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Brevard County Court Records

What Is Brevard County Court Records

Brevard County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the authoritative account of court activities and are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.213, which establishes requirements for court record maintenance.

Court records in Brevard County typically include:

  • Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
  • Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing chronology
  • Judicial orders and final judgments
  • Hearing and trial transcripts
  • Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
  • Sentencing documents in criminal matters
  • Marriage and divorce decrees
  • Probate filings and estate settlements

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.

The following courts within Brevard County maintain official records:

  • Circuit Courts (18th Judicial Circuit)
  • County Courts
  • Family Courts
  • Probate Courts
  • Small Claims Courts

The comprehensive nature of these records reflects the Florida court system's commitment to transparency and accessibility in judicial proceedings, while balancing privacy concerns in sensitive cases.

Are Court Records Public In Brevard County

Court records in Brevard County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be open for public inspection and copying.

The public's right to access court records is further reinforced by Article I, § 24 of the Florida Constitution, which guarantees access to public records and meetings. However, this right is not absolute and is subject to certain limitations.

Records typically available to the public include:

  • Civil case files and pleadings
  • Criminal case records (post-charging)
  • Judgments and court orders
  • Docket sheets and case indices
  • Hearing schedules and calendars
  • Property records related to judgments

Certain categories of information may be exempt from public disclosure or subject to redaction, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account information
  • Juvenile records (with exceptions)
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Certain family court matters
  • Information that would compromise ongoing investigations

The Florida Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules governing public access to court records through Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which details procedures for requesting access and filing confidential information.

Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, which has jurisdiction over Brevard County, are governed by separate federal regulations and accessed through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.

How To Find Court Records in Brevard County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Brevard County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Brevard County Clerk of Courts maintains records for the 18th Judicial Circuit and County Courts within its jurisdiction.

In-Person Requests:

  1. Visit the Brevard County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours.
  2. Complete a records request form, specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information.
  3. Present valid photo identification.
  4. Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for standard copies).

Brevard County Clerk of Courts
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 637-5413
Brevard County Clerk of Courts

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a detailed written request including case information and contact details.
  2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
  3. Enclose payment for estimated copy fees.
  4. Mail to the appropriate courthouse location.

Online Access:

  1. Visit the Brevard County Clerk's Records Search.
  2. Register for an account if accessing non-public records.
  3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range).
  4. Review search results and select desired documents.
  5. Pay applicable online access fees for document downloads.

For specialized records, contact the specific court division:

Brevard County Family Court Records
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 633-2171

Brevard County Probate Court Records
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 633-2171

Requests for records from the Fifth District Court of Appeal must be directed to their clerk's office in Daytona Beach.

How To Look Up Court Records in Brevard County Online?

Brevard County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits and are available through secure web portals maintained by various judicial entities.

Brevard County Clerk of Courts Online Records Search:

  1. Navigate to the Brevard County Clerk's official website.
  2. Select "Records Search" from the main navigation menu.
  3. Choose between public records search or case search options.
  4. Enter relevant search criteria (case number, party name, filing date).
  5. Review search results and select documents for viewing.
  6. Pay applicable fees for document downloads if required.

This system provides access to:

  • Civil court records
  • Criminal court records (non-confidential)
  • Traffic citations
  • County court cases
  • Circuit court cases

Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:

For attorneys and registered users, the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides access to:

  • Case documents filed electronically
  • Case dockets
  • Court calendars

Florida Appellate Case Information System (ACIS):

The Florida Appellate Case Information System offers:

  • Appellate case dockets
  • Opinions and orders
  • Briefs and motions
  • Case status information

Brevard County Criminal Justice Information System:

For criminal case information:

  1. Visit the Brevard County Sheriff's Office website.
  2. Navigate to the "Inmate/Court Information" section.
  3. Search by defendant name or case number.

When using these online systems, users should note that:

  • Some records may require registration or subscription.
  • Certain sensitive documents may be unavailable online.
  • Official certified copies must still be obtained in person.
  • Technical assistance is available through each system's help desk.

How To Search Brevard County Court Records for Free?

Florida law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records at no cost, as established in 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 In-Person Inspection:

Members of the public may inspect court records without charge at:

Brevard County Clerk of Courts
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 637-5413
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Additional courthouse locations offering free record inspection:

Titusville Courthouse
506 S. Palm Avenue
Titusville, FL 32796
(321) 637-5413
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Melbourne Courthouse
51 S. Nieman Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 637-5413
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Free Online Resources:

Several online resources provide free access to basic court record information:

  1. Brevard County Clerk's Public Records Search - Offers free access to basic case information and dockets, though document downloads may incur fees.

  2. Florida Supreme Court Case Information - Provides free access to Supreme Court opinions and case dockets.

  3. Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal Dockets - Offers free access to appellate case information for cases originating in Brevard County.

  4. Florida Courts Public Access System - Provides free access to court calendars and basic case information.

While inspection is free, standard copy fees apply for document reproduction:

  • $1.00 per page for certified copies
  • $0.15 per page for standard copies
  • Additional fees for research services if staff assistance is required

Computer terminals for public use are available at all courthouse locations, allowing visitors to conduct searches without charge.

What's Included in a Brevard County Court Record?

Brevard County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which governs judicial record-keeping requirements.

Civil Case Records typically include:

  • Complaint or petition initiating the case
  • Summons and proof of service
  • Defendant's answer or response
  • Motions filed by either party
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Transcripts of hearings and trials
  • Final judgment or dismissal
  • Post-judgment motions and orders
  • Appeal documentation if applicable

Criminal Case Records typically contain:

  • Charging documents (information or indictment)
  • Arrest warrant or probable cause affidavit
  • Defendant's plea
  • Bond information
  • Discovery materials
  • Motions to suppress or dismiss
  • Trial exhibits and evidence logs
  • Verdict forms
  • Sentencing documents
  • Probation reports
  • Appeal documentation

Family Court Records may include:

  • Petitions for divorce or separation
  • Child custody and support agreements
  • Financial affidavits
  • Parenting plans
  • Domestic violence injunctions
  • Paternity determinations
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Guardian ad litem reports
  • Mediation agreements

Probate Court Records typically contain:

  • Wills and codicils
  • Petitions for administration
  • Inventories of estate assets
  • Claims against estates
  • Accountings
  • Distribution plans
  • Guardian reports
  • Conservatorship documents

Each court record also includes a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This docket provides a roadmap to the entire case file and is often the starting point for record searches.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including social security numbers, financial account information, and information related to minors.

How Long Does Brevard County Keep Court Records?

Brevard County retains court records according to schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while allowing for the eventual disposition of less critical records.

Permanent Retention:

  • Final judgments and orders
  • Divorce decrees
  • Adoption records
  • Probate case files
  • Real property case files
  • Capital felony case files
  • Court minutes and dockets
  • Mortgage and lien records
  • Naturalization records (pre-1940)

Long-Term Retention (25+ years):

  • Felony criminal case files (non-capital): 75 years after final disposition
  • Juvenile dependency cases: 25 years after final judgment
  • Guardianship files: 10 years after termination of guardianship
  • Child support enforcement: 75 years after final judgment

Medium-Term Retention (10-25 years):

  • Civil litigation files: 10 years after final judgment
  • Domestic violence injunctions: 25 years after final judgment
  • Misdemeanor criminal cases: 10 years after final disposition
  • Traffic infractions: 10 years after final disposition

Short-Term Retention (less than 10 years):

  • Small claims cases: 5 years after final judgment
  • Eviction proceedings: 5 years after final judgment
  • Administrative records: 5 years
  • Court reporter notes (if transcribed): 2 years

The Florida Records Management Program oversees compliance with these retention schedules. Records scheduled for destruction undergo review to ensure all retention requirements have been met and that no pending litigation or administrative proceedings require their continued preservation.

Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to convert older paper records to electronic format, particularly for records with permanent retention requirements. This digitization effort aims to improve accessibility while ensuring long-term preservation.

Researchers seeking historical court records beyond current retention periods may need to consult the Florida State Archives, which maintains selected court records of historical significance dating back to territorial days.

Types of Courts In Brevard County

Brevard County's judicial system operates within Florida's unified court structure, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictional functions within the 18th Judicial Circuit.

Circuit Court (18th Judicial Circuit)
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 633-2171
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
18th Judicial Circuit Court

The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction in civil cases exceeding $30,000, felony criminal cases, juvenile matters, probate, guardianship, and family law cases. It also hears appeals from County Court decisions.

Brevard County Court
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 633-2171
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Brevard County Court

County Courts handle civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $30,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, and small claims up to $8,000.

Titusville Branch Courthouse
506 S. Palm Avenue
Titusville, FL 32796
(321) 637-5413
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Melbourne Branch Courthouse
51 S. Nieman Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 637-5413
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fifth District Court of Appeal
300 South Beach Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 947-1530
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fifth District Court of Appeal

The Fifth District Court of Appeal hears appeals from final judgments and certain non-final orders from Circuit Courts within its jurisdiction, including Brevard County.

Florida Supreme Court
500 South Duval Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-0125
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Florida Supreme Court

The Florida Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and has discretionary review of District Court of Appeal decisions, mandatory review of certain cases, and exclusive jurisdiction over specific matters.

This hierarchical structure allows cases to progress from lower courts to higher courts through the appeals process, ensuring multiple levels of judicial review when appropriate.

What Types of Cases Do Brevard County Courts Hear?

Brevard County's courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type and monetary thresholds as established by Florida Statutes § 26.012 and § 34.01.

Circuit Court Cases (18th Judicial Circuit):

  • Civil Division:

    • Civil disputes exceeding $30,000
    • Real property and mortgage foreclosure cases
    • Corporate and business litigation
    • Complex commercial disputes
    • Administrative agency appeals
    • Extraordinary writs (mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto)

  • Criminal Division:

    • Felony prosecutions (crimes punishable by more than one year imprisonment)
    • Capital cases (death penalty eligible)
    • Juvenile delinquency proceedings
    • Appeals from County Court criminal cases

  • Family Division:

    • Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
    • Child custody and visitation disputes
    • Child support establishment and enforcement
    • Domestic violence injunctions
    • Paternity determinations
    • Adoptions
    • Name changes
    • Termination of parental rights

  • Probate Division:

    • Estate administration
    • Will contests
    • Guardianship proceedings
    • Mental health commitments
    • Trust administration disputes

County Court Cases:

  • Civil Division:

    • Civil disputes up to $30,000
    • Small claims (up to $8,000)
    • Landlord-tenant evictions
    • Consumer credit cases
    • Replevin actions (recovery of personal property)

  • Criminal Division:

    • Misdemeanor prosecutions
    • Criminal traffic offenses
    • County and municipal ordinance violations

  • Traffic Division:

    • Civil traffic infractions
    • Parking violations
    • Driver's license suspensions and reinstatements

Specialized Courts and Programs:

  • Drug Court: Alternative sentencing program for non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues
  • Veterans Treatment Court: Specialized docket for veterans with criminal charges
  • Mental Health Court: Diversion program for defendants with mental health disorders
  • Teen Court: Juvenile diversion program utilizing peer judgment
  • Dependency Court: Cases involving child abuse, neglect, and dependency

The Fifth District Court of Appeal reviews cases appealed from Brevard County's Circuit Courts, while the Florida Supreme Court has discretionary jurisdiction over District Court decisions and mandatory jurisdiction in specific case types, including capital cases with imposed death sentences.

How To Find a Court Docket In Brevard County

Court dockets in Brevard County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in court cases and are accessible through multiple channels. These official records track case progression from filing through disposition and are updated regularly by court clerks.

Online Docket Access:

  1. Brevard County Clerk's Case Search System:

    • Visit the Brevard County Clerk's website
    • Select "Case Search" from the main menu
    • Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
    • Review docket entries chronologically
    • Access linked documents if available

  2. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:

    • Registered users can access case dockets through the E-Filing Portal
    • Login with credentials
    • Search by case number or party name
    • View comprehensive docket information

  3. Florida Appellate Case Information System:

In-Person Docket Access:

Visitors may review dockets at public access terminals located at:

Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 633-2171
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Titusville Courthouse
506 S. Palm Avenue
Titusville, FL 32796
(321) 637-5413
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Melbourne Courthouse
51 S. Nieman Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 637-5413
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Court Calendar Information:

Current hearing schedules and court calendars are available through:

  1. The 18th Judicial Circuit website
  2. The Brevard County Clerk's Office public information desk
  3. Individual judicial assistants for specific judges' calendars

When searching dockets, users should note:

  • Case numbering follows the format: YYYY-XX-NNNNNN (Year-Division Code-Sequential Number)
  • Division codes include: CA (Civil), CR (Criminal), DR (Domestic Relations), PR (Probate), JV (Juvenile)
  • Confidential cases may have limited docket information available
  • Real-time updates may have a slight delay in appearing online

Court staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with navigating docket systems and locating specific case information.

Which Courts in Brevard County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Brevard County, the distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established by Florida Statutes § 34.01(5), which designates all County Courts as courts of record. This statutory designation means that all formal courts within Brevard County maintain official records of their proceedings.

Historical Context:

Prior to the 1972 revision of Florida's judicial system, Brevard County operated a Court of Record that handled criminal cases except capital offenses. This court was abolished during the reorganization of Florida's court system, which established the current two-tier trial court structure of Circuit and County Courts, both designated as courts of record.

Current Non-Record Proceedings:

While all formal courts in Brevard County are courts of record, certain quasi-judicial proceedings do not maintain formal court records in the same manner:

  1. Small Claims Mediation Sessions:

    • Informal proceedings where mediators assist parties in reaching settlements
    • No verbatim record of discussions is maintained
    • Only resulting agreements or non-agreements are documented

  2. Traffic Hearing Officer Proceedings:

    • Administrative hearings for certain civil traffic infractions
    • Summary notes rather than verbatim transcripts are kept
    • Final dispositions are recorded, but not full proceedings

  3. Code Enforcement Hearings:

    • Municipal code violation hearings
    • Summary findings rather than complete transcripts
    • Final orders are recorded, but not full deliberations

  4. Citizen Dispute Settlement Programs:

    • Alternative dispute resolution for minor civil matters
    • No formal court record of negotiations
    • Only resulting agreements are documented

Implications of Court of Record Status:

The designation of all Brevard County courts as courts of record has several important implications:

  • All proceedings must be recorded verbatim or by digital means
  • Official court reporters or digital recording systems must be utilized
  • Transcripts can be produced upon request (fees apply)
  • Appeals are based on the record established in the lower court
  • Judges must be attorneys (except in limited circumstances)

This comprehensive record-keeping ensures transparency, facilitates appellate review, and maintains the integrity of the judicial process throughout Brevard County's court system.

Lookup Court Records in Brevard County

Brevard County Court Records

18th Judicial Circuit Court Information

Fifth District Court of Appeal Records

Florida Courts Official Website

Florida Appellate Case Information System

Florida Supreme Court Case Information

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