Melbourne City Police Records are public files kept by the Melbourne Police Department in Brevard County, Florida. The department creates these files when officers respond to calls, arrest people, write crash reports, or investigate crimes.
Florida law makes most of these files open to the public. You can ask for copies through the police department by mail, email, fax, online portal, or in person at the station on East Strawbridge Avenue.
Melbourne Police Department Service Area
The Melbourne Police Department serves the city of Melbourne and the people who live, work, or visit there. The department covers about 50 square miles in southern Brevard County along Florida’s Space Coast. Officers patrol the city, answer emergency calls, and write reports for crimes, accidents, and other events every day of the year.
Jurisdiction and Coverage
Melbourne police officers have power inside the Melbourne city limits. The city borders unincorporated Brevard County, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Palm Bay, and the Indian River Lagoon. If an event happens inside the city, the Melbourne Police Department creates the report. Events outside the city limits fall under the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office or another local police agency.
Records Custodian and Division
The Records Division manages all police files for the department. The records custodian is the staff member in charge of keeping files safe, processing public records requests, and responding to records questions. This division also handles expungement orders, court-ordered sealings, and record checks for people who need proof of a cleared arrest.
Types of Melbourne Police Records
The department keeps many kinds of files about police activity. Each type has its own rules for public access. Some files are free, some cost money, and some stay sealed by court order. Knowing the file type helps you ask for the right report the first time.
Incident Reports
An incident report is the main file officers create for any call or event. The report lists the date, time, location, names of people involved, and a written story of what happened from the officer’s view. You can ask for a copy if the case is closed or if charges have been filed. Active investigations stay sealed until the case ends or a court orders them released.
Arrest Records
An arrest record shows when police took someone into custody. The record lists the person’s name, age, charges, arrest time, location of arrest, and arresting officer. You can ask for the arrest report from Melbourne Police. The jail booking record comes from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office after the arrest, since the sheriff runs the county jail.
Traffic Crash Reports
A traffic crash report is filed when a vehicle crash causes injury, death, or major property damage. The report lists the drivers, vehicles, witnesses, road conditions, and the officer’s view on fault. Crash reports go to a state database within 10 days of the crash. You can buy crash reports online from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles portal for a flat fee.
911 and CAD Records
Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) records show every call that comes into the 911 center. The record lists the call time, location, type of call, which officers responded, and the final outcome. You can ask for CAD records through a public records request. Some details stay redacted to protect callers, victims, and witnesses under Florida law.
Warrant Records
Warrant records show active arrest warrants issued by judges. Active warrants stay sealed until officers arrest the person named in the warrant. Closed warrant files become public after service. You cannot ask for a list of all active warrants from the police department. You can check for warrants through the Brevard County Clerk of Court records system.
How to Request Records
The Melbourne Police Department accepts records requests five ways: online portal, in person, by mail, by email, and by fax. Each method has the same result under Florida law. Pick the method that works best for your schedule and the type of file you need.
Online Request Portal
The department uses a public records portal called JustFOIA. You can submit a new request, check request status, upload documents, and pay fees online. The portal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will need an email address and a working account to use the portal. You can create an account for free on the first visit.
In-Person Walk-In Request
Visit the Records Division window at police headquarters during business hours. Bring a photo ID and the details of the report you need. Staff will help you fill out the request form on the spot. You can pay the fee in cash, check, money order, or credit card. Walk-in requests often get processed the same day for simple reports.
Mail Request Method
Send a written request to the Records Division at the police headquarters address. Include your full name, return address, phone number, and the report details. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fee. Mail requests take longer because of postal delivery time on both ends.
Email Request Method
Email your request to the records email address posted on the police website. Include your contact details and report details in the email body. Do not send payment through email. Wait for the fee estimate before paying by phone or online. Email requests get a written reply with the cost and pickup options.
Fax Request Method
Fax a written request to the Records Division fax line posted on the police website. Include a cover sheet with your name, phone number, and the file you need. Add the report details and a daytime phone number where staff can reach you. Pay by phone after you get the fee estimate.
Phone Request Method
Call the Records Division at (321) 608-6731 during business hours. Staff can answer questions about file types, fees, and the request process. They can take basic requests by phone for simple files. You must still confirm the request in writing for most file types before staff can release copies.
What You Need to Provide
Good details help staff locate the right file fast. Bad details slow down the search and may lead to a denied request or the wrong file. Gather your facts before you contact the department. More details mean faster results and lower costs.
Required Request Details
Give staff as many of these items as you can when you submit a request:
- Date of the event
- Location or street address
- Names of people involved
- Type of event or crime
- Case or report number, if you have it
- Officer name or badge number, if known
Items like a case number or full street address cut the search time from days to minutes. Requests with only a name and year may take weeks to process.
Valid Identification
Bring a current photo ID when you request files in person. Acceptable IDs include a Florida driver license, Florida state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID. The department needs ID to confirm you are who you say you are. The department will not accept expired IDs for in-person pickup of records.
Third-Party Authorization
You can ask for files on behalf of another person if you have written permission. The person must sign a notarized letter stating you can act for them on this specific request. Bring your photo ID and the signed letter when you submit the request. Attorneys can act for clients with a signed representation letter on law firm letterhead.
Fees and Processing
Florida law lets agencies charge the real cost of making copies. The Melbourne Police Department uses a set fee schedule for common requests. Special requests may cost more based on staff time for research and redaction. You get a cost estimate before the department starts the billable work.
Fee Schedule Table
Here is what you can expect to pay for common files at the Melbourne Police Department and partner agencies:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Incident report copy | $1 to $5 |
| Arrest report copy | $1 to $5 |
| Traffic crash report (state portal) | $12 |
| Statewide background check (FDLE) | $24 |
| CAD or 911 audio record | $5 to $25 |
| Body camera video | $15 to $50 |
| Research and redaction time | Hourly staff rate |
Long files, video, and audio cost more because of the time and equipment needed to copy and review them. The department gives you a written cost estimate before any billable work begins.
Payment Options
Pay fees by cash, check, money order, or credit card. In-person requests can use any method. Mail requests need a check or money order. Email, fax, and online requests pay through the JustFOIA portal with a credit card. The department does not accept cryptocurrency or payment apps at this time.
Processing Times
Simple requests take 3 to 5 business days. Complex requests with many pages or heavy redaction can take 2 to 4 weeks. Active investigations stay sealed until the case closes. You will get a written status update if the request takes more than 10 business days. The department works requests in the order they come in.
Fee Waivers
The department can waive fees for victims, people named in the report, and accredited journalists. The department waives fees for government agencies, legal aid groups, and certified researchers. Ask about a waiver when you submit your request. Bring proof of your status, such as a press badge, government ID, or agency letter.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all government files are public unless a specific law says they are closed. Police files are government files. This law covers every police agency in the state, including Melbourne.
Chapter 119 Statutes
Chapter 119 was first passed in 1909. The law says every citizen has the right to see and copy public records. The law covers state, county, and city agencies. Agencies must respond to requests in a reasonable time. Agencies can charge only the real cost of making the copies. Agencies must explain in writing when they deny a request.
Exempt Records
Some files stay closed under Florida law. Common exemptions that apply to police files include:
- Active criminal investigation files
- Confidential informant identities
- Surveillance techniques and locations
- Undercover officer identities
- Victim names in sex crime cases
- Juvenile criminal records
- Home addresses of active police officers
Staff black out exempt parts before giving you the file. You can ask for the rest of the file with the exempt parts removed.
Appeal Process
If the department denies your request, you can appeal the decision. The department must give you a written reason with the specific Florida law cited. Common reasons include active investigation, victim privacy, or confidential informants. You can appeal the denial by sending a written request to the police chief. You can file a lawsuit in Brevard County Court. Many denials get reversed when the department reviews the request again with fresh eyes.
Search by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to pull a specific report. The number is a mix of letters and numbers that the department creates when the report is filed. You can get the case number from a citation, court paper, or letter from the department.
Locating Case Numbers
Your case number is on the top corner of every police paper you received. It is on court papers from Brevard County Court. The clerk of court can look up your case number for any case filed in the county. Your insurance company may have the case number if you filed a claim from a crash or theft.
Online Lookup Tools
The Brevard County Clerk of Court has a free online case search. You can search by name, case number, or date. The search shows court cases, not every police report. For police reports, use the Melbourne JustFOIA portal on the police website. Court records and police reports are two different systems that do not always share the same lookup tool.
State and County Records
Many police files live at the state or county level. You may need to contact other agencies for some files. Knowing which agency has the file saves you time and a denied request.
Brevard Sheriff Records
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office covers unincorporated areas of the county. The sheriff runs the county jail where all local arrests go for booking. The sheriff’s online inmate search shows current jail bookings. You can ask the sheriff for incident reports that happened outside the city of Melbourne. The sheriff’s records team uses the same JustFOIA portal for requests.
FDLE Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a statewide criminal history database. You can ask for a statewide background check through FDLE. The check costs $24 and shows Florida arrests from all counties. FDLE does not keep local police reports. FDLE records are useful for job applications, immigration, and out-of-state record checks.
Crash Report Portal
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles runs a state crash report portal. You can buy crash reports from any Florida agency, including Melbourne. Reports cost $12 each and download right away as a PDF. The portal is faster than the police department for crash reports only. You need the crash date, county, and a party name to start the search.
Melbourne Police Contact Details
Here are the verified contact details for the Melbourne Police Department records requests as of August 2026:
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Melbourne Police Department |
| Address | 900 East Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901 |
| Records Phone | (321) 608-6731 |
| Main Phone | (321) 608-6731 |
| Website | www.melbourneflorida.org/police-department |
| Records Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Online Portal | JustFOIA through the police website |
The police headquarters sits in downtown Melbourne, one block north of New Haven Avenue. Free public parking is available behind the building. Bring a photo ID and your case details when you visit in person. Call ahead to confirm the records window is open before you drive over.
Police Records Questions
People ask many questions about Melbourne police records every week. Here are answers to the most common ones. These answers come from Florida law and current police department rules as of August 2026. Call the records division for case-specific questions about your file.
How long does it take to get a police report?
Simple incident reports take 3 to 5 business days from the request date. Traffic crash reports from the state portal come right away for $12 as a PDF download. Complex requests with many pages or heavy redaction can take 2 to 4 weeks. The processing time depends on the file size, redaction work, and the number of pending requests in the queue at the Records Division. You will get a written status update if the request takes more than 10 business days. Active investigations stay sealed until the case closes or charges are filed. The Records Division processes requests in the order they come in. Florida law requires agencies to respond within a reasonable time, which courts have set at about 2 to 4 weeks for most requests. Submitting your request with a case number cuts the search time. You can check request status anytime through the JustFOIA portal using your request ID. The department emails you when the files are ready to download or pick up.
Can I get a police report online in Melbourne?
You can submit a records request online through the JustFOIA portal on the police website. You can buy traffic crash reports right away from the state portal at flhsmv.gov. You cannot view full incident reports online without submitting a request. The portal is open 24 hours a day for new requests and status checks. You will get an email when your files are ready to download or pick up. The JustFOIA portal accepts credit card payments for fees. You can upload your signed request form and ID copy through the portal. Most users get their first response from the records team within 48 hours of submitting the online form. The portal stores your past requests for 1 year so you can reorder copies without a new search.
Are Melbourne arrest records public?
Yes, most arrest records are public under Florida law. The arrest report from Melbourne Police shows the charges, arrest time, and officer. Jail booking records from Brevard County Sheriff show the same arrest plus booking details like height, weight, and booking photo. You can search current inmates on the Brevard County Sheriff website. Active warrants stay sealed until service, but closed warrant files become public. Juvenile arrest records stay closed to protect minors under Florida law. Sealed or expunged records are not public and will not show up on any search. You can check your own record status through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement sealed record hotline. The arrest record stays in the database even after the case closes, unless a court orders it sealed or expunged.
What if my request is denied?
The department must give you a written reason with the specific Florida law cited. Common reasons include active investigation, victim privacy, or confidential informants. You can appeal the denial by sending a written request to the police chief. You can file a lawsuit in Brevard County Court. Many denials get reversed when the department reviews the request again with fresh eyes and a close look at what parts can be released. The appeal letter should cite Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes and explain why the requested file is a public record. A court will order the agency to release the file if the agency cannot prove a legal exemption. The court can also order the agency to pay your legal fees if the denial was improper. Most people resolve denials through a written appeal without needing a lawsuit.
How much does a police report cost in Melbourne?
Incident and arrest report copies cost $1 to $5 each. Traffic crash reports from the state portal cost $12. Body camera video costs $15 to $50 based on length and redaction time. Statewide background checks through FDLE cost $24. The department may waive fees for victims, people named in the report, and accredited journalists. You pay the fee before the department releases the files. The Records Division gives you a written cost estimate before any work begins. The fee covers the actual cost of copying, staff time for redaction, and any media needed for the file. Long files with hundreds of pages cost more because of the staff time to copy and review them. The hourly staff rate for redaction matches the salary of the lowest-paid staff member who can do the work, as Florida law requires.
Can I get someone else’s police report?
You can ask for another person’s report if you have a written, signed release from that person. You can get reports if you are an attorney working on a case, an insurance company handling a claim, or a journalist with a news purpose. Public court records are open to all. The department redacts personal details like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and home addresses before giving you the file. Insurance adjusters must show a claim number and a signed authorization from the policyholder. Journalists must show a current press badge and a written request on company letterhead. The release letter must include the requester’s full name, the requester’s relationship to the case, and the specific file or case number. Notarized signatures are required for third-party requests on behalf of private individuals.
Do I need a case number to request a report?
No, a case number is not required. It does help staff pull the right file faster. You can request a report with the date, location, and names of people involved. The department will search the records system for the right case. Requests without a case number take a little longer to process. The more details you provide, the faster the search. The Records Division uses the date, location, and name combination to pull the right file from the records management system. A request with only a name and a year may take weeks to process because the system will return many possible matches. The department may ask you to narrow down the request before processing if your details are too broad. You can also use the Brevard County Court records system to look up your case number for free before contacting the police department.