Volusia County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Volusia County
Arrest records in Volusia County are public documents under Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law, commonly known as Florida's "Government in the Sunshine" law, establishes that most government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public. According to § 119.01, Florida Statutes, "all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person."
The Volusia Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes these records available to the public in accordance with state law. It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed a crime
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process
An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, under Florida law, the fact that an arrest occurred remains a public record regardless of the case outcome, unless specifically sealed or expunged through court order pursuant to § 943.0585 or § 943.059, Florida Statutes.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist for confidential information within arrest records, such as:
- Social security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical information
- Information related to ongoing investigations
- Records involving juveniles (with certain exceptions)
What's in Volusia County Arrest Records
Volusia County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Distinguishing features (tattoos, scars, marks)
- Address of residence (may be redacted in public versions)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Volusia Sheriff's Office, Daytona Beach Police Department)
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date warrant was issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where individual was processed
- Fingerprint identification number
- Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Whether bond was posted
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned judge
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court of jurisdiction
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where individual is being held
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history in Volusia County
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Immigration holds or detainers
- Special custody requirements
- Risk assessment scores
The Volusia Sheriff's Office Records Unit maintains these records and is responsible for processing public records requests related to arrests in unincorporated areas of the county and contracted municipalities.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Volusia County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Volusia County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
-
Submit a Public Records Request to the Volusia Sheriff's Office
- Complete the public records request form available on the Volusia Sheriff's Office website
- Specify the information being requested (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Submit the request via email, mail, or in person
- Provide contact information for receiving the records
Volusia Sheriff's Office Records Unit
123 W. Indiana Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 736-5961
Volusia Sheriff's Office -
Visit the Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Court records related to arrests are maintained by the Clerk's office
- Request records in person at the courthouse
- Provide identifying information about the case or individual
- Pay applicable fees for copies of records
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32721
(386) 736-5907
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court -
Contact Municipal Police Departments
- For arrests made by city police departments, contact the specific agency
- Each municipality maintains its own records
- Request procedures may vary by department
-
Submit a Request to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- For statewide criminal history information
- Complete the appropriate request form
- Pay required fees
- Provide fingerprints for complete criminal history checks
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
(850) 410-8109
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Pursuant to § 119.07, Florida Statutes, agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records. The standard fee is $0.15 per one-sided copy for pages up to 8.5 x 14 inches, and $0.20 for double-sided copies. Additional charges may apply for certified copies or extensive research time.
How To Find Volusia County Arrest Records Online
Volusia County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are available to search for arrest records:
-
Volusia Sheriff's Office Public Records Search
- Navigate to the Volusia Sheriff's Office public records search portal
- Enter search criteria such as name, date range, or case number
- Review search results for basic arrest information
- Request detailed records through the online form if needed
- Note that some information may be redacted in accordance with Florida law
-
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court Online Records
- Access the Clerk's online case search system
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- View court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings
- Download available documents (fees may apply)
- Note that this system primarily contains court records, not initial arrest reports
-
Volusia County Jail Inmate Search
- Visit the Volusia County Corrections website
- Search for currently incarcerated individuals
- View booking information, charges, and custody status
- This resource only provides information on current inmates, not historical arrests
-
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal History Search
- Access the FDLE's public criminal history search
- Pay the required fee ($24 per record search)
- Receive statewide criminal history information
- Results include arrests reported by all Florida law enforcement agencies
-
Daily Activity Reports
- Review daily activity reports published by the Volusia Sheriff's Office
- These reports contain information about recent arrests and incidents
- Organized by district and date
- Provide preliminary information about arrests
When using online systems, users should be aware that:
- Not all arrest record details may be available online
- Some information may be redacted to protect confidential data
- Older records may not be digitized
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
- Official copies of complete records may still require formal requests
How To Search Volusia County Arrest Records for Free?
Volusia County residents and members of the public have several options to access arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to arrest record information:
-
Volusia County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Volusia Sheriff's Office provides basic arrest information at no cost
- Access recent arrest logs and daily activity reports
- View limited information about current arrests and incidents
- No registration or payment required for basic searches
-
Volusia County Jail Inmate Search
- Free online tool to search current jail population
- Provides booking information, charges, and custody status
- Updated regularly with current inmate information
- Available 24/7 without charge
-
Public Access Terminals at Government Offices
- Visit the Volusia County Clerk's Office in person
- Use public access terminals to search court records
- No fee for on-site searches (printing fees may apply)
- Available during regular business hours
Volusia County Courthouse
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32721
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(386) 736-5907 -
Public Libraries
- Volusia County public libraries offer free internet access
- Use library computers to access public records websites
- Librarians may assist with navigating public records resources
- Library card may be required for computer use
-
Media Reports and Newspaper Archives
- Local newspapers often report on significant arrests
- Many news outlets maintain searchable online archives
- Public libraries may provide access to newspaper databases
- Coverage typically limited to newsworthy arrests
While basic arrest information is available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of records
- Complete case files
- Records requiring extensive staff time to compile
- Printed copies (typically $0.15 per page)
- Specialized searches requiring staff assistance
Pursuant to § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, agencies may waive fees when doing so serves a public purpose. Individuals may request a fee waiver when seeking records for non-commercial research, public information, or similar purposes.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Volusia County
Florida law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public view through two distinct legal processes: expungement and sealing. These processes are governed by § 943.0585 and § 943.059, Florida Statutes, respectively.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement: Physical destruction of arrest records, with limited exceptions for certain agencies
- Sealing: Records remain intact but are confidential and removed from public access
To qualify for expungement or sealing in Volusia County, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria:
Expungement Eligibility:
- Charges were dismissed, dropped, or not filed
- Individual was acquitted or found not guilty at trial
- The arrest has not been previously sealed or expunged
- No convictions for any criminal offense
- No pending criminal charges
Sealing Eligibility:
- Adjudication was withheld and probation successfully completed
- No convictions for specified disqualifying offenses
- No prior sealed or expunged records in Florida
- No pending criminal charges
The Volusia Sheriff's Office Records Unit processes expungement and sealing requests for arrests made by their agency. The process involves several steps:
-
Obtain Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE
- Complete FDLE application form
- Submit fingerprints
- Provide certified disposition of the case
- Pay application fee ($75)
- Wait for certificate (processing takes 4-6 months)
-
File Petition with Volusia County Court
- Prepare petition for sealing/expungement
- Include Certificate of Eligibility
- File with Clerk of Circuit Court
- Pay filing fee (approximately $42)
- Serve copies on State Attorney and arresting agency
-
Attend Court Hearing (if required)
- Judge reviews petition
- Prosecutor may object or consent
- Court determines if statutory requirements are met
- Judge issues order granting or denying relief
-
Distribute Court Order
- If granted, provide copies to all agencies with records
- Agencies must comply with order within specified timeframe
- Verify compliance with all agencies
Certain offenses are ineligible for sealing or expungement under Florida law, including:
- Sexual offenses
- Violent crimes (murder, manslaughter, robbery)
- Child abuse
- Domestic violence
- DUI
- Various other serious offenses listed in statute
The Volusia Sheriff's Office recommends consulting with an attorney for assistance with the expungement or sealing process, as it involves complex legal requirements and procedures.
What Happens After Arrest in Volusia County?
Following an arrest in Volusia County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several key stages. This process adheres to Florida law and local procedures established by the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which includes Volusia County.
-
Booking and Initial Processing
- Arrestee is transported to Volusia County Branch Jail or other detention facility
- Fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
- Property inventory and storage
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Entry into jail management system
-
First Appearance Hearing
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Judge advises of charges and constitutional rights
- Determination of probable cause
- Bail/bond amount set
- Public defender appointed if defendant qualifies
- Pretrial release conditions established if applicable
-
Formal Charging Decision
- State Attorney's Office reviews evidence
- Determines whether to file formal charges
- May file as charged, modify charges, or decline prosecution
- Decision typically made within 21 days for misdemeanors, 40 days for felonies
-
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
- Discovery process begins
-
Pretrial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial conferences
- Case management hearings
-
Trial
- Jury selection (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
-
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be ordered
- Victim impact statements
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
- Florida sentencing guidelines
- Criminal history
- Nature and circumstances of offense
- Mitigating and aggravating factors
-
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possible post-conviction relief motions
- Probation, incarceration, or other sanctions
- Payment of fines, costs, and restitution
Throughout this process, the Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the official court record, while the Volusia Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking records. The Florida Department of Corrections assumes responsibility for individuals sentenced to state prison, while the Volusia County Department of Corrections manages those serving local sentences or awaiting trial.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Volusia County?
Arrest records in Volusia County are maintained according to Florida's records retention requirements, primarily governed by Florida Statute § 119.021, which establishes the framework for public records maintenance. The specific retention schedules are detailed in the General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, and District Medical Examiners, published by the Florida Department of State.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest records: 100 years from date of arrest
- Booking photographs: 100 years from date of arrest
- Arrest warrants: 3 years after execution of warrant
- Criminal investigative records: 4 years after case closure for misdemeanors; permanent retention for felonies
- Fingerprint records: 75 years after creation
- Incident/offense reports: 4 years after case closure
The Volusia Sheriff's Office adheres to these retention schedules for records created and maintained by their agency. Different retention periods may apply to records maintained by other entities:
Court Records:
- The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains court records related to criminal cases
- Felony case files: permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 5 years after final judgment
- Traffic case files: 3 years after final judgment
- Court minutes and judgments: permanent retention
Corrections Records:
- Inmate records: 7 years after release from custody
- Jail registers: permanent retention
- Booking logs: 5 years after last entry
Factors Affecting Retention:
- Records related to capital felonies are permanently retained
- Records may be retained longer if related to ongoing investigations
- Records subject to litigation holds must be preserved until the hold is lifted
- Historical records may be transferred to archives rather than destroyed
Even after the retention period expires, many records are not automatically destroyed but may be transferred to archival storage. Additionally, information about arrests is often maintained in various databases beyond the required retention period, including:
- Florida Criminal Justice Information System
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Commercial background check databases
- News media archives
The only legal mechanism to remove arrest records before their scheduled destruction is through the sealing or expungement process as provided in Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059.
How to Find Mugshots in Volusia County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Volusia County, mugshots are typically taken at the time of booking at the Volusia County Branch Jail or other detention facilities. These photographs generally include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Booking photographs in Volusia County are primarily maintained by:
- The Volusia Sheriff's Office Records Unit for arrests made by VSO deputies
- Municipal police departments for arrests within their jurisdictions
- The Volusia County Department of Corrections for all individuals booked into county detention facilities
These photographs are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) unless specifically exempted by statute.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public may obtain mugshots through several official channels:
-
Submit a Public Records Request
- Contact the Volusia Sheriff's Office Records Unit
- Provide the name and date of arrest (if known)
- Specify that you are requesting the booking photograph
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
Volusia Sheriff's Office Records Unit
123 W. Indiana Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 736-5961
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Visit the Arresting Agency
- Go to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identifying information about the arrestee
- Pay any applicable fees
-
Contact the Volusia County Corrections Department
- For recent bookings and current inmates
- Request booking photographs through their records division
- Provide inmate name and booking number if available
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Several online resources provide access to Volusia County mugshots:
-
Volusia County Jail Inmate Search
- Provides booking photos of current inmates
- Updated regularly with new arrests
- Limited to individuals currently in custody
-
Law Enforcement Agency Websites
- Some agencies post recent booking photos online
- The Volusia Sheriff's Office may include photos in press releases about significant arrests
- Municipal police departments may maintain similar online resources
-
Third-Party Websites
- Commercial mugshot websites aggregate booking photos
- These sites are not officially affiliated with law enforcement
- May charge fees for removal of photos
- Information may be outdated or inaccurate
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally public records in Florida, certain restrictions apply:
- Juvenile mugshots are confidential in most circumstances
- Photographs of certain crime victims are exempt from disclosure
- Images of undercover law enforcement officers are protected
- Photos related to active criminal investigations may be temporarily exempt
- Mugshots that have been legally sealed or expunged are not available to the public
Florida Statute § 943.0585 and § 943.059 provide the legal framework for sealing and expunging records, including booking photographs, under qualifying circumstances.
Lookup Arrest Records in Volusia County
Daily activity reports and arrest information