Volusia County civil court records cover every civil lawsuit filed in the county since the court system went digital. These records show who sued whom, what the case is about, and how the judge ruled.
Anyone can look up these records online for free through the Volusia County Clerk of Court website. You can also visit the clerk’s office in person to view paper files or get certified copies.
Volusia County Clerk of Court Office
The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all civil court records for Volusia County. This office stores new filings, updates case dockets, and gives copies to the public. The clerk’s office works under Florida state law and follows strict rules on who can see which records.
Clerk Name and Office Details
Laura E. Roth serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Volusia County. Her office handles civil, family, probate, criminal, and traffic cases. The main office sits in downtown DeLand, which is the county seat. Staff members answer phones and help walk-in visitors during normal business hours.
| Office Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Laura E. Roth |
| Street Address | 101 N Alabama Ave, DeLand, FL 32724 |
| Main Phone | (386) 822-5710 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | volusiaclerk.com |
| County Seat | DeLand, Florida |
| Judicial Circuit | 7th Judicial Circuit |
| County Population | Approximately 550,000 |
What the Clerk’s Office Does
The clerk’s office accepts new civil lawsuits, collects filing fees, and assigns case numbers. Staff also record every motion, order, and judgment in each case file. When a party wants to look up a record, the clerk pulls the file or pulls up the digital docket. The clerk cannot give legal advice but can show you how to fill out forms and where to file your papers.
How to Search Volusia County Civil Court Records
You have three main ways to search Volusia County civil court records. You can use the clerk’s online portal, the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, or visit the clerk’s office in DeLand. Each method works for different needs, and all three give you the same case details.
Online Search Through Clerk Website
The Volusia County Clerk website at volusiaclerk.com offers a free case search tool. This tool pulls data from the official court records database. Type a last name or case number to start your search. Results show the case type, filing date, party names, judge assigned, and current status.
The search tool covers civil, family, probate, criminal, and traffic cases. You can narrow results by case type, date range, or party name. Each result links to a full docket sheet that lists every filing in the case. The docket shows motions, orders, hearings, and final judgments.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com connects to all 67 county clerks. This statewide tool lets you search civil cases across Florida from one screen. Enter a name or case number to find Volusia County filings. The portal also lets you file new civil cases online with a registered account.
Registration on the E-Filing Portal is free. Once you create an account, you can file motions, pay fees, and serve papers to other parties. Standard filing fees still apply when you submit a new case. Most civil cases in Volusia County can be filed through this portal 24 hours a day.
Searching by Party Name
To search by name, type the last name first in the search box. Add the first name to narrow results. Common names may pull up many records, so use the date range filter to find the right case. The search works best when you know the full legal name of a party.
Business names also work in the search tool. Type the full business name as it appears on the court filing. If you do not know the exact spelling, try partial name searches with just the first few letters. The system will show all matches that start with those letters.
Searching by Case Number
Every civil case in Volusia County has a unique case number. The format includes the year, court type, and sequence number. For example, a 2024 circuit civil case might look like 2024-CA-001234. Type this full number in the case number search box to pull up the exact record.
Case numbers appear on every court order, motion, and notice in the file. If you have any paper from the court, the case number is printed at the top. You can use this number to skip name searches and go straight to the docket sheet.
In-Person Records Access
Visit the clerk’s office at 101 N Alabama Ave in DeLand to view paper files in person. Public terminals at the front counter let you search the same online system for free. Staff can pull older paper files that have not been digitized yet. Bring a photo ID when you visit.
Self-service copy machines are on site for plain copies. Certified copies require staff help and cost more per page. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and most credit cards. Plan your visit during morning hours for shorter wait times at the counter.
Civil Court Structure in Volusia County
Volusia County sits in the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also covers Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. Civil cases go to one of two court levels based on the dollar amount at stake and the type of claim.
Circuit Civil Court Cases
The Circuit Court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $30,000. Common Circuit Court cases include personal injury lawsuits, contract disputes over $30,000, real property actions, and complex business litigation. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go through Circuit Court in Volusia County.
Circuit Court judges hear cases that need more time and legal review. Appeals from County Court go to Circuit Court. Each Circuit Court judge handles hundreds of cases per year. Volusia County has several Circuit Court judges who rotate through civil, criminal, and family dockets.
County Civil Court Cases
County Court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute is $30,000 or less. This court also handles misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic infractions. Common County Court civil cases include small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and simple contract matters.
County Court cases move faster than Circuit Court cases. Most County Court civil cases resolve within 6 to 12 months. The court schedules hearings within a few weeks of filing. County Court judges handle a higher volume of cases each year compared to Circuit Court judges.
Small Claims Court
Small claims cases involve disputes up to $8,000. These cases skip most formal rules of evidence and procedure. People often represent themselves in small claims court because the rules are simpler. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, property damage, and security deposit disputes.
Volusia County holds small claims hearings at the DeLand courthouse. Hearings usually last 15 to 30 minutes. The judge makes a decision the same day in most cases. Either party can appeal a small claims ruling to Circuit Court.
Eviction Cases
Eviction cases fall under County Court in Volusia County. Landlords file eviction lawsuits when tenants fail to pay rent or violate lease terms. The Florida Eviction process moves quickly, with hearings often scheduled within a few days of filing.
The clerk’s office processes eviction filings and serves notices to tenants. Tenants have the right to respond and appear at the hearing. If the judge rules for the landlord, the clerk issues a writ of possession. This order allows the sheriff to remove the tenant from the property.
Types of Civil Cases Filed in Volusia County
Volusia County residents file thousands of civil cases each year. The most common types involve money, property, and personal disputes. Each case type follows different rules and timelines under Florida law.
Contract Disputes
Contract disputes make up a large share of civil filings in Volusia County. These cases involve breach of contract claims where one party fails to honor an agreement. Common contract cases include unpaid invoices, failed business deals, and broken service agreements.
Contract cases can go to Circuit Court or County Court based on the dollar amount. Cases over $30,000 go to Circuit Court. Cases under $30,000 go to County Court. The plaintiff must prove the contract existed, the defendant broke it, and the plaintiff suffered damages.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Personal injury cases involve harm caused by another party’s negligence. Common personal injury claims in Volusia County include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and medical malpractice. Most personal injury cases go to Circuit Court because damages often exceed $30,000.
Personal injury cases usually take one to three years to resolve. The court allows time for discovery, depositions, and settlement talks. Most personal injury cases settle before trial. The clerk’s office records every settlement agreement as part of the court file.
Real Property Disputes
Real property disputes involve conflicts over land, homes, and buildings. Common cases include boundary line disputes, title issues, foreclosure actions, and construction defects. These cases always go to Circuit Court regardless of the dollar amount.
Volusia County has a busy real estate market, which leads to frequent property disputes. Foreclosure cases increased during housing market downturns. The clerk records every lis pendens, judgment, and sale related to real property cases.
Debt Collection Cases
Debt collection cases involve creditors suing to recover unpaid debts. Common debt cases include credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loan defaults. Most debt collection cases go to County Court because the amounts typically fall under $30,000.
Debt buyers often file thousands of these cases in Volusia County. The court allows default judgments when the defendant fails to respond. The clerk records every judgment, which can affect the defendant’s credit and ability to buy property.
Fees and Costs for Court Records
Looking up Volusia County civil court records online is free. Copies and certified documents cost money. Fees follow the rates set by Florida statute and the clerk’s office fee schedule.
Standard Copy Fees
Plain copies of court records cost $1.00 per page in Volusia County. This rate matches the standard fee set by Florida law for county clerks. Self-service copiers at the clerk’s office charge the same rate per page.
You can get plain copies for most personal needs. Insurance companies, employers, and landlords often accept plain copies. Certified copies cost more but carry an official court seal. Plain copies do not have the court seal.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies of court records cost more than plain copies. The clerk charges a certification fee plus the per-page copy fee. Certified copies prove the document is a true copy of the official court record.
You need certified copies for most legal proceedings, immigration cases, and real estate closings. The clerk’s office can produce certified copies while you wait in most cases. Bring your ID when you request certified documents.
Online Access Costs
The clerk’s online search tool is free for basic lookups. You can view case information, party names, and docket entries at no charge. Some advanced searches and bulk data exports may have small fees.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal charges filing fees when you submit new cases or motions. Filing fees vary by case type. Payment goes through the portal by credit card or electronic check. Registered users get an account to track all filings and payments.
Confidential Information and Redaction
Florida law protects certain personal data in civil court records. The clerk’s office removes or limits access to this data to prevent identity theft and fraud. Anyone can request redaction of confidential numbers that appear in public files.
Protected Personal Data
Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers stay confidential in Volusia County civil court records. Driver’s license numbers and taxpayer ID numbers also stay private. This rule applies to all civil case types under Section 119.0714 of the Florida Statutes.
Minor’s identifying information stays confidential in civil cases involving children. The clerk limits access to records that identify victims of certain crimes. Sealed records remain off limits to the public without a court order.
Redaction Request Process
You can ask the clerk to redact confidential numbers from existing civil court records in Volusia County. File the “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form with the clerk’s office. The form lists the case name, case number, document title, and page where the protected data appears.
The clerk reviews the request and removes the protected data from the public version of the record. There is no fee for redaction in Volusia County. The clerk processes redaction requests within a few business days.
Notice of Confidential Information Form
Attorneys and self-represented parties must file a Notice of Confidential Information form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags any protected data in court filings. The clerk uses this form to keep confidential data out of public records.
Failure to file the Notice form can result in sanctions from the court. The form helps the clerk identify which parts of each filing contain protected data. The clerk then limits public access to those specific parts.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases
People handling civil cases on their own can find free help through Florida Courts. The clerk’s office cannot give legal advice but can point you to the right forms and resources. Self-help tools make it easier to file and manage civil cases without an attorney.
Florida Courts Self-Help Forms
The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov offers free form packets for common civil case types. These forms include step-by-step instructions for filling out and filing each paper. Self-represented litigants use these forms to handle small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil cases.
Form packets cover the most common case types in Volusia County. Each packet includes the petition, summons, and other required papers. The forms meet Florida court requirements and are accepted by the Volusia County clerk’s office.
DIY Florida Tool
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. This tool asks you questions about your case and fills out court forms based on your answers. More than 20 form sets cover small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types.
You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Volusia County clerk. Standard filing fees apply when you submit papers. DIY Florida works for people who want to handle their own civil cases without paying an attorney.
E-Filing Portal Help Desk
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal help desk is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Call (850) 577-4609 for help with electronic filing of civil cases in Volusia County. The help desk can answer questions about registration, filing, and payment.
Training videos on the portal website show the steps to follow for common filings. The videos cover registration, document upload, payment, and case tracking. New users should watch the training videos before filing their first case.
Florida Public Records Laws
Florida has strong public records laws that apply to court records. These laws give citizens the right to see most government records, including civil court files. The clerk’s office follows these laws when responding to records requests.
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for public inspection. This law covers civil court records in Volusia County. Anyone can ask to view or copy a public court record without showing a reason.
You do not need to be a party in a case to see the file. Members of the public, journalists, and businesses can all request access. The clerk must respond to records requests within a reasonable time under Florida law.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Some civil court records stay sealed by court order. A judge can seal records to protect privacy, trade secrets, or public safety. Sealed records are off limits to the public without a specific court order allowing access.
Records that contain confidential data under Section 119.0714 stay partially sealed. The clerk redacts social security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar data. Other parts of the record stay open to the public.
Inspection and Copying Rights
You have the right to inspect civil court records during normal business hours. The clerk’s office must let you view public records at no charge. You can copy records using the clerk’s copy machines or your own camera phone.
Copy fees apply when you want paper copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The clerk’s office must provide copies within a reasonable time after you pay the fees.
Cities and Communities in Volusia County
Volusia County includes many cities and towns along Florida’s east coast. All civil court cases for these places go through the Volusia County Clerk of Court. DeLand is the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records.
Major Cities Covered
Daytona Beach is the largest city in Volusia County. Deltona is the second largest city. Both cities send a high volume of civil cases to the Volusia County clerk’s office. Other major cities include Ormond Beach, Port Orange, and New Smyrna Beach.
These cities generate most of the civil court filings in the county. Contract disputes, personal injury cases, and landlord-tenant matters are common in each city. The clerk’s office processes filings from all these cities at the DeLand location.
All Municipalities Served
Other communities in Volusia County include DeBary, Edgewater, Holly Hill, Orange City, Ponce Inlet, and South Daytona. All of these places use the Volusia County clerk’s office for civil court records. Lake Helen, Pierson, and Oak Hill also fall under the county’s jurisdiction.
Residents of unincorporated areas of Volusia County also file cases through the clerk’s office. The clerk’s office handles filings from every part of the county, regardless of city limits.
Nearby Counties in 7th Judicial Circuit
Volusia County shares the 7th Judicial Circuit with three other counties. Each county has its own clerk of court that maintains separate records. If you are not sure which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place.
Flagler County Records
Flagler County sits north of Volusia County along the Atlantic coast. The Flagler County Clerk of Court keeps civil records for that county. Flagler County cases go through the Bunnell courthouse. You must file in the right county for the court to have jurisdiction over your case.
Putnam County Records
Putnam County sits west of Volusia County. The Putnam County Clerk of Court maintains civil records for that county. Putnam County cases go through the Palatka courthouse. Putnam County handles a smaller volume of civil cases compared to Volusia County.
St. Johns County Records
St. Johns County sits northwest of Volusia County. The St. Johns County Clerk of Court keeps civil records for that county. St. Johns County cases go through the St. Augustine courthouse. St. Johns County has seen rapid population growth, which has increased civil filings.
Contact Information and Office Location
Volusia County Clerk of Court office is located at 101 N Alabama Ave, DeLand, FL 32724. The main phone number is (386) 822-5710. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The official website is volusiaclerk.com. The E-Filing Portal is at myflcourtaccess.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Volusia County civil court records. These questions cover search methods, fees, confidentiality, and access rules. The answers reflect current Florida law and clerk office procedures as of 2026.
How Do I Search Volusia County Civil Court Records for Free?
You can search Volusia County civil court records for free using the clerk’s online search tool at volusiaclerk.com. Type a party name or case number to start your search. The tool shows case type, filing date, parties, judge, and current status at no charge. You can also use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com to search records statewide without paying fees. Both tools pull data from the official court records database.
What Types of Civil Cases Are in Volusia County Records?
Volusia County civil court records include contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, real property cases, debt collection actions, eviction filings, and small claims matters. The records also cover civil appeals, mortgage foreclosures, and business litigation. Each case type has its own docket entries, motions, and orders. You can find all these cases through the clerk’s online search tool.
Can I View Sealed Civil Court Records in Volusia County?
Sealed civil court records stay off limits to the public without a court order. A judge must issue an order allowing you to view sealed records. You can ask the court to unseal records by filing a motion. The judge reviews each motion and decides based on the reasons given. Most sealed records remain sealed unless the court finds strong reasons to grant access.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep Civil Court Records in Volusia County?
The Volusia County Clerk keeps civil court records permanently in most cases. Older paper records get digitized over time. The clerk follows Florida retention schedules for different case types. Some case types get destroyed after a set number of years, while others stay on file indefinitely. You can check with the clerk’s office about specific records.
What Fees Apply to Certified Copies of Volusia County Civil Records?
Certified copies of Volusia County civil court records cost a certification fee plus the per-page copy fee. The standard rate is $1.00 per page for plain copies and an additional certification fee for the official seal. Contact the clerk’s office at (386) 822-5710 for the current certified copy fee. Payment options include cash, check, and credit card.
Can I Access Volusia County Civil Records From Another State?
You can access Volusia County civil court records from anywhere with an internet connection. The clerk’s online search tool and the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal work from any computer or mobile device. You can also request copies by mail by sending a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the case number, document type, and your contact information with your mail request.
What Happens if Confidential Data Appears in My Civil Court Record?
You can ask the clerk to redact confidential data from your civil court record in Volusia County. File the “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form with the clerk’s office. The form lists the case name, case number, document title, and page where the protected data appears. The clerk removes the data at no charge and updates the public record.