Brevard County sex offender registry is the public list of every person in Brevard County, Florida, who must register under state law. The list is run by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office SORT Unit and tied to the FDLE statewide database. Anyone can look up registered offenders, check addresses, and view photos through free public search tools that run on a phone or computer any time of day.
The registry covers cities like Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville, and Rockledge. It also includes smaller towns and unincorporated areas across the Space Coast. The list updates as offenders register, move, or change status. New names appear within 48 hours in most cases. The public can search the list at no cost, with no account or signup needed. Records on the site show photos, addresses, and offense codes tied to Florida statutes.
What the Brevard County Sex Offender Registry Is
The Brevard County sex offender registry is a public record of every person convicted of a qualifying sex offense who lives, works, or attends school in Brevard County. Florida law requires these people to register with the local sheriff’s office. Once registered, their name, photo, address, and other key details are posted to a statewide public database anyone can search from a phone or desktop computer at no cost.
Who Must Register in Brevard County
Florida law lists the crimes that require registration. Common ones include sexual battery, lewd acts on a child under 16, child pornography, kidnapping of a minor for a sexual purpose, and selling or buying minors for sex. A person convicted of any of these in Florida, or in another state, must register when they move to Brevard County. The duty applies to people on probation, people out of prison, and people who just moved to the county.
- Sexual battery and rape convictions
- Lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 16
- Child pornography possession or distribution
- Kidnapping a minor for a sexual purpose
- Selling or buying minors for sexual acts
- Traveling to meet a minor for sex
How Florida Classifies Offenders and Predators
Florida splits registered people into two main groups. Sex offenders are people convicted of a qualifying sex crime. Sexual predators are a higher-risk group. A person is labeled a sexual predator only by a court order after a formal hearing. The court looks at the nature of the crime, prior offenses, and other risk factors. Predators face stricter reporting rules and lifetime registration with no chance of removal in most cases under Florida law.
Purpose of the Public Registry
The public registry exists so neighbors, parents, schools, and employers can see who lives near them. The law is based on Megan’s Law, a federal rule passed after a young girl was killed by a known sex offender. Florida’s version of the law is in Florida Statutes Chapter 943. The state runs the FDLE public search site, which is the main tool most people use to check the registry on a daily basis.
How the SORT Unit Manages Registrations
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office runs a special team called the SORT Unit. SORT stands for Sexual Offender Registration and Tracking. This team handles every sex offender and predator who lives in the county. They take fingerprints, photos, and registration forms. They also check on registrants in the field to make sure each person follows the law and meets all reporting requirements set by the state of Florida.
SORT Unit Address and Location
All registration takes place at the Brevard County Jail Complex. The address is 860 Camp Road, Cocoa, FL 32927. This is the only place in the county where sex offenders and predators can register. Do not go to a regular sheriff’s substation, since those offices cannot process the registration. The Jail Complex sits in central Brevard County, near Cocoa, so people in the south end near Palm Bay or the north end near Titusville need to plan a longer drive.
SORT Unit Phone Numbers and Hours
The SORT Unit has two main phone lines. The registration line is (321) 206-9433. The investigative line is (321) 633-8407. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The office is closed on county holidays. Call the registration line before you drive out if you have questions about paperwork or what to bring to the appointment so you do not waste a trip.
What the SORT Unit Does for Residents
The SORT Unit does more than just take paperwork. They also run compliance checks in the field across Brevard County. Investigators visit registered addresses to make sure offenders live where they say they live. They follow up on tips, run address verifications, and arrest people who fail to comply. The team works with FDLE to keep the public database current. They also coordinate community notification when a new predator moves into a neighborhood within the county.
How to Search the Brevard County Registry
The main way to search the Brevard County sex offender registry is through the FDLE public website. The site lets you search by name, address, city, ZIP code, or county. You can also pull up a map view to see where offenders live near a specific address. The FDLE site pulls data from every Florida county, so you get the same results you would find on the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office site or any other Florida sheriff’s office.
Using the FDLE Statewide Search Tool
To use the FDLE tool, go to offender.fdle.state.fl.us. Pick the search type you want, such as name, address, or city. Type in the details and hit search. The results show a list of offenders who match. Each listing has the person’s photo, full name, current registered address, offense type, and registration tier. You can click on any listing to see more details, like vehicle data and known aliases used by the registrant.
Searching by Name, Address, or ZIP Code
Name search is best when you know the full name of the person. Address search is good for checking a specific home or block. ZIP code search lets you see every registered offender in a certain ZIP code. You can also use a map view to see a pin on a map. The map tool shows the offender’s home with a marker. Clicking the marker opens the full registration record with all listed details on the page.
Reading Search Results and Photos
Each search result shows a photo, name, current address, and offense code. The offense code tells you what the person did. The status field shows if the person is currently compliant. Some people on the list are marked as non-compliant. That means they failed to follow the rules. Non-compliant registrants are under active investigation by the SORT Unit. The site also shows aliases and past addresses for each person on the list.
Brevard County Sex Offender Map
The Brevard County sex offender map is a map view of the public registry. It works with the FDLE site. You can type in a home address, school, park, or business, and the map will show every registered offender within a set distance. This is the easiest way to see who lives near a specific place. The map updates daily, so the data is current with the latest registrations and address changes across the entire county.
How Offender Maps Work in Florida
Florida’s offender map pulls data from the FDLE database. When an offender registers, their address goes into the state system. The map tool then places a marker at that address. The marker color and shape can vary by site. The FDLE site uses standard map pins. The marker is placed at the home or registered location. The exact spot may be the home, a work address, or both, depending on what the registrant reported.
What the Map Shows and What It Does Not
The map shows registered home and work addresses. It does not show where the offender is right now at any given moment. A person on the map may not be at that address on a given day. The map also does not show minor children in the home. The map does show the offense code and registration tier. This lets you see if the person is a sex offender or sexual predator. Predators are a higher risk group under Florida law.
Checking Neighborhoods Near Schools
Many parents and guardians use the map tool to check areas around schools. Florida law bans registered sex offenders and predators from living within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare, or park. The SORT Unit checks this distance when an offender registers. If the address fails the check, the offender must move to a new location. The map tool can also help parents check bus stops, parks, and after-school program sites in their area.
Registration Requirements for Offenders
Florida has strict rules for sex offender registration. Most of these rules are in Florida Statute 943.0435. The rules cover what to bring, when to report, and how to update details. Breaking any of these rules is a felony under state law. The rules apply to all registered offenders and predators in Brevard County, with no exceptions for any reason, work, family, or personal circumstances whatsoever.
Documents Needed at Registration
For a first-time registration in Brevard County, you need a valid Florida driver’s license or state ID. You also need court records for the original conviction. If you were convicted in another state, bring the out-of-state records. SORT staff will use these to decide your tier and reporting schedule. You will also be fingerprinted and photographed at the appointment, and you will sign a registration form in front of a deputy or SORT officer.
Reporting Schedule and Lifetime Duty
Most sex offenders in Florida must report twice a year. Sexual predators must report four times a year. Reports are made in person at the SORT Unit. Florida has no time limit on registration. The duty lasts for life in most cases under current law. There is no petition to come off the list for most crimes. The only way to end the duty is a full pardon or court order, which is rare and hard to get.
Address Changes and the 48-Hour Rule
If you move, you must report the new address within 48 hours. The new address must be reported in person at the SORT Unit. You cannot just call. The new address must meet the 1,000-foot school rule. If it does not, SORT staff will tell you at the visit. You will need to pick a new place to live before you move your things. Failing to report a move is a felony charge under Florida law.
Travel and Out-of-State Rules
If you plan to travel out of state for any reason, you must report it before you leave. For domestic travel, the rule is 48 hours before you go. For international travel of five days or longer, the rule is 21 days before you go. This gives the state time to tell the destination country. The rule covers work trips, family visits, vacations, and medical travel. There are no exceptions for any reason under the law.
Penalties for Failing to Register
Failing to register in Brevard County is a third-degree felony under Florida law. A third-degree felony carries up to five years in state prison and a $5,000 fine. The SORT Unit takes these cases seriously. They actively hunt for non-compliant registrants. The FDLE site marks non-compliant registrants with a flag so the public can see them. A non-compliant status stays on the record until the person reports in person.
Felony Charges and Prison Time
Every missed registration is a separate felony charge. A person who misses two appointments in a row can face two felony counts. Each count can add up to five years in prison. The judge looks at the full record when setting the sentence. Repeat offenders face longer sentences. Predators face the same rules as offenders, but prosecutors push for stricter sentences given the higher risk class assigned by the court.
How SORT Enforces Compliance
The SORT Unit runs field checks on a regular basis across the county. Investigators drive to registered addresses and knock on doors. If the offender is not home, the visit is logged. Multiple failed visits lead to an arrest warrant. The unit also checks employment, school, and online data. They look for social media accounts, email addresses, and other online identifiers that should be on file with the SORT Unit.
What Happens to Non-Compliant Offenders
Non-compliant registrants are flagged on the FDLE site. They are also added to the Florida Offender Alert system. This sends alerts to people who live near the offender’s last known address. The SORT Unit issues a warrant for arrest. The Brevard County Jail holds the offender until the case goes through court. Most cases end in a plea deal, but some go to trial in Brevard County court before a circuit judge.
Megan’s Law and Community Safety
Megan’s Law is the federal law that requires public sex offender registries. Florida passed its own version, called the Florida Sexual Predators Act. The law makes registry data public. The law also gives the SORT Unit the power to do community notification. When a high-risk predator moves in, deputies may go door to door to tell neighbors about the new registration in the area, with full legal limits on what can be shared.
How Community Notification Works
Community notification happens when a new sexual predator registers in the county. The SORT Unit works with FDLE to issue a public alert. The alert is posted on the FDLE site and shared with local media. In some cases, deputies visit homes near the predator’s address. The goal is to give neighbors a chance to protect their families. The alerts are factual and follow strict legal rules about what details can be shared with the public.
Florida Offender Alert for Residents
The Florida Offender Alert system is a free signup tool on the FDLE site. You type in your home address. The system then sends you an email alert any time a new sex offender or predator registers within a set radius. You can pick the distance. Many people use a one-mile radius. The alerts include the offender’s name, photo, address, and offense code so you can review the details.
Safety Tips for Families and Neighbors
Talk with your kids about safe adults and unsafe contact. Use the FDLE map to check parks, schools, and bus stops. Sign up for Florida Offender Alert to get email updates. Report any suspicious activity to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at (321) 633-7162. The SORT Unit also takes tips by phone during business hours. Never take action on your own. Leave the work to law enforcement at all times.
Cities and Areas in Brevard County
Brevard County is on Florida’s Space Coast. The county seat is Titusville. The county covers about 1,557 square miles. The Atlantic Ocean is on the east. The Indian River Lagoon runs through the middle. Major cities include Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville, and Rockledge. The registry covers every city, town, and unincorporated area in the county, so no part of Brevard is left out of the public search system.
Major Cities With Registry Data
Palm Bay is the largest city in Brevard County. Melbourne is the second largest. Both cities have many registered offenders due to their population size. Cocoa, Titusville, and Rockledge also have active registrations. Smaller towns like Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Melbourne Beach have smaller numbers. The unincorporated areas between cities also have many registrants spread across the larger county land area.
| City | Population (2024) | Registry Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Bay | About 121,000 | High |
| Melbourne | About 85,000 | High |
| Titusville | About 49,000 | Medium |
| Cocoa | About 19,000 | Medium |
| Rockledge | About 28,000 | Medium |
Nearby Counties and Their Registries
Brevard County shares borders with Volusia County to the north, Seminole and Orange counties to the west, Osceola County to the southwest, and Indian River County to the south. Each of these counties has its own sheriff’s office and SORT or registration unit. Offenders moving from one county to another must register in the new county within 48 hours of moving. The state database keeps the data synced across all counties in real time.
- Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
- Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
- Orange County Sheriff’s Office
- Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
- Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
How Border Areas Handle Registration
If you live near the edge of Brevard County, your registration depends on which side of the line your home is on. Your home county is the one that handles your registration. If your address is in Brevard County, the SORT Unit in Cocoa is your point of contact. If your address crosses into a nearby county, that county’s sheriff’s office handles your case. The line is set by official county maps, not by zip codes alone.
Contact Details for the SORT Unit
The SORT Unit is the only office in Brevard County that handles sex offender registration. The unit is part of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Services Division. You can reach the team by phone, in person, or by mail. The main office is at the Brevard County Jail Complex in Cocoa, Florida. The office is open on weekdays for in-person visits and phone calls during the posted business hours.
Official website: www.brevardsheriff.com. Main BCSO phone line for tips and non-emergency calls: (321) 633-7162. Crime Stoppers of Brevard tip line: (321) 632-1111. The address is 860 Camp Road, Cocoa, FL 32927, on the same campus as the Brevard County Jail. Plan your trip during posted hours and call ahead for any paperwork questions to save time at the office.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | SORT Unit – Sexual Offender Registration and Tracking |
| Parent Agency | Brevard County Sheriff’s Office |
| Address | 860 Camp Road, Cocoa, FL 32927 |
| Registration Phone | (321) 206-9433 |
| Investigative Phone | (321) 633-8407 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Closed | County holidays |
| Main BCSO Number | (321) 633-7162 |
| Official Website | www.brevardsheriff.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about the Brevard County sex offender registry. The list below covers the most common questions from residents, parents, employers, and registrants themselves. Each answer gives clear, factual details based on Florida law and current BCSO policy. If your question is not covered below, call the SORT Unit at (321) 206-9433 during business hours and a deputy will help with your specific situation.
Is the registry free to search in Brevard County?
Yes. The public registry is free to search. The FDLE site at offender.fdle.state.fl.us lets you search the list at no cost. You can search by name, address, city, or ZIP code. You do not need to sign up. You do not need an account. The site runs on any web browser, phone, or tablet. The data is updated as new registrants are added or their status changes. You can search as many times as you want without any fees or signups.
The site also has a mobile-friendly version. You can pull up the map on a phone and zoom into a specific street. Each result shows a photo, name, address, offense code, and registration tier. Some results also show vehicle details and known aliases. The data is pulled from the same statewide FDLE system used by every sheriff’s office in Florida, so Brevard results match the rest of the state without any delay or lag in updates.
Can a person be removed from the registry?
Most offenders cannot be removed. Florida law requires lifetime registration for most sex crimes listed in state statute. The only way off the list is a full pardon from the governor or a court order that overturns the original conviction. These cases are rare. Some juvenile offenders who complete a court-approved diversion program may be eligible for removal after a waiting period. Talk to a lawyer who handles sex offender cases in Florida for advice on your specific case.
The process to seek removal is strict. You must file a petition in the court where you were convicted. The court holds a hearing and reviews the case. The state may object. The judge looks at the original crime, your record since, treatment records, and risk assessments. Even if you win, the order only applies in Florida. Other states may still list you. The law was changed in 2024 to remove the old path to petition, so most adult offenders cannot apply anymore.
How often must a sex offender report in Brevard County?
Most sex offenders must report in person at the SORT Unit twice a year. Sexual predators must report four times a year. Reports are spaced out evenly through the year. The exact dates are set when the person first registers. If a report date falls on a holiday or weekend, the date moves to the next business day. Call the SORT Unit at (321) 206-9433 if you have a conflict with the scheduled date to discuss reschedule options.
At each visit, the registrant signs a form, updates their address and vehicle details, and confirms or changes online identifiers like email and social media handles. Fingerprints may be retaken. A new photo may be taken if the old one is more than a year old. The whole visit takes about 30 minutes if all paperwork is in order. The SORT Unit recommends booking a time slot by phone to avoid a long wait at the office during peak hours of the week.
What is the 1,000-foot school rule in Florida?
Florida law bans registered sex offenders and predators from living within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare, or park. The distance is measured in a straight line from the property line of the home to the property line of the school, daycare, or park. The SORT Unit checks this distance at every registration. If the home fails the check, the person must move before the registration is complete. The rule also covers some bus stops and school zones.
The 1,000-foot rule does not apply to homes the person owned before the school opened. There are also waivers for some cases, like a person who is the parent of a child at the school, but waivers are rare. The rule does apply to all new registrations and to anyone who moves after the rule was set. The SORT Unit uses a GIS map tool to measure the distance at every registration. Offenders who fail the check get a written notice and a deadline to move.
Can a sex offender work near a school in Brevard County?
Florida has a separate rule for work locations. Sex offenders and predators cannot work at or loiter near schools, daycares, or parks. The rule covers all school grounds, not just classrooms. The 1,000-foot rule also applies to some work sites. Offenders who work at these sites face felony charges. The SORT Unit checks work sites during compliance visits. Some jobs, like delivery or repair work, may be allowed if the visit is short and supervised by staff.
Sex offenders also cannot work where minors gather. That includes summer camps, youth sports leagues, after-school programs, and similar places. The ban covers paid work and volunteer roles. The ban covers work for cash and work for trade. The SORT Unit verifies work sites by contacting employers. If a registrant lies about a work site, that is a separate felony charge for false registration under Florida Statute 943.0435, which carries up to five years in prison.
What should I do if I see a non-compliant offender?
Call the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at (321) 633-7162. Do not approach the person. Give the dispatcher the location, a description of the person, and the direction they are going. The SORT Unit will follow up. You can also leave a tip with Crime Stoppers of Brevard at (321) 632-1111. Tips can be anonymous. The SORT Unit takes non-compliance very seriously. Deputies are trained to handle these calls without putting civilians at risk of harm.
When you call, give as much detail as you can. Include the time, the address, and any vehicle details. If you saw the person at a place they should not be, like a school zone, mention that. Do not post about it on social media before deputies arrive. The SORT Unit works with FDLE to issue a warrant fast. Most non-compliant offenders are picked up within 48 hours of a confirmed tip, and the case goes to the State Attorney’s Office in Brevard County for prosecution.
Does the registry show people from other states?
Yes. The FDLE database is a statewide system. When a person registers in Brevard County, the data goes into the same system used by every Florida county. The system also tracks out-of-state moves. If a person moves from Texas, for example, the new Florida registration is added within days. The public search tool shows the data, no matter where the original conviction happened. The system is tied to the FBI’s national sex offender registry as well.
The interstate tracking is run by the Sex Offender Registry Coordination Unit at FDLE. When an offender moves between states, both states are notified. The new state runs its own classification and reporting rules. Some states have shorter reporting windows than Florida. Florida’s lifetime rule and four-times-a-year predator rule are on the stricter end. The public search tool always shows the current registered state, so a check in Florida shows the Florida data only.