Brevard County Property Records
What Is Brevard County Property Records
Brevard County property records constitute the official documentation that records ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative source for determining legal ownership of land and buildings throughout Brevard County, Florida. Property records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 695.01, which establishes the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
The primary purposes of Brevard County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership through a documented chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests and transactions
- Protecting property rights of owners and interested parties
- Facilitating real estate transactions through transparent documentation
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
The Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of property records, maintaining these documents in accordance with Florida law. The Brevard County Property Appraiser maintains complementary records regarding property values, tax assessments, and property characteristics.
Property records in Brevard County typically include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, covenants, restrictions, and other instruments that affect real property interests. These documents are indexed and maintained to provide a comprehensive history of ownership and encumbrances for each parcel of land within the county.
Are Property Records Public Information In Brevard County?
Property records in Brevard County are public information, accessible to all citizens pursuant to both Florida's Public Records Law (Florida Statutes § 119) and specific property recording statutes. The legal basis for this public access rests on several foundational principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Florida's recording statutes require public accessibility to property instruments
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates legitimate real estate transactions and prevents fraud
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects Florida's strong commitment to government transparency and public information access.
The Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person services and online platforms. While basic access to property records is provided without charge, certain services such as certified copies or extensive research assistance may incur nominal fees as permitted under Florida law.
Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court
400 South Street, 2nd Floor
Titusville, FL 32780
(321) 637-2004
Brevard County Clerk of Courts
How To Search Property Records in Brevard County in 2026
Brevard County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Brevard County Clerk of Courts Official Records Search
- Select the appropriate search type (name, document type, book/page, etc.)
- Enter relevant search criteria (owner name, property address, etc.)
- Review search results and select desired records
- View, download, or request copies of documents as needed
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Official Records Department at the Brevard County Courthouse
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Provide specific information about the property or document sought
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Review documents on-site or request copies as needed
Mail or Email Request Method:
- Download and complete the Public Records Request Form
- Include specific details about the property records sought
- Submit the form via mail or email to the Clerk's Office
- Staff will process the request and provide responsive records
- Pay any applicable fees for copies or certified documents
The Brevard County Clerk maintains public service counters at multiple locations throughout the county:
Brevard County Clerk - Titusville Office
400 South Street, 2nd Floor
Titusville, FL 32780
(321) 637-2004
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Brevard County Clerk - Viera Office
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 633-2171
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Brevard County Clerk - Melbourne Office
51 S. Nieman Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 637-5413
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How To Find Property Records in Brevard County Online?
Brevard County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official platforms. The digital accessibility of these records allows for efficient research without requiring in-person visits to county offices. To find property records online, follow these specific steps:
Clerk of Courts Official Records Search:
- Navigate to the Brevard County Clerk's Official Records Search
- Select from available search options:
- Name Search (grantor/grantee)
- Document Type Search
- Book/Page Search
- Legal Description Search
- Recording Date Range
- Enter relevant search criteria
- Review results and select documents to view
- Download or print documents as needed (free for public viewing)
Property Appraiser's Database:
- Visit the Brevard County Property Appraiser's website
- Select "Property Search" from the main navigation
- Search by one of the following methods:
- Owner Name
- Property Address
- Parcel ID/Tax ID Number
- Subdivision Name
- Review property details, including:
- Current ownership information
- Property characteristics
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Sales history
- Access property record cards and related documents
Tax Collector's Property Database:
- Access the Brevard County Tax Collector's website
- Navigate to "Property Tax Search"
- Enter property information (owner name, address, or parcel ID)
- View tax payment status, history, and related documents
These online resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing for convenient access to property records outside of normal business hours. The systems are regularly updated to reflect current property information and transactions.
How To Look Up Brevard County Property Records for Free?
Brevard County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources ensure that all members of the public can obtain essential property information regardless of financial means. The following methods allow for free property record searches:
Free Online Resources:
- The Brevard County Clerk's Official Records Search provides free access to view and download recorded documents
- The Brevard County Property Appraiser's website offers free property information searches, including ownership details, property characteristics, and valuation data
- The Brevard County Tax Collector's online database allows free searches of property tax information
Free In-Person Services:
- Public access terminals are available at all Clerk's Office locations for free on-site research
- Staff assistance is provided at no charge for basic property record inquiries
- Self-service research in public areas of the courthouse is available during regular business hours
Free Public Library Access:
- Brevard County public libraries offer free internet access to county property record websites
- Library staff can provide basic assistance with navigating online property record systems
- Public computers at libraries can be used to download and print property records (printing fees may apply)
While viewing property records is free, certain specialized services do carry nominal fees as authorized by Florida law:
- Certified copies of documents: $1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee
- Extensive research assistance: May incur hourly research fees
- Large volume document reproduction: Copy fees may apply per Florida Statutes
The Brevard County Clerk's Office is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to ensure all citizens have access to public records regardless of physical limitations or special needs.
What's Included in a Brevard County Property Record?
Brevard County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices in accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.222, which establishes the Clerk's duties regarding official records. Property records typically include:
Ownership Documents:
- Warranty Deeds
- Quitclaim Deeds
- Special Warranty Deeds
- Trustee Deeds
- Personal Representative Deeds
- Tax Deeds
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and Mortgage Modifications
- Satisfaction of Mortgages
- Construction Liens
- Tax Liens (federal, state, local)
- Judgment Liens
- Mechanics' Liens
- Lis Pendens (pending litigation notices)
Property Restrictions and Rights:
- Easements
- Covenants and Restrictions
- Homeowners Association Documents
- Condominium Association Documents
- Conservation Easements
- Rights-of-Way
Government Documents:
- Property Tax Records
- Special Assessment Notices
- Code Enforcement Liens
- Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy
- Zoning Classifications
- Flood Zone Designations
Property Characteristics:
- Legal Description
- Parcel Identification Number
- Property Boundaries
- Lot Size and Dimensions
- Building Specifications
- Property Improvements
- Historical Designations (if applicable)
Transaction History:
- Sales History with Dates and Prices
- Previous Owners
- Mortgage History
- Refinancing Records
It is important to note that real property records (land and permanently attached structures) are distinct from personal property records (movable assets), which are maintained under separate systems. The comprehensive nature of these records provides a complete history of ownership and encumbrances for each parcel in Brevard County.
How Long Does Brevard County Keep Property Records?
Brevard County maintains property records in perpetuity for most essential ownership documents. The retention of these records is governed by the Florida Department of State's Records Retention Schedule GS1-SL and specific provisions in Florida Statutes § 28.31 regarding the preservation of county records.
Permanent Retention Records:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium documents
- Homeowners association documents
- Tax deeds
- Judgments affecting title
- Liens and lien satisfactions
Long-Term Retention Records (75+ years):
- Building permits for significant structures
- Historical property designations
- Conservation easements
- Special assessment records
Medium-Term Retention Records (10-25 years):
- Building permits for minor structures
- Temporary easements
- Code enforcement actions
- Certain tax records
Short-Term Retention Records (1-7 years):
- Temporary permits
- Routine correspondence
- Research requests
- Preliminary applications
The Brevard County Clerk of Courts has implemented comprehensive digital preservation systems to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records. Historical records dating back to the county's formation in 1855 have been digitized and are maintained in multiple secure formats to prevent loss or degradation.
Physical preservation of original documents is conducted in accordance with archival best practices, including climate-controlled storage, acid-free containers, and specialized handling procedures for fragile historical documents. The county's records management program undergoes regular audits to ensure compliance with state retention requirements.
How To Find Liens on Property In Brevard County?
Liens on property in Brevard County can be identified through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred. To locate liens on Brevard County property, utilize the following methods:
Official Records Search:
- Access the Brevard County Clerk's Official Records Search
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Filter results by document types:
- Liens
- Judgment Liens
- Tax Liens
- Construction Liens
- Mechanics' Liens
- Code Enforcement Liens
- Review documents to determine lien status (active or satisfied)
Tax Collector's Office Search:
- Visit the Brevard County Tax Collector's website
- Search by property address or parcel ID
- Review for:
- Delinquent property taxes
- Tax certificates sold
- Special assessment liens
Circuit Court Records Search:
- Access the Brevard County Clerk's Court Records Search
- Search by property owner name
- Review for:
- Civil judgments
- Foreclosure actions
- Lis pendens notices
In-Person Research Options:
Brevard County Clerk of Courts - Recording Department
400 South Street, 2nd Floor
Titusville, FL 32780
(321) 637-2004
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For comprehensive lien searches, property owners or interested parties may wish to consider obtaining a professional title search or lien search from a licensed title company. These services provide thorough examination of all potential encumbrances and often include liability protection through title insurance.
Certain specialized liens may require searches with specific agencies:
- Federal tax liens: IRS records and county official records
- State tax liens: Florida Department of Revenue and county official records
- Child support liens: Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement
- Code enforcement liens: Brevard County Code Enforcement Department and municipal code enforcement offices
What Is Property Owner Rule In Brevard County?
The Property Owner Rule in Brevard County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities. These rules are established through a combination of Florida state law, Brevard County ordinances, and judicial precedents. The fundamental aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Recording Requirements:
Under Florida Statutes § 695.01, all instruments conveying, transferring, or otherwise affecting real property must be recorded in the official records of the county where the property is located to be effective against subsequent purchasers. This "notice recording statute" establishes that:
- Unrecorded conveyances are void against subsequent purchasers who record first
- Recording provides constructive notice to the world of property interests
- Priority of interests is generally determined by recording date and time
Property Rights and Limitations:
Property owners in Brevard County possess certain fundamental rights, including:
- Right to use and enjoy their property
- Right to exclude others from their property
- Right to transfer ownership interests
- Right to encumber the property through mortgages or other liens
These rights are subject to limitations established by:
- Zoning regulations and land use restrictions
- Building codes and permitting requirements
- Homeowners association and condominium rules (where applicable)
- Environmental regulations and conservation requirements
- Public easements and rights-of-way
Adverse Possession Provisions:
Florida law, specifically Florida Statutes § 95.16, establishes the requirements for adverse possession claims in Brevard County:
- Continuous possession for at least 7 years
- Payment of all property taxes during the possession period
- Possession must be actual, open, notorious, and adverse to the owner's rights
- Filing of a return with the property appraiser describing the property
Homestead Protections:
Florida's Constitution provides special protections for homestead property under Article X, Section 4:
- Exemption from forced sale by most creditors
- Property tax exemptions and assessment limitations
- Restrictions on alienation and devise of homestead property
- Survivorship rights for spouses and minor children
The Property Owner Rule in Brevard County also encompasses specific local ordinances related to property maintenance, nuisance abatement, and community standards. Property owners must comply with these local regulations in addition to state law requirements.