Volusia County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Volusia County?

Public records in Volusia County are defined according to Florida's Public Records Law § 119.011(12), which states that public records include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency."

Volusia County maintains numerous types of public records that are accessible to citizens:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments maintained by the Volusia County Property Appraiser's Office
• Vital Records: Birth and death certificates (with restrictions) maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County
• Marriage Records: Marriage licenses and certificates maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information and assessment records
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results maintained by the Volusia County Supervisor of Elections
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of Volusia County Council meetings and various boards and commissions
• Budget and Financial Documents: County financial reports, budgets, and expenditure records
• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (with certain exemptions)
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and development permits

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments or constitutional offices, with the Clerk of Circuit Court serving as the primary custodian for many official records.

Is Volusia County an Open Records County?

Volusia County fully complies with Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law." Under Florida Statutes § 119.01, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. The statute specifically states that "it is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."

Volusia County has established comprehensive policies to ensure compliance with these state requirements. The county maintains a dedicated public records request system through the Volusia County Government Online portal, where citizens can submit requests electronically.

Additionally, Volusia County adheres to Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, Florida Statutes § 286.011, which requires that meetings of public boards or commissions be open to the public, properly noticed, and minutes recorded.

The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its online records portal, which provides direct access to many commonly requested documents without the need for a formal records request.

How to Find Public Records in Volusia County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Volusia County may utilize several methods to access information:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official websites:

   • The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court provides online access to court records, official records, and marriage licenses
   • The Volusia County Property Appraiser maintains property records and tax assessment information
   • The Volusia County Government website offers access to meeting minutes, agendas, and various departmental records

2. In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

   • For court and official records, visit the Clerk of Circuit Court
   • For property information, visit the Property Appraiser's Office
   • For vital records, visit the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County

3. Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:

   • Specific description of records sought
   • Preferred format (electronic or paper)
   • Contact information for response

4. Electronic Requests: Submit requests through the county's online public records request portal available on the Volusia County Government website.

For specialized records, contact the appropriate department directly:

• For birth certificates, contact the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County
• For building permits and licensing information, contact the Permits & Licensing department
• For city-specific records in Daytona Beach, contact the City Clerk's Office

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Volusia County?

Volusia County charges fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which establishes standard fee structures for public records throughout the state. Current fees include:

• Standard Copies: $0.15 per one-sided copy (8.5 x 11 inches)
• Double-sided Copies: $0.20 per double-sided copy (8.5 x 11 inches)
• Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document
• Large Format Copies: Actual cost of duplication
• Electronic Records: Provided at no charge when records are already maintained electronically and can be emailed
• Special Service Charges: May apply for extensive use of agency resources (defined as more than 15 minutes of staff time) at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work

Specific record types may have statutorily defined fees:

• Birth Certificates: $14.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
• Marriage Licenses: $86.00 ($61.00 with completion of premarital course)
• Certified Court Records: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page
• Recording Fees: $10.00 for the first page, $8.50 for each additional page

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit cards (in most offices). Some online services may require credit card payment.

The county may waive fees when doing so serves the public interest, particularly for requests from other governmental agencies or nonprofit organizations.

Does Volusia County Have Free Public Records?

Volusia County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with Florida law. Any person has the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Additionally, several free online resources are available to the public:

• The Volusia County Property Appraiser's Office provides free online access to property records, including ownership information, property values, and tax assessments
• The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court offers free online access to court dockets and case information through their public access system
• The Volusia County Government website provides free access to meeting agendas, minutes, and various reports
• The Volusia County Supervisor of Elections offers free access to voter information and election results

Electronic records that do not require extensive staff time to compile may be provided via email at no charge. Additionally, if a record is available online, staff will direct requestors to the appropriate website rather than charging for copies.

Citizens should note that while inspection is free, obtaining copies of records typically incurs the standard fees outlined in the previous section. However, the first 24 pages of copies provided to an individual seeking public assistance benefits may be furnished at no charge.

Who Can Request Public Records in Volusia County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Volusia County. The statute specifically states that records must be open for inspection and copying "by any person," and requestors are not required to:

• Provide identification
• State the purpose of their request
• Make the request in writing
• Disclose their name

However, certain exceptions apply to specific record types:

• Vital Records: Birth certificates are restricted for 100 years following the birth date. During this period, only the registrant (person named on the certificate), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or court order recipients may obtain copies, as specified in Florida Statutes § 382.025
• Criminal Justice Information: Some law enforcement records may have restricted access, particularly for active investigations
• Medical Records: Protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws
• Juvenile Records: Subject to confidentiality provisions under Florida law

When requesting records with restricted access, individuals may need to provide identification and documentation establishing their legal right to access the records. For example, to obtain a birth certificate, requestors must provide valid photo identification and documentation proving their relationship to the registrant if they are not the person named on the certificate.

Commercial entities requesting records for solicitation purposes must disclose this intent, as certain records (such as crash reports) have specific restrictions on commercial use under Florida law.

What Records Are Confidential in Volusia County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption of openness for public records, Florida Statutes § 119.071 establishes numerous exemptions for records that are confidential or exempt from public disclosure. In Volusia County, the following record types are generally not available for public inspection:

• Social Security Numbers, Bank Account Numbers, and Credit Card Numbers: Exempt from disclosure in most contexts
• Medical and Health Information: Protected under both state law and HIPAA
• Active Criminal Investigative Information: Records relating to ongoing law enforcement investigations
• Juvenile Records: Arrest records and court files for minors (with certain exceptions)
• Child Abuse Reports and Investigations: Confidential under Florida law
• Sealed and Expunged Criminal Records: Not available to the general public
• Adoption Records: Confidential by statute
• Certain Personnel Information: Home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of specific categories of public employees (law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, etc.)
• Security System Plans: Information relating to security systems for public buildings
• Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice provided to county agencies
• Examination Questions and Answer Sheets: For licensing, employment, or academic examinations
• Certain Victim Information: Particularly for victims of sexual offenses or child abuse

Additionally, records that would reveal the identity of a confidential informant or undercover personnel are exempt from disclosure.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact only the confidential portions and provide the remainder of the record, as required by Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(d).

Volusia County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court
101 North Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32724
386-736-5907
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and County Holidays: Closed

Branch Offices:

Daytona Beach Branch Office
125 East Orange Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-257-6000

New Smyrna Beach Branch Office
111 Canal Street
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
386-423-3300

Orange City Branch Office
2744 Enterprise Road
Orange City, FL 32763
386-736-5907

The Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the county recorder and is responsible for maintaining official records including deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, marriage licenses, and other official documents. The office also provides court services, issues marriage licenses, processes passport applications, and collects court fines and fees.

For specific services related to vital records such as birth certificates:

Florida Department of Health in Volusia County
1845 Holsonback Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32117
386-274-0500
Florida Department of Health in Volusia County

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and State Holidays: Closed

Lookup Public Records in Volusia County

Volusia County Government Online

Birth Certificates | Florida Department of Health in Volusia County

Volusia County Property Appraiser's Office

City Clerk's Office | Daytona Beach, FL - Official Website

Permits & Licensing | Daytona Beach, FL - Official Website