Brevard County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Brevard County?
A search warrant in Brevard County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specified location and seize designated items or evidence. Search warrants are fundamental legal instruments that balance the government's need to investigate crimes against citizens' constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures as protected by the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 12 of the Florida Constitution.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.02, search warrants may be issued when:
- Property has been stolen or embezzled in violation of law
- Property has been used as a means to commit a crime
- Property constitutes evidence relevant to proving a felony has been committed
- Property is being held in violation of the laws prohibiting specified activities
Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants:
- Arrest warrants authorize law enforcement to take a person into custody
- Bench warrants are issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Capias warrants order the arrest of a named defendant after formal charges have been filed
For a search warrant to be valid in Brevard County, it must be based on probable cause, supported by sworn affidavits, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized as required by Florida Statutes § 933.04.
Are Warrants Public Records In Brevard County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Brevard County follows a nuanced framework governed by Florida's public records laws. Under Florida Statutes § 119.07, most government records, including court records, are presumptively open to public inspection. However, the accessibility of warrants is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
The public record status of warrants in Brevard County depends on several factors:
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Executed vs. Unexecuted Warrants: Warrants that have been executed (served) generally become public records. Unexecuted warrants typically remain confidential to prevent suspects from evading law enforcement.
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Sealed Warrants: A judge may order a warrant sealed for various reasons, including protection of confidential informants, safeguarding ongoing investigations, or preventing the destruction of evidence. Sealed warrants are not accessible to the public until the seal is lifted.
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Juvenile Cases: Warrants related to juvenile offenders may have restricted access pursuant to Florida Statutes § 985.04.
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Active Criminal Investigations: Warrants connected to active criminal investigations may be temporarily exempt from public disclosure under Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(c).
Members of the public seeking warrant information may contact:
Brevard County Clerk of Courts
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
321-637-5413
Brevard County Clerk of Courts
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Brevard County?
Individuals concerned about potential warrants in Brevard County have several official channels through which this information can be verified. The following methods are available to determine if a warrant has been issued:
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Contact the Brevard County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains warrant information and can verify if a warrant exists.
Brevard County Sheriff's Office
700 Park Avenue
Titusville, FL 32780
321-264-5100
Brevard County Sheriff's Office -
Check the Brevard County Clerk of Courts Records: The Clerk's office maintains court records, including information about warrants that have been issued.
Brevard County Clerk of Courts
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
321-637-5413
Brevard County Clerk of Courts -
Search the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Wanted Persons Database: The FDLE maintains a statewide database of wanted persons that includes warrant information.
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Consult with an Attorney: Legal counsel can access warrant information through official channels and provide guidance on appropriate next steps.
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Visit a Local Law Enforcement Agency: In-person inquiries can be made at local police departments within Brevard County.
When checking for warrant information, individuals will need to provide:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for some searches)
- Photo identification (for in-person inquiries)
It is important to note that if an active warrant exists, visiting a law enforcement agency in person may result in immediate arrest.
How To Check for Warrants in Brevard County for Free in 2026
Members of the public may verify the existence of warrants in Brevard County without incurring fees through several official channels. The following steps outline the process for conducting a free warrant search:
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Online Search through the Brevard County Sheriff's Office:
- Navigate to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Active Warrants" or "Warrant Search" section
- Enter the required identifying information (name, date of birth)
- Review the results displayed on the screen
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement Wanted Persons Database:
- Access the FDLE Wanted Persons Database
- Enter search criteria including name and other identifying information
- Review the search results for matching records
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Brevard County Clerk of Courts Public Access System:
- Visit the Brevard County Clerk's website
- Navigate to the "Court Records Search" section
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review case information for indications of outstanding warrants
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Telephone Inquiry to Law Enforcement:
- Contact the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at 321-264-5217
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the person in question
- Request verification of any active warrants
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In-Person Visit to the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Brevard County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Request a warrant check at the front desk
- Present identification and provide the name to be searched
When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be prepared to provide accurate identifying information to ensure reliable results. The information obtained through these channels is subject to limitations and may not include recently issued or sealed warrants.
What Types of Warrants In Brevard County
Brevard County's judicial system issues several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes within the criminal justice framework. Understanding these warrant categories is essential for both legal professionals and members of the public. The primary warrant types include:
Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants in Brevard County are issued pursuant to Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.121 and must be based on sworn affidavits or testimony.
Bench Warrants: Judicial orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates court orders. These warrants direct law enforcement to bring the person before the court. Common triggers include:
- Failure to appear for arraignment
- Missing a trial date
- Non-compliance with probation terms
- Failure to pay court-ordered fines
Search Warrants: Court orders authorizing law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence related to criminal activity. As outlined in Florida Statutes § 933.07, these warrants must describe with particularity the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Capias Warrants: Issued after formal charges have been filed, directing law enforcement to take the named defendant into custody to answer the charges.
Civil Warrants: Used in non-criminal matters, typically to enforce court judgments or orders. Examples include:
- Writs of bodily attachment for failure to pay child support
- Civil contempt orders
- Eviction enforcement
Fugitive Warrants: Issued when an individual is wanted in another jurisdiction and is believed to be in Brevard County.
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements and carries different implications for the named individuals. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts maintain records of these various warrants according to applicable state laws and local procedures.
What Warrants in Brevard County Contain
Warrants issued in Brevard County contain specific legally required elements that establish their validity and enforceability. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.05 and relevant case law, warrants must include the following essential components:
Identification Information:
- Full legal name of the subject (including aliases when known)
- Physical description (height, weight, race, gender, distinguishing features)
- Date of birth and/or approximate age
- Last known address or location
- Case number and originating court information
Legal Foundation:
- Statement of probable cause justifying the warrant
- Citation of the specific Florida statute(s) allegedly violated
- Description of the criminal offense(s)
- Date of the alleged offense
Judicial Authorization:
- Name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
- Date and time of issuance
- Court seal or official stamp
- Expiration date (if applicable)
Execution Instructions (for search warrants):
- Precise description of the location to be searched
- Detailed inventory of items to be seized
- Time constraints for execution (day/night authorization)
- Special execution instructions (if applicable)
Bond Information (for arrest warrants):
- Bail amount (if pre-set)
- Notation if the offense is non-bondable
- Special conditions of release (if specified)
Return Requirements:
- Instructions for documenting the warrant's execution
- Procedures for returning the warrant to the court
- Inventory requirements for seized property
The specificity and completeness of warrant information is critical to its legal validity. Warrants lacking required elements may be challenged in court proceedings. Law enforcement officers executing warrants must adhere strictly to the parameters established in the document to ensure admissibility of evidence and proper legal procedure.
Who Issues Warrants In Brevard County
In Brevard County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Florida law. This authority is carefully regulated to ensure proper oversight of law enforcement powers and protection of constitutional rights. The following judicial officials possess warrant-issuing authority:
Circuit Court Judges: These judges preside over the 18th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Brevard County. They have broad jurisdiction to issue all types of warrants, including those for serious felony offenses. Circuit judges are elected to six-year terms and must be members of the Florida Bar.
County Court Judges: These judicial officers handle misdemeanors and lesser offenses but maintain full authority to issue search warrants, arrest warrants, and bench warrants within their jurisdiction. Brevard County currently has multiple county judges serving at various courthouse locations.
Magistrates: In certain circumstances, court-appointed magistrates may be delegated the authority to review warrant applications and issue warrants, particularly during non-business hours or in specialized court divisions.
The warrant issuance process typically involves:
- Submission of a sworn affidavit by law enforcement establishing probable cause
- Review of the affidavit by the judicial officer
- Determination that the legal threshold for issuance has been met
- Signing and dating of the warrant by the judicial officer
Warrant applications in Brevard County are processed through:
Brevard County Courthouse
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
321-637-5304
18th Judicial Circuit
After regular business hours, an on-call judge system ensures that urgent warrant requests can be reviewed and processed when necessary for public safety or time-sensitive investigations. This system operates in compliance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.215 regarding judicial assignments and availability.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Brevard County
Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Brevard County may utilize several official resources. The following methods provide access to warrant information through authorized channels:
Online Resources:
- The Brevard County Sheriff's Office Active Warrants Database allows public searches by name
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Wanted Persons Database includes statewide warrant information
- The Brevard County Clerk of Courts Records Search provides access to court records that may indicate warrant status
In-Person Inquiries:
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Visit the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Warrants Section during business hours:
Brevard County Sheriff's Office
Warrants Section
700 Park Avenue
Titusville, FL 32780
321-264-5217
Brevard County Sheriff's Office -
Check with the Brevard County Clerk of Courts at any of their office locations:
Brevard County Clerk of Courts - Viera
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
321-637-5413
Brevard County Clerk of Courts
Telephone Verification:
- Contact the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Warrants Section at 321-264-5217
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the person in question
- Request verification of any active warrants
Third-Party Background Check Services:
- Commercial background check services may include warrant information, though their accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed
- Official verification through county resources is recommended
When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name (including possible aliases)
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for some searches)
- Photo identification (for in-person inquiries)
It is important to note that if an active warrant exists, visiting a law enforcement agency in person may result in immediate arrest. Individuals with concerns about possible warrants may wish to consult with legal counsel before making direct inquiries.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Brevard County
Federal warrants represent a distinct category of legal instruments issued by federal courts rather than state or county authorities. These warrants stem from alleged violations of federal law and operate under different jurisdictional parameters than Brevard County warrants. Members of the public seeking information about federal warrants should understand the following procedures:
Federal Warrant Verification Methods:
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Contact the United States Marshals Service: As the primary federal agency responsible for warrant execution, the U.S. Marshals Service maintains comprehensive federal warrant information.
U.S. Marshals Service - Orlando Office
George C. Young Federal Building
400 W. Washington Street, Suite 1100
Orlando, FL 32801
407-648-6608
U.S. Marshals Service -
Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI may provide information regarding federal warrants related to their investigations.
FBI Jacksonville Division - Brevard Resident Agency
341 N. Apollo Boulevard
Melbourne, FL 32935
321-253-1000
Federal Bureau of Investigation -
Federal Court Records: The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida maintains records that may indicate the existence of federal warrants.
U.S. District Court - Orlando Division
George C. Young Federal Building
400 W. Washington Street
Orlando, FL 32801
407-835-4200
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida -
Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER): This online system provides access to federal court documents, though some warrant information may be restricted.
Important Considerations for Federal Warrant Searches:
- Federal warrants are not typically displayed in county or state databases
- Many federal warrants remain sealed until execution
- Federal agencies may decline to confirm the existence of certain warrants
- Federal warrants are valid nationwide and do not expire with time
- Federal warrant information may be subject to restrictions under 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(7) (law enforcement exemption to the Freedom of Information Act)
Individuals with reason to believe they may be subject to a federal warrant are advised to consult with an attorney experienced in federal criminal matters before making direct inquiries to law enforcement agencies.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Brevard County?
The duration of warrants in Brevard County is governed by Florida law and varies according to warrant type and the nature of the underlying offense. Understanding the temporal aspects of warrants is important for both law enforcement and members of the public. The following guidelines apply to warrant duration:
Arrest Warrants and Bench Warrants:
- In Brevard County, most arrest warrants and bench warrants remain active indefinitely until executed or recalled by the court
- There is no automatic expiration date for these warrants under Florida law
- The statute of limitations for the underlying offense does not affect the validity of an issued warrant
- Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 775.15, while the time to charge someone with a crime may expire, once a warrant is issued, it remains valid
Search Warrants:
- Search warrants in Brevard County have specific execution timeframes
- Under Florida Statutes § 933.05, search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance
- After the 10-day period expires, the search warrant becomes invalid and cannot be legally executed
- A new warrant application must be submitted if the search is still necessary after expiration
Geographic Limitations:
- Warrants issued by Brevard County courts are immediately valid throughout Florida
- For serious offenses, Florida warrants may be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, making them executable nationwide
- Misdemeanor warrants typically have more limited geographic enforcement, often restricted to adjacent counties or within the state
Warrant Recall or Quashing:
- Courts retain the authority to recall or quash warrants at any time
- Warrants may be recalled due to:
- Resolution of the underlying case
- New evidence affecting probable cause
- Procedural errors in the warrant issuance
- Death of the named individual
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office periodically reviews older warrants to determine if they should remain active, particularly for minor offenses. However, this administrative review does not create an automatic expiration date for warrants under Florida law.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Brevard County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Brevard County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. The process follows established procedures designed to balance law enforcement needs with constitutional protections. The typical timeline for search warrant processing includes:
Standard Search Warrant Process:
- Preparation of affidavit and warrant application: 2-4 hours
- Review by prosecutorial authority (when required): 1-3 hours
- Submission to judicial officer: 1 hour
- Judicial review and determination: 1-3 hours
- Total standard processing time: 5-11 hours
Expedited Circumstances:
- In emergency situations involving imminent danger or risk of evidence destruction, warrants may be processed in as little as 1-2 hours
- The 18th Judicial Circuit maintains an on-call judge system for after-hours warrant requests
- Telephonic warrants may be authorized in certain urgent situations pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.07(4)
Complex Investigations:
- Warrants involving extensive financial records, digital evidence, or multiple locations may require:
- More detailed affidavits: 1-3 days for preparation
- Specialized review by subject matter experts: 1-2 days
- More extensive judicial scrutiny: 1-2 days
- Total processing time: 3-7 days
Procedural Requirements:
- All search warrant applications must establish probable cause through sworn affidavits
- The affidavit must particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized
- The reviewing judge may request additional information or clarification before approval
- Once issued, the warrant must be executed within 10 days
Law enforcement agencies in Brevard County, including the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, have established protocols with the court system to facilitate efficient warrant processing while ensuring proper legal review. The actual time required in any specific case depends on the individual circumstances and cannot be precisely predicted.