Access Melbourne Civil Court Records
Melbourne civil court records are managed by the Brevard County Clerk of Court. Civil cases filed in Melbourne go through the 18th Judicial Circuit, which covers all of Brevard County.
Melbourne Quick Facts
Brevard County Clerk of Court
Melbourne civil court records are handled by the Brevard County Clerk of Court, Rachel M. Sadoff. The county seat is Titusville, which is where the main clerk's office sits. But Brevard County has a Melbourne branch courthouse at 51 S. Nieman Ave, making it easy for Melbourne residents to deal with civil court records locally.
The Brevard County Clerk website has online tools for searching court records and official records. You can look up Melbourne civil court cases by name or case number at no cost. The clerk uses the BECA system (Brevard Electronic Court Application) for online access to court records.
The Melbourne branch courthouse handles walk-in requests for civil court records during business hours.
| Clerk | Rachel M. Sadoff |
|---|---|
| Main Office | 400 South Street, 2nd Floor Titusville, FL 32780 |
| Melbourne Branch | 51 S Nieman Ave Melbourne, FL 32901 |
| Phone | (321) 637-2017 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | brevardclerk.us |
How to Search Melbourne Civil Court Records
You can search Melbourne civil court records online for free. The Brevard County case search (BECA) provides two access levels. The General Public Court Records Search is anonymous and open to anyone. The Subscriber Court Records Search gives registered users access to more details.
To use the public search, go to the BECA system and type in a name or case number. Results cover all civil case types in Brevard County, including Melbourne filings. You can see case type, parties, filing dates, and status. Some document images are viewable online.
For subscriber access, you need to complete a BECA User Agreement. Send the form by email to BecaSupport@brevardclerk.us or mail it to the clerk's office. Subscriber access to restricted case types like family law and probate costs $50 per year.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also connects to Melbourne civil court records. This statewide system works with all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases and view existing ones. It is free to sign up.
For in-person searches, the Melbourne branch courthouse at 51 S Nieman Ave is the closest option. You can also go to the main courthouse in Titusville or the Moore Justice Center in Viera. Copy fees apply at all locations.
Civil Court Structure for Melbourne Cases
Melbourne is in the 18th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Brevard and Seminole counties. Civil cases in Melbourne go to one of two levels depending on the claim amount.
Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. This covers contract disputes, injury claims, property actions, and foreclosures. Family law, probate, and guardianship also fall under Circuit Court in Melbourne. County Court handles civil claims up to $30,000. Small claims under $8,000 are in County Court. Eviction filings for Melbourne rental properties go through County Court too.
Call the clerk at (321) 637-2017 if you need help figuring out which court level applies to your Melbourne civil case.
Official Records in Melbourne
The Brevard County Clerk keeps official records separate from court case files. The official records search covers deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded judgments. Index data goes back to January 1, 1981. Images are available from 1981 to the present where allowed by statute.
This tool is helpful if you need to check whether a civil judgment has been recorded against a Melbourne property. Recorded judgments become liens on real property. A quick search can show you liens, mortgage satisfactions, and other documents tied to a property in Melbourne.
Confidential Information in Melbourne Civil Court Records
Some data in civil court records is protected. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must not appear in public court files. This covers all Melbourne civil court records. If you find these numbers in a public document, ask the clerk to redact them at no charge.
For injunction cases involving minors in Melbourne, contact the clerk by mail, fax at (321) 264-5246, or email acclaimuseradmin@brevardclerk.us. For exempt information under Sections 119.071 and 119.0714, your request must be notarized and state the statutory basis. Email fs119exemptionrequest@brevardclerk.us for those requests.
Anyone filing civil court papers in Melbourne must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags private data so the clerk keeps it out of public view.
Public Records Law and Melbourne Civil Court Records
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes government records open for inspection and copying. 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.
The clerk must respond within a reasonable time. You can submit public records requests online at the Brevard County clerk's NextRequest portal, by email at PublicRecordsRequests@brevardclerk.us, by phone at (321) 637-2004, or by mail. In-person requests are accepted at any office location.
Most Melbourne civil court records are fully open to the public. Only sealed files and exempt categories are off limits.
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. 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.
The clerk's office cannot give legal advice. Staff can tell you which forms to use but cannot help fill them out. For legal help in the Melbourne area, consider Brevard County Legal Aid or the Brevard County Bar Association for lawyer referrals. Standard filing fees apply when you submit civil court documents.
Brevard County Civil Court Records
Melbourne is one of the largest cities in Brevard County. All civil court records go through the same clerk's office. For complete details on court procedures, fees, and search tools, see our full Brevard County page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Melbourne and have civil court records pages on this site. Palm Bay is also in Brevard County and shares the same clerk. Orlando and Port St. Lucie are in different counties.