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Brevard County criminal history records show arrests, court cases, and final outcomes for people processed through the local court system. These records are kept by the Brevard County Clerk of Court, which is the main office for getting this information. The office sits in Titusville, Florida, and it holds records that go back many years. People can search these records for jobs, legal cases, adoption, immigration, or personal review. Florida law allows public access to most criminal history records, but some details stay private. This page explains how to search, what you will find, and how much each search costs.
What Brevard County Criminal History Records Contain
Brevard County criminal history records hold a full list of court actions and outcomes for each person who went through the local court system. The records come from the Clerk of Court office, which works under Florida’s public records law. Each record includes specific facts that help people confirm a person’s past dealings with the court.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when a person was taken into custody by police in Brevard County. They include the date of arrest, the agency that made the arrest, and the charges filed at that time. These records come from local law enforcement agencies and are sent to the Clerk of Court for filing. Arrest records form the first entry in a criminal history file.
Court Dispositions
Court disposition records show the final outcome of each criminal case. A disposition tells you if a case ended with a guilty plea, a not guilty verdict, a dismissal, or a deferred sentence. These records are added to the file after the court makes a final decision. Disposition data from the Florida Criminal Information Center, also called FCIC, links to each arrest entry to create a complete picture.
Conviction Records
Conviction records list the exact charges a person was found guilty of in a Brevard County court. They include the sentence type, fines, and any probation terms the judge ordered. These records stay on file for many years and appear on all future background checks.
Case Status and Updates
Case status records show where a case stands right now in the court process. Some cases are open and still moving through hearings. Other cases are closed and show a final result. Updates get added each time a hearing is held or a new document is filed. The Clerk of Court keeps these updates current so searches always show the latest facts.
How to Search Brevard County Criminal History Records
Brevard County offers four main ways to search for criminal history records. Each method gives you the same basic data, but the speed and cost are different. You can pick the option that fits your needs best.
Online Search Through Clerk of Court
The Brevard County Clerk of Court website lets you search records from home at any time. You can search by name, case number, or court date. The site is free to use for basic searches, and you can view many records without paying a fee. Certified copies cost extra and require a small fee for printing and seal.
In-Person Records Requests
You can visit the Clerk of Court office in Titusville to search records in person. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff can help you find what you need if you bring a full name and date of birth. In-person visits are a good choice when you need certified copies right away.
Mail Request Procedures
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the office in person. You must send a written request that includes the full name, date of birth, and any case numbers you have. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search fee. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the office to process your request and send back the results.
Phone Inquiries
Phone calls to the Clerk of Court office can answer basic questions about how to get records. You can call (321) 637-2017 during business hours to ask about fees, processing times, and the documents you need to bring. Phone staff cannot read full records over the phone, but they can guide you to the right office or contact.
FDLE Statewide Florida Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, known as FDLE, runs a statewide database that includes Brevard County records and records from all 67 Florida counties. This database, called the Computerized Criminal History system or CCH, holds millions of entries. People use it when they need a full check across the whole state, not just one county.
CCHInet Online Portal
The CCHInet portal is the online system for FDLE criminal history searches. You can submit a name search through the portal at any time. The system charges $24 for each search, plus a small processing fee. Most searches return results within minutes if the name matches a record in the database.
Certified FDLE Criminal History Certificate
A certified FDLE criminal history certificate is an official record you can use for legal and employment purposes. The certificate includes a raised seal and a signature from FDLE. You can request one through the mail or through an approved channeler. Certified checks take 5 to 7 business days to process.
Florida Criminal History Fingerprint Check
A fingerprint check gives the most accurate search results. LiveScan machines take your prints and send them to FDLE. The system also checks FBI records at the same time. Employers often ask for fingerprint checks for jobs that work with children, seniors, or money. You can get fingerprinted at local law enforcement offices or at approved vendor sites.
Processing Times and Fees
FDLE processing times change based on the search type. Online name searches take seconds. Mail requests take up to 5 business days. Fingerprint checks take 24 to 72 hours once prints arrive at FDLE. Fees range from $24 for online name searches to $50 or more for fingerprint checks that include FBI data.
Florida Criminal History by Name and Date of Birth
Name and date of birth searches are the most common way to look up criminal history records in Florida. The state system uses these two facts to match records to the right person. Having accurate details helps you avoid wrong matches and missed records.
Name-Based Search Requirements
A name-based search needs the full legal name of the person you are looking up. Include first name, middle name, and last name whenever possible. Common last names may return many results, so adding a date of birth helps narrow the list. The search will show all matching records, including dropped charges and dismissed cases.
Date of Birth Verification
Date of birth acts as a second check to confirm you have the right person. Add the full date in MM/DD/YYYY format when you submit your search. The FDLE system uses this date to split records between people who share the same name. Records without a matching date of birth may show up as possible matches only.
Common Matching Issues
Some searches return no results because of small spelling errors or out-of-date names. Married names, hyphenated names, and shortened names can cause missing matches. If your first search returns nothing, try name variations, including maiden names and past aliases. The system keeps records under all known legal names for each person.
Florida Criminal History for Employment and Background Checks
Employers, volunteer groups, and government agencies use criminal history records to screen applicants. Florida has rules that control how these records can be used and who can ask for them. Knowing the rules helps applicants and employers stay within the law.
Employer Background Check Florida Rules
Florida employers can ask for a criminal history check on job applicants in most cases. The check should only cover the last 7 years for most jobs. Some fields, like healthcare and law enforcement, can look back further. The employer must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and give the applicant a copy of the report if they plan to take action based on it.
Volunteer Criminal History Screening Florida
Volunteer groups that work with children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults must screen their volunteers. Florida law requires this screening for many roles. The screening checks state records through FDLE and may also include national records. Volunteer checks often cost less than employer checks, and many groups cover the fee for the volunteer.
Florida Criminal History for Adoption
Adoption agencies in Florida require a full criminal history check on every adult in the adoptive home. The check includes state records and federal records. Fingerprints are required for all family members applying for adoption. The check looks at all criminal history, not just convictions, to protect the child.
Florida Criminal History for Immigration
Immigration cases often require a certified copy of the applicant’s entire criminal history. The certified record must come from FDLE and show all arrests and dispositions in Florida. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services uses this record to decide on green cards, citizenship, and visa applications. Processing times for these requests can take up to 10 business days.
Expungement and Sealing of Florida Criminal Records
Expungement and record sealing are legal ways to remove or hide criminal records from public view. Florida law sets specific rules for who can apply and how to apply. Expunged records are destroyed, while sealed records are kept private but still exist.
Eligibility for Expungement
You can apply for expungement if you were arrested but never convicted, or if you completed a diversion program. You can also apply if your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty. Only one expungement is allowed per person under Florida law. Violent felony charges do not qualify for expungement.
Eligibility for Record Sealing
You can apply to seal a record if you were convicted of certain crimes and have completed your sentence. You must wait 10 years after the case ends before applying. Some crimes, including violent felonies and sex offenses, can never be sealed. Sealed records do not show up on most background checks.
Application Process Through FDLE
The application for expungement or sealing goes through FDLE first. FDLE reviews the application and issues a certificate if you qualify. You then take the certificate to the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed. The Clerk signs the final order and updates the record. The full process usually takes 6 to 12 months.
Florida Criminal History Laws and Retention
Florida has specific laws that control how criminal history records are kept, shared, and removed. These laws balance public safety with the right to a fresh start. Knowing these laws helps you understand your rights and the rules that records must follow.
Florida Statute 943.053
Florida Statute 943.053 is the main law that controls criminal history records. It defines who can get records, what details must stay private, and how long records must be kept. The law also lists the agencies that can share records with each other. You can read the full law on the Florida Legislature website.
Florida Criminal History Retention Rules
Florida keeps most criminal history records for at least 75 years after the case ends. Some records are kept longer for serious crimes. Sealed or expunged records are removed from public view but may still exist in the system for law enforcement use. Arrest records without a conviction can be removed after a set time.
FCIC and Criminal Information Center Role
The Florida Criminal Information Center, known as FCIC, is the state hub for criminal records. It collects arrest data, court dispositions, and custody updates from all Florida counties. The center shares this data with FDLE, local police, and approved agencies. FCIC is the key source for statewide criminal history searches.
Costs and Fees for Florida Criminal History Records
Search costs change based on the search type and the agency you use. Local Clerk of Court fees are lower than statewide FDLE fees. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. The table below shows the most common fees for Florida criminal history searches in 2026.
| Search Type | Agency | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Name Search | FDLE (CCHInet) | $24 plus processing fee | Instant |
| Certified Statewide Search | FDLE by Mail | $24 plus processing fee | 5 to 7 business days |
| Fingerprint Check (State only) | FDLE LiveScan | $40 to $50 | 24 to 72 hours |
| Fingerprint Check (State and FBI) | FDLE LiveScan | $50 to $65 | 3 to 5 business days |
| Online Clerk Search | Brevard Clerk of Court | Free for basic searches | Instant |
| Certified Copy from Clerk | Brevard Clerk of Court | $1 per page plus $2 certification fee | Same day |
| Mail Search Request | Brevard Clerk of Court | $5 to $10 per name | 7 to 10 business days |
Contact Information for Brevard County Criminal History Records
The Brevard County Clerk of Court is the main office for local criminal history records. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can visit the office, call, or use the website to start your search.
Office: Brevard County Clerk of Court
Address: 400 S St, Second Floor, Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (321) 637-2017
Website: brevardclerk.us
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Brevard County Criminal History
The questions below cover the most common things people ask about criminal history records in Brevard County and across Florida. Each answer gives clear facts based on current 2026 state law and FDLE rules. If you need more help, contact the Brevard County Clerk of Court or FDLE directly.
How Long Does a Criminal Record Stay in Florida?
Most Florida criminal records stay on file for 75 years after the case ends. Some records, like those for serious felonies, can be kept longer. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from public searches. Expunged records are removed from public view but may still be kept for law enforcement use. If you want to remove a record, you must apply for sealing or expungement through FDLE.
Can Employers See Dismissed Charges in Florida?
Yes, most employers can see dismissed charges on a background check. Florida law does not require background check companies to remove dismissed charges. After the case closes, the arrest record still exists in the system. You can ask for the record to be expunged or sealed if you qualify under Florida law. Some states ban the use of dismissed charges in hiring, but Florida does not have this rule.
Is a Florida Criminal History Search the Same as a Federal Search?
No, a Florida criminal history search only shows crimes handled in Florida state courts. Federal courts, military courts, and other state courts have their own record systems. You need a separate FBI check for federal records. Many employers ask for both a state and federal search to get a full picture of a person’s criminal past.
How Accurate Are Online Criminal History Searches?
Online searches are accurate when you have the right name and date of birth. The FDLE CCHInet system pulls data straight from the state database. Errors can happen if the person has used other names or if the court has not updated the file. For legal or employment use, always order a certified copy to confirm the data is correct.
Can Someone Access My Criminal Record Without My Permission?
Yes, most criminal records are public under Florida law. Landlords, employers, and volunteer groups can ask for your record with your written consent. Law enforcement agencies can access records without consent for official duties. Sealed and expunged records are the only ones that are private from public searches.
What Is the Difference Between Sealing and Expungement?
Sealing hides a record from public view but keeps it in the system. Expungement removes the record from public view and destroys most copies. Sealed records can still be seen by law enforcement and some government agencies. Expunged records are only available to a small number of agencies for specific legal reasons.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Search My Criminal History in Florida?
No, you do not need a lawyer for a basic search. You can search your own record online through FDLE or the Brevard County Clerk of Court. A lawyer is helpful if you plan to seal or expunge a record, or if you need certified records for a court case. The fee for a lawyer is separate from the search fee charged by the court or FDLE.