Melbourne Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Melbourne, Florida government websites.

  About Melbourne City Government
Annual Budget $152 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The city government of Melbourne, Florida, operates under a City Council-Manager system. The governing body, known as the Melbourne City Council, consists of seven members. Six council members are elected from single-member districts, while the Mayor is elected at-large. Each council member serves a term of four years, with elections held in even-numbered years.

For the fiscal year 2023, the City of Melbourne has an approximate annual operating budget of $152 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development.

The Melbourne City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM. These meetings take place at the Melbourne City Hall, located at 900 E. Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901. The meetings are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their elected officials and participate in local governance.

  About Melbourne, Florida

Nestled along Florida's picturesque Space Coast, Melbourne boasts a unique blend of coastal charm and urban vibrancy. With a population estimated at around 82,321 residents, this city has evolved significantly since its inception in 1867. Originally established as a small settlement, Melbourne has grown into a thriving community characterized by its diverse neighborhoods, including the historic downtown area, the lush, suburban Parkview community, and the waterfront enclaves along the Indian River. The local economy benefits from a mix of industries, with prominent employers like Harris Corporation and the Melbourne International Airport providing a solid job base. What sets Melbourne apart is its strategic location, serving as a gateway to the nearby Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, making it a hub of innovation in technology and aerospace. Coupled with its beautiful beaches, parks, and rich cultural scene, Melbourne offers a distinctive lifestyle that attracts both residents and visitors alike.

Law enforcement in Melbourne is primarily managed by the Melbourne Police Department, which is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. Additionally, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office plays a significant role in law enforcement throughout the county, including Melbourne. For those seeking records related to arrests or criminal activities, the process begins with the local police records unit, where individuals can request arrest records and booking information. If the records needed fall under the jurisdiction of the sheriff’s office, inquiries can be directed to them for further assistance. For a comprehensive search, accessing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Bureau of Criminal Justice Information Services is a viable option, which maintains the state's criminal repository. This repository allows individuals to request criminal history checks online or via mail. Furthermore, both the Melbourne Police Department and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office may provide online lookup portals to streamline the retrieval of public records, such as mugshots and booking records, making the process more accessible to residents.

In terms of court proceedings, Melbourne falls under the jurisdiction of the Brevard County Circuit Court, where various cases, including civil, family, and criminal matters, are adjudicated. To obtain court records, individuals can utilize the Brevard County Clerk of Courts' online portal, which offers a convenient way to search through case information remotely. Alternatively, for those who prefer in-person assistance, visiting the clerk's office directly is also an option for retrieving records. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be requested through the county clerk-recorder's office or from the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics. Property records are accessible via the Brevard County Property Appraiser's office, which provides both in-person requests and online search capabilities. Furthermore, under the Florida Sunshine Law, residents have the right to request general public records, with typical response times for such requests ranging from five to ten business days, ensuring transparency and accountability within local government operations.

  Melbourne, Florida Public Records & Government Resources

About Melbourne

Nestled along Florida's picturesque Space Coast, Melbourne boasts a unique blend of coastal charm and urban vibrancy. With a population estimated at around 84,982 residents, this city has evolved into a thriving hub for business, recreation, and innovation. The city is served by several ZIP codes, including 32934, 32901, 32903, 32935, and 32904.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Melbourne, Orange County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. These include the Orlando Police Department, Winter Park Police Department, and Apopka Police Department, among others. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes and community policing. The agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often working together to ensure comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Orange County Jail, officially known as the Orange County Corrections Department, is located in Orlando. It serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines.

Court Records

The courts serving the Melbourne area are part of the 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which covers Brevard and Seminole counties. The Brevard County Courthouse in Viera handles a variety of civil and criminal cases. Court records and dockets can be accessed through the Clerk of the Circuit Court's website at https://www.brevardclerk.us/.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Orange County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Orange County Clerk of Courts maintains these records, providing access to case information and court documents. Background checks in Florida can be conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which offers statewide criminal history information. The Florida Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for residents seeking detailed background checks or specific criminal records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Orange County are maintained by the Orange County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, either online or in person. The records typically contain the individual's personal information, arrest details, and any charges filed. Florida's public records law, known as the Florida Sunshine Law, ensures transparency and accessibility to these records, allowing the public to obtain them with relative ease.

Public Records Access

Public records for the city of Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida can be accessed through the City of Melbourne website at https://www.melbourneflorida.org/. This includes information on city government, departments, and services. Additional records may be available through the Melbourne City Administration at https://www.melbourneflorida.org/Government/Departments.

Economy & Demographics

Melbourne's economy is diverse, with a strong focus on aerospace, technology, and tourism. Major employers include Harris Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and the Melbourne International Airport. The city also boasts a thriving downtown district with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Economic data and development information can be found on the City of Melbourne website and the Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce website.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Public safety in Melbourne is provided by the Melbourne Police Department, which can be reached at https://www.melbourneflorida.org/Government/Departments/Police-Department. The department is responsible for law enforcement, crime prevention, and emergency response within the city limits. The Melbourne Fire Department at https://www.melbourneflorida.org/Government/Departments/Fire-Department also serves the community.

Vital Records

Vital records for Melbourne, Florida are maintained by the Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. This includes birth, death, and marriage certificates. Residents can obtain copies of these records by visiting the Clerk's office or accessing the online portal at https://www.brevardclerk.us/.

Business & Licensing Records

The Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at https://www.melbourneregionalchamber.com/ provides resources and support for businesses operating in the Melbourne area. This includes information on local economic development, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Melbourne, Florida, you will be transported to the Brevard County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Brevard County Court. Under Florida law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The Brevard County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.dc.state.fl.us/offenderSearch/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Melbourne area is served by Brevard Public Schools, the fifth largest school district in Florida. The district has an overall grade of B, according to the Florida Department of Education. The district's graduation rate is 81.2%, and the average SAT score is 1020. The district also has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.
According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the total number of reported crimes in Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida in 2019 was 8,945. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes, including 8 homicides, and 7,100 property crimes.
The Melbourne Public Library in Brevard County, Florida provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Florida government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), which governs access to government documents in Florida. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Melbourne Florida Archives and Genealogy at https://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/genealogy/. Contact the Melbourne Public Library reference desk at (321) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida Library is located at 540 Fee Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901.
Fingerprinting services for Melbourne, Florida residents are provided at the Melbourne Police Department, which serves Brevard County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Melbourne Police Department at (321) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
The procedures to obtain Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida vital records are as follows:

1. Visit the Brevard County Clerk of Court website.

2. Select the type of record you are looking for (birth, death, marriage, or divorce).

3. Fill out the appropriate form and submit it to the Brevard County Clerk of Court.

4. Pay the applicable fee.

5. Receive the requested vital record.

The records will include the name of the person, date of birth/death/marriage/divorce, place of birth/death/marriage/divorce, and other relevant information. The address of the person will not be included in the record.
Police reports from Melbourne, Florida can be obtained from the Melbourne Police Department, located in Brevard County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), most police reports are public records in Florida, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Melbourne Police Department Records Division at (321) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
A background check in Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Florida. Criminal background checks are processed through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Florida residents. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Brevard County, Florida

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Malabar Melbourne Beach Cape Canaveral Cocoa Cocoa Beach Indialantic