brevard county public records: a practical guide for requesters

What you can find

Brevard County’s record custodians maintain a wide range of documents, including court filings, property deeds and plats, commission agendas and minutes, building permits, code enforcement actions, and certain law enforcement reports. Under Florida’s Sunshine Law, access is broad, yet specific exemptions apply to sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, medical and juvenile information, and active investigative details. Records may be available as PDFs, spreadsheets, or certified paper copies.

How to request efficiently

You may request records in person, by phone, email, or online from the Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser, Sheriff’s Office, or other custodians. Identify the record series, date range, keywords, and preferred format to reduce costs and time. Florida does not require you to state a reason or your name, though providing contact details helps with clarifications and fee estimates. Expect reasonable duplication or labor charges when extensive searches are needed.

• Define a narrow, clearly scoped request.
• Include dates, parcel or case numbers.
• Ask for an itemized fee estimate.
• Request digital delivery when possible.
• Document communications and follow up politely.

If you receive redactions or delays, request the specific statutory basis in writing, and consider refining the scope in the public interest.