Volusia County Court Records
Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration defines court records as the contents of the court file. This includes dockets, transcripts, exhibits, and electronic records like videotapes or stenographic tapes. Under Florida law, the official custodian of court records for Volusia County is the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Clerk assumes the responsibility of physically preserving and controlling these records.
The court records in Volusia County serve multiple purposes. They provide a comprehensive historical account of legal proceedings (spanning civil and criminal cases). These records assist judges, attorneys, and other legal practitioners in making well-informed decisions, presenting arguments, and upholding the principles of justice and due process. The proper maintenance and accessibility of court records in Volusia County are fundamental to preserving the integrity and transparency of the legal system. These records contribute to the judiciary's accountability and facilitate the fair administration of justice within the county.
Are Court Records Public in Volusia County?
Yes. Court records are generally considered public records in Volusia County per the Florida Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This means that many court records are accessible to the public. However, it's important to note that not all court records are automatically available to the public. Some court records, especially those involving sensitive or confidential information, may be restricted or sealed by court order. Examples of such records might include:
- Court documents created during judicial decision-making (excluding those filed as part of the court record)
- Confidential advisory opinions related to court administration
- Complaints against judges (until probable cause is established)
- Complaints against entities or individuals regulated by the courts
- Periodic evaluations for judges and related information
- Names and qualifications of unpaid court volunteers (other application details are confidential)
- Copies of arrest and search warrants until execution or law enforcement determination
- Records made confidential by law (including constitutional and statutory provisions)
- Records confidential by court rule, statutes, prior case law, or Judicial Qualifications Commission rules
What Do Volusia County Court Records Contain?
The court records within Volusia County serve as comprehensive archives that house a wealth of information pertinent to legal proceedings occurring within its jurisdiction. These records are instrumental in maintaining transparency and accountability within the legal system. The following is a breakdown of the types of information typically found within Volusia County's court records:
- Case information (case number, case style, division, status, case type, and category)
- Party information (name, type, status/date, date of birth, social security number, party contact detail, party attorney detail, attorney contact detail)
- Docket information (date, document, docket type, description)
- Court events (session type, date/time, trial date/time, court officer, location, status, comments.)
- Assessment (date, quantity, unit amount, final amount, credit balance)
- Additional detail **(**filing date, UCN, court location, processing location, disposition status)
Where to Conduct a Volusia County Case Lookup
Inquirers can seek court records from the following record custodians:
- Seventh Judicial Circuit
- Volusia County Court
- Supreme Court of Florida
How to Conduct a Volusia County Case Records Search
The Clerk of the Circuit Court is legally the custodian of all court records in Volusia County and is responsible for recording all instruments presented for recording. To access these records physically, individuals can use the public access terminals or request copies of records from the Volusia County Courthouse’s Recording Division staff.
Inquirers can request court records via phone or written records requests to the clerk's office. Phone requests should be made to (386) 736-5915, while written requests should be submitted at the address below:
Clerk of the Circuit Court, Volusia County
ATTN: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST NOTICE
101 N. Alabama Ave.
DeLand, FL 32724.
Alternatively, record seekers can use the online court record search tool on the Clerk of Courts Website. A case search can be initiated by inputting a name or case number in the appropriate search box. Some documents may require review by a clerk before being available for online perusal. A successful search would furnish the seeker with the right details as regards the desired case.
Volusia County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court records are official documents that contain information about disputes or conflicts between individuals, entities, or organizations. Civil cases within Volusia County are usually handled and managed by the Circuit Civil and the County Civil Divisions. The County Civil Division takes on cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000. The County Civil Division handled cases such as contract, auto negligence and indebtedness, and animal cruelty or neglect. Circuit Civil cases typically involve claims with a value exceeding $50,000. Examples of cases typically addressed in Circuit Civil include foreclosures, legal actions related to real property, medical and professional malpractice claims, auto negligence cases, contractual disputes, debt claims, eminent domain proceedings, and other legal matters.
In Volusia County, the Clerk of the Circuit Court plays a pivotal role in the management and accessibility of civil case records. To access civil case records, individuals can visit the Clerk's office in person during regular business hours, typically from 8:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Monday through Friday. Also, individuals seeking court records can make their requests via phone. This can be done by contacting the Clerk's office at (386) 248-8100. Individuals can use the Online Record Search tool provided on the Court Clerk's website to conduct an online record search. The search parameters are by case number or a party’s name.
Volusia County Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal court records are formal documents with details concerning individuals accused of criminal offenses.
Volusia County has several Criminal Court Departments dispersed across multiple Clerks’ Offices. The assignment of a particular court is generally based on the location where the alleged offense occurred. The Criminal Departments handle cases like felonies, traffic citations, and misdemeanors, which can be obtained by submitting a Criminal/Traffic - Copy/Record Search Request form by mail, in person, fax at (386) 740-5175, or email at dispositionrequests@clerk.org. The Clerk charges $2 per year, per name searched. Copies of criminal records cost $1 per page, and certified copies cost $2 per document.
Alternatively, the Case Management tool can be used to search criminal records online. The search parameters are by name or case/citation number. Select felony/misdemeanor only, felony, or misdemeanor to streamline the search. An online search can also be done via public terminals at any criminal department.
How to Get Court Records Online for Free
The Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order 2014-19 permits electronic access to court records. Record seekers can use the Volusia County Circuit Court Clerk’s Case Management System to get court records for free. Below is a detailed procedure for making use of this tool:
- Visit the website of the Circuit Court Clerk.
- Upon visiting the website, navigate to the top bar and click the "Search Records" option.
- A click on the "Search Record" button leads to an overview page where users can proceed by clicking on the "Case Inquiry" typically available on the right-hand side of the page.
- Clicking the "Case Inquiry" button leads to a "Disclaimer Page" that users must Accept to proceed with their search.
- After agreeing to the disclaimer, an inquiry page is now launched.
- Record seekers can conduct their desired care record search either by name or by case number.
Courts in Volusia County
Seventh Judicial Circuit Court (Main Courthouse)
101 N. Alabama Avenue,
DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: (386) 736-5915
Volusia County Courthouse Annex
125 E. Orange Avenue,
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: (386) 248-8100
Volusia County Courthouse - Daytona Beach
125 E. Orange Avenue,
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: (386) 248-8100
Volusia County Courthouse - DeLand
101 N. Alabama Avenue,
DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: (386) 736-5915
Volusia County Courthouse - New Smyrna Beach
125 E. Orange Avenue,
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: (386) 248-8100
Volusia County Courthouse - Ormond Beach
175 W. Granada Blvd.,
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Phone: (386) 248-8100
Volusia County Traffic Court
251 N. Ridgewood Avenue,
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: (386) 239-7754
Volusia County Small Claims Court
Volusia County Juvenile Court
800 N. Hill Avenue,
DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: (386) 736-5917
Volusia County Family Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue,
DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: (386) 736-5915
Volusia County Probate Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue,
DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: (386) 736-5915
Volusia County Drug Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue,
DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: (386) 736-5915
