Brevard County #2 In Florida Hate Crimes

BREVARD COUNTY, Florida -- Brevard County had the second most number of hate crimes in the State of Florida, with Orange County topping the list according to the 2012 Hate Crimes Report released by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Statewide, hate crime rose 22.3% in 2012 (179) when compared to 2011 (139).  Race and/or Color (54.1%) was the largest alleged motive for hate crimes in 2012, followed by Sexual Orientation (28.8%),  Religion (10%), and Ethnicity (6.5%).

Brevard County had 15 total hate crimes reported in 2012.  Nearly all (13) of the hate crime occurred within the jurisdiction of the Melbourne, Florida police department.  1 hate crime was reported in unincorporated Brevard County under the Sheriff's jurisdiction and 1 other was reported in the Palm Bay, Florida police department's jurisdiction.


Race (7) was the leading motivator for alleged hate crimes committed in Brevard County, followed by Sexual Orientation (5), Religion (2), and Mental Disability (1).