Palm Bay City Court Records cover every legal case filed inside the city limits of Palm Bay, Florida. These records include criminal charges, civil lawsuits, traffic tickets, family disputes, small claims, and probate filings.
Palm Bay sits in Brevard County on Florida’s Space Coast with more than 142,000 residents. Every court case in the city goes through the Brevard County Clerk of Court, since Palm Bay does not run its own separate court system.
What Are Palm Bay City Court Records
Palm Bay City Court Records are the official files that show what happened in a court case. Each record holds the names of the people involved, the case number, the type of charge or claim, the court dates, the judge’s name, and the final outcome. The records also hold motions, orders, and judgments filed during the case. People use these records to check a case status, run a background check, settle a legal dispute, or collect proof for another case.
Florida law treats court records as public files. Anyone can ask to view them unless a judge sealed the file or state law made it private. The Brevard County Clerk of Court keeps these files for Palm Bay and every other city in the county. The same office that stores the records also gives the public online access to look them up.
Who Maintains Palm Bay City Court Records
The Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller holds every Palm Bay City Court Record. This office sits at the heart of the county’s legal system. It records, stores, and shares case files for civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases. The Clerk’s office also handles marriage licenses, passport applications, and jury duty questions.
| Office | Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 2767, Titusville, FL 32781-2767 |
| Phone | (321) 637-5413 |
| Website | brevardclerk.us |
| Help Desk Email | helpdesk@brevardclerk.us |
Under Florida law, email addresses sent to this office become public records. The Clerk’s office does not release Social Security numbers or bank details in online search results. Sensitive data gets redacted before a file goes online. The Clerk posts a clear privacy notice on every public records request page.
The 18th Judicial Circuit and Brevard County
Palm Bay belongs to the 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The 18th Circuit covers Brevard and Seminole counties. Circuit courts hear felony criminal cases, family law matters, probate cases, and civil lawsuits over $50,000. County courts handle misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, and civil lawsuits under $50,000. The Brevard County Clerk maintains records from both court levels for Palm Bay residents.
Police reports from Palm Bay Police Department cases stay with the police at first. Once the State Attorney files formal charges, the case moves into the court system. From that point on, the Clerk of Court controls the file. The same rule applies to cases the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office handles in unincorporated parts near Palm Bay.
How to Search Palm Bay City Court Records Online
Residents can search Palm Bay City Court Records from home through the Clerk’s online portal. The main system is called BECA, which stands for Brevard Electronic Court Access. BECA lets users search by name, case number, or date range. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers. No account is needed for a basic search.
To start a search, go to the Brevard County Clerk website and click on the case search link. Type the full last name of one party in the case. Add a first name if the search brings back too many results. Users can also enter a case number if they have it. The results page shows the case type, the filing date, the judge, and the current status.
Basic case lookups in BECA cost nothing. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, and the names of lawyers on the case. Image viewing for some documents costs a small fee. Certified copies of court records cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee for each document.
BECA Case Search System
The BECA Case Search system is the official court record database for Brevard County. It holds case data from the circuit court, county court, and small claims court. Palm Bay cases appear in BECA search results the same way other Brevard County cases do. The system refreshes each day with new filings and updated docket entries.
Users can search BECA using a person’s name, a business name, a case number, or a citation number. The system covers criminal, civil, traffic, family, probate, and small claims cases. Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases are not in the public search system. Sealed and expunged records also do not appear in the results.
BECA runs on a secure server that protects personal data. Florida law requires the Clerk to redact Social Security numbers, bank account details, credit card numbers, and minor children’s names from online records. Users who need a full unredacted file must visit the Clerk’s office in person or send a written request by mail.
AcclaimWeb Document Portal
AcclaimWeb is a separate online portal that shows scanned images of court documents. Palm Bay users can view many case files through AcclaimWeb after locating the case in BECA. The portal displays civil, criminal, family, and probate documents filed with the Clerk. Older paper files from past decades have been scanned into the system over time.
AcclaimWeb works on a paid subscription for full access. Some basic features are free to the public. Users pay a fee per page to download or print official document images. The portal covers recorded judgments, liens, and many types of case orders. Not every document lives in AcclaimWeb. Sealed files and certain private papers never enter the digital system.
Official Records Search vs Court Records Search
The Brevard County Official Records search is a different system from the court case search. Official Records cover documents that affect property and money. They hold deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions of lien, tax records, and recorded judgments from court cases. Court records cover the full case docket, motions, and orders during a lawsuit.
Palm Bay property owners often need both systems. A home buyer might check the Official Records for liens on a property. A person involved in a lawsuit might check the court case search for hearing dates. The Clerk’s website links to both systems on the main page. Users should pick the right system based on the type of file they need.
Types of Palm Bay City Court Records
Palm Bay City Court Records fall into several main case types. Each type has its own rules about what stays public and what stays private. The Brevard County Clerk manages all of these categories under one office.
Criminal Court Records in Palm Bay
Criminal court records cover felony, misdemeanor, and criminal traffic cases. Felonies go to the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. Misdemeanors stay in Brevard County Court. Palm Bay Police Department and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office make most of the arrests that lead to these cases. Once the State Attorney files a charge, the case enters the court system.
Public criminal records show the defendant’s name, the case number, the charges, the plea entered, the sentence, and the final outcome. Florida law requires the Clerk to redact Social Security numbers, victim names in certain sex crime cases, and other protected data. Sealed and expunged criminal records do not show up in any online search.
Civil Court Records in Palm Bay
Civil court records cover lawsuits between people, businesses, and government agencies. Common civil cases in Palm Bay cover contract disputes, debt collection, property damage claims, personal injury suits, and eviction filings. The Clerk of Court keeps the docket, the filed pleadings, and the final judgment for each case.
Civil cases divide between circuit court and county court based on the dollar amount. Cases over $50,000 go to circuit court. Cases under $50,000 stay in county court. Small claims cases follow special rules with a cap of $8,000. The BECA system lists each case with the right court level.
Traffic Court Records in Palm Bay
Traffic court records cover moving violations, driving under suspension, and DUI charges filed as criminal traffic. Most traffic tickets in Palm Bay start with a citation from a police officer. The driver has the right to fight the ticket in court or pay the fine. The Clerk of Court tracks each citation through the system.
Online traffic records show the citation number, the charge, the court date, the fine amount, and the final outcome. Drivers can pay traffic fines through the MyFloridaCounty payment portal. The portal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Drivers who need more time to pay can request a payment plan from the Clerk’s office.
Family Court Records in Palm Bay
Family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. These cases go through the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. Family records often contain sensitive personal data about children and domestic abuse victims. Florida law restricts public access to certain parts of these files.
Basic family case data shows in the BECA system. The full file content stays private in most cases. Adoptions are sealed by law. Domestic violence injunction petitions are public, but supporting documents and financial records stay sealed. Anyone who needs a sealed family record must get a court order from a judge.
Small Claims Court Records in Palm Bay
Small claims court records cover civil disputes with a value of $8,000 or less. Common small claims cases in Palm Bay cover unpaid debts, security deposit returns, minor car accidents, and contractor disputes. Florida small claims courts use simple procedures so people can file without a lawyer.
Small claims records show in the BECA system under the county court section. The filing fee for a small claims case in Brevard County ranges from $55 to higher amounts based on the claim value. The Clerk’s office can explain the exact fee for a specific case type. Small claims hearings happen at the county courthouse closest to where the defendant lives.
Probate Court Records in Palm Bay
Probate court records cover wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments. These cases go through the circuit court probate division. Palm Bay residents file probate cases at the Brevard County Courthouse in Titusville, which serves as the main probate court location for the county.
Probate records are public files. The will itself only becomes public after the court admits it to probate. Inventory documents and accountings become public through the court file. Mental health commitment records have strict privacy rules and stay sealed in most cases.
Filing Fees and Copy Costs
The Brevard County Clerk charges set fees for filings and copies. The fee schedule is posted on the Clerk’s website under the Fees and Charges page. Common fees cover the following items:
- Standard copy: $1.00 per page
- Certified copy: $2.00 certification fee per document plus copy costs
- Small claims filing: starts at $55 based on claim amount
- Civil filing: starts at $300 based on claim amount
- Marriage license: $86 without premarital course, $61 with a completed course
- Passport acceptance: see current federal rates
The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person payments. Online payments go through MyFloridaCounty. Mail requests must include a check or money order. The Clerk does not accept cash through the mail.
Florida Public Records Laws
Florida Statute Chapter 119 gives the public the right to see government records. Court records fall under this law. Anyone can ask for a public record, and the Clerk must respond in a reasonable amount of time. The Clerk charges only the fees set by law for copies and certification.
Florida Statute 119.0714 controls which personal details stay out of public records. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and similar data get redacted. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists the specific items that stay private in court files. The Clerk applies these rules to every Palm Bay case.
Some records stay exempt from public view. Active criminal intelligence data, child abuse records, and sealed court files fall into this category. The Clerk can refuse a request that asks for exempt data. The requester has the right to challenge a denial in court.
Sealed and Expunged Records
A judge can seal a court record under Florida law. Sealing hides the file from public view. Only the people named in the case, their lawyers, and certain government agencies can see a sealed record. Expungement goes further. An expunged record gets destroyed by court order. After expungement, the person can lawfully say the arrest or charge never happened in most cases.
Sealed and expunged records do not appear in the BECA search results. The Clerk removes these files from the public database. Law enforcement agencies keep separate files for criminal justice purposes. Employers that run background checks through official channels will not see sealed or expunged records.
To get a record sealed or expunged, the person must file a petition with the court. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the request. A judge makes the final decision. The Clerk of Court handles the sealing once the judge signs the order. There is a filing fee and a processing fee for the seal or expunge request.
E-Filing Court Documents
Most court filings in Palm Bay go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The statewide portal runs through the myflcourtaccess.com website. Lawyers must use the portal for nearly all case types. People who file without a lawyer can use the portal or file paper documents in person at the Clerk’s office.
The E-Filing Portal works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users create a free account, pick the court, choose the case type, and upload their PDF documents. The portal sends the filing to the Clerk for review. The Clerk accepts or rejects the filing based on the court rules. Filers get an email when the Clerk takes action.
E-filing costs nothing extra beyond the regular court filing fees. The portal accepts credit card payments and electronic checks. Some case types still require paper filings under Florida law. The Clerk’s website lists which cases allow electronic filing and which do not.
In-Person and Mail Requests
People who want a certified copy of a Palm Bay City Court Record can visit the Clerk’s office in person. The main office sits in Titusville. The Clerk also runs branch offices in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Merritt Island, and other parts of Brevard County. The Melbourne courthouse is the closest full-service location for Palm Bay residents.
Mail requests work for people who live outside the area. The requester writes a letter that lists the case number, the names of the parties, and the documents needed. The letter must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy and certification fees. The Clerk mails the documents back once the request is filled.
The Palm Bay branch office had a scheduled closure on June 24, 2026. The Merritt Island branch office also had a scheduled closure on July 27, 2026. Palm Bay residents should call the main phone line at (321) 637-5413 before visiting a branch office. The Clerk updates the website with branch hours and closure notices.
Court Services and Payment Portals
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website at flclerks.com connects every county clerk in the state. Palm Bay residents can use this site to pay traffic fines, search records, and check jury duty status. The site links to each of the 67 county clerks in Florida. It also provides statewide data and reports.
The Florida Courts Help website at help.flcourts.gov offers free forms and self-help guides. People who file without a lawyer can find the right form for divorce, small claims, eviction, and other common case types. The site explains each step in plain English. Palm Bay residents who need help can call the local self-help center at the courthouse.
MyFloridaCounty.com is the online payment portal for court fees, traffic fines, and other charges. Users enter their citation number or case number, pick the amount they want to pay, and submit payment. The portal accepts credit cards and debit cards. A receipt shows on screen and gets sent by email.
Branch Locations and Court Access
Brevard County runs multiple courthouse locations to serve all residents. The main courthouse sits in Titusville at 506 South Palm Avenue. Branch courthouses serve Melbourne, Palm Bay, Merritt Island, and Viera. Each location handles specific case types and services. The Clerk’s website lists the address, hours, and services for each location.
The Melbourne courthouse is the closest full-service location for Palm Bay residents. It handles civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. The Palm Bay branch office offers limited services like passport applications, marriage licenses, and basic clerk functions. Court hearings for Palm Bay cases take place at the Melbourne courthouse unless the judge orders a different venue.
Parking is free at all Brevard County courthouse locations. Visitors must pass through a security screening at the entrance. Cell phones must be turned off inside the courtrooms. The Clerk recommends arriving 30 minutes early to find parking, clear security, and locate the right courtroom.
Live Streaming and Online Court Hearings
The Brevard County Clerk started live streaming Value Adjustment Board hearings on January 13, 2026. The live stream runs on the Clerk’s website. Other types of hearings may also use remote technology based on the judge’s order. Palm Bay residents who want to watch a hearing from home can check the Clerk’s website for streaming links.
Some court hearings allow remote attendance by phone or video. Each judge sets the rules for their courtroom. Parties in a case should call the Clerk’s office to ask if their hearing allows remote attendance. Self-represented parties who need a remote option should ask their judge’s judicial assistant for help.
Property Fraud and Court Records
Court records link to property records through recorded judgments. When a court enters a money judgment in a civil case, the winning party can record the judgment with the Clerk. The recorded judgment becomes a lien on real property owned by the losing party. The lien shows up in the Official Records search on the Clerk’s website.
Property fraud has become a growing problem in Florida. Scammers file fake deeds and liens to steal property. The Clerk’s office posts fraud alerts on the website. The January 6, 2026 announcement asked property owners to monitor their records. Free property fraud alerts are available through the Clerk’s website. Owners can sign up to get an email when a new document is recorded under their name.
How to Request a Public Record
Anyone can ask for a Palm Bay City Court Record that falls under Florida public records law. The request must describe the record clearly. The Clerk has a public records request form on the website. Fill out the form, attach a check for the copy fees, and submit it to the Clerk’s office in person, by mail, or by email.
Public records requests are limited to the Brevard County Clerk of Court files. Other agencies, like the Palm Bay Police Department or the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, hold their own records. Each agency has its own public records request page. The Clerk’s office does not fill requests for police reports, arrest records, or sheriff’s office documents.
Email requests go to the public records email address listed on the Clerk’s website. Florida law makes email addresses public records, so anyone who emails the Clerk should know their address may be released. The Clerk fills public records requests within a reasonable amount of time. Some requests take longer if the records are old, archived, or need extensive redaction.
Records That Are Not Available Online
Some Palm Bay City Court Records do not appear in any online search. Sealed files stay out of public databases. Expunged records get destroyed by court order. Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases are not public. Mental health commitment records stay private under Florida law. Adoption records are sealed by law and can only be opened by a court order.
Old paper records from before the digital age may not have been scanned into the system. These files stay in physical storage at the Clerk’s office. Requesters who need an old paper file must visit the Clerk’s office or send a written request. The Clerk charges a search fee for locating old records plus the standard copy and certification fees.
Contact Information and Office Location
The Brevard County Clerk of Court serves Palm Bay residents through the main office and several branch locations. Below is the contact data based on the Clerk’s current public listings.
Official Contact Details
Office: Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2767, Titusville, FL 32781-2767
Phone: (321) 637-5413
Website: brevardclerk.us
Help Desk Email: helpdesk@brevardclerk.us
Public Records Email: posted on the public records request page of the website
Office Hours
Standard clerk office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Branch offices may have shorter hours. The Clerk posts branch hours and closure notices on the website. The Palm Bay branch had a scheduled closure on June 24, 2026, and the Merritt Island branch had a scheduled closure on July 27, 2026.
Location Map
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover the most common points people ask about Palm Bay City Court Records. Each answer gives a clear explanation based on the current rules and systems available through the Brevard County Clerk of Court. The answers focus on what residents, lawyers, and the public need to know to use the court records system well. The goal is to remove guesswork and point people to the right office, the right form, and the right fee for any common court records task in Palm Bay.
Can I search Palm Bay court records for free?
Yes. The BECA Case Search on the Brevard County Clerk website is free for basic case lookups. You can search by name, case number, or date range without paying or creating an account. The search results show the case type, parties, filing dates, and docket entries. Image viewing of certain documents costs a small fee per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. The free search covers civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases filed in Palm Bay through the Brevard County court system. Users who need older archived files or full unredacted case folders may need to visit the Clerk’s office in person. The Clerk’s website posts all current fees on the Fees and Charges page so users can plan ahead before they request any certified copies.
What types of Palm Bay court records are public?
Most Palm Bay court records are public under Florida Statute Chapter 119. The public can see criminal case dockets, civil lawsuit filings, traffic citations, family law cases, probate cases, and small claims cases. The Clerk of Court redacts Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other sensitive data before posting files online. Sealed records, expunged records, juvenile cases, and adoption records stay private. Mental health commitment records are also private under Florida law. People who need a sealed or expunged file must get a court order first. The Clerk can explain the process for requesting a court order to unseal a record. Most basic docket data stays open to anyone with a name, case number, or date range to search.
How do I look up a criminal case in Palm Bay?
To look up a criminal case in Palm Bay, go to the Brevard County Clerk website and open the BECA Case Search. Type the defendant’s last name into the search box. Add a first name to narrow the results. The system returns all matching cases, with Palm Bay criminal cases mixed in with other Brevard County cases. Each result shows the case number, the charges, the court dates, and the case status. Users can click into a case to see the full docket and the next scheduled hearing. For older criminal cases, contact the Clerk’s office to ask about archived records that may not have been scanned into the digital system. The Clerk can pull the paper file for a small search fee plus standard copy costs.
Can I get a certified copy of a Palm Bay court order?
Yes. The Brevard County Clerk of Court issues certified copies of court orders, judgments, and other documents. The fee is $1.00 per page for the copy plus a $2.00 certification fee for each document. You can request a certified copy in person at any Clerk’s office location or by mail. Include the case number, the names of the parties, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with your mail request. The Clerk also offers expedited handling for an extra fee on some document types. Certified copies carry a raised seal or stamped seal and are accepted by banks, employers, and other agencies as proof of the court order. The Clerk’s website lists the exact accepted payment methods for in-person and mail requests.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Palm Bay?
You can pay a Palm Bay traffic ticket online through MyFloridaCounty.com, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Clerk’s office. The online portal accepts credit cards and debit cards. You will need your citation number to look up the ticket. Mail payments require a check or money order payable to the Brevard County Clerk of Court. The citation itself explains the fine amount and the deadline. Drivers who cannot pay in full can request a payment plan from the Clerk’s office. Drivers who want to fight the ticket must enter a written plea of not guilty and request a court date before the deadline. Missing the deadline can lead to a license suspension and additional fees, so the Clerk recommends paying or responding before the due date.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records stay in the court system but are hidden from public view. Only the parties to the case, their lawyers, and certain government agencies can see a sealed record. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. After expungement, the person can legally state the arrest or charge never happened in most situations. Both actions require a petition to the court and approval by a judge. The Clerk of Court handles the sealing or destruction after the judge signs the order. Filing fees apply to both requests. Florida law limits who can get a record sealed or expunged, and certain serious charges cannot be sealed. The Clerk can provide a list of eligible charges and the forms needed to start the request.
Where do Palm Bay probate cases go?
Palm Bay probate cases go through the Brevard County Circuit Court probate division. The main probate court sits at the Titusville courthouse. Palm Bay residents can file wills, petitions for administration, guardianship paperwork, and other probate documents at the Titusville location. The Clerk of Court also accepts probate filings through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Probate records are public, but some sensitive documents like mental health commitments stay sealed by law. The filing fees for probate cases depend on the type of case and the size of the estate. The Clerk’s website lists the current probate fee schedule and the forms needed to start a new probate case. Most probate hearings take place at the Titusville courthouse unless the judge schedules a different venue.