Broward County Criminal Courthouses: Where Will Your Case Be Heard?
If you are charged with a misdemeanor in Broward County, your case may be heard at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale or at one of three regional courthouses in Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, or Plantation.
Where your case is initially assigned is not determined simply by the city where the arrest occurred. Broward County distributes misdemeanor cases largely according to the law-enforcement agency that initiated the case. As a result, two arrests in different parts of the same general area can end up at different courthouses. Broward's courthouse assignments for misdemeanor cases are established by administrative order of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit .
Below, I explain which cities and law-enforcement agencies generally feed each Broward courthouse, how to determine where your case is assigned, and when a case that begins at a regional courthouse can be transferred to the Central Courthouse.
If you received a Notice to Appear (NTA) rather than being physically arrested and taken to jail, start by looking at the notice itself. The NTA will generally identify the courthouse where your case is initially scheduled to be heard.
The word "initially" is important. A misdemeanor case can begin at one of Broward's regional courthouses and later be transferred to the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The charge, whether a jury trial is required or demanded, and other procedural issues can all affect where the case ultimately proceeds.
I have practiced criminal law in Broward County for more than 27 years as a prosecutor, public defender, and private criminal defense attorney. Knowing where a case begins is important. Knowing why it is there and when that assignment can change can be equally important.
The Four Broward County Criminal Courthouses
Broward County has one Central Courthouse and three regional courthouses:
Central Courthouse — Fort Lauderdale
Broward County Judicial Complex
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
North Regional Courthouse — Deerfield Beach
1600 W. Hillsboro Boulevard
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
South Regional Courthouse — Hollywood
3550 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, FL 33021
West Regional Courthouse — Plantation
100 N. Pine Island Road
Plantation, FL 33324
Felony criminal cases are handled at the Central Courthouse. County Court misdemeanor and criminal traffic cases may be assigned to Central or to one of the three regional courthouses.
For misdemeanor cases, the initiating police department, Broward Sheriff's Office district, or other law-enforcement agency is an important factor in determining where the case is initially assigned.
North Regional Courthouse — Deerfield Beach
1600 W. Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
The North Regional Courthouse handles misdemeanor cases initiated by several law-enforcement agencies serving northern Broward County.
Agencies whose misdemeanor cases are assigned to North include:
- Broward Sheriff's Office District 10 — Deerfield Beach
- Broward Sheriff's Office District 17 — Parkland
- Coconut Creek Police Department
- Coral Springs Police Department
- Margate Police Department
- Hillsboro Beach Police Department
- Certain Florida Highway Patrol cases
- State Fire Marshal cases
- Tri-Rail cases
What Cities Commonly Have Misdemeanor Cases at North Regional?
For someone searching by city rather than law-enforcement agency, North Regional commonly handles misdemeanor cases originating from Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Margate, Parkland, and Hillsboro Beach.
But geography alone can be misleading.
Pompano Beach is a good example. Someone arrested in Pompano Beach might reasonably assume that the case will be heard at the nearby North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach. However, misdemeanor cases initiated by BSO District 11 — Pompano Beach are assigned to the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
That is why looking at the initiating agency — or the courthouse identified on your NTA or court paperwork — is more reliable than simply looking at a map.
South Regional Courthouse — Hollywood
3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021
The South Regional Courthouse handles many misdemeanor and criminal traffic cases originating in southern Broward County.
Law-enforcement agencies whose misdemeanor cases are assigned to South include:
- Hollywood Police Department
- Hallandale Beach Police Department
- Miramar Police Department
- Pembroke Pines Police Department
- Pembroke Park Police Department
- BSO District 1 — West Park
- BSO District 16 — Cooper City
- Other designated state and local agencies
What Cities Commonly Have Misdemeanor Cases at South Regional?
South Regional commonly receives misdemeanor cases originating from Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Pembroke Park, West Park, and Cooper City, depending upon the agency initiating the case.
There is, however, an important Hollywood-area exception.
Arrested at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino?
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located on the Hollywood Reservation of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, but misdemeanor arrests there do not follow the ordinary Hollywood Police courthouse assignment.
The Seminole Police Department makes arrests at the Hard Rock, and those misdemeanor cases are handled at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale rather than the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood.
This is particularly important in trespass cases.
The Hard Rock issues trespass warnings, and a person who returns to the property after having previously been trespassed can face arrest. Someone arrested at the casino may understandably assume that a Hollywood-area arrest means the case will be heard at South Regional.
That is not how these cases are handled. A misdemeanor case initiated by Seminole Police at the Hard Rock is handled at Central.
West Regional Courthouse — Plantation
100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324
The West Regional Courthouse handles misdemeanor and criminal traffic cases initiated by several western Broward law-enforcement agencies.
Those include:
- Plantation Police Department
- Davie Police Department
- Sunrise Police Department
- BSO District 7 — Tamarac
- BSO District 8 — Weston
- Certain Florida Highway Patrol cases
- Other designated state agencies
What Cities Commonly Have Misdemeanor Cases at West Regional?
West Regional commonly handles misdemeanor cases originating from Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Tamarac, and Weston, depending upon the initiating agency.
Again, proximity does not necessarily determine courthouse assignment.
For example, a case initiated by BSO District 9 — Southwest Ranches is assigned to Central rather than simply being sent to the courthouse that appears geographically closest.
Central Courthouse — Fort Lauderdale
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
The Central Courthouse is Broward County's main judicial complex.
All Broward felony criminal cases are handled at Central. The courthouse also contains County Court criminal divisions handling a significant number of misdemeanor and criminal traffic cases.
Agencies whose misdemeanor cases are assigned to Central include agencies serving areas such as:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pompano Beach — BSO District 11
- Dania Beach — BSO District 2
- Oakland Park — BSO District 12
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea — BSO District 13
- North Lauderdale — BSO District 15
- Lauderhill Police Department
- Wilton Manors Police Department
- Seminole Police Department — Seminole Tribe of Florida
- Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department
- Lighthouse Point Police Department
- Other BSO districts and designated agencies assigned to Central
This illustrates why a simple "north, south, west, and central" map of Broward can produce the wrong answer.
A misdemeanor arrest in Pompano Beach, North Lauderdale, Lauderhill, or Lighthouse Point, for example, can result in a case beginning at the Central Courthouse even though someone looking only at geography might expect one of the regional courthouses.
Arrests at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades
Misdemeanor cases arising from arrests at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades are handled at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
This matters for a particular reason. Many people arrested at the airport or the seaport do not live in Broward County at all. They are travelers, cruise passengers, or crew members, and they are often scheduled to leave the state within days of the arrest.
If you were arrested at the airport or the port and you do not live in South Florida, do not assume the case resolves itself once you go home. A Notice to Appear or a scheduled court date creates an obligation that continues after you leave Florida, and failing to appear can result in a warrant. In many misdemeanor cases, a privately retained attorney can appear on your behalf at routine proceedings, which may allow the case to move forward without repeated travel back to Broward County.
How Do I Know Which Broward Courthouse Has My Case?
If you received a Notice to Appear (NTA), look at the notice first.
An NTA is commonly issued in misdemeanor cases instead of taking the accused into custody and booking the person into jail. The notice directs the person to appear in court and will generally state where the case is initially scheduled to be heard.
If your case has already been filed, the courthouse and division can also be confirmed through your court notices and the Broward court record.
Look for:
- The courthouse location
- Your case number
- The County Court division
- The assigned judge
- Your next court date
Do not rely exclusively on the city where the incident occurred.
The initiating law-enforcement agency is often a better indicator of the initial courthouse assignment, and the NTA or subsequent court notice should be checked for the actual location.
You should also remember that the initial courthouse may not be the courthouse where the case ultimately remains.
Why Do Some Cases Move From a Regional Courthouse to Central?
This is where Broward courthouse assignment becomes more than simply a question of location.
Because jury trials in these misdemeanor cases are conducted at the Central Courthouse, when a defendant in a regional courthouse who is entitled to a jury trial demands one, the case will generally be transferred to Central.
That transfer can also result in a new judicial assignment.
This can matter strategically.
Judges apply the same Florida law, but judges can differ in how they run their courtrooms, their approaches to particular offenses, sentencing considerations, negotiated resolutions, diversion, probation, and a withhold of adjudication.
For a criminal defense lawyer who regularly practices in Broward County, the judge assigned to the case is therefore one of many factors that can be considered when deciding how a case should proceed.
A jury demand is not a loophole and should not be filed merely because a defendant wants another judge. The evidence, defenses, prosecutor's position, possible resolution, consequences of trial, and the client's objectives all have to be considered.
But in the appropriate case, the effect that a jury demand will have on the courthouse and judicial assignment is a legitimate strategic consideration.
What Happens With DUI and Battery Cases?
Certain charges present an additional issue because a defendant cannot simply choose to have the case tried by a judge.
Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.260 , a defendant may waive a jury trial in writing only with the consent of the State. In other words, a defendant who is otherwise entitled to a jury trial cannot unilaterally elect a nonjury trial over the State's objection.
As a matter of Broward practice, the Broward State Attorney's Office does not agree to a nonjury trial on certain charges, including DUI and battery.
That means these cases can require a jury trial if they are going to be tried.
Broward DUI Cases
Broward's courthouse assignment procedures separately provide for designated DUI cases to be filed and distributed at the Central Courthouse.
A person charged with DUI should therefore not assume that the courthouse ordinarily associated with the arresting agency will determine where the case ultimately proceeds.
Broward Battery Cases
Battery cases present a similar jury-trial issue.
Because the State Attorney's Office does not consent to a nonjury trial on battery charges, a battery case initially pending at a regional courthouse will generally have to be transferred to Central if the case is going to proceed to trial.
Can I Demand a Jury Trial to Move My Case to Central?
Generally, if you are entitled to a jury trial, demanding a jury trial in a misdemeanor case pending at North, South, or West Regional will cause the case to be transferred to Central.
But there is an important exception.
The Second-Degree Misdemeanor Exception: No Jail and No Adjudication
There is an important exception to the general rule that demanding a jury trial will cause a misdemeanor case at a Broward regional courthouse to be transferred to Central.
Under Florida Statutes § 918.0157 , a defendant charged with an offense punishable by six months or less generally has a statutory right to a jury trial. However, the statute creates an exception when, at the time the case is set for trial, the judge announces that, if the defendant is convicted of the charged offense or a lesser included offense:
- No sentence of imprisonment will be imposed; and
- The defendant will not be adjudicated guilty.
When the court makes that determination, the defendant does not have a statutory right to a jury trial unless the right to a jury for that particular offense is independently guaranteed by the Florida or United States Constitution.
This is particularly important with a second-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by no more than 60 days in jail.
In Broward practice, this is often referred to as the judge certifying no jail and no adjudication.
For a second-degree misdemeanor pending at a North, South, or West Regional Courthouse, the procedure can have an important practical consequence. If the judge certifies no jail and no adjudication under § 918.0157, the defendant cannot necessarily obtain a transfer to the Central Courthouse simply by demanding a jury trial. The case can remain at the regional courthouse for a nonjury trial.
Importantly, probation is not part of the no-jail/no-adjudication certification. Section 918.0157 addresses imprisonment and adjudication of guilt; it does not state that probation cannot be imposed.
This is why the answer to "Can I demand a jury trial and move my misdemeanor case downtown?" is not always yes. The specific charge, the maximum authorized punishment, whether the court makes the determination required by § 918.0157, and whether an independent constitutional jury-trial right exists all matter.
Why Does the Courthouse Assignment Matter?
For someone accused of a crime, courthouse assignment affects more than driving distance.
It determines the initial judge assigned to the case, where hearings occur, and, depending upon the charge and how the defense proceeds, whether the case may later be transferred to another division.
It can also affect practical issues such as whether an attorney can handle certain court appearances without the client's personal presence.
Most importantly, local criminal practice involves more than knowing Florida's statutes. It involves understanding how cases actually move through Broward's individual criminal divisions.
Do I Have to Personally Appear at Every Court Date?
Not necessarily.
In many Broward misdemeanor cases, a privately retained criminal defense attorney can appear for a client at certain routine court proceedings, depending upon the charge, stage of the case, applicable rules, and requirements of the particular judge.
This can be especially important for someone who lives outside Broward County or cannot repeatedly take time away from work.
However, there are proceedings and circumstances in which a defendant's personal appearance may be required.
Never simply assume that you can miss a scheduled court appearance. Confirm with your lawyer whether your presence has been excused.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward Criminal Courthouses
What courthouse handles a Coral Springs misdemeanor?
Misdemeanor cases initiated by the Coral Springs Police Department are generally assigned to the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach.
What courthouse handles a Coconut Creek misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by the Coconut Creek Police Department are generally assigned to North Regional in Deerfield Beach.
What courthouse handles a Deerfield Beach misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by BSO District 10 — Deerfield Beach are generally assigned to the North Regional Courthouse.
What courthouse handles a Pompano Beach misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by BSO District 11 — Pompano Beach are generally assigned to the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, not North Regional.
What courthouse handles a Hollywood misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by the Hollywood Police Department are generally assigned to South Regional in Hollywood. Cases initiated by Seminole Police at the Hard Rock are handled differently and go to Central.
What courthouse handles a Pembroke Pines misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by the Pembroke Pines Police Department are generally assigned to South Regional in Hollywood.
What courthouse handles a Miramar misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by the Miramar Police Department are generally assigned to South Regional in Hollywood.
What courthouse handles a Plantation misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by the Plantation Police Department are generally assigned to West Regional in Plantation.
What courthouse handles a Davie misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by the Davie Police Department are generally assigned to West Regional in Plantation.
What courthouse handles a Sunrise misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by the Sunrise Police Department are generally assigned to West Regional in Plantation.
What courthouse handles a Lauderhill misdemeanor?
Cases initiated by the Lauderhill Police Department are generally assigned to the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
Where does a misdemeanor arrest at the Hard Rock Casino go?
Misdemeanor cases initiated by the Seminole Police Department at the Seminole Hard Rock are handled at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, rather than South Regional.
What courthouse handles an arrest at Fort Lauderdale airport or Port Everglades?
Misdemeanor cases arising from arrests at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades are handled at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
Does my Notice to Appear tell me which courthouse to go to?
Generally, yes. If you received a Notice to Appear for a Broward misdemeanor, the NTA will generally identify the courthouse where the case is initially scheduled to be heard. Follow the information on your NTA and subsequent court notices unless you or your attorney receive notice that the case has been transferred or reassigned.
Can my case move from a satellite courthouse to Central?
Yes. When a defendant who is entitled to a jury trial demands one, a misdemeanor case pending at a regional courthouse will generally be transferred to Central for jury trial.
There is an important exception for qualifying offenses where the judge makes the appropriate no-jail/no-adjudication determination under Florida Statutes § 918.0157, which can eliminate the statutory jury-trial right and prevent the transfer.
Does demanding a jury trial guarantee that I will get a better judge?
No. A transfer does not guarantee a more favorable judicial assignment. Whether proceeding toward a jury trial makes sense must be evaluated based upon the facts, law, current assignment, potential resolution, and overall defense strategy.
Criminal Defense at All Four Broward County Courthouses
Dave L. Simmons has practiced criminal law in Broward County for more than 27 years.
Before entering private practice, he served as both a Broward County Assistant State Attorney and Assistant Public Defender, giving him experience prosecuting and defending criminal cases within the same Broward court system in which he now represents clients.
He represents clients at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale and the North, South, and West Regional Courthouses in cases involving misdemeanors, DUI, battery, theft, trespassing, drug offenses, violations of probation, and other criminal charges.
His practice includes cases arising throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Weston, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, Hallandale Beach, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Dania Beach, Cooper City, Parkland, North Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, and Lighthouse Point.
Knowing the law is essential. Local experience also means understanding where a Broward case will be heard, how the individual criminal divisions operate, and when a procedural decision can change where a case goes.
If you have been arrested or received a Notice to Appear in Broward County and want to know where your case will be heard, what happens next, or whether the courthouse assignment could change, call for a consultation.
