Volusia County Clerk Of The Courts Public Records gives everyone the right to view and copy official court and land documents. These records include criminal cases, civil lawsuits, family law matters, probate files, property deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, and more. The Clerk’s office keeps all public records safe, organized, and easy to find. Whether you need a certified copy for legal use or just want to check a document, the office offers both in-person and online access. Records go back decades, with digital access starting from April 4, 1988. The office follows Florida law to make sure only public records are shared, while protecting private or sealed information.
How to Access Public Records in Person
You can visit the Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court in person to view or request copies of public records. The Recording Department is located on the first floor of the Volusia County Courthouse at 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724, Room A121. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff members are available to help you locate documents and explain the process. You can pay for copies and services using cash, personal check, money order, cashier’s check, or major debit and credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. For questions before your visit, call the clerk’s desk at (386) 254-2616.
Online Access to Court and Land Records
The Clerk’s office provides a free web-based portal for searching public records from home or anywhere with internet. The Official Records database includes indexed titles and high-resolution images of every recorded document from April 4, 1988, to today. This covers deeds, mortgages, easements, plats, liens, and other land-related instruments. The Case Inquiry system lets you search criminal, civil, family, and probate case files by case number, party name, or filing date. Results show docket entries, judgment details, and PDF copies of court filings. The Document Inquiry portal lists grantor, grantee, legal description, and document type for property records. All online records are updated nightly to include new filings.
Types of Records Available
Volusia County Clerk Of The Courts Public Records include several major categories. Criminal records cover arrests, charges, court hearings, and final judgments. Civil records include lawsuits, small claims, evictions, and contract disputes. Family law records contain divorce filings, child custody orders, and adoption papers. Probate records list wills, estate settlements, and guardianship cases. Land records include property deeds, mortgage documents, liens, easements, and subdivision plats. Marriage licenses and certificates are also available, with records dating back to 1855. Each record type has specific search options and fees for copies.
Fees and Payment Options
There are standard fees for searching and copying public records. A name-based search costs $2.00 per name per year searched. Standard copies are $1.00 per page, while certified copies cost $2.00 per document and include the official clerk’s seal and notary signature. Marriage certificate copies cost $3.00 each. Payments can be made in person with cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Online orders accept major cards. Certified copies require identity verification and may take up to three business days for courier delivery. Electronic copies are usually sent within 24 hours after payment and approval.
Parking and Location Details
The main courthouse in DeLand has a municipal parking garage with 250 spaces, located two blocks east of the building at 101 North Alabama Avenue. The garage charges $2.00 per hour and shows real-time availability on digital signs. The Daytona Beach Courthouse Annex at 125 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, offers a 150-space lot and a free shuttle that runs every 20 minutes during business hours. The Daytona Beach Justice Center at 251 North Ridgewood Avenue also provides handicap-accessible parking and a visitor information desk open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All locations post parking updates on electronic boards so visitors know where spaces are open.
Certified vs. Standard Copies
Standard copies are digital or printed versions of public records for personal reference. They do not have an official seal and are not valid for legal or government use. Certified copies include the Clerk’s official seal, signature, and notary stamp, making them legally acceptable for court, immigration, employment, or property transactions. To get a certified copy, you must provide valid ID, pay the $2.00 fee per document, and wait for verification. Processing takes one to three business days. Electronic delivery is available for most certified documents, but some may require in-person pickup or courier service.
Marriage Records and Historical Documents
Marriage licenses and certificates have been recorded in Volusia County since 1855. To request a marriage record, you need the full legal names of both spouses, the exact date of the ceremony, and the city or town where the license was issued. The search fee is $2.00 per name per year, and a certified copy costs $3.00. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online. Older records may require additional research time. All marriage documents are stored securely and indexed for fast retrieval. The office preserves historical records in climate-controlled archives to prevent damage.
Case Inquiry System Features
The Case Inquiry system allows users to search court records by case number, party name, or filing date. Results show docket entries, hearing dates, motions, judgments, and final rulings. Users can download PDF copies of key documents like complaints, answers, and orders. The system covers criminal, civil, family, and probate cases from 1995 to present. Each record includes a permanent link for sharing or bookmarking. The database refreshes every night to include new filings. Searches are logged for audit purposes, but personal information is protected under Florida privacy laws.
Document Inquiry for Property Records
The Document Inquiry portal gives access to property-related records from April 4, 1988, onward. Each entry shows the grantor (seller), grantee (buyer), legal description, recording date, and instrument type. Users can view thumbnail images and download full documents in PDF or TIFF format. Files are saved in PDF/A format for long-term preservation. The system notes that occasional transcription errors may occur, so users should verify critical details against the original record. The index is updated daily with new deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats as they are recorded.
Clerk’s Role as County Recorder
The Clerk of the Circuit Court also serves as the County Recorder, a role required by Florida Statutes § 119.10. This means the office handles all land-related instruments, including deeds, easements, subdivision maps, and liens. Documents are recorded on a first-come, first-served basis after the statutory fee is paid. Once recorded, these instruments become part of the Official Records and are open for public inspection. The Clerk ensures each document meets legal requirements before filing. Staff assist visitors in locating and handling delicate historical records with care.
Restricted and Sealed Records
Not all court or land records are available to the public. Some documents are restricted or sealed by court order, state law, or federal regulation. Examples include juvenile records, adoption files, mental health proceedings, and certain criminal cases involving minors. The online portals only display released records. If a document is not visible, it may be confidential. To request access to restricted records, you must file a formal motion with the court and get approval. The Clerk’s office cannot release sealed documents without a judge’s order.
Technology and Record Preservation
The Clerk’s office uses modern technology to preserve and protect public records. Digital scans are stored in secure servers with backup systems. Documents are saved in PDF/A format to ensure they remain readable for decades. The indexing system uses OCR (optical character recognition) to make text searchable. All transactions are logged for audit compliance. Historical paper records are kept in climate-controlled storage to prevent deterioration. The office regularly upgrades its systems to meet state standards and improve public access.
Public Access Rights Under Florida Law
Florida law guarantees public access to government records under the Sunshine Law. Anyone can inspect or copy public records held by the Clerk’s office, as long as the activity is supervised. The law allows fees for copies and searches but prohibits charging for viewing records. The office must respond to requests promptly and provide records within a reasonable time. Exceptions apply only for legally restricted information. The Clerk ensures compliance with these laws while protecting individual privacy and sensitive data.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court is located at 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The Recording Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For assistance, call (386) 254-2616. The Daytona Beach Annex is at 125 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, and the Justice Center is at 251 North Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. All locations offer parking and staff support during business hours. Visit the official website for online services, forms, and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how to find specific records, what fees apply, and how long processing takes. Common questions include whether records are free to view, how to get certified copies, and if online searches are accurate. Others want to know about parking, office hours, and how to request historical documents. The Clerk’s office provides clear instructions on its website and by phone. Staff are trained to help with all types of requests and explain the process step by step.
How do I search for a property deed in Volusia County?
To search for a property deed, go to the Document Inquiry portal on the Clerk’s website. Enter the grantor or grantee name, or use the legal description if known. You can also search by recording date or instrument number. The system will show matching deeds with thumbnails and details. Click on a record to view the full image and download it in PDF or TIFF format. If you need a certified copy, add it to your cart and complete the order with payment. Processing takes about 24 hours for electronic delivery.
Can I get a criminal record copy online?
Yes, you can search criminal records online using the Case Inquiry system. Enter the person’s full name, case number, or filing date. The results will show docket entries, charges, and court outcomes. You can download PDF copies of public filings. For certified copies, you must verify your identity and pay the $2.00 fee per document. The office will process your request within one to three business days. Some sensitive cases may be restricted and not available online.
What is the difference between a standard and certified copy?
A standard copy is a digital or printed version of a public record for personal use. It does not have an official seal and cannot be used in court or for legal purposes. A certified copy includes the Clerk’s official seal, signature, and notary stamp. It is legally valid for government, employment, immigration, or property transactions. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document and require identity verification. Processing takes longer than standard copies.
How far back do marriage records go in Volusia County?
Marriage records in Volusia County date back to 1855. To request a copy, you need the full names of both spouses, the exact date of marriage, and the location where the license was issued. The search fee is $2.00 per name per year, and a certified copy costs $3.00. Older records may take extra time to locate. You can submit requests in person, by mail, or online. The office preserves historical documents in secure archives.
Are parking fees required at the courthouse?
Yes, parking fees apply at the municipal garage near the DeLand courthouse. The garage has 250 spaces and charges $2.00 per hour. Real-time availability is shown on digital signs. The Daytona Beach Annex offers a 150-space lot with a free shuttle every 20 minutes. The Justice Center has handicap-accessible parking. All locations post parking updates so visitors can plan ahead. Payment is required unless you use street parking where available.
Can I view records without paying?
Yes, you can view public records for free at the Clerk’s office during business hours. Staff will help you locate documents in the viewing area. You only pay when you request copies or certified versions. Online searches are also free, but downloading or ordering copies incurs fees. Florida law allows free access to view records but permits charges for duplication and labor.
What if I can’t find the record I’m looking for?
If you can’t find a record, contact the Clerk’s office at (386) 254-2616. Staff can help refine your search or check offline archives. Some older records may not be digitized yet. Others might be restricted or misfiled. Provide as much detail as possible, such as names, dates, and document types. The office will assist in locating the record or explain why it may not be available.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official website of the Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court. All online services, forms, and contact details are available there. The office maintains strict privacy and security standards to protect public records. For in-person visits, arrive during business hours with valid ID if requesting certified copies. Parking is available at all locations with real-time updates. The Clerk’s team is committed to serving the public with transparency and efficiency.
Contact and Visit Information
Address: 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: (386) 254-2616
Website: https://www.clerk.org
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Parking: $2.00/hour at municipal garage, two blocks east