website has a free online search. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. Results show charges, court dates, plea info, and final outcome. Basic case data is free. Certified copies cost money. The clerk’s main office is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: (954) 831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The clerk also runs a satellite office in the South Regional Courthouse at 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021. You can use public terminals there for free searches.
Broward Sheriff’s Office Records
The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) handles arrest and jail records for Hollywood. BSO runs the main county jail (Main Jail) and other booking facilities. Arrest records show who was taken into custody, the time, location, and charges. BSO has an online inmate search tool. You can search by name or booking number. Results show current inmates and recent releases. Bond amounts and court dates also appear. Police reports for incidents in Hollywood are filed with BSO or the Hollywood Police Department. Some incident reports are online. Others need a public records request. BSO Public Records Unit: (954) 831-8749. Submit records requests online through the BSO website. Fees follow Florida’s public records law.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database called CCHInet. This database covers arrests and convictions from every Florida county. It includes Hollywood cases. Each name search costs $25 plus a small processing fee. You need to create an account. Search results come back right after payment. The report shows arrests, charges, and final dispositions statewide. FDLE does not include sealed or expunged records. Federal cases are not included. Out-of-state records need a separate search through the FBI or the other state. Visit cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us to start a search.
How to Search Hollywood Criminal Court Records Online
Online search is the fastest way to check a Hollywood criminal case. The Broward Clerk offers a public portal with no login needed. FDLE offers a paid statewide search. BSO offers a free inmate search. Use each tool based on what you need. Court case search works for past and current cases. Inmate search works for people in jail right now. FDLE search works for full criminal history.
Step-by-Step: Broward Clerk Court Search
Go to the Broward County Clerk of Courts website at browardclerk.org. Click on “Court Records Search” or “Online Services.” Pick the criminal case search option. Enter the person’s full legal name. Add a date of birth if you know it. The portal returns matching cases from Broward County, including Hollywood cases. Click a case number to see full details. You can view the docket, hearing dates, and final judgment. Most case files have scanned documents attached. You can read them online for free. Print or save copies for your records. Certified copies need a separate request and a fee. The online system runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No account is required for basic searches.
Step-by-Step: BSO Inmate Search
Go to sheriff.org. Click on “Inmate Search” under the Corrections menu. Enter the person’s last name, first name, or booking number. Pick the facility if you know it. Main Jail holds most new bookings. Click search. Results show current inmates and people released in the last few days. Each listing shows the booking photo, charges, bond amount, and next court date. BSO updates this database every few hours. You can also call (954) 831-5902 for booking info. Visitation rules and jail address appear on the same page.
Step-by-Step: FDLE Statewide Search
Go to cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Create a free account with your email. Log in. Enter the subject’s full name and date of birth. Pay the $25 fee by credit or debit card. Results show up right after payment. The report lists every arrest in Florida, the charge, and the final outcome. You can save or print the report. Each search counts as one record check. The fee is non-refundable even if no record is found.
Types of Criminal Records Available for Hollywood, FL
Different agencies hold different types of records. Knowing the type helps you pick the right agency. Court records, arrest records, and inmate records each serve a different purpose. Some records cover the full case. Others only cover one part of the process.
Court Case Records
Court case records show the full legal process for a criminal case. They include the charging document, called an information or indictment. They include the arrest warrant if one was used. They include plea agreements, motions, and court orders. They include the final judgment and sentence. These files come from the Broward Clerk of Courts. The clerk keeps both paper and digital files. Most cases filed after 2010 have scanned images online. Older cases may need an in-person request. Court records show the official outcome of each charge: guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or nolle prosequi.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when and where a person was taken into custody. They include the arresting agency, the officer’s name, and the location of the arrest. They list the charges at the time of booking. They include the booking number and bond amount. Arrest records come from BSO or the Hollywood Police Department. The Hollywood Police Department covers the city limits. BSO covers the rest of Broward County. Request arrest records through each agency’s records unit. Some arrest records are sealed if the case was dismissed and the judge ordered sealing.
Jail and Inmate Records
Jail records show who is in custody right now. The BSO inmate search tool shows current inmates at all BSO facilities. Records show charges, bond amount, housing location, and scheduled release date. The Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) inmate search shows people in state prison. The DOC search covers people sentenced to state time. Most Hollywood felony cases that result in prison sentences end up in the DOC system. Use the DOC search for past prison stays. The search tool is at dc.state.fl.us.
Traffic and Misdemeanor Records
Misdemeanor cases from Hollywood are filed in Broward County Court. They include charges like petty theft, simple battery, and DUI first offense. These records show up in the same clerk search as felony cases. Traffic criminal offenses like reckless driving and driving on a suspended license also appear in the clerk’s database. Minor traffic tickets are handled separately and may not show up in a criminal search. Civil traffic infractions stay in a different system.
Fees and Processing Times for Hollywood Criminal Records
Fees vary by agency and record type. Most online searches are free. Certified copies and official reports carry a charge. Processing time depends on the agency and the request type. Online requests are fastest. Mail and in-person requests take longer.
Fee Table by Record Type
| Record Type | Source | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic case search (online) | Broward Clerk | Free | Instant |
| Certified court copy | Broward Clerk | $1 per page + $2 certification | Same day in person, 5-7 days by mail |
| Police report copy | BSO or Hollywood PD | $0.15 per page (Florida law) | 3-10 business days |
| Statewide criminal history | FDLE | $25 + processing fee | Instant online |
| Federal background check | FBI | $18 per person | 1-3 weeks |
| Inmate search (online) | BSO / Florida DOC | Free | Instant |
Fees and processing times reflect Florida law and current agency policy as of 2026. Call the clerk’s office at (954) 831-6565 to confirm exact costs before requesting certified copies.
Sealing and Expunging Hollywood Criminal Records
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge arrest records. A sealed record stays out of public view. An expunged record gets destroyed. Each person can seal or expunge only one case in their lifetime under most circumstances. The process starts with FDLE. You apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. FDLE reviews your record and checks your eligibility. If approved, you file a petition with the Broward Clerk of Courts. A judge signs a final order. The order goes to every agency that holds the record. Each agency then seals or destroys its copy. The whole process takes 4 to 8 months. Sealing a Hollywood arrest does not erase the arrest from law enforcement databases. Certified law enforcement agencies can still see the record. The record also shows up on FBI checks for certain jobs.
Who Qualifies to Seal or Expunge
You qualify if your case ended in a withhold of adjudication, a dismissal, or a not guilty verdict. You cannot have a prior conviction for any criminal offense. You cannot have a prior sealing or expungement in Florida. You must complete all sentence terms, including probation and fines. Some charges never qualify. These include sex offenses, child abuse, and certain violent crimes. DUI charges cannot be sealed or expunged under current Florida law. A lawyer can check your eligibility before you start the process.
Hollywood, Florida Court System Basics
Hollywood sits in the 17th Judicial Circuit, which covers Broward County. Felony cases go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanor cases go to County Court. The chief judge oversees all circuit and county court operations. Hollywood police officers work with the Broward State Attorney’s Office to file charges. The State Attorney decides whether to file charges after an arrest. Public defenders represent people who cannot afford a private lawyer. The whole process runs through the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
Circuit Court vs. County Court
Circuit Court handles felony charges. These include burglary, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, and robbery. Felony cases start with an arraignment. They can go to trial or end in a plea. Sentences can include state prison time. County Court handles misdemeanor charges. These include simple battery, petty theft, and most first DUI cases. Misdemeanor sentences are usually less than one year in county jail. Both court types keep records at the same Broward Clerk office.
Hollywood Police Department Jurisdiction
The Hollywood Police Department covers the city limits of Hollywood. BSO covers the unincorporated parts of Broward County. HPD handles most local arrests within city limits. Some HPD arrests end up in BSO’s jail system. Both agencies share records access. You can request HPD reports through the Hollywood Police Department Records Division at (954) 764-4357. The station sits at 3250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021.
Common Questions About Hollywood Criminal Records
Below are the most common questions people ask about criminal records in Hollywood, Florida. Each answer gives clear steps and the right office to contact. Most searches are free. Certified copies carry a fee. Sealing a record takes time. Knowing the right agency saves time and money.
How do I look up a Hollywood criminal case for free?
Go to browardclerk.org and use the public court records search. Enter the person’s full name. Add a date of birth if you have it. The search returns all matching Broward County cases, including Hollywood cases. You can view the case docket, charges, court dates, and final outcome for free. No account or payment is needed for basic searches. You can also use the public terminals at the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Public terminals run the same search software and are free to use during business hours.
How long does a Hollywood arrest stay on your record?
An arrest stays on your record forever unless a judge orders it sealed or expunged. There is no automatic deletion. The record stays in the clerk’s files, BSO’s files, and FDLE’s statewide database. You can apply for sealing or expungement if you meet the legal requirements. The process takes several months. A sealed record is hidden from public searches. An expunged record is destroyed. Both options require a court order. A lawyer can help you file the right petition.
Can I get a Hollywood criminal record online?
Yes. You can search court cases through the Broward Clerk’s online portal. You can search inmates through BSO’s online tool. You can run a statewide search through FDLE’s CCHInet. Each tool gives a different type of record. The clerk’s tool is free. FDLE’s tool costs $25 per search. None of these tools require you to visit a courthouse. You can complete the full search from your computer or phone. Certified copies still require payment and a request to the clerk.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
A sealed record stays in the system but is hidden from public view. Law enforcement agencies and some employers can still see the record. An expunged record is destroyed by the agency that holds it. Most public searches will not find an expunged record. A few law enforcement agencies keep a confidential copy. Florida law only allows one sealing or expungement per person in most cases. Some traffic offenses and minor charges do qualify. Serious felony charges usually do not qualify.
How much does it cost to get a certified criminal record in Hollywood?
Certified copies from the Broward Clerk cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. The total depends on the size of the case file. Most criminal case files are 10 to 50 pages. The total cost is usually between $12 and $52. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card in person. Mail requests need a check or money order. The clerk’s office will not start the request until payment is received. Call (954) 831-6565 for an exact quote before you submit a request.
Are juvenile criminal records public in Hollywood?
No. Juvenile records in Florida are not public. They stay confidential under Florida law. Only certain people can see juvenile records, including the juvenile, the juvenile’s parents or guardians, the juvenile’s lawyer, and law enforcement. Juvenile records also cannot be sealed or expunged in the same way adult records are. Some juvenile cases can be expunged after the person turns 18. A lawyer can help with juvenile record requests. The Broward Clerk keeps juvenile records in a separate system that is not open to the public.
Where do I report a crime in Hollywood, FL?
Call 911 for any emergency or crime in progress. For non-emergencies, call the Hollywood Police Department at (954) 764-4357. You can also report a crime in person at the HPD station at 3250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021. The station is open 24 hours a day for reports and walk-in service. You can file some reports online through the HPD website at hollywoodfl.org. Online reports work for minor crimes like theft, vandalism, and lost property. Major crimes need a phone call or in-person report.
Official Contact Information for Hollywood Criminal Records
Use the right office for the right type of record. The clerk handles court cases. BSO handles arrests and jail. FDLE handles statewide history. Hollywood PD handles local police reports. Each office has its own hours, phone, and address. Save this section for fast reference.
Key Office Contact List
- Broward County Clerk of Courts: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: (954) 831-6565. Website: browardclerk.org. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO): 2601 W. Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Phone: (954) 831-8300. Inmate Search: sheriff.org. Hours: 24/7 for emergencies; records unit hours vary.
- Hollywood Police Department: 3250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021. Phone: (954) 764-4357. Website: hollywoodfl.org. Hours: 24/7 for emergencies and reports.
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Phone: (850) 410-7000. Statewide Criminal History: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Florida Department of Corrections (DOC): 501 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Phone: (850) 488-5021. Inmate Search: dc.state.fl.us. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Broward State Attorney’s Office: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: (954) 831-6955. Website: sao17.state.fl.us. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hollywood City Criminal Records
The questions below cover the most common long-tail searches about Hollywood criminal records. Each answer gives a direct, citation-ready response based on Florida law and current agency policy. Use this section to check specific details about search methods, fees, eligibility, and timelines. Florida’s public records law makes most criminal records open to the public. Some records stay sealed by court order. Juvenile records are not public. The FDLE handles statewide searches. The Broward Clerk handles county court records. Use the right agency to get the right record.
How do I find out if someone has a criminal record in Hollywood, FL?
Start with the Broward County Clerk of Courts online search at browardclerk.org. Enter the person’s full name and date of birth. The portal shows every criminal case filed in Broward County, including Hollywood cases. You can see charges, court dates, and final outcomes for free. For a statewide check, use the FDLE criminal history search at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The FDLE search costs $25 per name and returns results right after payment. For current inmates, use the BSO inmate search at sheriff.org. Each tool covers a different type of record. Use all three if you need a full background check.
Can I view Hollywood criminal court records without an account?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk’s public portal does not require an account. You can search and view basic case data for free. You do not need to register or log in. You can also use the public terminals at the courthouse without signing up. The only time you need an account is when you request certified copies through the clerk’s online payment system. FDLE searches require a free account with email verification. BSO inmate searches do not need an account. Each tool is built for fast public access.
What shows up on a Florida criminal background check?
A Florida criminal background check shows every arrest, charge, and final outcome in the state. It includes felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, and dismissed charges. It also includes pending cases and active warrants. The report lists the arrest date, the arresting agency, the court that handled the case, and the final judgment. Sealed and expunged records do not show up. Juvenile records do not show up. Federal charges do not show up. Out-of-state charges do not show up. For a full national check, you need an FBI background check through an approved channeler.
How do I get a copy of a police report in Hollywood?
Call the Hollywood Police Department Records Division at (954) 764-4357. Give the date, location, and type of incident. The records staff will look up the report and tell you the cost. Florida law sets the fee at $0.15 per page for non-certified copies. You can pick up the report in person at 3250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021. You can also request the report by mail. Send a written request, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order. Most requests take 5 to 10 business days to process. Some reports are not public while the case is under investigation.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a conviction record?
An arrest record shows that law enforcement took a person into custody. It does not show guilt. A conviction record shows that a judge or jury found the person guilty. Arrest records stay on file even if the case is dismissed. Conviction records only exist if there is a final judgment of guilty. Both types of records show up in the Broward Clerk’s database. The clerk’s case file shows both the arrest and the final outcome. The FDLE statewide search also shows both. Knowing the difference helps you read a record correctly.
How long does it take to expunge a Hollywood criminal record?
The full expungement process takes 4 to 8 months. You start by applying to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility. FDLE takes 4 to 12 weeks to review your application. Once you have the certificate, you file a petition with the Broward Clerk of Courts. A judge reviews the petition. If the judge signs the order, the clerk sends a certified copy to every agency that holds the record. Each agency then has 30 to 60 days to seal or destroy the record. A lawyer can speed up the process by handling the paperwork. The total cost ranges from $400 to $1,500, including filing fees and lawyer costs.
Are mugshots public record in Florida?
Yes. Mugshots taken at booking are public record in Florida. BSO’s inmate search shows booking photos for current inmates. The Broward Clerk does not show mugshots in the court records system. Some mugshot websites pull photos from public sources. Florida law lets people remove mugshots from commercial websites under certain conditions. You can file a request to remove a mugshot from a website under Florida Statute 901.43. The request must include proof that the case was resolved in your favor or that the record was sealed or expunged.