Sunrise City criminal records cover every criminal case filed in Sunrise, Florida, which sits in the northwest corner of Broward County. These records include felony charges, misdemeanor offenses, traffic crimes, arrests, and jail bookings handled by city police, the county clerk, and state agencies.
Most records are open to the public under Florida law, giving employers, landlords, and residents a clear way to check case history. This page explains where the records live, how to get them, what they cost, and what rules apply to sealed or expunged files.
What Sunrise City Criminal Records Include
Sunrise City criminal records are split across three main data sources. Each source holds a different piece of the case history, from the first arrest to the final court decision. No single office holds every detail, so a full search often touches more than one agency.
Court Records
Court records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Court. They include the charging documents, arrest affidavits, court orders, motions, and final judgments for every case where a person was charged with a crime in Sunrise. The file shows the case number, the judge, the State Attorney, the public defender (if any), the defense attorney, charges filed, pleas entered, sentences given, and case status. Court records are the official legal record of what happened in the criminal case.
Police and Arrest Records
Police records come from the Sunrise Police Department. These records cover incident reports, arrest reports, accident reports, and field interview cards written by officers. They hold the facts officers gathered at the scene, witness names, evidence collected, and the narrative description of events. Police records often have more detail about the actual incident than court records, since they are written close to when the event happened.
Jail and Inmate Records
Jail records are kept by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, which runs the county jail system. These records show who is currently held, who was released, bond amounts, court dates, and visitor rules. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks inmates who were transferred to state prison after conviction. Both jails and prisons in Florida feed into public search tools.
Where to Find Sunrise City Criminal Records
Three offices serve as the main sources for Sunrise criminal records. Each one handles a different stage of the criminal justice process. Picking the right office depends on what part of the record someone needs.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court is the main keeper of court records for Sunrise. The clerk holds felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and county-level criminal cases from the 17th Judicial Circuit. The main office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk’s online portal at browardclerk.org lets users search cases by name, case number, or party type from any device. Phone support is available at 954-831-6565, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunrise Police Department
The Sunrise Police Department keeps police reports, arrest records, and incident logs for events that took place within Sunrise city limits. The department is located at 13790 NW 4th Street, Sunrise, FL 33325. Reports can be requested in person or by mail through the Records Division. The department phone number is 954-746-3550. Basic incident data is also posted on the city’s public records portal for high-priority calls.
Online Statewide Databases
State agencies run two main databases that cover Sunrise criminal records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History system, which tracks arrests and convictions from every Florida county. The Florida Department of Corrections runs the Offender Search system, which tracks people in state prison or on supervision. Both databases are free to search but require a full name and date of birth to start.
How to Search Sunrise City Criminal Records Online
Online searches are the fastest way to pull Sunrise criminal records. Three tools cover most needs. None of them require a trip to a courthouse, and they work on phones, tablets, and laptops.
Clerk of Court Online Portal
The Clerk of Court online portal at browardclerk.org/web2 is the best place to start. Type the full legal name of the person in the search field. The system returns matching cases from Broward County, including those filed in Sunrise. Click on a case to see charges, court dates, plea entries, and final outcomes. Searches are free, and case details load without a fee. Certified copies require a separate order and a small fee per page.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The FDLE Computerized Criminal History system at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us covers every Florida county, including Broward. The cost is $24 per name search, plus a small card processing fee. An account must be created before running the search. Results show arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentence data from every Florida county. The search takes a few minutes to complete online. The report can be printed or saved as a PDF for personal records.
Florida DOC Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search at dc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch shows every person currently in state prison or on parole, probation, or community control. The search is free. Results include inmate ID, current location, release date, and active offenses. The search covers all counties, including people who committed their original crime in Sunrise.
Sunrise City Criminal Records Fees and Copy Costs
Fees for Sunrise criminal records depend on the source and the type of document. Florida statutes set the rates, and they are the same across all clerks of court. People should check the latest fee chart before placing an order, as rates can change each year.
Clerk Copy Fees
The Broward County Clerk charges a set fee per page for regular copies of court documents. Certification costs an extra fee per document. An additional fee applies when the clerk must search for a record that cannot be found by a standard case number. Most credit cards are accepted online. Mail requests require a check or money order.
Certification Costs
Certified copies include an official seal and a signature from the clerk. Courts, employers, and government agencies often require certified copies for legal use. The fee is set per certification, plus the copy fee. The clerk can mail certified copies or hand them to the requester at the window. A valid photo ID is required to pick up records in person.
Statewide Search Fees
The FDLE charges $24 per name search for statewide criminal history. The fee is non-refundable, even if no record is found. Florida law sets the rate under Section 943.053. The Florida Department of Corrections does not charge a fee for inmate searches. Bond and bail records are free through the BSO inmate lookup.
Fee Summary Table
The table below shows the main fees tied to Sunrise criminal records as of 2026. Rates may change each year based on Florida statutes and county fee schedules.
| Source | Service | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk | Regular copy per page | $1.00 |
| Broward County Clerk | Certification per document | $2.00 |
| Broward County Clerk | Record search when case number is unknown | $2.00 |
| FDLE | Statewide criminal history search | $24.00 |
| FDLE | Certificate of Eligibility for seal or expunge | $75.00 |
| Florida DOC | Inmate search | Free |
| Sunrise Police Department | Police report copy per page | $0.15 to $0.25 |
Types of Criminal Cases Filed in Sunrise
Sunrise falls under the 17th Judicial Circuit, which handles all felony and major misdemeanor cases in Broward County. The County Court handles lesser misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and municipal ordinance violations. Knowing where the case was filed helps narrow the search path.
Felony Cases
Felony cases are filed in the Circuit Court of Broward County. They include crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, robbery, and murder. Felony convictions can lead to prison time of more than one year. Circuit Court cases are tracked under case numbers that start with a CF prefix. These cases appear in the clerk’s online portal and the FDLE database.
Misdemeanor Cases
Misdemeanor cases are filed in the County Court of Broward County. They include crimes like simple battery, petit theft, DUI first offense, and possession of small amounts of marijuana. Misdemeanor convictions carry up to one year in county jail. County Court criminal cases use a MM prefix in the case number. They also appear in the clerk’s online portal and the FDLE database.
Traffic and County Criminal Cases
Traffic criminal cases include reckless driving, driving with a suspended license causing death or injury, and leaving the scene of a crash. They are filed in County Court under a TC prefix. City of Sunrise ordinance violations are also filed in County Court. These cases are public and appear in the same clerk search as other criminal cases.
Case Type Reference Table
The table below shows the main case types, court level, and case number prefix used in Sunrise criminal records.
| Case Type | Court Level | Case Number Prefix | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit Court | CF | Burglary, robbery, drug trafficking, aggravated assault |
| Misdemeanor | County Court | MM | Simple battery, petit theft, DUI first offense |
| Traffic Criminal | County Court | TC | Reckless driving, leaving the scene, suspended license injury |
| City Ordinance | County Court | MM or CO | Sunrise code violations, local noise or alcohol offenses |
Sealing and Expunging Sunrise City Criminal Records
Florida law allows certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged under Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes. The process removes the record from public view and limits who can see it. A sealed record still exists but is hidden from background checks. An expunged record is physically destroyed by the agencies that held it.
Eligibility Rules
A person can apply for sealing or expungement if they were never convicted of the charge, the case was dismissed, or they were found not guilty. The person must not have a prior felony conviction or any prior sealed or expunged record. Certain charges, including sexual offenses and crimes against children, can never be sealed. Each person is allowed only one expungement in their lifetime.
The Petition Process
The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application form is on the FDLE website. The fee is $75. FDLE reviews the request and issues a certificate if the applicant meets the rules. The next step is to file a petition in the Broward County court where the original case was filed. The court holds a hearing, and a judge signs a final order. The clerk sends the order to every agency that had the record, and they must remove it from public view.
How Long the Process Takes
The full process takes 6 to 12 months in most cases. FDLE takes 4 to 8 weeks to issue the Certificate of Eligibility. Court hearings are scheduled 30 to 90 days after the petition is filed. Agency processing takes another 30 to 60 days after the final order. People who need proof of the sealed or expunged status can request a letter from FDLE.
Required Documents for the Petition
The court petition must include the Certificate of Eligibility, a sworn affidavit, and a proposed order. The clerk provides the standard forms. The filing fee is set by the clerk. A self-addressed stamped envelope and extra copies speed up the process. The petitioner must appear at the hearing unless the judge allows a waiver.
Florida Public Records Laws for Sunrise Records
Florida has one of the broadest public records laws in the United States. The Florida Sunshine Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) gives the public a right to see most government records, including criminal records. There are specific limits and exceptions that apply to criminal files.
Florida Sunshine Law
The Florida Sunshine Law applies to all state and local agencies, including the Sunrise Police Department, Broward County Clerk, and BSO. Under the law, any person can request public records without showing a reason or a direct interest. Agencies must respond within a reasonable time. Reasonable copying fees apply, but agencies cannot charge for the time spent searching or redacting records.
Exemptions and Sealed Records
Some criminal records are exempt from public disclosure. Active investigation files, informant identities, and criminal intelligence data are exempt under Section 119.071. Sealed records are removed from public view by court order. Expunged records are destroyed. Both sealed and expunged records do not appear in clerk searches or background checks.
Juvenile Records Rules
Juvenile criminal records are not public under Florida law. Section 985.04 governs juvenile records and limits access to parents, guardians, defense attorneys, and the court. Juvenile records are automatically sealed when the person turns 24 or when the case has been closed for five years. People who need their own juvenile records can request them through the juvenile court.
Contact Information for Sunrise Criminal Records Offices
The following offices handle criminal records for Sunrise, Florida. Office hours, phone numbers, and addresses are listed below for direct contact. All offices are open to the public during the listed hours.
Broward County Courthouse
The Broward County Courthouse is located at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The Clerk of Court office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main phone line is 954-831-6565. The website browardclerk.org provides online access to case records, document searches, and certified copy orders. The building has public access terminals in the lobby for free case searches.
Sunrise Police Department
The Sunrise Police Department is located at 13790 NW 4th Street, Sunrise, FL 33325. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number is 954-746-3550. Reports can be requested in person at the front desk or by mail. The mailing address is the same as the physical address. A small fee applies for copies of police reports.
State Agencies
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is located at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The phone number is 850-410-7000. The mailing address is PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. The Florida Department of Corrections is located at 501 S Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The phone number is 850-488-5021. Both agencies run online search tools that are available 24 hours a day.
Quick Contact Reference Table
The table below gives a direct line to each office that handles Sunrise criminal records. Include the address when writing or visiting in person.
| Office | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk of Court | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | 954-831-6565 | browardclerk.org |
| Sunrise Police Department | 13790 NW 4th Street, Sunrise, FL 33325 | 954-746-3550 | sunrisefl.gov |
| FDLE Headquarters | 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | 850-410-7000 | fdle.state.fl.us |
| Florida DOC Headquarters | 501 S Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | 850-488-5021 | dc.myflorida.com |
| Broward County Sheriff’s Office | 2601 W Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | 954-764-4357 | browardsheriff.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions people ask about Sunrise City criminal records. Each answer gives clear, direct answers about how the system works in 2026. The answers cover Florida law, search steps, and fee structures. They also explain the most common rules people run into during a search.
Are Sunrise criminal records public?
Yes. Most Sunrise criminal records are public under the Florida Sunshine Law. Court records, arrest records, and inmate data are open to anyone. Active investigation files, juvenile records, and sealed or expunged records are the main exceptions. The clerk’s online portal shows every public case from every Broward County courthouse, including Sunrise cases filed in the Circuit and County Court. Anyone with a name can run a search without paying a fee or showing a reason.
How do I check if someone has a criminal record in Sunrise?
Start with the Broward County Clerk online portal at browardclerk.org. Type the person’s full legal name to see public court cases. For a statewide check, use the FDLE Computerized Criminal History system at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The cost is $24 per name. The FDLE search covers Broward County plus every other Florida county. For the most complete picture, use both tools together. The clerk search is free but only covers court cases. The FDLE search covers arrests and convictions from every agency in Florida.
How long does a felony stay on a record in Florida?
A felony stays on a Florida criminal record forever unless it is sealed or expunged. The FDLE database never deletes adult criminal history on its own. People who qualify under the law can apply to seal or expunge the record. After a successful expungement, the record is destroyed by the holding agency. The FDLE database updates within 30 days of a seal or expunge order. People who do not seal or expunge the record must live with the felony on their record for life.
Can I get a Sunrise criminal record online for free?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk’s online portal is free for basic case searches. The searcher can see the case number, charges, court dates, and final outcome without paying a fee. The FDLE criminal history search costs $24. The Florida DOC inmate search is free. Police reports from the Sunrise Police Department cost a small fee per page for copies. Most people can find what they need without paying anything by using the clerk portal and the DOC search together.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records in Florida?
A sealed record still exists but is hidden from public view. Only the person, their attorney, and certain government agencies can see it. An expunged record is physically destroyed by the agencies that held it. The FDLE database keeps a flag that says the record was expunged, but the actual file is gone. People with an expunged record can legally say they have no criminal record on most applications. Sealed records still show up on some government background checks.
Do I need a lawyer to seal a Sunrise criminal record?
No. A person can apply for sealing or expungement without a lawyer. The FDLE application is a simple form. The court petition form is available at the Broward County Clerk’s office. Many people hire a lawyer because the rules are strict and small mistakes can lead to a denial. A lawyer can also attend the court hearing on the person’s behalf. The filing fee is the same whether a lawyer is involved or not.
Can a Sunrise arrest be removed from a background check?
An arrest can be removed from a background check only if the case was dismissed, the person was found not guilty, or the record was sealed or expunged. A person who was arrested and convicted cannot remove the arrest from the record. The arrest will appear on every FDLE criminal history search. Under the Florida Clean Slate Act, some eligible cases are automatically sealed without the person filing a petition. The auto-seal process began in 2023 and covers thousands of cases each year.