Pembroke Pines City Clerk Records & Certification

General Governance and Administration Florida 4 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Florida

Pembroke Pines, Florida filers rely on the City Clerk as the official custodian for municipal records, meeting minutes, ordinances and certified copies. This guide explains the Clerk’s duties, how records are certified, timelines for requests, enforcement pathways and practical steps for filers, including appeals and contact points for official submissions. Use the Clerk’s office for certification requests and consult the city code for procedural rules and retention requirements (City Clerk)[1].

What the City Clerk does

The City Clerk maintains official records, prepares and preserves meeting minutes, issues certified copies of ordinances and resolutions, oversees public notices and manages public-records requests. The Clerk also coordinates records retention and destruction consistent with the city code and applicable state law; specific retention schedules and certification procedure references are in the municipal code (Municipal Code)[2].

The City Clerk is the formal custodian of municipal records.

How record certification works

To obtain a certified copy, filers normally identify the document, request certification from the City Clerk, pay any required fee, and receive a signed stamp or certificate verifying authenticity. The city’s public-records guidance and intake procedures list how to submit requests and where to send payments (Public Records Requests)[3].

Applications & Forms

  • Public Records Request form — name: "Public Records Request"; purpose: request certified copies or inspection; submission: Clerk’s office or online portal; fee: not specified on the cited page.[3]
  • Certification request — often handled as part of the records request; if a separate application is required, the municipal page will list it; fee/processing timeframe: not specified on the cited page.[2]
If a form or fee is unclear, contact the City Clerk before filing.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for violations related to records production, false certification, or obstruction of access is handled under city procedures and applicable state law; specific monetary fines and escalation for record-related infractions are not specified on the cited city or code pages and should be confirmed with the Clerk or City Attorney.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code or contact the Clerk for fees or penalties.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to produce records, subpoenas or court enforcement actions may be used; specific remedies are governed by city code and state law.[2]
  • Enforcer: City Clerk and City Attorney coordinate enforcement and legal remedies; complaints and inspections follow Clerk intake procedures.[1]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited page; filers should request appeal information from the Clerk or reference the municipal code.[2]
When in doubt, raise certification disputes in writing with the Clerk to preserve appeal rights.

Common violations

  • Failing to provide requested public records on time — penalty: not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Altering records that require certification — penalty: not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Incorrect or forged certifications — may lead to city or court action; specifics: not specified on the cited page.[2]

Action steps for filers

  • Identify the exact record and date range you need.
  • Submit a public records request via the Clerk’s official intake method and include "certified copy" in your request.
  • Confirm fees and payment methods with the Clerk before picking up certified copies.
  • If denied or delayed, request written justification and preserve records for appeal to the City Attorney or court.

FAQ

How do I request a certified copy of an ordinance?
Submit a public records request to the City Clerk specifying the ordinance number or meeting date; use the Clerk’s public records intake procedure (Public Records Requests)[3].
Are there fees for certified copies?
Fees may apply; the municipal pages do not specify exact amounts—contact the City Clerk for current rates and payment options.[1]
How long does certification take?
Processing times are not specified on the cited pages; expected turnaround depends on workload and whether notarization or City Attorney review is needed—ask the Clerk for an estimate.[3]

How-To

  1. Identify the record precisely: title, ordinance/resolution number, meeting date or document date.
  2. Complete the Public Records Request form or submit an online request to the City Clerk; mark your request as requiring a "certified copy."
  3. Provide identification and payment method if fees apply; request an estimated completion date in writing.
  4. Collect the certified copy in person or by authorized representative; verify the Clerk’s stamp, signature and certificate details.
  5. If your request is denied or delayed, request a written reason and follow appeal directions from the Clerk or consult the City Attorney.

Key Takeaways

  • The City Clerk is the official custodian for certified municipal records.
  • Submit clear, itemized public records requests and label certification needs.
  • Contact the Clerk for fees, forms and timelines before paying or appealing.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Pembroke Pines - City Clerk
  2. [2] City of Pembroke Pines Code of Ordinances - Municode
  3. [3] City of Pembroke Pines - Public Records Requests