Brevard County probate court records are public court files kept by the Brevard County Clerk of Courts in Titusville, Florida. These records cover estate cases, wills, guardianship, and other probate matters for residents across the Space Coast.
Anyone can search these files online, by phone, or in person at the courthouse.
What Are Brevard County Probate Court Records
Brevard County probate court records are the official files created when a Florida court handles the estate of a person who has died. They also include guardianship cases and other court matters that fall under the probate division. The 18th Judicial Circuit keeps these records for Brevard County only, which makes it easier to locate a specific case.
Types of Cases Filed
The probate division in Brevard County handles several kinds of cases. Each type creates a separate file that becomes part of the public record.
- Formal administration of estates
- Summary administration petitions
- Will deposits before death
- Guardianship of minors and adults
- Mental health incapacity cases
- Trust matters filed with the court
Who Can Access These Records
Florida law makes most probate records open to the public. Any person can look at a case file, read court orders, and ask for copies. Some documents, like certain financial records or sealed medical files, may have limited access. In most cases, the basic probate file is open to view.
How the Brevard County Clerk of Courts Manages Files
Clerk Rachel Sadoff leads the Brevard County Clerk of Courts office. This office stores and maintains all probate files for the county. The probate division sits on the second floor of the courthouse in Titusville and handles filings, searches, and copy requests.
Clerk Location and Contact Details
The Brevard County Clerk of Courts probate division operates from a single location in Titusville. Residents can visit in person, mail documents, or call for help with existing cases.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Street Address | 400 S Street, Second Floor, Titusville, FL 32780 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 219, Titusville, FL 32781 |
| Main Phone | (321) 637-2017 |
| Alternate Phone | (321) 637-2000 |
| Website | brevardclerk.us |
| Court System | 18th Judicial Circuit |
Judge Diana L. Moreland’s Role
Judge Diana L. Moreland serves as the probate and guardianship judge for Brevard County. She signs orders, holds hearings, and makes rulings on all probate cases filed in the county. Her courtroom handles formal administration, summary administration, and guardianship proceedings.
Three Types of Probate in Brevard County
Florida law provides three paths for handling a dead person’s estate. Brevard County courts accept all three types. The right choice depends on the size of the estate, the types of property, and how long ago the person died.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is the full court process. It applies when an estate is worth more than $75,000 and the person died within the last two years. A personal representative gets appointed by the court to manage the estate. The representative pays debts, files taxes, and gives the rest to the heirs. This process takes at least four months because creditors have a set time to make claims.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a faster option for small or older estates. It works when the estate is worth $75,000 or less, or when the person has been dead for more than two years. No personal representative gets appointed. The court issues an order that tells everyone how to split the assets. Most summary cases finish in two to three months.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest option. It only works when the dead person left no real property and personal property does not exceed funeral and medical bills. The cap for this option is $6,000, and the request must be filed within two years of death. No court hearing takes place. The clerk issues a letter that lets the person who paid the bills collect the assets.
Search Methods for Probate Records
There are three main ways to search Brevard County probate records. Most people start with the online portal, but phone calls and in-person visits also work for older files or special requests.
Online Portal Search
The Brevard County Clerk website at brevardclerk.us has a free public search tool. Users can look up cases by typing the dead person’s last name or the case number. The portal shows case status, filed documents, hearing dates, and judge assignments. Most probate files from the past twenty years appear in the online system.
Phone and In-Person Requests
For certified copies or files not shown online, callers can reach the probate division at (321) 637-2017. Staff can pull a file, check the records, and quote copy fees. People who need to review a physical file can visit the second floor of the Titusville courthouse during business hours. Photo ID is required to view original documents.
Archived and Older Records
Probate cases from before the digital system may need an in-person request. Some older files sit in storage and require staff time to retrieve. Call ahead to confirm that an archived file can be pulled on a specific day. Bring a valid photo ID and know the decedent’s full name and approximate year of death.
Florida Death Records and Probate
Probate cases in Brevard County often require a certified death certificate. Florida death certificates come from the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. These certificates serve as proof of death for court filings, insurance claims, and property transfers.
Florida Death Certificate Requirements
Florida death certificates are official state documents that list the person’s full name, date of death, place of death, and cause of death. A certified copy has a raised seal and is accepted by courts, banks, and government offices. Each probate case in Brevard County typically needs at least one certified death certificate to open the estate file.
Florida Department of Health Death Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps statewide death records through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Records for deaths that happened in Florida from 1917 to today are available. Older Florida death records from before 1917 may be at the State Archives. The Bureau of Vital Statistics office in Jacksonville handles mail and online requests for the whole state.
Certified Copy Requests
Anyone can order a certified copy of a Florida death certificate. The state charges a fee for each copy. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person at the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Same-day service is available for in-person requests at the Jacksonville office. Florida death certificate replacement copies are also available for lost or damaged certificates.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Brevard County probate courts charge fees set by Florida law. Costs depend on the type of case and the number of documents filed. Summary administration cases cost less than formal administration because there are fewer steps. Filing fees, copy charges, and recording costs all add to the total. Current fee schedules are posted on the Brevard County Clerk website.
Zoom Hearings and Remote Appearances
The 18th Judicial Circuit allows parties to appear at probate hearings by Zoom video. This option helps out-of-state heirs, traveling personal representatives, and busy attorneys. Users must tell the court in advance that they want a remote appearance. The court will share the Zoom link and rules before the hearing date. Some hearing types may still require in-person attendance.
Forms and Checklists for Brevard County
The 18th Circuit offers local checklists that go beyond the standard Florida Supreme Court forms. These checklists tell filers exactly what papers the Brevard County court expects. Using the right forms prevents delays and rejected filings.
Download the correct state-approved forms from the Florida Courts website before visiting the Brevard County Clerk’s office to make sure your filing is complete on the first trip.
- Summary Administration Checklist
- Formal Probate Administration Checklist
- Guardian Advocate Checklist
- Guardian of Minor Checklist
- Mental Health Incapacity Checklist
- Brevard County Affidavit of Heirs
Contact Information and Hours
The Brevard County Clerk of Courts probate division serves the public during regular business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The courthouse closes on state and federal holidays. Phone lines open at 8:30 AM. Visitors should bring a photo ID and any case numbers they have.
Brevard County Clerk of Courts – Probate Division
400 S Street, Second Floor
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (321) 637-2017
Website: brevardclerk.us
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The homepage also lists current news from the clerk’s office, including any changes to hours, fees, or filing procedures that could affect your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about searching Brevard County probate records. The following questions cover the most common issues. Each answer gives clear facts based on current Florida law and local court rules.
How do I search Brevard County probate court records for free?
The Brevard County Clerk website at brevardclerk.us offers a free public search tool. Users can type the decedent’s last name to find active and closed probate cases. The online system shows case numbers, filing dates, and judge assignments. Basic case data is free to view. Certified copies and full document images cost extra per page.
Can I get a Florida death certificate online?
Yes, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics accepts online orders for death certificates. Florida death certificate online orders ship within a few business days. Florida same day death certificate service is only available for in-person visits to the Jacksonville office. Online orders are processed by the official Florida Vital Records Office and sent by mail.
What Florida death records are free to search?
Florida death records free public search options include the Florida Statewide Death Index, which covers deaths from 1900 to 1921. The Florida State Archives also hosts older death indexes. Current death records from the past 50 years require a fee through the Florida Department of Health death records system.
How much does a Florida death certificate cost?
Florida death certificate cost is set by state law. The current fee for each certified copy is a fixed amount per certificate. Florida death certificate replacement copy fees match the fee for an original. Rush orders and same-day service carry higher fees. Multiple copies can be ordered at a lower cost per copy in one request.
What is a Florida death verification request?
A Florida death verification request is a letter that confirms a person has died. It does not include the full death certificate. Verifications are used by insurance companies and banks to close accounts. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics processes verification requests online and by mail with a small fee.
Where can I find pre-1927 Florida death records?
Pre-1927 Florida death records are held by the Florida State Archives. The Florida State Archives vital records collection includes early county death registers. Some records appear in the Florida death index 1900-1921. Researchers doing Florida genealogy death records work often start at the State Archives in Tallahassee.
How do I order a Florida death certificate for genealogy research?
Florida death certificate for genealogy research requests go through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Older records from 1917 onward are open to the public. Researchers must show a direct family relationship or provide proof of a legal need. Florida death records by county searches help locate the right person and the right filing office.