Brevard County warrant records are public files that show active arrest orders issued by judges in the 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida. These records include arrest warrants, bench warrants, and capias warrants.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Courts both maintain these records. Anyone can search them for free using the FDLE Public Access System or the county clerk’s online portal. Brevard County covers about 1,557 square miles along Florida’s Space Coast. The county seat is Titusville. The population sits near 612,000 people as of 2026.
What Brevard County Warrant Records Contain
A warrant record shows a judge’s order to arrest or detain a specific person. Each record lists the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and physical description. The record also shows what crime the person is charged with and which court issued the warrant. Most warrant records include the date the warrant was signed and the bond amount set by the judge. Some records include the case number that links back to the court file.
Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is issued when a judge finds probable cause that someone committed a crime. Under Florida Statute 901.02, police officers must get a warrant before arresting someone for most felony charges. The warrant names the suspect, the charge, and the court that issued it. Active arrest warrants stay in the system until the person is taken into custody or a judge recalls the warrant.
Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is issued when someone fails to show up for a required court date. Judges in Brevard County issue these warrants during scheduled hearings. The clerk enters the bench warrant into the court docket. The person must appear before the court to clear the warrant. Bond can be set on a bench warrant at the judge’s discretion.
Capias Warrants
A capias warrant works like a bench warrant. It is filed by the clerk of court when a defendant misses a court appearance or violates court rules. The capias directs law enforcement to bring the person to court. Capias entries show up in the Brevard County Clerk’s online docket search. These records stay public under Florida’s Sunshine Law.
Where to Search Brevard County Warrant Records
Three main sources hold warrant records for Brevard County. The FDLE Public Access System covers all 67 Florida counties. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office holds local warrant data. The Clerk of Courts maintains docket records linked to warrants. Each source offers a different search method.
FDLE Public Access System
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a free online search tool called the Public Access System. This tool shows active warrants and wanted persons across the state. Users enter a first name and last name to begin the search. Results display the warrant type, the originating agency, and the charge. The FDLE updates the database regularly. No account or login is needed to run a search.
The FDLE tool covers arrest warrants issued by Florida judges. It does not always show bench warrants from local courts. For full coverage, users should also check the Brevard County Clerk’s records.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is the main law enforcement agency in the county. The office is located at 700 S. Park Avenue, Titusville, FL 32780. The main phone number is (321) 264-5201. The office works with local police departments in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Rockledge to serve warrants across the county.
The sheriff’s website lists contact details for warrant questions. Staff can confirm whether an active warrant exists for a specific person. Callers should have the full legal name and date of birth ready before calling.
Brevard County Clerk of Courts
The Brevard County Clerk of Courts keeps the official docket records for the 18th Judicial Circuit. The main clerk’s office sits at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940. The clerk’s phone number is (321) 637-5413. The office also runs branch locations in Titusville and Melbourne.
The clerk’s online case search tool lets users look up court cases by name. Each docket entry shows any warrants filed in that case. Users can search for criminal cases, civil cases, and traffic cases. The clerk charges a small fee for certified copies of court documents.
How to Search Warrants in Brevard County
A free warrant search takes only a few minutes. Users should follow a clear set of steps to get the most accurate results.
Step 1: Gather the Person’s Full Legal Name
Start with the exact legal name on file with the Florida courts. Middle names help narrow the search. A date of birth also improves accuracy when checking the FDLE database. Users who only know a nickname may get too many results to sort through.
Step 2: Run an FDLE Statewide Search
Visit the FDLE Public Access System website. Click the wanted persons search option. Enter the first name and last name. Review the results for any matching entries. Each result shows the warrant type and the agency that filed it. Save or print the results for personal records.
Step 3: Check the Brevard County Clerk’s Docket Search
Open the Brevard County Clerk of Courts website. Use the online case search feature. Enter the person’s name and select criminal or traffic case types. Look at each docket entry for mention of a warrant, capias, or bond forfeiture. Court dates and judge names appear in each entry.
Step 4: Call the Sheriff’s Office for Confirmation
Phone the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at (321) 264-5201 during business hours. Ask a staff member to check for any active warrants. Have the full name and date of birth ready. The office can confirm warrant status but may not share full case details by phone.
Step 5: Visit the Clerk’s Office in Person
For certified copies or full case files, visit the Brevard County Clerk’s office in Viera. Bring a valid photo ID. Request the specific case file or docket records. The clerk charges a per-page fee for copies. Staff can pull up records tied to any open warrant.
Types of Warrants in Brevard County
Different warrants cover different legal actions. Each type has its own rules under Florida law.
Felony Warrants
Felony warrants cover serious crimes punishable by more than one year in state prison. Examples include drug trafficking, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. A judge must find probable cause before signing a felony warrant. These warrants stay active until the person is arrested or a judge recalls them.
Misdemeanor Warrants
Misdemeanor warrants cover less serious offenses like petty theft or simple assault. These cases often carry a maximum sentence of one year in county jail. The warrant process follows the same rules as felony warrants. Bond amounts tend to be lower for misdemeanor charges.
Traffic Warrants
Traffic warrants stem from missed court dates on traffic tickets. Common causes include failure to appear, failure to pay fines, or failure to complete traffic school. A judge signs the warrant after the person misses a required hearing. Clearing the warrant usually requires paying the fine or appearing in court.
Probation Violation Warrants
A probation violation warrant is issued when a person on probation breaks the court-ordered rules. The warrant follows an affidavit from a probation officer. The person faces a hearing where a judge decides on jail time or modified probation terms. These warrants often have no bond set.
Child Support Warrants
Child support warrants are issued when a parent falls behind on court-ordered payments. The Department of Revenue can request a warrant through the court. Clearing the warrant often requires paying the overdue amount or showing proof of a payment plan.
What Happens When a Warrant is Active
An active warrant gives law enforcement the legal right to arrest the named person at any time. Officers can make the arrest at home, at work, or during a routine traffic stop. The person does not have to be doing anything wrong at the time of arrest. Police across Florida can enforce the warrant.
Arrest Process
Under Florida Statute 901.16, an officer must tell the person about the warrant and the reason for the arrest. The officer takes the person to the Brevard County Jail for booking. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographs, and a check for prior warrants. Bond can be posted based on the schedule set by the judge.
Bond and Release
Some warrants have a preset bond amount. Other warrants require a bond hearing before a judge. A bail bondsman can post bond for a fee, usually 10 percent of the bond amount. Once bond is posted, the person is released from jail pending a court date.
Court Appearance After Arrest
The arrested person must appear before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. The judge reviews the warrant, confirms identity, and addresses bond. A court date is set for the underlying charge. Failing to appear again can lead to a new warrant.
How to Clear a Warrant in Brevard County
Clearing a warrant involves resolving the underlying issue and following court procedures. Several methods exist based on the warrant type.
Turn Yourself In
A person with a warrant can choose to surrender at the Brevard County Jail. A lawyer should be contacted first. The lawyer can sometimes arrange a bond amount in advance. Surrendering during business hours speeds up the booking process. The person avoids an unexpected arrest at home or work.
Post Bond Directly
Some warrants have a preset bond. Paying the bond at the clerk’s office can clear the warrant without jail time. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and some credit cards. A receipt shows the bond was paid. The person must still attend the scheduled court date.
Motion to Recall or Quash
A defense lawyer can file a motion to recall or quash a warrant. The motion asks a judge to cancel the warrant. Common reasons include mistaken identity, incorrect charges, or resolved cases. A judge holds a hearing to decide whether to recall the warrant.
Resolve the Underlying Charge
For traffic and misdemeanor warrants, paying the fine or completing required classes can clear the warrant. The clerk’s office processes the payment and updates the court record. A court appearance may still be required for some cases.
Public Access and Florida Sunshine Law
Florida Statute 119.07, part of the state’s Sunshine Law, makes warrant records public. Anyone can request these records without giving a reason. The clerk’s office and sheriff’s office must provide access during business hours. Some limited exceptions apply.
What Records Are Public
Active arrest warrants, bench warrants, and capias entries are public. Docket entries showing warrant activity are public. Bond amounts, court dates, and judge names appear in public records. The clerk’s office provides copies for a small fee.
What Records Are Sealed
Some records stay sealed under Florida law. Search warrant affidavits can be sealed during an active investigation. Juvenile warrant records follow separate rules. Records tied to active criminal intelligence cases may also stay sealed.
Who Can Access Warrant Records
Any member of the public can access these records. Landlords, employers, and family members can run searches. Background check companies pull this data for clients. Journalists use the data for news reports on local crime.
Costs and Fees for Warrant Searches
Most warrant searches in Brevard County are free. Some services charge small fees for certified records.
| Service | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| FDLE Public Access Search | Free | Online statewide wanted persons check |
| Brevard Clerk Docket Search | Free | Online case and docket lookup |
| Sheriff’s Phone Confirmation | Free | Call (321) 264-5201 during business hours |
| Clerk’s Certified Copy | $1 per page | Official court document with seal |
| In-Person Record Request | $1 per page | Visit the Viera or Titusville clerk office |
Visiting Hours and Contact Details
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Clerk of Courts have set hours for in-person visits. Phone and online services run outside these hours.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brevard County Sheriff’s Office | 700 S. Park Avenue, Titusville, FL 32780 | (321) 264-5201 | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Brevard County Clerk of Courts (Viera) | 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940 | (321) 637-5413 | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Brevard County Clerk (Titusville Branch) | 506 South Palm Avenue, Titusville, FL 32796 | (321) 637-5413 | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Brevard County Clerk (Melbourne Branch) | 51 Suntree Place, Melbourne, FL 32940 | (321) 637-5413 | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| FDLE Public Access System | Online at pas.fdle.state.fl.us | Not applicable | Available 24 hours |
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Service
The warrant division at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office handles warrant service across the county. Officers work with police departments in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, and Rockledge. The division also works with state and federal agencies for out-of-state warrants.
Warrant Service Area
The sheriff’s office covers all unincorporated parts of Brevard County. This includes areas outside city limits. City police handle warrants within their own borders. All agencies share data through the FCIC and NCIC databases.
Interstate Warrants
Florida honors warrants from other states under the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act. A governor’s warrant allows the return of a fugitive to another state. Some warrants are marked non-extraditable for minor offenses. Florida may refuse extradition for certain misdemeanor cases.
Cities Within Brevard County
Brevard County includes several cities with their own police departments. Warrant records from these cities flow through the county court system.
Palm Bay
Palm Bay is the largest city in Brevard County with about 120,000 residents. The Palm Bay Police Department works with the sheriff’s office on warrants. Court cases go through the 18th Judicial Circuit.
Melbourne
Melbourne sits along the Indian River Lagoon. The Melbourne Police Department handles warrants within city limits. Residents can search Melbourne cases through the county clerk’s online portal.
Titusville
Titusville is the county seat of Brevard County. The Titusville Police Department enforces city-level laws. The clerk’s main office sits near downtown Titusville for public access.
Cocoa and Rockledge
Cocoa and Rockledge are neighboring cities on the mainland. Both have local police departments. Warrant cases from these cities appear in the same county court system.
Other Communities
Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Melbourne Beach round out the county’s cities. Each has its own police force for local enforcement. All warrant records end up in the county database.
Nearby Counties with Warrant Records
Warrants are filed in the county where the crime occurred. People unsure about the location should check nearby counties. The bordering counties of Brevard include Indian River, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia.
Orange County
Orange County covers the Orlando metro area. The Orange County Clerk of Courts maintains warrant records. Residents can search online or visit the clerk’s office in Orlando.
Volusia County
Volusia County sits north of Brevard. The Volusia County Clerk’s office holds warrant data. Searches can be run online or by phone.
Indian River County
Indian River County borders southern Brevard. The county seat is Vero Beach. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office can confirm local warrants.
Legal Help for Warrant Issues
People facing warrants in Brevard County should contact a criminal defense attorney. Lawyers can review the case, file motions, and represent clients in court. Public defenders serve people who cannot afford a private attorney.
Criminal Defense Lawyers
Local defense attorneys handle warrant cases across Brevard County. They can appear in court on the client’s behalf for certain misdemeanor charges. Lawyers charge fees based on the case complexity.
Public Defender’s Office
The 18th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office represents people charged with crimes who meet income limits. The office has locations in Viera and other parts of the circuit. Eligible clients receive free legal help.
Bail Bondsmen
Licensed bail bondsmen in Brevard County post bond for a fee. The fee is regulated by Florida law. A typical charge is 10 percent of the bond amount. Bondsmen can also help arrange surrenders to avoid arrest at home or work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brevard County Warrant Records
People often have questions about how warrant records work in Brevard County. The answers below cover the most common concerns.
How long does a warrant stay active in Brevard County?
Arrest warrants in Brevard County do not expire on their own. A warrant stays active until the person is arrested, the judge recalls it, or the case is dismissed. Even decades-old warrants can be enforced during a traffic stop or background check. Bench warrants and capias warrants follow the same rule. Only a judge can cancel a warrant. The person named on the warrant must appear in court or file a motion to recall.
Can someone be arrested on a warrant from another Florida county while in Brevard?
Yes. Under Florida Statute 901.04, warrants issued in any Florida county are valid statewide. A Brevard County officer can arrest someone with an outstanding warrant from Miami-Dade, Broward, or Hillsborough County. The arrested person is held for transfer back to the original county. This system makes Florida warrants enforceable across all 67 counties.
What is the difference between a bench warrant and a capias warrant?
Bench warrants and capias warrants both deal with people who miss court. A bench warrant is signed directly by a judge during a court session. A capias warrant is filed by the clerk of court based on a missed appearance. Both orders tell law enforcement to arrest the person. Both require a court appearance to clear.
Can a warrant be cleared without going to jail?
Some warrants can be cleared without jail time. Posting bond at the clerk’s office releases the person for many misdemeanor and traffic cases. Paying the original fine can clear certain warrants. A judge can also recall the warrant during a hearing. Felony warrants typically require a court appearance and may result in jail time.
Are warrant records public in Florida?
Yes. Florida’s Sunshine Law makes warrant records public under Florida Statute 119.07. Anyone can search the FDLE database or the county clerk’s records. The law does not require the searcher to be the person named on the warrant. Some limited exceptions apply to sealed search warrant affidavits and juvenile records.
What happens during a self-surrender on a warrant?
A self-surrender means the person turns themselves in at the Brevard County Jail. A lawyer should be contacted first. The lawyer can arrange a bond hearing to set bond before surrender. The person is booked, fingerprinted, and held until bond is posted. Surrendering during business hours speeds up the process.
Can an old warrant from years ago still be enforced?
Yes. Warrants in Brevard County do not expire due to age. A warrant from 10 or 20 years ago can still lead to arrest. The person can be picked up during a traffic stop, at a checkpoint, or at home. Clearing old warrants requires appearing in court or filing a motion to recall.