Brevard County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Brevard County?

Public records in Brevard County are defined according to Florida's Public Records Law § 119.011(12), which states that public records include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency."

Brevard County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, family court proceedings, and case files maintained by the Brevard County Clerk of Courts
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property assessments
• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax rolls
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results maintained by the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County commission meetings, advisory boards, and committee proceedings
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain exemptions), and booking information
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and development permits

The Brevard County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian for many county records, while specialized records are maintained by various departments:

• Property records are maintained by the Brevard County Property Appraiser
• Vital records are available through the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County
• Tax records are managed by the Brevard County Tax Collector
• Land use records are kept by the Brevard County Planning and Development Department

Is Brevard County an Open Records County?

Brevard County fully adheres to Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law." Under Florida Statutes § 119.01, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. The statute explicitly states that "it is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."

The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this commitment by establishing a constitutional right of access to public records: "Every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf."

Brevard County has implemented policies to ensure compliance with these laws. The Brevard County Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual includes specific provisions for handling public records requests in accordance with state law.

Additionally, Brevard County complies with Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, which requires that meetings of public boards or commissions be open to the public, properly noticed, and minutes recorded.

How to Find Public Records in Brevard County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Brevard County may utilize several methods to access information. The county currently provides multiple avenues for obtaining public records:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official websites:

   • Court records can be searched through the Brevard Clerk of Courts Public Records Search
   • Property records are accessible via the Brevard County Property Appraiser's website
   • County Commission meeting minutes and agendas are available on the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners website

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

   • For court records, visit the Clerk of Courts at the courthouse locations in Titusville, Viera, or Melbourne
   • For property records, visit the Property Appraiser's Office
   • For vital records, visit the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County

3. Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the specific agency that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:

   • Specific description of the records sought
   • Preferred method of receiving records (inspection, copies, electronic format)
   • Contact information for follow-up

4. Electronic Requests: Many departments accept requests via email or through online forms. The Brevard County website provides contact information for various departments.

When making a request, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(c), requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request, except for certain restricted records.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Brevard County?

Brevard County charges fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which establishes standard fee structures for public records throughout the state. Current fees include:

• Standard Copies:

  • $0.15 per one-sided copy (8.5 x 11 inches)
  • $0.20 per two-sided copy (8.5 x 11 inches)
  • $1.00 per certified copy

• Special Service Charges: For requests requiring extensive use of information technology resources or clerical assistance, agencies may charge a reasonable service charge based on the cost actually incurred. This is typically calculated based on the lowest paid employee capable of performing the work multiplied by the time spent.

• Record-Specific Fees:

  • Court records: Fees vary by document type (e.g., $1.00 per page for certified copies of court records)
  • Vital records: $14.00 for the first copy of a birth certificate, $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
  • Marriage licenses: $86.00 ($61.00 with proof of premarital course completion)
  • Property records: Recording fees start at $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards at most offices. Some online services may require credit card payment.

Agencies may require payment in advance if the estimated cost exceeds $10.00. For extensive requests, a deposit may be required before work begins.

Does Brevard County Have Free Public Records?

Brevard County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), which states that "every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records."

Free public records resources in Brevard County include:

• In-Person Inspection: Any public record may be inspected free of charge during regular business hours at the office where the record is maintained.

• Online Resources:

  • The Brevard County Clerk of Courts offers free online access to court dockets, case information, and some court documents
  • The Brevard County Property Appraiser provides free property record searches
  • The Brevard County Tax Collector offers free tax record searches
  • The Brevard County Supervisor of Elections provides free access to voter information and election results
  • Brevard County Board of County Commissioners offers free access to meeting agendas, minutes, and videos

• Public Libraries: Brevard County libraries provide free public computer access where residents can search many online county records at no cost.

It is important to note that while inspection is free, fees may apply for copies or special services as outlined in the previous section.

Who Can Request Public Records in Brevard County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records in Brevard County. As established in Florida Statutes § 119.01(1), public records are open for inspection and copying "by any person." This broad access right has been consistently upheld by Florida courts.

Key points regarding eligibility to request records:

• No Residency Requirement: Requestors do not need to be Florida residents or U.S. citizens to access public records.

• No Identification Required: For most records, requestors are not required to provide identification or state their name. As specified in Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(c), a requestor "is not required to show a proprietary interest in the record to receive it."

• No Purpose Statement Required: Requestors generally do not need to explain why they want the records or how they will use them.

• Exceptions for Restricted Records: Certain records have specific eligibility requirements:

  • Criminal history information may require identification and purpose verification
  • Medical examiner records may have restrictions based on relationship to the deceased
  • Records containing exempt personal information may require proof of relationship or legal interest
  • Juvenile records have specific access restrictions under Florida Statutes § 985.04

• Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, and other representatives may request records on behalf of others.

• Business Entities: Corporations, partnerships, and other business entities may request records through authorized representatives.

The broad access rights established under Florida law reflect the state's strong commitment to government transparency and public oversight.

What Records Are Confidential in Brevard County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption of openness for public records, certain records are exempt from disclosure under state law. In Brevard County, the following records are confidential or exempt pursuant to various provisions of Florida Statutes:

• Personal Information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and other financial information are protected under Florida Statutes § 119.071(5)

• Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and Florida Statutes § 456.057

• Juvenile Records: Most juvenile offense records are confidential under Florida Statutes § 985.04, with limited exceptions

• Active Criminal Investigations: Records relating to ongoing law enforcement investigations are exempt under Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(c)

• Sealed and Expunged Records: Court records that have been legally sealed or expunged pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059

• Adoption Records: Adoption records are confidential under Florida Statutes § 63.162

• Child Abuse Records: Reports and records of child abuse are confidential under Florida Statutes § 39.202

• Security Information: Security system plans, threat assessments, and other security-related information under Florida Statutes § 119.071(3)

• Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information and trade secrets as defined in Florida Statutes § 688.002

• Personal Information of Certain Officials: Home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of current or former law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and other specified officials under Florida Statutes § 119.071(4)

• Voter Registration Information: Certain voter registration information is exempt, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and the location of voter registration offices under Florida Statutes § 97.0585

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, agencies must redact only the confidential portions and provide the remainder of the record, as required by Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(d).

Brevard County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
400 South Street, 2nd Floor
Titusville, FL 32780
(321) 637-2004
Brevard County Clerk of Courts

North Brevard Service Complex (Titusville)
400 South Street, 2nd Floor
Titusville, FL 32780
(321) 637-2004
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Government Center (Viera)
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 637-2004
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

South Brevard Service Complex (Melbourne)
1515 Sarno Road
Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 637-2004
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Palm Bay Service Complex
450 Cogan Drive SE
Palm Bay, FL 32909
(321) 637-2004
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Merritt Island Service Complex
2575 North Courtenay Parkway
Merritt Island, FL 32953
(321) 637-2004
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Recording Department accepts documents for recording Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Documents submitted after 4:30 PM may be recorded the following business day.

Lookup Public Records in Brevard County

Florida Department of Health in Brevard County

Public Records Requests