Volusia County Property Records
What Is Volusia County Property Records
Property records in Volusia County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Volusia County, Florida.
The primary purposes of maintaining property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 695.01, all conveyances, transfers, and mortgages of real property must be recorded in the official records of the county where the property is located to be valid against subsequent purchasers. This statutory requirement ensures transparency in property ownership and protects the interests of all parties involved in real estate transactions.
The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of property records for the county. The Recording Department within the Clerk's office is responsible for recording, indexing, and maintaining these vital documents.
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue
DeLand, FL 32724
386-736-5907
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
Are Property Records Public Information In Volusia County?
Property records in Volusia County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens under Florida law. The public nature of these records is established by both state statutes and constitutional provisions that guarantee transparency in government operations and property ownership.
The Florida Public Records Act, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for public inspection. This explicitly includes property records maintained by county officials. Additionally, Florida Statutes § 28.222 specifically mandates that the clerk of the circuit court shall record all instruments required or authorized by law to be recorded in the county where the clerk is the recorder.
The public accessibility of property records serves several important functions:
- Ensures transparency in land ownership and transfers
- Protects property rights by providing notice of claims and interests
- Facilitates real estate transactions by making ownership history available
- Supports property tax assessment and collection
- Enables research by historians, genealogists, and other interested parties
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in Florida.
How To Search Property Records in Volusia County in 2026
Volusia County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to locate and access property information:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Volusia County Property Appraiser's website
- Select the "Property Search" option from the main navigation menu
- Enter search criteria such as owner name, property address, or parcel identification number
- Review the search results and select the property of interest
- Access detailed property information including ownership history, assessed value, and physical characteristics
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court's Recording Department during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Provide specific search criteria to the records clerk
- Review records on available public terminals or request printed copies (fees may apply)
Mail or Email Request Method:
- Prepare a written request including specific search criteria and contact information
- Mail the request to the Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court, Recording Department
- Include payment for any applicable search or copy fees
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing and response
For official recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the Volusia County Clerk's Official Records Search provides comprehensive access. Users may search by name, document type, recording date, or book and page number.
For property tax information and payment records, the Volusia County Tax Collector maintains a separate database that can be searched by property address or parcel number.
How To Find Property Records in Volusia County Online?
Volusia County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official government websites. The digital availability of these records allows for convenient research without visiting county offices in person.
To find property records online, follow these specific steps:
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For property ownership, assessment, and tax information:
- Navigate to the Volusia County Property Appraiser's website
- Click on "Property Search" in the main menu
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID
- View detailed property information including ownership history, land value, building characteristics, and tax assessment
-
For recorded documents (deeds, mortgages, liens, etc.):
- Visit the Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court website
- Select "Official Records Search" from the services menu
- Search by name, document type, recording date, or book and page number
- View and download document images (some may require payment for certified copies)
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For property tax payment information:
- Access the Volusia County Tax Collector's website
- Select "Property Tax Search" from the available options
- Enter the property address or parcel number
- View current and historical tax payment status, amounts due, and payment options
The online systems are updated regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of information. Most records from 1990 to present are available in digital format, while older records may have limited online availability. For historical records predating digital conversion, users may need to contact the appropriate county office directly.
How To Look Up Volusia County Property Records for Free?
Volusia County provides several free options for accessing property records. These no-cost resources allow residents and interested parties to conduct basic property research without incurring fees.
The following free search methods are currently available:
-
Volusia County Property Appraiser's Online Database
- Visit the Property Appraiser's website
- Use the free property search function
- Access information on ownership, property characteristics, assessed value, and tax exemptions
- View property maps and aerial photographs
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
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Volusia County Clerk's Public Access System
- Access the Clerk's Official Records Search
- Conduct free searches of recorded documents
- View index information for all public records
- Basic document viewing is available at no charge
- Note that certified copies or extensive downloads may incur fees
-
Public Access Terminals at County Facilities
- Visit any Volusia County public library during regular hours
- Use designated public access computers to search county records
- Access the same online databases available remotely
- Receive assistance from library staff if needed
- No fees for on-site research
-
Volusia County Tax Collector's Property Tax Search
- Navigate to the Tax Collector's website
- Use the free property tax search function
- View current and past tax bills, payment status, and tax sale information
- Access is provided without charge for informational purposes
While basic searches are free, certain specialized services may incur fees, including:
- Certified copies of documents ($2.00 per page plus $1.00 for certification)
- Extensive document printing ($.15 per page after first 10 pages)
- Research assistance requiring staff time (varies by complexity)
- Subscription services for high-volume professional users
What's Included in a Volusia County Property Record?
Volusia County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and collectively provide a complete profile of each property.
The typical Volusia County property record includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration paid
- Type of ownership (individual, joint tenants, corporation, etc.)
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description
- Property address
- Subdivision name (if applicable)
- Lot and block numbers
- Section, township, and range coordinates
Physical Characteristics:
- Land area (acreage or square footage)
- Building size and dimensions
- Year of construction
- Building materials and quality
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Special features (pool, fireplace, garage, etc.)
- Improvements and additions with dates
Valuation and Tax Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Market value
- Taxable value
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, etc.)
- Annual tax amounts
- Tax payment history
Land Use and Zoning:
- Current zoning classification
- Land use designation
- Development restrictions
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Flood zone designation
Encumbrances and Legal Instruments:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and covenants
- Restrictions and encroachments
- Foreclosure notices
- Lis pendens filings
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 193.114, the property appraiser must prepare and deliver a real property assessment roll that includes specific information for each parcel. This statutory requirement ensures consistency in property records across all Florida counties.
How Long Does Volusia County Keep Property Records?
Volusia County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Florida law. The duration of record retention varies based on document type and historical significance.
The following retention periods apply to common property records:
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Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- All instruments transferring title to real property are preserved indefinitely
- Original documents are maintained in secure storage
- Digital copies are backed up in multiple locations
-
Mortgages and Satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Loan documents and their subsequent satisfactions are preserved indefinitely
- These records remain accessible even after the loan is satisfied
-
Tax Records:
- Current tax rolls: Permanent retention
- Tax payment records: 5 years after payment
- Tax certificates: 3 years after redemption or expiration
- Tax deeds: Permanent retention
-
Building Permits and Plans:
- Residential permits: 10 years after issuance
- Commercial permits: 10 years after issuance
- As-built plans for government buildings: Life of structure
- Historical structure documentation: Permanent retention
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Property Appraiser Records:
- Property record cards: Permanent retention
- Assessment rolls: Permanent retention
- Exemption applications: 7 years after expiration
These retention periods are mandated by the Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS1-SL and GS11, which govern records management for all Florida counties. Additionally, Florida Statutes § 119.021 establishes requirements for the maintenance and preservation of public records.
Volusia County employs both physical and digital preservation methods to ensure the longevity of property records. Historical records dating back to the county's formation in 1854 are maintained in climate-controlled facilities and are gradually being digitized for improved access and preservation.
How To Find Liens on Property In Volusia County?
Locating liens on property in Volusia County requires searching specific public records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred clear of encumbrances.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search, follow these procedures:
-
Search Official Records at the Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Volusia County Clerk's Official Records Search
- Enter the property owner's name or property address
- Filter results by document types including:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Homeowner association liens
- Federal tax liens
- Child support liens
- Review all matching records for active liens
-
Check Tax Collector Records:
- Access the Volusia County Tax Collector's website
- Search by property address or parcel number
- Review for unpaid property taxes or tax certificates sold
- Verify if the property has been placed on a tax deed sale list
-
Verify Municipal Liens:
- Contact the specific city where the property is located
- Request a municipal lien search for:
- Unpaid utility bills
- Code enforcement violations
- Special assessments
- Local improvement districts
-
Check Court Records for Judgments:
- Search Volusia County Court Records
- Look for civil judgments against the property owner
- Verify if judgment liens have been recorded against the property
-
Request a Professional Lien Search:
- For comprehensive results, consider hiring a title company
- Professional searches include all standard liens plus:
- Unrecorded municipal liens
- Pending legal actions
- Probate matters affecting title
- Federal and state tax warrants
The City Clerk's Office in Daytona Beach and other municipalities within Volusia County can provide information about city-specific liens and encumbrances for properties within their jurisdictions.
For properties involved in construction, Florida Statutes § 713.13 requires notices of commencement to be recorded, which may indicate potential mechanic's liens.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Volusia County?
The Property Owner Rule in Volusia County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions. These rules are derived from Florida state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Rights and Limitations:
- Property owners possess the right to use, enjoy, and dispose of their property within legal boundaries
- Ownership extends from the surface to reasonable heights above and reasonable depths below
- Rights are subject to lawful restrictions including zoning, easements, and covenants
- Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 704.01, properties without access to public roads may claim statutory easements of necessity
Homestead Protections:
- Florida Constitution Article X, Section 4 provides special protections for homestead property
- Primary residences receive exemption from forced sale by creditors (with exceptions for taxes, mortgages, and mechanics liens)
- Property tax benefits include assessment limitations and exemptions
- Restrictions apply to alienation and devise of homestead property
Recording Requirements:
- All instruments affecting title must be recorded to provide constructive notice
- Unrecorded instruments are valid between parties but may be ineffective against subsequent purchasers
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements established by Florida Statutes § 695.26
- Recording establishes priority of interests based on date and time of filing
Property Tax Obligations:
- Owners must pay annual property taxes based on assessed value
- Tax bills are issued by November 1 and become delinquent if unpaid by April 1
- Failure to pay results in tax certificates being sold, potentially leading to tax deed sales
- Certain exemptions are available for primary residences, seniors, veterans, and disabled persons
Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must disclose known material defects that affect property value
- Disclosure requirements are established by case law and Florida Statutes § 689.261
- Failure to disclose may constitute fraud and result in legal liability
- Special disclosure requirements exist for properties in coastal areas, flood zones, and conservation districts
The Volusia County Property Appraiser plays a crucial role in implementing these rules through property assessment, exemption administration, and maintaining accurate ownership records. Property owners seeking clarification on specific rules should consult with the appropriate county office or legal counsel.
Lookup Property Records in Volusia County
Volusia County Property Appraiser's Office