Seizure of Property for Forfeiture in Brevard County, FL

From Titusville to Palm Bay, law enforcement agencies across the Space Coast use the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, Sections 932.701–932.706, Florida Statutes, to seize cash, vehicles, and other property.

For the most part under Florida law, forfeiture is civil, not criminal. For that reason, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office or a city police department can seized your property even if no one is ever arrested.

After a seizure, you should receive a Notice of Seizure describing your right to a hearing. Read it immediately.

You have only 15 days to demand an adversarial preliminary hearing, and that hearing is frequently the best chance to force the early return of your property.

Attorney for Forfeiture in Brevard County, FL

Our asset forfeiture attorneys represent property owners throughout Brevard County, including Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, Cocoa, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach, and West Melbourne.

We can file the demand for an adversarial preliminary hearing (APH), negotiate with the seizing agency’s forfeiture unit, and litigate the matter to a jury if needed.

Many cases are handled on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing unless we recover your property.

Call (813) 250-0500.

Agencies That Seize Property in Brevard County

The following agencies in Brevard County seize property for forfeiture:

• Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO)
• Melbourne Police Department
• Palm Bay Police Department
• Titusville Police Department
• Cocoa, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach, and West Melbourne Police Departments
• Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, and Melbourne Beach Police Departments
• Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit and the Viera Courthouse

Brevard County is served by the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, shared with Seminole County.

Civil forfeiture complaints filed by a Brevard County agency are heard at the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Justice Center, 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940, with branch courthouses in Titusville and Melbourne.

Because the county spans more than seventy miles of coastline, where your case is heard can depend on where the property was seized.

Forfeiture Deadlines on the Space Coast

The following deadlines apply in forfeiture cases under state law:

• Notice of Seizure must be served within 5 working days of the seizure.
• You have 15 days after the notice to demand an adversarial preliminary hearing by certified mail.
• The agency must apply for a probable cause determination within 10 business days.
• The agency must file its forfeiture complaint within 45 days.
• You have 20 days after being served with the complaint to answer and demand a jury trial.

The Hearing, the Trial, and Your Right to Fees

At the adversarial preliminary hearing, the court decides only whether there is probable cause to believe the property was used in violation of the Act.

A finding of no probable cause ends the forfeiture and can entitle you to up to $2,000 in attorney fees. If the case proceeds to trial, you are entitled to a jury, and the seizing agency must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the property was used in violation of the Act before it can keep it.

If your money or vehicle was seized anywhere in Brevard County, call (813) 250-0500 for a free and confidential consultation.

This article was last updated on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.