If you are frantically searching for someone arrested in Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville, Palm Bay, or Merritt Island, you are dealing with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
⚠️ CRITICAL LOCATION WARNING:
Before you panic, check the state. There is also a “Brevard” in North Carolina (famous for waterfalls). If you see mountains on the website, you are in the wrong place.
You need Brevard County, FLORIDA (Space Coast / Area Code 321).
The Sheriff (Wayne Ivey) runs a very transparent operation—he is famous for his “Wheel of Fugitive” videos—but the jail system itself can be confusing. The facility is technically in Cocoa, but locals call it “Sharpes.”
If you drive to the Sheriff’s Admin office in Titusville, you will be miles away from your loved one.
This guide will walk you through finding the Booking Blotter, navigating the “No Mail at Jail” rule, and scheduling a video visit.
Official Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search & Jail Roster Guide
Do not waste money on third-party “mugshot” sites. The Sheriff’s Office provides a free, live database known officially as the “Arrest Inquiry.”
Step-by-Step Instructions to Locate an Inmate:
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Access the Official Portal: Go directly to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office “Arrest Inquiry”.
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Enter Inmate Details: Type the Last Name.
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Expert Tip: Sheriff Ivey’s database is unique because it allows “partial searches.” If you aren’t sure if it’s “Schaeffer” or “Shafer,” just type “Sch” to see a list of every inmate whose name starts with those letters.
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Verify the Booking Date:
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The list often includes old records. Look at the “Booking Date” column. If it says “2023,” they are not currently there. You want to see today’s date.
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“Help! I Can’t Find Their Name on the Roster!”
If the arrest happened in Palm Bay (South County) or Micco within the last 3 hours, do not panic. They are likely still in Transport.
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The Logistics: It is a long drive (30+ miles) from the south end of the county up to the Jail Complex in Cocoa/Sharpes.
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The Booking Lag: Once they arrive, fingerprinting and medical intake take another 2–4 hours.
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Who to Call: You can verify a recent arrest by calling the Jail Booking Desk 24/7 at (321) 690-1500.
How to View Brevard County Mugshots, Charges & Bond Amounts
Once you find their name on the roster, click on the row to open the full Arrest Record. This page is your roadmap to getting them out.
1. Viewing the Mugshot:
Brevard County is very transparent. The booking photo is usually displayed right on the profile.
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Note: If the inmate is a juvenile (under 18) or a federal prisoner, the photo will be replaced with a generic silhouette.
2. Reading the Charges:
This section lists the specific statutes (e.g., DUI with Property Damage, Possession of Controlled Substance, Grand Theft).
3. Checking the Bond Status:
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$ Amount (e.g., $2,000): This is the “Cash Bond.” You can pay this immediately to release them.
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“No Bond”: Do not freak out. This is standard procedure for:
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Domestic Violence: They must wait in jail until they see a judge (cooling-off period).
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Violation of Probation (VOP): Usually requires a specific court hearing.
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Felonies: Pending First Appearance.
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First Appearance Court:
If they have “No Bond,” they will see a judge the next morning at the Jail Complex Courtroom. You can usually watch these hearings online via the Brevard Clerk of Courts Website.
Posting Bail in Brevard County: Cash, Credit & Bondsmen
To get them released, you must go to the Jail Complex in Cocoa (Sharpes).
Option A: Cash Bond (The “Direct” Method)
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Cost: You pay the full face value of the bond.
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Where: Go to the Jail Lobby (860 Camp Road).
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Payment:
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Cash: Accepted (but risky to carry large amounts).
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Cashier’s Check / Money Order: Payable to “Brevard County Clerk of Courts.”
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Credit Card: There is a TouchPay kiosk in the lobby, but be warned: the service fees are high.
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Option B: Hiring a Bail Bondsman (The “Finance” Method)
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Cost: You pay a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the bond amount).
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Process: There are dozens of bail bond offices located on Camp Road right outside the jail gates. They are open 24/7/365.
Brevard County Jail Video Visitation Rules (Smart Communications)
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: You cannot just walk into the jail and ask to see someone. Brevard County uses Smart Communications for all visits.
The Provider:
You must create an account at SmartInmate.com.
Two Ways to Visit:
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Remote Visit (Paid): Video chat from your smartphone or laptop at home. (Cost: ~$0.25 per minute).
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On-Site Visit (Free): Use the video kiosks at the Visitation Center at the jail.
Strict Dress Code (Even for Video):
Deputies monitor these calls live. You will be banned if you:
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Use profanity/swearing (the system may auto-cut the audio).
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Wear low-cut tops, swimsuits, or lingerie.
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Show gang signs.
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Rule of Thumb: If you wouldn’t wear it to church, don’t wear it on the video call.
The “Mail Trap”: Do NOT Send Letters to the Jail Address
This is the #1 mistake families make. Brevard County bans physical mail to prevent drug smuggling (people soaking paper in liquid drugs).
If you send a letter to Camp Road, it will be destroyed.
You Must Mail to the Florida Scanning Center:
All personal mail (letters, photos, drawings) must be sent to a P.O. Box in Seminole, FL. It is scanned there and sent digitally to the inmate’s tablet.
Correct Address Format:
Smart Communications / Brevard County Jail
[Inmate Name] – [Inmate ID #]
P.O. Box 9103
Seminole, FL 33775-9103
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Note: Legal mail from an attorney is the only exception that can go to the jail directly.
Essential Contact Directory: Address, Phone Numbers & GPS
Save these numbers. The jail is located in an industrial area off US-1, often referred to as “Sharpes.”
Department |
Phone Number |
Purpose |
Jail Booking Desk |
(321) 690-1500 |
Check Status / Post Bail |
SmartInmate Support |
(888) 253-5178 |
Help with Video Accounts |
Inmate Medical |
(321) 690-1547 |
Family Medical Concerns |
Clerk of Courts |
(321) 637-5413 |
Court Dates / Case Lookup |
Public Defender |
(321) 617-7373 |
Legal Representation |
Physical Address for GPS (Bail/Release):
Brevard County Jail Complex
860 Camp Road
Cocoa, FL 32927
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I pick them up when they are released?
A: Yes. Releases occur at the same Jail Lobby (Camp Road) where you go for booking.
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Warning: The release process is slow. It can take 4–8 hours after the bond is posted for the inmate to actually walk out the door. Bring a phone charger and be patient.
Q: How do I put money on their books (Commissary)?
A: You can deposit funds for food and hygiene items via TouchPay.
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Online: TouchPayDirect.com
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Phone: 1-866-204-1603
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Site ID: You will need Site ID #232927 and the Inmate’s Booking Number.
Q: Is there a warrant search for Brevard County?
A: Yes. You can search for active warrants using the Brevard County Clerk of Courts website. Look under the “Court Records” section.