Melbourne City busted mugshots and arrest records come from two agencies in Brevard County, Florida. The Melbourne Police Department makes arrests inside city limits.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office runs the jail where booking photos are taken. Anyone can search these records online through the sheriff’s bookings page. Booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and arrest dates show up for free. This page explains how the system works, what state laws apply, and where to look for mugshots across Florida.
Melbourne Police Department Arrest Procedure
The Melbourne Police Department handles patrol work inside city limits. When officers arrest someone, they transport the person to the Brevard County Jail Complex in Cocoa. That is where booking happens and where the mugshot is taken. The Melbourne Police Department does not store or post booking photos on its own website. Melbourne sits along the Space Coast in east central Florida with a population near 87,500 residents. It is the second largest city in Brevard County and falls under the 18th Judicial Circuit for court matters.
How Melbourne PD Makes an Arrest
Melbourne police officers respond to calls, make traffic stops, and investigate crimes inside city limits. After an arrest, officers write a report and bring the suspect to the county jail. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office takes over from there. All booking photos, fingerprints, and formal charges are entered into the county jail system. The Melbourne PD focuses on the street-level work. The county jail handles the booking intake, evidence storage, and inmate housing for every arrest made inside the city.
Contacting the Melbourne Police Department
The Melbourne Police Department is located at 650 N Apollo Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935. The general phone line is 321-608-6731. The non-emergency line is 321-409-2200. For emergencies, dial 911. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The records window is open during these same hours for in-person requests. The lobby stays open for walk-in service during business hours. The department’s criminal investigations and patrol divisions handle separate phone lines that route after hours to the Brevard County communications center.
Getting Police Reports from Melbourne PD
Arrest reports from Melbourne Police Department are public records. You can request a copy by phone, email, or in person. The standard fee follows the Florida statewide schedule. Most basic reports cost a small fee per page. Allow 5 to 10 business days for the request to be completed. The Melbourne PD website lists division contacts and records request forms at melbourneflorida.org/departments/police-department. You do not need to give your name or reason to file a request. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order at the records window.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Booking Records
All arrests in Melbourne flow through the Brevard County Jail Complex. The sheriff’s office posts mugshots, charges, and bond details on a public bookings page. This database covers everyone booked into the jail. It includes people arrested by Melbourne PD, Palm Bay PD, and other local police agencies in Brevard County. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office operates under the 18th Judicial Circuit and handles all adult bookings for the county. Records from each agency feed into the same sheriff’s office database.
The Brevard County Jail Complex
The jail sits at 860 Camp Road, Cocoa, FL 32927. This is the only adult booking facility in Brevard County. Every arrest made in Melbourne ends up here. The jail handles roughly 30,000 bookings each year. The main phone line is 321-690-1500. Visiting hours for inmates run daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with last entry at 5:30 p.m. All visitors must show valid photo ID and pass a metal detector check. Inmate mail goes through the jail’s postal address only. Personal items drop off requires prior approval from the housing unit supervisor.
Using the BCSO Online Bookings Portal
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office runs a free online bookings page at brevardsheriff.com/bookings. You can search by name, booking date, or charge. Each result shows the mugshot, full name, age, booking date, charges, and bond amount. Records cover the past several days. New bookings appear within hours of release from intake. The portal works on phones and computers. The BCSO notes this database is a courtesy to the community and does not replace a formal public records request. Search results show the arresting agency so you can tell which city made the arrest.
Filing a Public Records Request with BCSO
For official certified copies of arrest records, file a public records request with the BCSO. Florida Statute Chapter 119 gives you the right to inspect or copy any government record. You do not need to give your name or reason. Requests go through the BCSO Records Unit at 700 S Park Ave, Titusville, FL 32780. Phone: 321-264-5210. Email: publicrecords@brevardsheriff.com. Most requests take 3 to 5 business days to fill. Standard copy fees apply. The records unit accepts written requests by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed responses.
| Agency | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Brevard County Sheriff’s Office | 700 S Park Ave, Titusville, FL 32780 | 321-264-5210 |
| Brevard County Jail Complex | 860 Camp Road, Cocoa, FL 32927 | 321-690-1500 |
| Melbourne Police Department | 650 N Apollo Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935 | 321-608-6731 |
Florida Public Records Law and Mugshots
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Mugshots taken at booking are public records. State law requires government agencies to release them on request. Local agencies cannot hide arrest photos from the public. The same rule covers most arrest reports, incident logs, and court filings across Florida. Some narrow exceptions protect specific groups like juvenile offenders and sexual offense victims. The Florida Constitution also supports broad public viewing of government records.
Florida Statute Chapter 119
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives every person the right to see and copy government records. Arrest records, booking photos, incident reports, and court filings all fall under this rule. Government agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable time. They can charge only the fees set by state law. The law has been in place since 1909 and applies to all levels of Florida government from city halls to the governor’s office. Court rulings have repeatedly upheld broad viewing rights for arrest records.
Exceptions to Public Mugshot Disclosure
Two narrow exceptions exist. Section 119.071(4)(d) protects photos of police officers who file for confidentiality. Section 119.071(4)(h) blocks photos of sexual offense victims. Otherwise, mugshots stay public. Juvenile booking photos are sealed by default under Section 985.04. Mental health patients receiving treatment through the criminal justice system also have photo protections under state law. Witness protection programs keep identities sealed through separate court orders. Active undercover officers in documented assignments are also exempt from public photo release.
Sealing or Expunging a Melbourne Arrest Record
If charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, you may qualify to seal or expunge the record. Sealing under Section 943.059 hides the record from public view. Expungement under Section 943.0585 destroys the record. Apply through the FDLE Seal and Expunge Section. The fee is $75 by money order. The review takes about 12 weeks. Call 850-410-7870 or email SEinfo@fdle.state.fl.us. You must get a certificate of eligibility from FDLE before the court can seal or expunge the record. The clerk of court handles the final filing once the certificate is issued.
Statewide Mugshot Search Portals
Florida keeps several statewide databases that include Melbourne arrests. These portals cover the state prison system, county jails, and active warrants. You can search across multiple agencies from one website without paying a fee. The FDLE, Florida Sheriffs Association, and Florida Department of Corrections all run public lookup sites. Each covers a different part of the state corrections system. The Florida Department of State keeps a directory of all 67 county jail lookup sites at dos.fl.gov under the library and archives section.
Florida Sheriffs Jail Lookup
The Florida Sheriffs Association runs a jail lookup site at flsheriffs.org. Look for the jail services menu and the county jail roster database. The site lists current inmates in county jails across Florida. It includes bookings from Brevard County and other Florida sheriff’s offices. The database updates daily. Anyone can search by name without paying a fee. Results show the inmate’s current facility, booking date, charges, and bond status. The site covers most county-level bookings across the state and pulls data directly from each sheriff’s office.
Florida Department of Corrections Search
The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search covers anyone in state prison. Search at dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch. You can look up inmates by name, DC number, or alias. The site shows current facility, sentence length, release date, and offense details. Melbourne arrests that resulted in prison time show up here. The DOC database covers state prison inmates only. County jail inmates do not appear in this search. Each inmate profile lists prior convictions and current supervision status including probation or parole details.
FDLE Wanted Persons and Background Checks
FDLE runs a Wanted Persons Database at pas.fdle.state.fl.us. The site lists active warrants from agencies statewide. FDLE also offers a full state background check for $24. The background check covers arrests, convictions, and warrants statewide. Results arrive by mail or email within 5 business days. Florida also keeps a county jail directory through the Florida Department of State at dos.fl.gov. The directory links to all 67 county jail lookup sites in one place. The FBI also runs the NCIC database for nationwide warrant searches.
Costs, Fees, and Office Hours
Most Melbourne mugshot searches are free through the BCSO portal. Certified copies and official records carry small fees set by Florida law. Each agency sets its own hours and accepted payment methods. Phone and email records requests have separate turnaround times. In-person visits require valid photo ID at the lobby window. The first 30 minutes of staff time for record retrieval is free under Florida law.
Copy and Certification Fees
Florida law sets standard fees for public records copies. Single-sided pages cost 15 cents. Double-sided pages cost 20 cents. Each certified copy costs up to $1.00. Larger requests may include special service charges after the first 30 minutes of staff time. The hourly rate is the lowest paid staff member who can do the work. Agencies cannot charge for time spent redacting exempt data. Payment by check or money order is preferred at most sheriff’s offices.
BCSO Office Hours and Location
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office main office is at 700 S Park Ave, Titusville, FL 32780. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The jail complex at 860 Camp Road in Cocoa operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for booking and release. The records unit closes on weekends and county holidays. Public records requests filed by email get a response within 1 business day. Inmate release happens daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with bond or court order.
Melbourne PD Office Hours and Location
The Melbourne Police Department headquarters is at 650 N Apollo Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The records window closes at 4:30 p.m. The lobby stays open for walk-in service during business hours. Phone requests get a same-day callback for simple questions. Email records requests take 5 to 7 business days to fill. The records division can pull older reports for an extra fee based on search time.
Official Contact Details for Melbourne Mugshots
Use the contact details below to reach the right agency for Melbourne busted mugshots. Call the BCSO for booking photos, charges, and jail records. Call the Melbourne PD for arrest reports and street-level incident details. Email is the fastest path for non-urgent records requests. Both agencies accept mail-in requests with proper postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office: 700 S Park Ave, Titusville, FL 32780. Phone: 321-264-5210. Email: publicrecords@brevardsheriff.com. Website: brevardsheriff.com. Bookings page: brevardsheriff.com/bookings. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Brevard County Jail Complex: 860 Camp Road, Cocoa, FL 32927. Phone: 321-690-1500. Visitation hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, last entry at 5:30 p.m. Booking and release run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Melbourne Police Department: 650 N Apollo Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935. Phone: 321-608-6731. Non-emergency: 321-409-2200. Website: melbourneflorida.org/departments/police-department. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
FDLE Seal and Expunge Section: 850-410-7870. Email: SEinfo@fdle.state.fl.us. Processing time: about 12 weeks. Fee: $75 by money order. Mailing address: FDLE Seal and Expunge Section, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melbourne Mugshots
People searching for Melbourne busted mugshots often have questions about viewing records, accuracy, and removal. The answers below cover the most common points. Florida law makes most booking photos public. The path for sealing or removing a mugshot follows state rules set by FDLE. Each answer cites the specific law or agency rule that applies.
How long do mugshots stay on the BCSO website?
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office keeps mugshots on its bookings portal for several days after release. After that window, photos move to archived records. To get older photos, you need to file a public records request with BCSO directly. The agency keeps booking photos for years as part of the official record. The bookings portal shows recent arrests only. For historical photos from months or years ago, fill out the public records request form on the BCSO website. The records team will pull the booking photo and any related paperwork for a small copy fee. Most requests take 3 to 5 business days to fill. Photos remain available as long as the arrest record exists, which can be decades for serious charges.
Can mugshots be removed from third-party websites?
Third-party mugshot sites operate outside Florida government control. Removal from those sites requires contacting the site owner directly. Florida law lets people seek court orders to remove defamatory or false content. Sealing or expungement through FDLE removes the record from government databases but does not automatically remove it from private sites. Some third-party sites offer paid removal plans. Other sites may remove content for free if you can prove the arrest record was sealed. A lawyer can help file a court motion to remove content that violates Florida defamation law or the Florida Removal of Inaccurate Mugshots Act. Keep copies of all removal requests for your records.
Are juvenile mugshots public in Melbourne?
Juvenile booking photos are sealed by default under Section 985.04 of Florida Statutes. The Melbourne Police Department and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office do not post juvenile mugshots online. Viewing juvenile records requires a court order. Schools and government agencies have limited viewing rights for specific purposes. Parents or guardians can request copies of juvenile records through the BCSO records unit. The Brevard County Court system handles all juvenile cases through the dependency court or delinquency court. Sealed juvenile records cannot be released to employers or landlords without a judge’s order. Some serious juvenile offenses may be transferred to adult court, and those records become public like any other adult arrest.
What does a Melbourne arrest record include?
A Melbourne arrest record includes the booking photo, full name, date of birth, arrest date, arresting agency, charges, bond amount, and case number. Some records also list prior arrests. The level of detail depends on the agency and the type of record requested. Most records include fingerprints, arrest location, and officer names. Court records add final dispositions, sentencing details, and probation terms. Police reports include witness statements and physical evidence notes. Court clerks and the Brevard County Clerk of Court can provide certified copies with full case histories. The BCSO arrest record is the first document created. Court records come later after the case moves through the system.
Can employers use Melbourne mugshots for background checks?
Employers can use public arrest records for background checks with written consent. Florida law does not bar employers from reviewing mugshots. Many employers check arrest history as part of the hiring process. Sealed or expunged records cannot be used by employers. Federal law under the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires written consent before running background checks. Florida’s Ban the Box law limits when public employers can ask about criminal history. Private employers have more leeway but must follow FCRA rules. Some industries like healthcare and education require full background checks for licensing. Mugshots alone do not prove guilt and should be weighed with the full case outcome.
How do I find someone currently in the Brevard County Jail?
Use the BCSO online bookings page at brevardsheriff.com/bookings. Search by name or booking date. The system shows current inmates and recent releases. For older records, contact the BCSO Records Unit at 321-264-5210. The portal updates within hours of booking. New arrest photos appear after the booking intake is finished. You can also call the jail directly at 321-690-1500 for a quick status check. The jail staff cannot give full case details over the phone but can confirm if someone is in custody. For full arrest records, file a public records request with proper identification.
Are out-of-state arrests shown on the BCSO portal?
The BCSO bookings portal only covers arrests made by Brevard County agencies. Out-of-state arrests do not appear. For nationwide searches, use the FBI’s Crime Information Center or third-party background check sites approved by the state. The FDLE also runs searches across Florida and can pull records from other states through the NCIC system. Private background check companies pull data from all 50 states for a fee. Out-of-state warrants will not show up on the BCSO portal, but they can still lead to arrest if the person enters Brevard County. Law enforcement databases share warrant data across state lines through the FBI’s NCIC network.