Melbourne City civil court records are public files held by the Brevard County Clerk of Court. Every civil case filed in Melbourne goes through the 18th Judicial Circuit, which serves all of Brevard County.
Anyone can look up these records online for free through the clerk’s website or the Florida E-Filing Portal. You can search by name, case number, or party. Most records show case type, filing date, parties, and current status. This page covers how to search, what you can see, and where to go for help with Melbourne City civil court records.
Brevard County Clerk of Court
The Brevard County Clerk of Court keeps all Melbourne City civil court records. The current clerk is Rachel M. Sadoff. The main clerk’s office sits in Titusville, which is the county seat. Brevard County also runs a Melbourne branch courthouse at 51 S. Nieman Ave, so residents can handle records close to home. The clerk’s office runs the BECA system (Brevard Electronic Court Application) for online record access.
Main Office and Melbourne Branch
The main office is at 400 South Street, 2nd Floor, Titusville, FL 32780. The Melbourne branch is at 51 S. Nieman Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901. Both offices handle civil court records. The Melbourne branch takes walk-in requests during business hours. Staff can help you search public records and make copies. For questions about a specific case, call (321) 637-2017.
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Main Office (Titusville) | 400 South Street, 2nd Floor, Titusville, FL 32780 | (321) 637-2017 |
| Melbourne Branch | 51 S. Nieman Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901 | (321) 637-2017 |
Office Hours and Website
Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk’s website is brevardclerk.us. The site has links to case search, official records search, public records requests, and self-help forms. You can also email the clerk for general questions. For public records requests, send an email to PublicRecordsRequests@brevardclerk.us.
How to Search Melbourne Civil Court Records
You can search Melbourne City civil court records online for free. The Brevard County clerk offers two search levels through the BECA system. The General Public Court Records Search is open to anyone with no sign-up needed. The Subscriber Court Records Search gives registered users access to more details, including restricted case types. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also connects to Melbourne civil court records through the statewide system.
BECA Public Search
The BECA public search lets you look up Melbourne civil court records without creating an account. Go to brevardclerk.us and click on the case search link. You can search by party name or case number. Results show all civil case types filed in Brevard County, including Melbourne. You can see the case type, party names, filing dates, and current status. Some document images are viewable right on the screen. If you need a copy of a document, you can print or save it from the search results.
Subscriber Access
Subscriber access gives you more detail than the public search. To sign up, fill out the BECA User Agreement form. Email the form to BecaSupport@brevardclerk.us or mail it to the clerk’s office. The annual fee is $50 per year for access to restricted case types like family law and probate. Subscribers can see sealed portions of public records and download full case files. Subscriber access works well for lawyers, landlords, and people who need to track many cases.
Florida E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal works with all 67 county clerks in the state, including Brevard. The portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. You can file new civil cases and look up existing Melbourne cases. Signing up is free. After you create an account, you can search by name, case number, or party. The portal also links to the DIY Florida form builder, which creates court forms based on your answers to simple questions. Over 20 form types are available, covering small claims, evictions, and other civil cases.
In-Person Record Search
You can search Melbourne civil court records in person at any clerk location. The Melbourne branch courthouse at 51 S. Nieman Ave is the closest option. You can also visit the main courthouse in Titusville or the Moore Justice Center in Viera. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff will help you use the public search terminals. Copy fees apply for printed documents. Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost more and require proof of identity.
Civil Court Structure in Melbourne
Melbourne sits in the 18th Judicial Circuit, which covers Brevard and Seminole counties. Civil cases in Melbourne go to one of two court levels based on the dollar amount in dispute. Circuit Court handles cases over $30,000. County Court handles cases up to $30,000. Small claims cases under $8,000 also go to County Court. The type of court affects which forms you use, the filing fees, and the rules you must follow.
Circuit Court Cases
Circuit Court handles the larger and more complex civil cases in Melbourne. These include contract disputes over $30,000, personal injury claims, foreclosure actions, and property disputes. Family law cases like divorce and custody, probate, and guardianship also fall under Circuit Court. Circuit Court cases follow stricter rules and often need a lawyer. The filing fees are higher. You can search these cases through the same BECA system used for County Court cases.
County Court Cases
County Court handles civil claims up to $30,000 in Melbourne. Common case types include small claims, evictions, car accidents, and debt collection. County Court is faster and cheaper than Circuit Court. Many people file County Court cases without a lawyer. The filing fees are lower, and the rules are simpler. You can still hire a lawyer if you want help. Cases decided in County Court can be appealed to Circuit Court.
Small Claims Court
Small claims court is a special part of County Court in Melbourne. The claim limit is $8,000. Small claims court handles disputes like unpaid bills, security deposits, minor car accidents, and small contract issues. The rules are very simple. You do not need a lawyer. Hearings are short, often under 30 minutes. The judge makes the decision the same day or within a few days. Filing fees for small claims in Melbourne start at $50 and go up based on the claim amount.
Official Records and Judgments
The Brevard County Clerk keeps official records separate from court case files. Official records include deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded judgments. The official records search is at brevardclerk.us/official-records. Index data goes back to January 1, 1981. Images are available from 1981 to the present where Florida law allows. This search is helpful if you need to check whether a civil judgment has been recorded against a Melbourne property.
Recorded Judgments
When someone wins a civil lawsuit in Melbourne, the judgment can be recorded in the official records. Recording a judgment puts the public on notice that the winning party has a claim. A recorded judgment becomes a lien on real property in the debtor’s name. This means the debtor cannot sell or refinance the property without paying the judgment first. The judgment stays on the property record for years, sometimes up to 20 years in Florida. Interest also adds to the amount owed.
Liens on Property
Recorded judgments create automatic liens on real estate in Brevard County. This includes homes, land, and commercial buildings in Melbourne. If you are buying property in Melbourne, a quick official records search can show you any liens tied to the seller’s name. The search covers the current owner and past owners. Mortgage satisfactions, tax liens, and other documents also show up in the search. Most records are free to view, but certified copies cost extra.
Confidential Information in Melbourne Civil Court Records
Some data in civil court records is protected by Florida law. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must not appear in public court files. This rule covers all Melbourne civil court records. If you find these numbers in a public document, you can ask the clerk to remove them at no charge. The clerk handles redaction requests by mail, fax, or email. For injunction cases involving minors, special rules apply.
Protected Data Types
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists the data types that must be kept out of public court files. These include social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and account numbers. Driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, and tax ID numbers are also protected. Children’s names in dependency and termination cases are kept private. Financial account numbers used in divorce and family law cases are also protected. Anyone filing civil court papers in Melbourne must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form to flag private data.
Redaction Requests
If you find protected data in a Melbourne civil court record, you can ask the clerk to remove it. Send a written request to the clerk’s office. The request should name the case, the document, and the specific data to be redacted. There is no fee for redaction. For exempt information under Florida Statutes Sections 119.071 and 119.0714, your request must be notarized and state the legal basis. Email fs119exemptionrequest@brevardclerk.us for these requests. You can also fax the request to (321) 264-5246.
Public Records Law and Melbourne Civil Court Records
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes government records open for public view. Melbourne civil court records fall under this law. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file. You do not need to be a party in the case. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time. Most records are available right away through the online search tools. Older records may take longer to pull from storage.
Florida Chapter 119
Florida’s public records law is one of the strongest in the country. Chapter 119 says that all government records are open for inspection and copying unless a specific law says otherwise. Court records are public unless sealed by a judge. Civil court records in Melbourne are public by default. You can see the case file, the court orders, and most motions filed in the case. Some records, like juvenile records and sealed adoption files, are not public.
Request Methods
You can submit public records requests to the Brevard County clerk in several ways. Use the NextRequest portal on the clerk’s website. Email PublicRecordsRequests@brevardclerk.us. Call (321) 637-2004. Send a letter by mail to the main office. You can also walk in to any office location and make a request in person. The clerk charges copying fees and labor costs for large requests. Small requests are usually free.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Melbourne
The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for people handling civil cases on their own. The page is at flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Court-Help. DIY Florida, part of the E-Filing Portal, creates court forms based on your answers to simple questions. Over 20 form types cover small claims, evictions, and other civil case types. You can also find instructions for each form. The forms are free to use.
Florida Courts Self-Help
The Florida Courts self-help page offers free forms, instructions, and videos for people filing civil cases without a lawyer. The page covers small claims, evictions, name changes, and other common civil matters. You can search for a form by case type or by topic. Each form has step-by-step instructions. Some forms are statewide, and others are local to Brevard County. The clerk’s office cannot give legal advice, but staff can tell you which form fits your case.
Local Legal Help
For legal help in the Melbourne area, contact Brevard County Legal Aid. The group helps low-income residents with civil cases like eviction, foreclosure, and family law. The Brevard County Bar Association offers lawyer referrals. A referral can help you find a lawyer who handles your type of case. Some lawyers offer free consultations. Standard filing fees apply when you submit civil court documents, even with legal help. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most credit cards.
Civil Case Types in Melbourne
Melbourne courts handle many types of civil cases. Common case types include contract disputes, landlord-tenant cases, personal injury, debt collection, and property disputes. Each case type has its own forms, fees, and rules. The BECA search lets you look up any of these case types by name or case number. The search shows the case status, the parties, the filing date, and the next hearing date when one is set.
Contract Disputes
Contract disputes are common civil cases in Melbourne. A contract dispute happens when one party says the other broke a written or oral agreement. Common examples include unpaid invoices, broken service contracts, and warranty claims. Contract disputes under $30,000 go to County Court. Contract disputes over $30,000 go to Circuit Court. You can search contract cases in the BECA system by typing in the name of a party or the case number.
Landlord-Tenant Cases
Landlord-tenant cases, also called evictions, happen when a landlord tries to remove a tenant from a rental property. Melbourne evictions go through County Court. The landlord files a complaint and a summons. The tenant has five days to respond. If the tenant does not respond, the landlord can ask for a default judgment. If the tenant responds, the court sets a hearing. Both sides can bring evidence and witnesses. You can search eviction cases through the BECA system.
Personal Injury
Personal injury cases involve injuries caused by car accidents, slip and falls, medical mistakes, or other negligence. Most personal injury cases in Melbourne go to Circuit Court because the damages often exceed $30,000. Personal injury cases can take months or years to resolve. They often involve expert witnesses and large medical records. The BECA system shows the case status, the parties, and the attorney of record. Settlements and verdicts are part of the public record.
Debt Collection
Debt collection cases are filed when a creditor sues to collect an unpaid debt. Common types include credit card debt, medical bills, and unpaid loans. Most debt collection cases in Melbourne go to County Court because the amounts are usually under $30,000. If the court rules for the creditor, the creditor can record the judgment and seek wage garnishment or bank account levies. You can search debt collection cases through the BECA system by name or case number.
Property Disputes
Property disputes in Melbourne include boundary line disputes, easement issues, and title claims. These cases often go to Circuit Court because they involve real estate. Property dispute cases can include quiet title actions, which ask the court to settle who owns a piece of land. The official records search can help you check the chain of title for a Melbourne property before you buy or invest.
Filing Fees and Copy Costs
The Brevard County Clerk charges fees for filing civil cases and copying records. Standard filing fees vary by case type. Small claims filing fees start at $50 for claims up to $100 and go up to $300 for claims over $1,500 but under $8,000. County Court civil cases cost $300 to file. Circuit Court civil cases cost $400 to file. These fees cover the basic filing. You may pay extra for service of process, certified copies, and court reporter fees.
Standard Filing Fees
The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most credit cards. You can pay in person or online through the E-Filing Portal. Some people cannot afford the filing fees. If you cannot pay, you can ask the court to waive the fees by filing a Motion to Determine Insolvency. The motion must show your income, assets, and expenses. If the court grants the motion, you do not have to pay the filing fees. You can also ask for a waiver of other court costs.
Copy Costs
Standard copies of Melbourne civil court records cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee. You can order copies in person at any clerk location. You can also order copies online through the BECA system. The clerk charges labor fees for records that take a long time to pull. Labor fees start at $25 per hour after the first 30 minutes. The clerk will tell you the cost before starting the work.
Brevard County Court Locations
Brevard County has three main courthouse locations. The main courthouse is in Titusville at 400 South Street. The Moore Justice Center is in Viera at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way. The Melbourne branch courthouse is at 51 S. Nieman Ave. All three locations handle civil court records. You can file cases, search records, and get copies at any location. The clerk’s staff can help you with questions at any of the three offices.
Moore Justice Center in Viera
The Moore Justice Center is the main trial courthouse for the 18th Judicial Circuit. It is at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940. The phone number is (321) 633-2171. This courthouse handles most Circuit Court civil cases, criminal trials, and family law cases. The clerk’s office at this location has a public search terminal. You can also make copies and file new cases here. Parking is free.
Melbourne Branch Courthouse
The Melbourne branch courthouse is the most convenient location for Melbourne residents. It is at 51 S. Nieman Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901. The phone number is (321) 637-2017. This location handles County Court civil cases, small claims, and evictions. You can search records, file new cases, and get copies here. The branch is smaller than the main courthouse but has full clerk services. Business hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers common questions about Melbourne City civil court records. Each answer gives you a clear, direct response based on current Florida law and Brevard County clerk rules. If your question is not here, call the clerk at (321) 637-2017 or visit the Melbourne branch courthouse at 51 S. Nieman Ave.
How do I search Melbourne civil court records for free?
You can search Melbourne civil court records for free through the BECA system at brevardclerk.us. Go to the case search page. Type in a name or case number. The public search shows case type, parties, filing date, and status. Some document images are also free to view. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com also offers free search. You do not need to create an account for the public search. Both systems cover all civil case types in Brevard County, including Melbourne filings.
Can I see sealed records in Melbourne civil court?
Most sealed records are not open to the public. A judge must order a record sealed. Common reasons include protecting children, trade secrets, and personal safety. If you are a party in a sealed case, you can see your own records. If you are not a party, you must ask the court to unseal the records. The clerk cannot give you access to sealed records without a court order. Some records are partially sealed, meaning some parts are public and other parts are private.
How long does it take to get copies of Melbourne civil court records?
Online copies through the BECA system are available right away for most records. You can view, print, or save the document as soon as you find it. In-person requests for copies are usually filled the same day. Mailed requests take 5 to 10 business days. Requests for older records stored off-site take longer. The clerk will tell you the expected time when you place the request. Rush service is available for an extra fee.
What is the difference between court records and official records?
Court records are case files. They include complaints, motions, orders, and judgments filed during a lawsuit. You find court records through the BECA case search. Official records are land records and public filings. They include deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded judgments. You find official records through the official records search. Both searches are on the Brevard County clerk website. The two systems are separate but connected. A court judgment becomes an official record when it is recorded.
How do I find out if someone has a civil judgment against them in Melbourne?
You can search for civil judgments in two ways. First, search the BECA case system for cases where the person is a defendant. Look for cases with a status of “judgment entered.” Second, search the official records system for recorded judgments. Recorded judgments include the debtor’s name, the case number, and the amount owed. The official records search covers judgments recorded since January 1, 1981. Both searches are free to use.
Can I remove my personal information from Melbourne civil court records?
You can ask the clerk to redact protected data like social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers. The redaction is free. For other personal information, you must ask the court to seal the record. The court will only seal records in special cases. Examples include identity theft, domestic violence, and certain family law cases. You must file a motion and show good cause. The judge makes the final decision.
What if I find an error in a Melbourne civil court record?
If you find an error in a civil court record, contact the clerk’s office right away. The clerk can fix some clerical errors, like a typo in a party name. For errors in the content of an order or judgment, you must file a motion with the court. The judge reviews the motion and makes a decision. You may need a lawyer for this process. The clerk cannot give legal advice on whether the error changes the outcome of the case.
Official Resources: Brevard County Clerk of Court: brevardclerk.us | Phone: (321) 637-2017 | Melbourne Branch: 51 S. Nieman Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901 | Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com | Florida Public Records Law: leg.state.fl.us/Statutes (Chapter 119)