Volusia County Court Records

What Is Volusia County Court Records

Court records in Volusia County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of case-related materials maintained by various courts operating within Volusia County jurisdiction. Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

• Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
• Tax records
• Voting records

In Volusia County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

• Circuit Court (7th Judicial Circuit)
• County Court
• Family Court
• Probate Court
• Small Claims Court
• Traffic Court

These records encompass documentation from civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. According to Florida Statutes § 119.011(3)(c), court records are defined as "public records made or received in connection with the transaction of official business by any judicial branch entity." The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian of these records.

Are Court Records Public In Volusia County

Court records in Volusia County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Additionally, Article I, § 24 of the Florida Constitution guarantees public access to records of all three branches of government, including the judiciary.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Most civil case files
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets
• Hearing schedules
• Final dispositions

It is important to note that federal court records for cases involving Volusia County residents are maintained separately through the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, which follows federal rules regarding public access.

While the presumption favors public access, certain records may be confidential or exempt from disclosure under Florida law. According to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, records that may be confidential include:

• Juvenile records
• Mental health proceedings
• Adoption records
• Certain family court matters
• Records sealed by court order
• Social security numbers, bank account information, and other personal identifiers

The Florida Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules governing access to court records, balancing the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.

How To Find Court Records in Volusia County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Volusia County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of court records and provides multiple avenues for record retrieval.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32721
386-736-5907
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court

Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

The process for obtaining court records involves:

1. Determining the specific case information needed (case number, party names, filing date)
2. Completing a public records request form, available at the clerk's office or downloadable from the official website
3. Submitting the request in person, by mail, or electronically
4. Paying applicable fees for copies or certified documents
5. Receiving the requested records in the format specified (paper copies, electronic files, certified copies)

For records not available through online portals, requestors may submit a written request pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, which requires custodians to acknowledge requests promptly and provide records within a reasonable timeframe.

Branch offices also maintain public access terminals:

Volusia County Courthouse Annex at City Island
125 E. Orange Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-257-6000

Volusia County Courthouse Annex
124 N. Florida Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720
386-736-5915

For specialized records, direct inquiries to the appropriate division:

• Criminal Records: Criminal Division (386-736-5907)
• Civil Records: Civil Division (386-736-5907)
• Probate Records: Probate Division (386-736-5907)
• Family Court Records: Family Division (386-736-5907)

How To Look Up Court Records in Volusia County Online?

Volusia County provides comprehensive digital access to court records through several online portals. These electronic systems allow for remote searching of case information without visiting physical courthouse locations.

The primary online resources include:

1. Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court Public Records Search

   • Access at: Clerk's Public Records Search
   • Available records: Civil, criminal, traffic, and family court cases
   • Search parameters: Case number, party name, filing date range
   • Features: View dockets, case status, party information, and some document images

2. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

   • Access at: Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
   • Available records: Recently filed documents in active cases
   • Search parameters: Case number, registered user access
   • Features: Document submission, case monitoring for registered users

3. Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS)

   • Access at: Florida CCIS
   • Available records: Statewide case information including Volusia County
   • Search parameters: Case number, party name, date range
   • Features: Subscription-based service for attorneys and authorized users

To conduct an online search:

1. Navigate to the appropriate portal based on record type
2. Create an account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration)
3. Enter known case information (most effective searches include case numbers)
4. Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
5. Pay any applicable fees for document downloads or certified copies
6. Save or print retrieved documents as needed

The Fifth District Court of Appeal maintains a separate docket search for appellate cases involving Volusia County matters.

For criminal record searches, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to arrest records and inmate information through their official website.

How To Search Volusia County Court Records for Free?

Florida law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Florida Statutes § 119.07(4). While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, inspection of records is available at no cost through several channels.

Free access options include:

1. Public Access Terminals

   • Located at all Volusia County Courthouse locations
   • Available during regular business hours
   • Provide comprehensive access to electronic court records
   • No fee for viewing records on-screen
   • Staff assistance available for search guidance

2. Online Case Search

   • Basic case information available without charge
   • Access through Volusia County Clerk's website
   • Search by case number, party name, or case type
   • View docket entries and case status at no cost
   • Document images may require fees for viewing or downloading

3. Law Libraries

   • Volusia County Law Library (101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL)
   • Public computers with access to court record databases
   • Reference assistance from library staff
   • Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

4. Public Libraries

   • Select Volusia County public libraries offer access to legal research databases
   • Library card holders may access certain court record systems
   • Staff can provide basic assistance with navigation

For in-person inspection, visitors should:

1. Bring identification
2. Know specific case information when possible
3. Allow sufficient time for record retrieval
4. Be aware that some records may require staff assistance
5. Understand that while inspection is free, copying fees apply

According to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(m), clerks must provide access to court records "in a reasonable manner consistent with the rules of court."

What's Included in a Volusia County Court Record?

Court records in Volusia County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

For Civil Cases:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Answers and counterclaims
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Transcripts of hearings and trials
• Orders and judgments
• Financial information (filing fees, judgments, satisfaction of judgments)
• Appeals documentation (if applicable)

For Criminal Cases:

• Charging documents (information, indictment)
• Arrest warrant or notice to appear
• Bail/bond information
• Plea documents
• Motions and responses
• Evidence inventory
• Pre-trial hearing transcripts
• Trial transcripts and exhibits
• Sentencing documents
• Probation reports (may be confidential)
• Post-conviction motions

For Family Law Cases:

• Petition for dissolution of marriage or other relief
• Financial affidavits
• Parenting plans
• Child support worksheets
• Mediation agreements
• Final judgments
• Post-judgment modifications
• Domestic violence injunctions (portions may be confidential)

For Probate Cases:

• Petition for administration
• Death certificate (confidential)
• Will (if testate)
• Letters of administration
• Inventory of assets
• Claims against the estate
• Accounting reports
• Orders of distribution
• Closing documents

Each court record also contains a docket sheet or register of actions that chronologically lists all events in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. This serves as an index to the complete case file.

Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain information within these records may be redacted or made confidential, including social security numbers, bank account numbers, and information related to minors.

How Long Does Volusia County Keep Court Records?

Volusia County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. These schedules, authorized under Florida Statutes § 257.36, prescribe minimum periods for preserving various types of judicial records.

Retention periods vary by record type:

Civil Court Records:

• General civil case files: 10 years after case closure
• Domestic relations cases: 10 years after final judgment
• Probate case files: 10 years after case closure
• Small claims cases: 5 years after case closure
• Eviction proceedings: 5 years after case closure
• Civil judgments: 20 years after final judgment

Criminal Court Records:

• Felony cases: 75 years after case closure
• Capital/life felony cases: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
• Traffic cases: 5 years after case closure
• Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 24 (with exceptions)

Administrative Records:

• Docket books: Permanent retention
• Indexes: Permanent retention
• Minutes of court proceedings: Permanent retention

Records of historical significance may be designated for permanent preservation regardless of standard retention periods. The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains an archival program for records with enduring value.

Digital conversion initiatives have expanded the county's capacity to preserve records beyond minimum retention periods. Many older records have been digitized and remain accessible even after physical copies have been properly disposed of according to retention schedules.

Records scheduled for destruction undergo review to ensure compliance with retention requirements. Confidential records are disposed of using secure methods that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

For specific inquiries regarding record retention, members of the public may contact:

Volusia County Clerk's Records Management Department
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32721
386-736-5915

Types of Courts In Volusia County

Volusia County's judicial system consists of multiple courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels. These courts operate within Florida's unified court system and the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

Circuit Court - Seventh Judicial Circuit
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32721
386-736-5915
Seventh Judicial Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil disputes exceeding $30,000
• Domestic relations matters
• Juvenile proceedings
• Probate and guardianship cases
• Appeals from County Court decisions

Volusia County Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32721
386-736-5915
Volusia County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The County Court handles:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Civil disputes up to $30,000
• Small claims (up to $8,000)
• Traffic infractions
• Ordinance violations

Volusia County Courthouse Annex at City Island
125 E. Orange Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-257-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Volusia County Courthouse - New Smyrna Beach
124 N. Riverside Drive
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
386-423-3300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Fifth District Court of Appeal
300 S. Beach Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-947-1530
Fifth District Court of Appeal
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Fifth District Court of Appeal reviews cases from the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which includes Volusia County.

For federal matters, Volusia County falls within:

United States District Court - Middle District of Florida
Orlando Division
401 W. Central Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32801
407-835-4200
U.S. District Court - Middle District of Florida
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

The court hierarchy proceeds from County Court to Circuit Court, then to the Fifth District Court of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court for matters involving federal questions.

What Types of Cases Do Volusia County Courts Hear?

Volusia County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictional authority. The distribution of case types among the county's courts ensures efficient administration of justice across civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings.

Circuit Court cases include:

• Felony criminal prosecutions (crimes punishable by more than one year imprisonment)
• Civil actions where the amount in controversy exceeds $30,000
• Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
• Juvenile dependency and delinquency proceedings
• Probate and estate administration
• Guardianship cases
• Mental health commitments
• Mortgage foreclosures
• Complex business litigation
• Appeals from administrative agencies
• Appeals from County Court decisions

County Court cases encompass:

• Misdemeanor criminal prosecutions (punishable by less than one year imprisonment)
• Civil actions with amounts in controversy up to $30,000
• Small claims (disputes up to $8,000)
• Landlord/tenant evictions
• Traffic infractions and violations
• County and municipal ordinance violations
• First appearance hearings in criminal cases
• Issuance of search and arrest warrants
• Domestic violence injunctions

The Fifth District Court of Appeal hears appeals from final judgments and certain non-final orders from Volusia County Circuit Courts. This appellate court reviews cases for legal errors, procedural irregularities, and constitutional questions.

For federal matters, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida adjudicates:

• Federal criminal prosecutions
• Civil cases involving federal questions
• Civil cases between citizens of different states (diversity jurisdiction) exceeding $75,000
• Bankruptcy proceedings
• Patent and copyright disputes
• Federal habeas corpus petitions
• Civil rights claims under federal law

Specialized divisions within these courts may handle particular case types, such as drug court, veterans court, mental health court, and business court, providing focused attention to specific legal issues and populations.

How To Find a Court Docket In Volusia County

Court dockets in Volusia County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in court cases, serving as essential navigational tools for tracking case progress. Multiple methods exist for accessing these dockets, depending on the court and case type.

Online docket access is available through:

1. Volusia County Clerk's Case Search System

   • Navigate to the Volusia County Clerk's website
   • Select "Court Records" or "Case Search"
   • Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
   • Review results for docket information
   • Access is available 24/7 for public cases

2. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

   • Visit Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
   • Register for an account (required for full access)
   • Search by case number or party information
   • View docket entries for registered cases
   • Download available documents (fees may apply)

3. Public Access Terminals

   • Available at all Volusia County courthouse locations
   • Provide comprehensive docket access without charge
   • Staff assistance available for search guidance
   • Accessible during regular business hours

For upcoming court hearings and trial schedules:

1. Court Calendar Search

   • Access through the Seventh Judicial Circuit website
   • Search by judge, courtroom, date, or case type
   • View scheduled hearings, trials, and proceedings
   • Updated daily for accuracy

2. Judge's Chambers

   • Contact the judicial assistant for the assigned judge
   • Request hearing dates and times for specific cases
   • Verify upcoming appearances on the docket

For historical or archived dockets:

1. Records Management Department
   • Submit request to the Clerk's Records Management office
   • Provide case information and docket date range
   • Allow processing time for retrieval from archives
   • Pay applicable research or copy fees

Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(a), dockets are presumptively public records unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule. Certain confidential cases may have restricted docket access or redacted information.

Professional services such as attorneys, title companies, and legal research firms may offer docket retrieval services for a fee, providing an alternative for those unable to conduct searches personally.

Which Courts in Volusia County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Volusia County's judicial system, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record." This distinction affects appellate procedures and record-keeping practices for cases originating in these venues.

According to Florida Statutes § 34.01(5), courts not of record in Volusia County include:

• Small Claims Court (division of County Court)
• Traffic Court (division of County Court)
• Certain administrative tribunals

These courts are characterized by:

• No court reporter routinely present
• No verbatim transcript automatically created
• Simplified procedures designed for pro se litigants
• Limited jurisdictional authority
• Appeals heard de novo (new trial) rather than on the record

Small Claims Court handles civil disputes up to $8,000 and operates under simplified rules of procedure established in Florida Small Claims Rules. While formal records of evidence and testimony are not maintained, the clerk does preserve:

• Filed pleadings and motions
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Final judgments and orders
• Case disposition information

Traffic Court adjudicates civil infractions and certain traffic misdemeanors. Though classified as a court not of record, basic documentation is maintained, including:

• Citations
• Hearing notices
• Disposition orders
• Payment records
• Driver license actions

Appeals from courts not of record proceed to the Circuit Court for a completely new hearing rather than a review of the lower court proceedings. This de novo review provides litigants a second opportunity to present their case without being bound by the initial proceeding's outcome.

All other courts in Volusia County, including Circuit Court, County Court (excluding small claims and traffic divisions), and the Fifth District Court of Appeal, function as courts of record with comprehensive documentation of proceedings through court reporters, digital recording systems, or both.

Lookup Court Records in Volusia County

Volusia County Court Records

Fifth District Court of Appeal Records

Volusia County Government Records Portal

Florida Clerks of County Courts Directory

U.S. District Court - Middle District of Florida