SUNRISE PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Sunrise Public Records?

The Florida Sunshine Laws define Sunshine public records as any records no matter the physical form, characteristics, or means of transfer, made or received by a city's agencies. These records are created or stored as authorized by law in connection with the transaction or performance of official government business. Public records can appear in various forms such as written or typed documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, audio recordings, and data processing software. Some of these records may be classified by law and exempt from public access. Examples of these types of records include:

• Examination questions and answer sheets of examinations administered by a governmental agency for the purpose of licensing, certification, or employment are exempt from the sunshine laws.
• Any information revealing surveillance techniques, procedures, or undercover law enforcement personnel is exempt from sunshine laws.
• Any information revealing the identity of a confidential informant or a confidential source is exempt from disclosure.
• The social security numbers of all current and former employees of a city agency which are held by the employing agency are confidential and exempt from disclosure.
• All personal identifying information contained in records relating to an individual's personal health or eligibility for health-related services held by the Department of Health is confidential.

Some confidential records and information may be disclosed under certain situations, including the following:

• With the written consent from the consent of the subject of the record.
• During health or other emergencies or to a health research facility.
• By a court order issued after the requester shows good cause.

In addition to government sources, public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may either opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific document or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:

• The address of the requestor
• A case number or file number (if known)
• The location of the document or person involved
• The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
• The last known or current address of the registrant

Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.

Sunrise Crime Statistics

The Sunrise Police Department performs the task of collecting the yearly crime data for the city and transferring it to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. These statistics are added to the statewide Uniform Crime Reporting Database(UCR). According to the Florida UCR reports, rape, assault, and vehicle theft cases increased by 23.5%, 3.7%, and 7%, respectively, between 2019 and 2020. In contrast, cases of murder, robbery, burglary, and larceny all reduced by 25%, 4.8%, 38.8%, and 38%, respectively. Total crime in the city also fell by 31% between 2019 and 2020.

Are Sunrise's Criminal Records Public?

Sunrise criminal records are usually considered public unless they are sealed by a court or exempted by law. Local criminal record checks which cover Broward and its cities but not anywhere outside the county can be obtained from the Broward County Sheriff Office. These local background checks can be requested online, in person, or by mail from the sheriff's office Record Unit. The information provided will only cover actual arrests and will not cover any criminal involvement that did not result in an arrest.

Requesters may need to create an account to submit a local background check on the public records request portal. Users who do not want to register an account are given the option to submit the online request anonymously. Local checks can also be requested in person at the office from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays. The agency requires that applicants provide the full name, race, sex, and birth date of the person the check is on. Requesters can also mail the information to the records unit at:

Broward Sheriff's Office
Public Records Unit
Attention: Erin Foley, RMLO
P.O. Box 9507
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310

For a statewide check, requesters may contact the criminal history section of the Division of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. For a fee of $24, requesters may request an instant search, a certified/non-certified search, or an ORI search for strictly government agencies and law enforcement.

How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records

The Sunrise Police Department Records Unit is the custodian of all records for the department. It is responsible for maintaining all reports and records for the department and providing public access to them when necessary. A requester may obtain incident reports and arrest reports by contacting them at:

Sunrise Police Department Records Unit
10440 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
Sunrise, FL 33351
Phone: (954) 746-3500
Fax: (954) 746-3589
Email: spdrecords@sunrisefl.gov

The records can be obtained in person, by mail, or by telephone. Before mailing a record request, requesters are advised to call ahead at (954) 746-3500 for the estimates of any fees for researching and copying the record. Mailed requests, including the fee should be addressed to the records unit at:

Sunrise Police Department
Records Unit - 1st Floor
10440 W. Oakland Park Blvd
Sunrise, FL 33351

Mailed requests should also include a self-addressed and stamped envelope and a money order or check for the correct fees. Receipts will be included when the request is mailed back to the requester. Copies of the requests cost $0.15 per page and $0.20 for double-sided copies, certification of the photocopies as true copies will cost an additional $1.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Sunrise

City residents can obtain sex offender information by visiting the Sex Offenders and Predators Search website. Maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the website provides a Search Page for looking up sex offender and predator information by name, neighborhood, university campus, and internet identifiers. The website also provides information and alerts on missing or absconded offenders and allows users to sign up to receive alerts when offenders move into their neighborhoods. People with any questions about sex offender information may contact the FDLE Enforcement and Investigative Support by calling (888) 357-7332 or e-mailing sexpred@fdle.state.fl.us.

How to Find Sunrise Inmate Records

Inmates arrested in Sunrise City are held in custody at one of the four jail facilities operated by the Department of Detention under the Broward County Sheriff. Information about inmates who have been arrested and remanded in these facilities can be found online using the Arrest Search page on the sheriff's office website. The search page will return information such as arrest identification number, arrest date, arresting agency, mugshots, sex, physical descriptions, current charges, case numbers, and holding facility. Record seekers can also obtain information on an inmate's status by calling (954) 831-5900.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Sunrise City Jail?

The Broward County Sheriff's Office, Department of Detention maintains four jail facilities where inmates from Sunrise City may be housed. These jail facilities are:

• Main Jail Bureau: This is an eight-story maximum-security jail that is adjacent to the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale and also houses the Central Intake and booking Bureau.
• Joseph V. Conte Facility: This facility is a medium-security male-only jail mainly housing inmates awaiting trial.
• North Broward Bureau: is a minimum to medium-security special needs facility housing both male and female inmates.
• Paul Rein Detention Facility: is Broward County's newest facility and is a direct supervision jail where inmate movement is kept to a minimum.

To sign up and schedule a visit, visitors are required to use the Video Visit Anywhere website or visit the Video Visitation Center located at:

3700 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311

Potential visitors will be required to make a one-time registration before receiving access to scheduling and remote visits at the video visitation center. Visitor accounts generally take up to 48 hours to be approved for the services. Each inmate will receive two one-hour visits per week via the visitation center, and appointments are only available by scheduling them online or at the visitation center. They can be scheduled, canceled, or modified no more than seven days in advance and no less than one day to the appointment date.

The video visitation appointment times which are available will be shown at the time of the scheduling. Video visitation is usually available seven days a week from 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. though restrictions may apply depending on the situation. Prospective visitors are advised to call (954) 831-5900 or refer to the BSO video visitation brochure for more information. General rules and regulations for visitation can also be found on the department of detention website.

What are Sunrise Vital Records?

Vital records for Sunrise City are the records of life events in the city, which have been recorded and maintained by the city's authorities. These include records like birth records, marriage records, divorce records, and death records. Not all vital records are public records. Birth records, for example, are restricted and only become public records 100 years after birth. Until that time has passed, only authorized individuals will request and access those specified records. Eligible parties can obtain vital records for Sunrise City from their respective custodians at agencies like the Broward County Circuit Court and the Florida Department of Health.

Where and How to Obtain Sunrise Divorce Records

Divorce records for Sunrise City can be obtained from the Clerk of Courts of the Broward County Circuit Court and the Florida Department of Health. These records are considered public and are open to public access. Copies of a divorce decree or final judgment can be obtained by contacting the clerk of court at:

Broward County Clerk of Courts
Room 03340
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565

Copies of the final judgment of dissolution can also be viewed and printed from the online public records search database. However, printed-out copies are neither certified nor official records. These can be obtained by sending a written print request for certified copies of the judgment to:

County Records Division,
Attention: Search and Copy Section,
115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 119,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

Certified copies of the record will cost $1 per page and an additional $2 for certifying the entire document.

Divorce records can also be requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Florida Department of Health. The bureau issues a certificate of dissolution of marriage, which is a summary of information on the divorce judgment. The certificate serves as an official document and proof that a divorce was granted and finalized in Florida.

Authorized persons can obtain certificates of dissolution by downloading and completing the application for dissolution of marriage report form and submitting it to the bureau. The completed form can be brought to the office during lobby hours Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m at

1217 N Pearl Street,
Jacksonville, FL 32202.

Requesters must mail requests to the:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics,
P.O. Box 210,
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

A written request is acceptable where the online forms are unavailable and must contain the following information:

• Full name of both spouses as shown on the divorce record
• Date of Dissolution
• County where dissolution granted
• Full Name of the requester
• Mailing address and current phone number of the requester
• Signature of requester
• Relationship of the requester to the person on the dissolution of marriage record

A non-refundable search fee of $5 is included on all orders for divorce records. When the year of dissolution is known, the $5 fee covers the search and one certified copy of the record. If the date is unknown, the requester will also be charged $2 per calendar year to a maximum of $50. Any additional certified copies of the record will cost $4 for each copy. The normal processing time is 3 to 5 business days from receipt of the request. If a request wants a rush service, they must indicate RUSH on the envelope with the request. Rush services will cost an extra $10. Authorized parties can make payment for walk-in requests in cash, check, money order, Visa, and Mastercard, while mail requests can only use checks and money orders. Checks and money orders should be made payable to vital statistics. For any questions, the Bureau of Vital Statistics may be reached at (904) 359-6900, ext. 9000.

Where and How to Get Marriage Records for Sunrise

Marriage records for Sunrise City can be obtained from the Broward County Clerk and the Florida Department of Health, Vital Statistics Bureau. Marriage records are considered public records and can be accessed by almost anyone. To request a marriage record from the Broward County Clerk, requesters must either come in person or mail a written request to the county clerk. The request must provide the following information to facilitate the records search:

• The names of both parties on the marriage record(including maiden names)
• The date of the marriage
• The location of the marriage(the marriage must have taken place in Broward)

Walk-in and mailed requests should both be directed to the marriage division at:

Marriage Central, Central Courthouse
Midrise Building
540 SE 3rd Avenue
2nd Floor, Room: 02460
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Mail-in requests must also include a self-addressed and stamped envelope for delivering the record and are usually processed in 2 weeks. The cost of a copy of a marriage record from the county clerk is $5 for the first copy and $3 for every additional copy after that. Payment for copies of the record during walk-in requests is accepted in cash, money orders, and credit cards(Visa, MasterCard, and American Express). For mail-in requests, payment is accepted in checks (Attorney Firm, Personal, Business, Cashiers, and Traveler's checks) and money orders. All checks and money orders must be drawn from an American bank and made payable to the Clerk of Courts. For any questions, requesters may call the marriage division at (954) 831-7283.

Marriage records can also be obtained by filling a marriage records application form and submitting it in-person or by mail to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Requesters can also request the marriage record by mailing a written request containing the following information:

• Full name of both spouses prior to first marriage
• Dates of Birth for each spouse
• Date and Place of Marriage (including City and County)
• County where license issued
• Full Name of the requester
• Mailing address and current phone number of the requester
• Signature of requester
• Relationship of the requester to the person on the marriage record

Mailed requests can be sent to the bureau's mailing address at:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics,
P.O. Box 210,
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

While in-person orders can be made at the office located at 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 during office hours. All orders will include a non-refundable $5 search fee for locating the record. This fee will cover the search and one certified copy of the record. If a requester cannot provide accurate search information, a search fee of $2 per year will be charged to a maximum of $50. Additional copies ordered at the same time will cost $4 each. Rush service can be indicated by printing RUSH on the outside of the mailed envelope and costs an extra $10. Payments for mailed requests can be made in checks and money orders. Cash and credit cards (visa card and Mastercard) are also accepted during in-person requests. Any inquiries may be directed to the Bureau of Vital Statistics at (904) 359-6900, ext. 9000.

Where and How to Find Sunrise Birth Records

Birth records for Sunrise can be obtained from the local health department branches in Broward County or from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth records are restricted records and will only become public records after 100 years have passed. Restricted vital records in Florida can only be accessed by authorized persons such as:

• The registrant if they are now over 18 years old
• The parents listed on the birth record
• Legal custodian or guardian of the registrant with documentation(guardianship papers)
• The legal representative of any of the above such as an attorney with documentation
• Individuals with a court order authorizing them to access the record

After 100 years have passed, any person of legal age may request and receive a copy of the birth record. Applicants will be required to provide current valid picture identification when they make their application.

Obtaining Copies of Sunrise Birth Certificates

Authorized persons can obtain birth records in person from any of three Florida Health Department Branches in Broward.

• The South Regional Health Center
  4105 Pembroke Road
  Hollywood, FL 3302
  Phone: (954) 467-4700
• The Paul Hughes Health Center
  205 NW 6th Avenue
  Pompano Beach, FL 33060
  Phone: (954) 467-4700
• Main Operations Building
  2421A S.W. 6th Avenue
  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Requests can be made orally or by submitting a filled out and signed birth certificate application which is available in English and Spanish. Requesters using the application form are advised to read both sides of the form for instructions before filling it. The completed application can also be mailed to:

Florida Department of Health in Broward County
Attention: Vital Statistics
780 SW 24 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Mailed applications should include a self-addressed and stamped envelope, the correct fees, and a photocopy of any of the following picture identification:

• Driver's License
• Passport
• Military ID
• State ID

Birth records from Broward County cost $15 for each copy, a notarization fee of $10 may also be charged during in-person requests. Payments for mailed requests can be made money orders, checks, or bank drafts. Personal and business checks are only accepted from Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties with the name, address, and phone number imprinted on the check. Cash and credit cards are also accepted during in-person requests. Mailed requests will usually be processed in 10 to 14 business days.

Requesters can also obtain birth records on the state level from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Where and How to Find Sunrise Death Records

Sunrise death records can be obtained from several branches of the state department of health located in Broward County. They can be obtained in person, by mail, by phone, or online. Two versions of death records are available, one with the cause of death information and one without. Death records with the cause of death details are not public records until 50 years after the date of the death. Anyone can request a record without cause of death, but till that time has passed, records with that information may only be issued to the following people:

• The parents and siblings of the deceased
• Current spouse of the deceased
• Children of the deceased
• Grandparents of the deceased
• Any person who provides a will, insurance policy, or other documents that demonstrate their interest in the estate of the deceased.
• Legal guardian or custodian of the deceased
• A representative of any of the above individuals, such as a lawyer with documentation showing they are acting on behalf of any of the above.

Anybody requesting a certified copy of a death certificate must provide an original or photocopy of government-issued picture identification such as:

• Driver's License
• Passport
• Military ID
• State-issued ID

To request a copy of the death certificate, a requester may come in person into any of the following branches of the health department:

• The South Regional Health Center
  4105 Pembroke Road
  Hollywood, FL 3302
  Phone: (954) 467-4700
• The Paul Hughes Health Center
  205 NW 6th Avenue
  Pompano Beach, FL 33060
  Phone: (954) 467-4700
• Main Operations Building
  2421A S.W. 6th Avenue
  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

The requester may submit a completed death certificate application form or provide the information for the staff to locate the record. Requesters are required to read the information available on the second page of the application form before they make the request. Record seekers can also mail the form to the department of health at:

Florida Department of Health in Broward County
Attention: Vital Statistics
780 SW 24 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Mailed requests must include a copy of the identification, the fees, the requester's telephone number, plus a self-addressed and stamped envelope to return the records.

Requests can be made over the phone by calling the vital statistics office at (866) 830-1906 and providing the staff with enough information to find the record. The phone requester will also need to provide the following:

• A valid identification(driver's license, passport, military identification, state identification)
• A daytime phone number
• A credit/debit card for payment(Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover card)

Death records from the Broward County Health Departments cost $15 per copy. Payments can be made in cash, credit cards, checks, bank drafts, and money orders. Cash and credit cards are accepted during in-person requests but not for mailed-in requests. Personal checks must be signed and addressed but are only accepted from Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Checks, money orders, and bank drafts must be made payable to the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. Requests by mail take 10 to 14 business days, but expedited service, which reduces timing to 3 to 5 days, is available for an extra $10 fee.