|
The following is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
Building Permits
|
|
If it needs to be inspected.
If it is an accessory structure, porch, roof, fence, or any addition.
Any driveway.
|
|
|
If the valuation of the work is less than $1,000.00 and no inspection is necessary, or three (3) squares or less of roofing repairs, painting, trim,screens, rain gutters, and most household TV antennas.
|
City Clerk
|
|
In accordance with Section 119.07(a)(a) of the Florida Statutes, the costs for duplication of public records are as follows:
One sided pages cost $.15 per page
Two sided pages cost $.20 per page
Oversized pages (11"x17" or14-7/8"x11") cost $.25 per page
All other pages are charged at the actual cost of duplication
Certified copies cost $1.00 per certification plus the copying charge
Costs for clerical or supervisory assistance apply when the nature or volume of public records requested to be inspected, examined, or copied requires 15 minutes or more of information technology images or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance by personnel of the department or division involved, in addition to the actual cost of duplication.
The actual charge shall be reasonable and shall be based upon the labor costs actually incurred or attributable to the City for the clerical and supervisory assistance required of the personnel providing the service.
In keeping with the City of Cocoa's easy access, community spirit, public document policy, there will be no labor charge for requests requiring fifteen minutes or less in actual labor. However, when requests from members of the public require fifteen minutes or more in actual labor, they will be charged for all time expended.
Based upon the length of time estimated to provide the service, a deposit may be required.
Fifteen minutes of clerical time will be charged to copy an audio cassette is or a video cassette, in addition to the actual cost of the cassette.
|
|
|
If you are 65 years of age or older and have a household income that does not exceed $20,000.00, you may apply for an additional homestead exemption at the Brevard County Property Appraiser's Office. Income verification and a sworn statement must be provided at the time of application. For additional information, please call (321) 455-1444.
For additional information...
|
|
|
The telephone number for the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, which is located at 400 Fortenberry Road
in Merritt Island, and serves all of Central Brevard County, is (321) 459-2200.
Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
|
|
|
The Brevard County Housing Authority has several offices, and the phone number for the office located in Cocoa is (321) 636-8534.
Brevard County Housing Authority
|
|
|
County Clerk of Court at (321) 637-5413.
|
|
|
Call the Brevard County Clerk of Court at (321) 637-5413.
|
|
|
Call Waste Management Services at (321) 636-6894.
|
Economic Development
|
|
Annexation is a process outlined in Florida Statutes whereby residents and businesses located outside City limits decide to join and become part of the City.
|
Fire
|
|
No - open burning of any type is not allowed in the city limits of Cocoa
|
|
|
You must be state certified as a firefighter. We give our entrance exam annually. Please contact our Human resources Department to apply.
|
|
|
No Cocoa has 35 full-time firefighters
|
|
|
Yes we issue and install smoke detectors free of charge. For more information call 690-1895
|
|
|
Cocoa Fire Rescue responds to all requests in the city for medical assistance. We are equipped to provide medical aid until a county ambulance arrives. In most cases the fire truck can arrive minutes before the ambulance.
|
|
|
Yes, we give tours at all 3 Cocoa Fire Stations. Please call 690-1895 to arrange your tour.
|
|
|
Yes truck 31 is our 1995 75 foot ladder truck. It is housed at fire station 1 at 114 First St.
|
Home Page
|
|
Yes, there are over new 6,000 residential lots.
|
|
|
Cocoa is home to several Magnet elementary schools, Cocoa High School, Brevard Community College and the University of Central Florida's Brevard Campus. It is a true circle of learning within a 5 mile radius!
|
|
|
At this time, there are 16, 500 residents in Cocoa.
|
|
|
Cocoa is centrally located in Brevard County on the Space Coast and is just 15 minutes from Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, and 40 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
|
Leisure Services
|
|
First you would need to call (321) 639-3500 to see if the date and space your are requesting is available. The Leisure Services staff can put your date on a pending hold for 2 weeks. This will give you 2 weeks to fill out and submit the necessary forms and 25% deposit to hold the space.
Event Reservations...
|
|
|
Civic Center:
Ballroom - 700 Seating, 1,200 Standing
Conference Room #1 - 160 Seating, 290 Standing
Conference Room #2 - 64 Seating, 138 StandingPorcher House: 85 Seating, 125 Standing Riverfront Park: 1,500 Standing Cocoa Municipal Stadium: 2,550 Seating
|
|
|
The remainder of all rental balances are due 30 days prior to the event start date.
|
|
|
Alcohol is permitted at events inside the City of Cocoa facilities. However, it must be served through your licensed and insured caterer. Alcohol served at outdoor events must be approved through City Council.
|
|
|
The Porcher House, Civic Center and Riverfront Park close for events at 11:00pm and the lessee must be cleaned up and out of the facility by 12:00am.
|
|
|
The lessee of the facility is required to clean-up after their own event. This includes cleaning of the kitchen facilities, taking trash out to the dumpsters and vacuumming if necessary.
|
|
|
Times for an event must include set-up and tear-down times. If you go beyond your contracted time, you will be charged the hourly rate for every 15 minutes past the contracted time.
|
|
|
You can visit the Leisure Services Special Events Calendar on the City of Cocoa website or you can sign up to get e-mail notifications of all upcoming special events.
Event Notification E-mail List...
|
|
|
The Riverfront Park Fountain runs daily from 10:00am-6:00pm everyday unless it undergoing maintenance or is scheduled to go off for an event. To find out if the Fountain is scheduled to be off, please contact Leisure Services at (321) 639-3500.
|
|
|
Visitors and/or merchants may contact the Cities "Keep Cocoa Village Clean" hotline at (321) 635-7711 to submit their concerns or visit our website at keepcocoavillageclean@cocoafl.org.
|
Planning and Zoning
|
|
The Brevard County Property Appraiser provides accurate valuations of property located within Brevard County and makes every effort to produce and publish the most current and accurate information possible. By clicking on the "Property Research" button on the left side of the Property Appraiser's web page, one can search property records by owner name, legal description, tax account number, and property address. Once the property is found, the information listed includes Parcel ID, Property Address, Tax Account Number, Owner Information, Legal Description, Value Summary, and information on Land, Sales, Extra Features, and Taxes for the property. General boundary maps and aerial photographs are also available. To access the Property Appraiser's web site, please follow this link http://www.brevardpropertyappraiser.com or copy it to your browser.
|
|
|
The Parcel ID or property address of a property is needed in order to determine its zoning. If you do not have either one, they can be obtained at the Brevard County Property Appraiser's website by clicking here. Once the Parcel ID or property address is known, please contact the Planning and Zoning Division for zoning confirmation. Written zoning confirmation letters are available for a nominal fee.
|
|
|
To determine the location of your property, please contact the Planning and Zoning Division and provide one or more of the following information: physical address, Parcel ID.
|
|
|
Annexations, which are sometimes termed as "voluntary annexations", "majority consent annexations" or "referendum annexations", are managed by the City of Cocoa's Office of Economic Development. For more information, please contact the Economic Development Specialist at (321) 637-7219 or visit the Economic Development webpage.
|
|
|
Redevelopment Areas, which are also known as "community redevelopment areas", CRAs or RDAs, are managed by the City of Cocoa's Office of Economic Development. For more information, please contact the Redevelopment Coordinator (321) 639-7591 or visit the Economic Development webpage.
|
Police Department
|
|
All requests for police services are assigned to priority based on the seriousness of the incident and the potential for injury or damage to property. At times, calls of less urgent nature must be delayed so that we can respond immediately to emergencies.
|
|
|
Dispatchers are trained to try to get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem and its seriousness. On emergency calls, the dispatcher has already sent the information to the officer while asking additional questions.
|
|
|
Yes, fingerprinting is done on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, and on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. There is a $10.00 fee. You must bring your fingerprint card with you, have it filled out in black ink, and have a valid picture ID.
|
|
|
Absolutely not. Florida regulations absolutely prohibit the police department from sharing information from the statewide FCIC/NCIC computer system with other than law enforcment personnel. The department can be fined, and lose its terminal for violations of these regulations. However, the Brevard County Tag Agency will run a tag for you, and the Florida Driver's License office will run a driver's license check.
|
|
|
Because of the potential for damage to vehicles the police department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith is your best alternative. If a child is locked inside the vehicle, the Fire Department will send a rescue unit to remove the child from the vehicle, possibly by breaking a window. As a community service, certain locksmiths will also respond to release a child from a vehicle at no charge.
|
|
|
The police department can only have vehicles towed that are on public property. Call a wrecker service in your area and the vehicle will be towed away at no cost to you. The wrecker service will notify the owners once they have determined ownership.
|
|
|
An application may be obtained from the City Human Resources Department in City Hall. Call (321)639-7585 for information.
|
|
|
The Cocoa Police Department does not have a jail. To obtain this information you must contact the Brevard County jail directly at (321)690-1500.
|
|
|
The Records Section is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no charge for reports to victims. A charge of fifteen cents per page for single-sided copies, and twenty cents per page for two-sided copies is charged for requests from other parties. If you need further information about reports call the Records Section at (321)639-7620.
|
|
|
Cases involving criminal acts which appear to have some basis of solvability are referred to a Detective for further investigation. To inquire about your case, call the Criminal Investigations Division at (321)639-7620.
|
|
|
Traffic Citations are processed through the Traffic Division of the Brevard County Clerk of Court's Office. If you have any questions about paying for a traffic citation or you would like to set a hearing date, please contact the Clerk's Office directly at (321)264-5283.
The Brevard Clerk of Court
|
|
|
The police department will respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to requests for police assistance. The phone number for non-emergency assistance is (321)639-7620.
|
|
|
Some reports can be taken over the telephone by a Dispatcher, however, most will require an officer to respond.
|
|
|
The Police department dispatch center does not have the names of persons involved in accidents available. If a person is injured in an accident and unable to call themselves, we will notify their family.
|
|
|
Call the Police Department Field Services Division at (321)637-6312 and request that this area be placed on selective enforcement.
|
|
|
The Police Department depends on citizens calling to report crimes or suspicious activity. The Dispatcher who takes your call will ask questions about the activity to determine its nature and ask for descriptions of the people involved. You may be asked if an officer or detective may contact you but you may refuse contact and remain anonymous, if you wish.
|
|
|
Contact the Brevard County Law Enforcement Academy for information on becoming a police officer and entrance into the police academy. The police academy is located at the Melbourne campus of Brevard Community College, located at 3865 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida 32935. BCC also houses the Brevard Police Testing and Certification Program for applicant testing and assisting out-of-state law enforcement officers who wish to relocate to our area. The Criminal Justice Center can be reached by telephone at (321)632-1111.
|
Police Department - Criminal Investigation Division
|
|
All reported crimes are processed and those with available leads are assigned either to a patrol officer or detective to investigate. Those cases without leads are inactivated.
|
|
|
Attempts are made to solve (close) most cases, because of limited time and resources however, we prioritize investigations of those more serious cases with strong leads ahead of less serious cases or those with few leads. Cases are prioritized based on solvability and seriousness of the offense. For example, a child abuse case will take precedence over a felony theft case. Often times the complexity of the case will dictate the length of time it takes to close it. Circumstances such as evidence that needs to be analyzed by the crime lab or another agency will often cause the case to remain open longer.
|
|
|
The final decision on whether or not a case will be prosecuted rests solely with the State Attorney’s Office. You may contact the Brevard County State Attorney at 321.617.7510 or through their web site: http://sa18.state.fl.us/
|
|
|
Child abuse is a very serious situation and includes the physical, sexual and emotional damage inflicted on a child by another person, usually a trusted adult.
|
|
|
By being willing to get involved. Anytime a person suspects or fears a child is being abused, they need to make it their business and report it to the local police or the Department of Children & Families. To contact to the Department of Children & Families call 1.800.96.ABUSE
|
|
|
All child abuse investigations are assigned to a detective because of the serious nature and the delicacy of the cases. Detectives work with the Department of Children & Families in determining the exact nature and type of abuse. Once the investigation is completed it is forwarded to the state attorney for prosecution. For more information on child abuse and the Department of Children & Families visit their website: http://www.state.fl.us/cf_web/
|
|
|
Narcotic use in the City of Cocoa is on the rise, however the citizens of Cocoa can make the difference to combat this problem. Anyone with information on drug dealers or users, please e-mail all tips to drugtips@cocoapolice.com All tips will remain anonymous.
|
Police Department - Drug Abuse Residence Education
|
|
D.A.R.E. stands for "Drug Abuse Resistance Education". This 17 week program is taught by specially trained Cocoa Police Officers. D.A.R.E. was originally developed by the Los Angeles Police Department in cooperation with the Unified School District in 1983. Conceived on the premise that prevention is the only long-term answer to our drug problem, this innovative program is proving to be effective and is now taught in schools in all 50 states and several foreign countries. The D.A.R.E. program is positive and substantive. It avoids scare tactics and relies on accurate information and a straight-forward approach.
|
|
|
D.A.R.E. Officers will visit classes, conduct faculty workshops and present programs to parent/teacher organizations in addition to their assigned classroom instruction. The Cocoa Police Department is now conducting D.A.R.E. programs in both of the city's elementary schools, and the addition of D.A.R.E. reinforces the department's commitment to the war against drugs.
|
Police Department - Police Explorer
|
|
The Exploring Program was developed by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for career-oriented young adults, aged 14 through 21. Explorer posts are attached to agencies or organizations, (such as the Cocoa Police Department) and members are called "Explorers". The Explorer program is very different from scouting, however. Exploring is an opportunity for young adults to explore a career field in a co-educational program operated and supervised by a local organization.
|
|
|
The Cocoa Police Department's Explorer Post 335 meets every Thursday at 6:00 PM at the Police Department at 1226 West King St., Cocoa, Florida. Interested guests are to arrive shortly before 6:00 PM and advise the Communications Center that you are here for the Explorers meeting. An Explorer will come to greet you and take you to the meeting location. The meetings generally last about three hours. At the meeting an Explorer will meet you to answer any questions you might have and help you with the application process. If you meet the qualifications for an Explorer, you will receive an application form, background form, and a study guide for the entrance test. Upon successfully completing the exam you will be given an oral review. After the successful completion of the testing and background process, you will become a probationary Explorer. The Explorer Post will issue part of the Explorer uniform for no cost, the remaining costs are the responsibility of the Explorer.
|
Police Department - School Resource Officer
|
|
The School Resource Officer program (SRO) is a nationally accepted program involving the placement of a law enforcement officer within the educational environment. The officer, while in school, is involved in a variety of functions aimed at prevention. Besides being an active high profile law enforcement officer, the SRO is a resource for students, parents, teachers and administration regarding law issues. Another duty for the SRO is being a link to other service agencies which provide preventive and counseling services within the school district. Working hand in hand with the Principal in each school, the SRO assists with finding solutions to problems affecting school age children in the 21st Century. The SRO program is a proactive approach to deal with the pressures today's young people find themselves having to confront. This includes the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, along with peer pressure, gang activity, and sex. These situations are not only in the schools, but in the community as well. The approach of addressing these issues only in the school, or only in the community, has not been completely effective. Traditionally, police and school did not interact until one called upon the other. Children affected by substance abuse or gang activity in the community will be carrying that into the school, which in turn affects other students, educators, and administrators.
|
|
|
One of the most important aspects of the SRO program is the ability of the officer to develop teamwork in fighting many problems that students of today are facing. The SRO works with many agencies such as school based-youth programs, HRS, Crosswinds, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and others to provide teen health services, substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling, and parent, student, and staff counseling. The basic outline of duties for the SRO includes investigating crimes that occur within the school and on school property, creating a positive role model for students, creating a link between law enforcement and the students, and being a resource for parents, staff, administration, and students in regards to law enforcement and community problems. Today, with two SROs, the program has become a valuable asset to the police department, school district, and the community. The SRO program works much the same way with each school in Cocoa. At Cocoa High School and Clearlake Middle School, the SROs work with the administration, educators, and counselors. The role each plays is dependent on the needs of the situation. Cocoa High School and Clearlake Middle School are dedicated to providing an education to all of their students. With this goal in mind, all assets and services are pledged to this end. A student with a suspected substance abuse problem is a different concern than a student being harassed or a student suspected of being involved in gang activity. No one person has the "final" say as to the solution to a situation, as each has a differing role, authority, and approach. The primary concern is that of the student.
|
|
|
The following is a list of SROs and their assigned schools: Cocoa High School - Officer Chris Bradshaw Clearlake Middle School - Officer Joe Truex
|
|
|
The SRO in Cocoa High School is located adjacent to the Front Office. Anyone in the school has access to the SRO, or a note can be left in the office. The Officer can also be contacted by calling Cocoa High School, at 632-5300. If the SRO is unavailable, you can leave a message; however, if school is not in session, or the switchboard operator is gone for the day, it is also possible to contact the SRO through the Cocoa Police Department, at 639-7620. The SRO in Clearlake Middle School is located in the Guidance Office. Anyone in the school has access to the SRO, or a note can be left with Rose Bartola or Jane Wolf, who are in the front office. The Officer can also be contacted by calling Clearlake Middle School, at 633-3660. If the SRO is unavailable, you can leave a message; however, if school is not in session, or the switchboard operator is gone for the day, it is also possible to contact the SRO through the Cocoa Police Department, at 639-7620.
|
|
|
This is a question that is common with parents, teachers, and community leaders. The question is easily answered when you ask yourself the following: Wouldn't you rather send your child to a school where there is an active law enforcement officer on duty, working with the school system, who acts quickly to solve problems? While there have been some concerns within and around Brevard County Schools, an officer in the school is not a required necessity. Any time an officer is in an area, that officer's presence alon | |
