Pembroke Pines City Florida bench warrants are court orders signed by a judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit when a person misses a court date or breaks a court rule. The city sits inside Broward County, so every bench warrant tied to a Pembroke Pines case runs through the Broward County Clerk of Court in Fort Lauderdale.
This page covers how these warrants work, where to search for them, what the law says, and the steps to clear one.
What Is a Bench Warrant in Pembroke Pines
A bench warrant is a written order from a judge that tells police to arrest a person and bring them before the court. The judge signs this order from the bench, which is where the name comes from. In Pembroke Pines, every bench warrant comes out of the Broward County court system under the 17th Judicial Circuit.
How Florida Law Defines Bench Warrants
Florida law treats a bench warrant as a type of capias. Florida Statute 901.02 gives judges the power to issue warrants based on probable cause. Florida Statute 901.04 lets any law officer in the state serve a bench warrant from any county. Florida Statute 88.3051 also lets a court issue a capias or writ of bodily attachment when someone fails to appear after proper notice. Together, these laws form the legal base for every bench warrant out of Pembroke Pines.
How a Bench Warrant Starts in Pembroke Pines
A bench warrant begins when a judge enters an order based on a missed court date, a failed payment, or a violation of court rules. The clerk enters the order into the court record the same day. Once logged, the warrant goes into the statewide system through the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers eWarrants network. Police anywhere in Florida can then act on the warrant.
Common Reasons for a Bench Warrant in Pembroke Pines
Most bench warrants in Pembroke Pines come from a few clear situations. A missed court hearing on a traffic ticket tops the list. Other common causes include missed criminal hearings, unpaid fines, probation violations, and failure to complete court-ordered classes. A capias can also come out of a civil case when a party fails to show up for a hearing.
- Missed traffic court date
- Missed criminal arraignment or hearing
- Failure to pay a court fine on time
- Probation violation hearing absence
- Failure to complete required classes
- Child support non-appearance
The Broward County Court System Explained
Pembroke Pines does not have its own courthouse. All bench warrants from the city move through the Broward County court system in Fort Lauderdale. The 17th Judicial Circuit serves both Broward County and the city of Pembroke Pines.
Where Pembroke Pines Cases Are Heard
Most cases out of Pembroke Pines are heard at the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The main clerk office sits at 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk phone line for court questions is (954) 831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, except court holidays.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court
The 17th Judicial Circuit covers all of Broward County. It has criminal, civil, family, and probate divisions. Judges in this circuit sign bench warrants for cases filed out of Pembroke Pines. The chief judge sets policy for how the court handles failures to appear. Circuit judges also handle felony cases, while county judges handle misdemeanors and traffic offenses.
Pembroke Pines Police Department
The Pembroke Pines Police Department serves the city and works with the court to enforce warrants. The police station sits at 9500 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. The main phone line is (954) 431-2200. Officers work with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and other agencies to arrest people on active bench warrants. A routine traffic stop in Pembroke Pines can end in an arrest if an active warrant shows up in the system.
Broward Sheriff’s Office Role
The Broward Sheriff’s Office handles warrant service across the county. BSO runs the county jail and processes people arrested on bench warrants from Pembroke Pines. The main BSO office sits at 2601 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. The non-emergency line is (954) 764-4357. BSO records requests go through the sheriff.org website.
How to Search for a Bench Warrant in Pembroke Pines
You can check for a Pembroke Pines bench warrant through several free public tools. The Broward Clerk of Court, the FDLE, and the Florida Court Clerks all run warrant databases. Each tool pulls data from the same court records under Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
Broward Clerk Online Case Search
The Broward Clerk of Court runs a free online case search at browardclerk.org. The search lets you look up Pembroke Pines cases by name, case number, or citation number. You need both a last name and a first name to run a name search. The results show case type, filing date, charge details, and warrant status. The system caps results at 200 entries per search, so narrow searches work best.
FDLE Statewide Warrant Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide warrant search at fdle.state.fl.us. This tool pulls warrant data from all 67 Florida counties, including Broward. The database updates every 24 hours. You can search by name or date of birth. The FDLE tool is the best way to check whether a Pembroke Pines warrant has reached the statewide system.
Florida Court Clerks eWarrants System
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers run the eWarrants system at flclerks.com. This system shares bench warrant data across every county. Once a judge in the 17th Circuit signs a warrant for a Pembroke Pines case, it shows up in eWarrants within hours. Law officers across the state use this system to confirm active warrants before an arrest.
Phone and In-Person Warrant Checks
You can call the Broward Clerk at (954) 831-6565 during business hours to ask about a case. The clerk can confirm whether a warrant sits in the system. You can also visit the clerk’s office at 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Public terminals let you search the database in person. Phone checks work for basic status, but online tools give you more detail.
What Happens When You Miss Court in Pembroke Pines
Missing a court date in Pembroke Pines starts a new legal process. The judge can sign a bench warrant on the same day you fail to appear. The court also files a separate charge under Florida Statute 843.15, which makes failure to appear a new crime that stacks on top of the original case.
Failure to Appear on a Felony
Missing a felony hearing is a third-degree felony under Florida Statute 843.15. The penalty can reach five years in state prison and a $5,000 fine. The new charge creates a fresh case number and a new arrest record. A felony failure to appear stays on your record permanently unless a judge vacates it.
Failure to Appear on a Misdemeanor
Missing a misdemeanor hearing is a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalty can reach one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Even a missed traffic court date in Pembroke Pines can lead to this charge. Misdemeanor failures to appear also stay on your record and show up in background checks.
Capias Warrants and Direct Capias
A capias is another type of arrest order that works like a bench warrant. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.730, the clerk or the state attorney can prepare a direct capias to bring a person before the court for sentencing. Under Florida Statute 88.3051, a court can issue a writ of bodily attachment for someone who fails to appear after proper notice. Both tools let the court move a case forward even when you are not in the room.
How Long Bench Warrants Last
Bench warrants in Florida do not expire. There is no time limit on how long an active warrant stays in the system. A warrant from three years ago or twenty years ago is still open. The warrant stays active until one of three things happens: the person is arrested, a judge recalls or quashes the warrant, or the person passes away. Compare that to search warrants, which die after 10 days under Florida Statute 933.05.
How a Bench Warrant Differs From Other Warrants
Florida courts use several types of warrants, and each one works differently. Knowing the difference helps you understand what to expect when police show up.
Bench Warrant vs Arrest Warrant
An arrest warrant comes from a judge based on probable cause that a person committed a crime. A police officer or state attorney asks for the warrant based on an investigation. A bench warrant comes from a judge based on a court event, like a missed hearing or a rule violation. Both let officers arrest you, but the cause and the paperwork are different.
Bench Warrant vs Search Warrant
A search warrant gives police the right to search a place for evidence. A judge signs a search warrant based on probable cause from a sworn affidavit. Florida Statute 933.05 limits search warrants to 10 days from the date they are signed. A bench warrant has no expiration and only orders the arrest of a named person.
Bench Warrant vs Capias
A capias is a general arrest order that courts use to bring a person into custody. Florida courts use capias for many situations, including failures to appear. A bench warrant is a type of capias that a judge signs during a court session. The terms often overlap, but the paperwork and the issuing process can differ.
| Warrant Type | Who Signs | Trigger | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bench Warrant | Judge during session | Missed court date or rule violation | None |
| Arrest Warrant | Judge based on officer request | Probable cause of a crime | None |
| Search Warrant | Judge based on affidavit | Probable cause of evidence at a place | 10 days |
| Capias | Judge or clerk under Rule 3.730 | Failure to appear for sentencing | None |
How to Clear or Resolve a Pembroke Pines Warrant
Clearing a bench warrant takes a few clear steps. The right path depends on your case, your record, and how long the warrant has been open. A criminal defense lawyer who works in the 17th Circuit can guide you through each option.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
A bench warrant lawyer in Florida can review your case, contact the court, and file the right paperwork on your behalf. Lawyers who practice in Broward County know the local judges and the local rules. Most offer a free first meeting. Lawyer fees for clearing a bench warrant often run from $500 to $2,500, depending on the charge level and the case history.
Filing a Motion to Quash or Recall
A motion to quash asks the judge to cancel the warrant. A motion to recall does the same thing. The lawyer files the motion with the Broward Clerk and serves the state attorney. The judge reviews the motion and can cancel the warrant without your arrest. This path works well for old cases, minor offenses, and situations where you had a good reason for missing court.
Turning Yourself In
Turning yourself in at the Broward County Jail lets you control the timing. You walk in, the staff checks your warrant, and you get processed. You can post bond right away if the judge set one. A planned surrender keeps you out of the back of a patrol car and gives your lawyer time to file paperwork first.
Posting Bond on a Bench Warrant
Most Pembroke Pines bench warrants have a bond set by the judge. Bond amounts depend on the original charge and your criminal history. You can pay bond at the jail or through a licensed bail bondsman. A bondsman charges a fee, usually 10 percent of the bond amount. Once you post bond, the court schedules a new hearing to deal with the original case and the failure to appear.
Scams Targeting People With Bench Warrants
Scam callers pretend to be officers from the Pembroke Pines Police Department or the Broward Sheriff’s Office. They call people and claim there is a warrant out for them. They ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. No real officer in Florida will ever call and ask for money to clear a warrant. If you get a call like this, hang up. Then call the clerk at (954) 831-6565 or your local police to check the real status of any warrant.
Pembroke Pines Court Locations and Contact Info
Below are the main offices that handle bench warrants from Pembroke Pines. All addresses, phone numbers, and office hours reflect the current records as of September 2026.
- Broward County Clerk of Court – 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 – Phone: (954) 831-6565 – Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Pembroke Pines Police Department – 9500 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 – Phone: (954) 431-2200 – Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Broward Sheriff’s Office (Main) – 2601 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 – Phone: (954) 764-4357 – Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Broward County Courthouse – 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 – Phone: (954) 831-6565 – Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Official websites: browardclerk.org, pembrokepines.gov, sheriff.org, fdle.state.fl.us, flclerks.com, leg.state.fl.us.
Map of the Pembroke Pines Police Department at 9500 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024:
Frequently Asked Questions About Pembroke Pines Bench Warrants
People often ask the same set of questions about bench warrants in Pembroke Pines. The answers below reflect the most current Florida law, court rules, and clerk records as of September 2026. If you have a live case, contact a Broward County criminal defense lawyer for advice tied to your situation.
How Long Does a Pembroke Pines Bench Warrant Last?
A bench warrant from Pembroke Pines has no expiration date. The warrant stays active until a judge recalls it, you are arrested, or the court enters a death record. Florida law does not put a time limit on how long a judge-signed bench warrant can sit in the system. A warrant from a 1995 case in the 17th Circuit can still be active today if no one acted on it. Police agencies across Florida can run your name at any time and pick you up on the warrant.
Can a Pembroke Pines Warrant Cross State Lines?
Yes. Once a Pembroke Pines bench warrant goes into the statewide eWarrants system and the NCIC database, other states can see it. Many states have extradition agreements with Florida, which means police in those states can arrest you and send you back to Broward County. Even states without a formal extradition deal can hold you for Florida to pick you up. The safest move is to clear the warrant before travel or any police contact.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Clear a Pembroke Pines Warrant?
A lawyer is not required by law, but hiring one is the fastest and safest path. A Broward County criminal defense attorney can file a motion to quash or recall and handle the court for you. Without a lawyer, you risk arrest at any police contact and you may not know all your options. Lawyers who handle bench warrants in Florida often charge flat fees that are far less than the cost of a new arrest and a new failure to appear charge.
What Is the Bond for a Pembroke Pines Bench Warrant?
The bond amount depends on the original charge. For most misdemeanor traffic bench warrants out of Pembroke Pines, the bond runs from $100 to $500. For misdemeanor criminal cases, the bond often runs from $500 to $2,500. For felony cases, the bond can reach $5,000 to $50,000 or more. A judge sets the bond when signing the warrant. You can pay bond directly at the jail or work with a licensed bail bondsman.
How Do I Know If My Warrant Is Still Active in Florida?
The fastest check is the Broward Clerk online case search at browardclerk.org. You can also use the FDLE search at fdle.state.fl.us. Both tools pull live data from the clerk’s system. Phone checks with the clerk at (954) 831-6565 also work during business hours. If the tools show no warrant, the court has recalled or quashed it, or it was never signed.
What Happens If I Get Pulled Over With an Active Warrant?
The officer will run your name during the traffic stop. The dispatch system flags active warrants. The officer can arrest you on the spot. You go to jail, get booked, and wait for a court hearing. A traffic stop is the most common way police arrest people on Pembroke Pines bench warrants. Even a minor traffic violation can end in a full arrest if a warrant sits in the system.
Can an Old Pembroke Pines Warrant Be Dropped Without Arrest?
Yes. A judge can recall or quash an old warrant without an arrest. Your lawyer files a motion that explains why the warrant should be canceled. Judges in the 17th Circuit often recall warrants for old cases, minor offenses, or cases where the state cannot move forward. The court can also drop the warrant as part of a plea deal or a deferred prosecution. Many old Pembroke Pines warrants get cleared this way each year.