Brevard County Florida background check records are public files that show a person’s criminal history, court cases, and government filings. These records come from the Brevard County Clerk of Court, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone can search these records for employment, housing, volunteering, or personal reasons. The records are open under Florida’s public records law, and several free and paid search options exist.
Official Sources for Brevard County Florida Background Check Records
Three main government offices hold Brevard County Florida background check records. Each office handles a different type of record, and most people need to check more than one source to get a full picture. The Clerk of Court handles court cases. FDLE handles statewide criminal history. The Sheriff’s Office handles arrests and inmate data.
Brevard County Clerk of Court
Rachel Sadoff serves as the Brevard County Clerk of Court. The main office sits at 400 South Street in Titusville, Florida 32780, on the second floor. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk’s phone number is (321) 637-2017. The website at brevardclerk.us lets visitors search court records online. The clerk keeps files for criminal cases, civil cases, family court, traffic cases, small claims, probate, and recorded documents like deeds and liens.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records, booking photos, inmate rosters, and incident reports. Their main office operates at 700 South Park Avenue in Titusville. The Sheriff’s Office website has a public inmate search tool. Arrest logs from the previous 24 to 48 hours are also posted online. For older arrest records, a formal public records request may be needed.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database. This database pulls together arrest records and final dispositions from all 67 Florida counties, including Brevard County. FDLE offers two types of checks. Level 1 uses a person’s name. Level 2 uses fingerprints. Both checks cover Florida records, and Level 2 also searches the FBI national database.
How to Search Brevard County Court Records Online
The Brevard County Clerk of Court runs a free online search tool through brevardclerk.us. This tool gives the fastest way to look up court cases without visiting the courthouse. The search covers criminal, civil, traffic, family, and probate cases filed in Brevard County.
Searching by Name
To search by name, type the person’s first and last name into the case search box. The system returns a list of matching cases. Each result shows the case number, filing date, case type, party names, charges (for criminal cases), and current status. Clicking on a case number brings up the full docket, including hearings, motions, orders, and final judgments when available.
Searching by Case Number
Searching by case number gives the most accurate result. Florida case numbers follow a format that includes the county code, case type, and year. For example, a Brevard County criminal case filed in 2025 might look like “05-2025-CF-012345.” Knowing the exact case number removes the chance of mixing up people with similar names.
Searching by Date Range
The system also allows date-based searches. This helps narrow results when a name is common. The date filter covers filing dates between two chosen dates. Results show every case filed in that range matching the other search criteria. This feature is helpful for employers who need records from a specific time period.
Official Records and Document Search
For recorded documents like deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and marriage licenses, MyFloridaCounty.com serves all 67 Florida counties including Brevard. These records add important pieces to a full background check. They show property ownership, money owed, and other public filings that may not appear in court case searches.
Statewide Criminal History Check Through FDLE
FDLE provides the official Florida criminal history check. This check pulls data from the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. Every arrest, charge, and final case outcome in Brevard County feeds into this database. The same database covers every other Florida county.
Level 1 Name-Based Check
A Level 1 check costs $24 and uses the person’s name and date of birth. The request goes through CCHInet at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The search runs the name against the statewide criminal database. Results arrive by email, usually within 24 hours. The report shows arrests, charges, court outcomes, and sentence details when on file. Level 1 is the most common check for general employment screening and volunteer work.
Level 2 Fingerprint Check
A Level 2 check uses LiveScan or ink fingerprints. The fingerprints go to FDLE and the FBI. Results cover both Florida and national criminal records. Florida law requires Level 2 checks for jobs that involve children, the elderly, disabled people, and other vulnerable groups. The fingerprint search takes a few business days. Many Livescan locations operate across Brevard County in Titusville, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa, and Rockledge.
Personal Record Review
Anyone can request a copy of their own Florida criminal history. FDLE calls this a “personal review.” This lets a person check what shows up when an employer runs a background check. If something is wrong or outdated, the person can ask FDLE to fix the record. The personal review uses the same CCHInet system.
Brevard County Sheriff Records and Arrest Data
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office keeps records of every arrest made by their deputies. These records show arrest dates, charges, booking photos, and current custody status. The Sheriff’s Office website has several search tools.
Inmate Search Tool
The inmate search tool on the Sheriff’s website shows people currently held at the Brevard County Jail. The search takes a last name or booking number. Results include the inmate’s full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and housing location. This data updates regularly throughout the day.
Recent Arrest Logs
The Sheriff’s Office posts recent arrest logs on its website. These logs list every arrest made by BCSO deputies in the past 48 hours. Each entry shows the arrestee’s name, age, city of residence, and charges. These logs are a free source for recent booking information in Brevard County.
Incident Reports and Calls for Service
For incident reports, a public records request must be filed with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. The request requires a name, date, location, or case number. Reports may take several days to process. Some reports, like those involving active investigations, juvenile suspects, or sealed court orders, may be withheld or redacted.
Costs and Fees for Background Checks
Costs vary based on the type of check and where it comes from. Some searches are free. Others carry set fees from the state or county.
FDLE Check Fees
FDLE charges a flat $24 fee for a Level 1 name-based criminal history check. This fee covers the search and report delivery. No hidden fees apply. The fee goes to FDLE’s operating budget for criminal records services. Payment is by credit or debit card through CCHInet.
Brevard County Clerk Copy Fees
The Brevard County Clerk charges $0.15 per page for plain copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies. Searching the online case system is free. Viewing case files at the counter is also free. Fees only apply when printed copies are needed. Certified copies are required for most legal proceedings, name changes, and immigration cases.
Level 2 Fingerprint Fees
Level 2 fingerprint checks cost more than name-based checks. FDLE charges a processing fee for the state portion. The FBI charges a separate fee for the national portion. Livescan vendors also charge a service fee for taking the prints. Total cost usually runs between $50 and $100 depending on the vendor and location.
| Service | Provider | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Online Case Search | Brevard Clerk | Free |
| Plain Copies | Brevard Clerk | $0.15 per page |
| Certified Copies | Brevard Clerk | $1.00 per page |
| Level 1 Criminal Check | FDLE | $24.00 |
| Level 2 Fingerprint Check | FDLE + FBI | $50-$100 |
| Personal Record Review | FDLE | $24.00 |
Florida Laws That Cover Background Checks
Florida has clear laws about background checks, public records, and who can see what. Three main laws shape how Brevard County background check records work.
Chapter 119 Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes opens government records to the public. Anyone can ask for records from any state, county, or city office. The person asking does not need to live in Florida. The person does not need to explain why they want the records. The agency must give access unless a specific law seals the record. This law covers court files, arrest reports, and most government documents.
Chapter 435 Employment Screening
Chapter 435 lists jobs that require a Level 2 fingerprint background check. These jobs involve caring for children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Schools, nursing homes, hospitals, daycare centers, and group homes fall under this law. Employees in these roles must pass a Level 2 check before starting work and may need re-screening at set intervals.
FCRA Compliance
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets rules for background checks used in hiring. Employers must get written permission before running a background check. If the employer decides not to hire based on the report, they must give the applicant a copy and a chance to respond. Florida background check laws work with FCRA. Both sets of rules must be followed for legal employment screening.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some criminal records can be sealed or expunged under Florida law. Sealed records stay on file but are hidden from the public. Expunged records are destroyed. Once a record is sealed or expunged, it should not show up on a standard background check. The person must formally request sealing or expungement through the court where the case ended.
How to Run a Brevard County Background Check Step by Step
Three main methods work for running a background check in Brevard County. Each method has its own steps and best uses.
Online Method
The online method works for anyone with internet access. Start at brevardclerk.us for court records. Search by name, case number, or date. Then go to CCHInet at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us for a statewide criminal check. Pay the $24 fee with a card. Wait for the email with results. This method works well for self-checks and preliminary employment screening.
In-Person Method
The in-person method works for people who need certified copies or want help from staff. Visit the Brevard County Clerk at 400 South Street in Titusville. Bring a photo ID. Tell staff the name or case number you want to look up. Pay for copies at the cashier window. For fingerprint checks, visit a Livescan location with a photo ID and payment.
Mail Request Method
The mail request method works for people who cannot visit in person. Send a written request to the Brevard County Clerk with the person’s full name, date of birth, and record type. Include a check or money order for copy fees. For FDLE records, the request must go through CCHInet. Mail requests take longer than online or in-person methods.
Cities in Brevard County and Where Records Come From
All court records for cities inside Brevard County are kept by the Brevard County Clerk of Court. There is no city-level court system. Every case filed in Brevard County ends up at the same clerk’s office.
Major Cities in Brevard County
Brevard County covers Florida’s Space Coast. The largest cities are Palm Bay and Melbourne, each with more than 75,000 residents. Other cities include Titusville, Cocoa, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Cocoa Beach. Smaller towns and unincorporated areas include Cape Canaveral, Grant-Valkaria, and Melbourne Village.
Nearby Counties for Cross-Searches
Brevard County borders several central Florida counties. People who move between counties often have records in more than one place. The neighboring counties are Indian River County to the south, Orange County to the west, Osceola County to the southwest, Seminole County to the northwest, and Volusia County to the north. Each county has its own clerk of court and record system.
Brevard County Clerk Contact and Location
For in-person visits, mail requests, or phone questions about Brevard County court records, the Clerk’s Office has one main location and several branch offices across the county.
Brevard County Clerk of Court, 400 South Street, Titusville, FL 32780. Phone: (321) 637-2017. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Website: brevardclerk.us. For FDLE records, use CCHInet at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us or call FDLE at (850) 410-8100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Brevard County background checks. The answers below cover the most common concerns. These cover costs, accuracy, sealed records, and what shows up on reports. Florida law and FDLE procedures control how these checks work.
How long does an FDLE background check take in Florida?
A Level 1 name-based check through FDLE usually returns results within 24 hours. The email arrives with a PDF report. A Level 2 fingerprint check takes 3 to 5 business days on average. Some checks take longer if the prints need resubmission or the FBI has delays. Florida law does not set a strict deadline. FDLE processes checks in the order received. Rush service is not offered for most background checks. For employer groups that submit many checks at once, FDLE sometimes gives priority processing.
Can employers in Florida use third-party background check services?
Yes. Florida employers often use third-party background check companies. These companies pull records from FDLE, county clerks, and other sources. They must follow FCRA rules. The employer must get written consent before the check. If the report leads to a hiring decision that hurts the applicant, the employer must give a copy of the report and an explanation. Third-party services often cost more than running a direct FDLE check.
What shows up on a Florida background check?
A Florida background check shows arrests, criminal charges, final dispositions, sentences, and custody status. It does not show sealed or expunged records. It does not show juvenile records in most cases. Traffic tickets paid without a court appearance may not appear. Dismissed cases may appear unless sealed. Civil cases, judgments, and liens appear on a full record check through the county clerk.
Are Florida arrest records the same as conviction records?
No. An arrest record only means a person was taken into custody. It does not mean the person was found guilty. A conviction record shows the person was found guilty or pleaded guilty. Florida background checks show both. The disposition section of the report shows the final outcome. Many people have arrest records without any convictions.
Can someone remove their criminal record in Florida?
Yes, in some cases. Florida law allows sealing or expungement for certain cases. Misdemeanors, some felonies, and cases that ended without a conviction may qualify. The person must file a petition with the court. The State Attorney’s Office must approve the request. Once sealed or expunged, the record should not show up on a standard background check. Some government agencies still see sealed records for certain jobs.
How accurate are online background check websites?
Online third-party websites vary in accuracy. Some pull data from official sources. Others use court house scraps, old databases, or unverified sources. Errors are common, including wrong person matches, outdated dispositions, and missing sealed records. For legal or employment decisions, FDLE records and county clerk records are more accurate. People who find errors on third-party sites should dispute them with the company.
Does a Florida warrant show up on a background check?
Active warrants may or may not show up on a standard FDLE check. Warrants are stored in a separate database maintained by local law enforcement and the Department of Corrections. The Sheriff’s Office warrant search tool is a better source for active warrants in Brevard County. National warrant searches use the FBI database and NCIC. A warrant search should be part of any full background check process.