Volusia County Clerk of Court help residents, property owners, and legal professionals manage filings, forms, and public records with confidence. The office supports daily needs such as case updates, document requests, and official record searches. Many people rely on these services to handle court tasks, property history checks, and financial transactions. Each option offers clear steps that keep processes simple and steady.
Volusia County Clerk of Court cover a wide range of county functions, from marriage licenses to small claims filings. The office provides reliable information that helps people complete paperwork, review case details, and stay informed. With easy-to-follow tools and well-organized resources, users can handle important tasks without confusion. This page explains each service in plain language to help visitors move through their responsibilities with less stress.
What Does the Volusia County Clerk of Court Do?
The Volusia County Clerk of Court handles court support, the court registry, public records, and official Volusia County Records recording for the county. The office keeps court cases moving, protects legal documents, and manages fees, fines, and property filings for residents and businesses.
The Clerk serves as the backbone of county courts. Staff members prepare dockets, process civil court filings, organize criminal filings, and maintain the full record of each case. The office manages the court registry, which holds funds tied to lawsuits, child support, and other legal matters. Clear records management helps judges, attorneys, and the public track important case activity.
Core Responsibilities
The office covers a wide range of day-to-day tasks, including:
- Criminal filings for misdemeanor and felony courts
- Probate records for estates, guardianship cases, and wills submitted for deposit
- Traffic citations, fine payments, driver record updates, and court dates
- Official records including deeds, liens, affidavits, marriage licenses, and releases
- Family law filings such as divorce cases, custody matters, and name changes
- Child support payments processed through the court registry
- Public records requests for case files, certified documents, and archived material
Each division plays a specific role in keeping legal processes stable and easy to track. These clerk divisions work together so residents can find case updates, submit documents, or review public records without confusion.
Dual Functions That Shape Daily Operations
The office operates with two major missions:
- Court support. Staff prepare, file, and maintain the official record of every court case.
- County recorder and public records office. Staff manage property filings, maintain the official records archive, and provide searchable public documents.
Current Clerk of Court — Leadership & Contact
The current Clerk of the Court for Volusia County Circuit Court is Laura E. Roth.
Who she is and what she does
Laura E. Roth serves as the elected constitutional Clerk of Court. Her office records and maintains the county’s official land and court records; supports both county and circuit courts; and offers public services such as marriage licensing, record requests, traffic-citation handling, child-support processing, and more.
Roth began as in-house legal counsel for the Clerk’s Office in 2004, became Chief Deputy Clerk in 2011, and was first elected Clerk in 2016.
Her office emphasizes efficient record-keeping, public access, and services such as a free “property-fraud alert” system.
Contact Information & Office Locations
- Main Office Phone: (386) 736-5915
- Fax: (386) 822-5711
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721-6043
- Primary Courthouse Address: 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724
For divisions such as Recording, Traffic, Criminal, Family Law, and Probate, the Clerk’s website lists direct phone lines and room numbers at the courthouse and other judicial centers.
Official Online Directory & Website
The official Clerk website is clerk.org. On it, users can find staff directory, department contact info, public notices, and online record-search tools.
Relevant Notes
- The Clerk is the custodian of all Official Records and court files for Volusia County.
- The office provides a “Property Fraud Alert” sign-up for residents concerned about unauthorized real-estate filings.
- The current term for Clerk runs through the next election cycle listed (next election 2028).
Clerk Services — Do with the Clerk’s Office
The Clerk’s Office provides a wide range of public services that help residents manage legal records, property filings, payments, and civil documents. This section explains what the office handles and how people can use those services with confidence.
Official Records & Land / Property Recording Services
The Clerk records deeds, mortgages, and other land documents so property ownership stays clear and protected. These records stretch back to the late 1800s for many counties, giving the public a long-running history of property activity.
Residents can record many property-related documents, including:
- Deeds
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Land records
- Liens
- Tax-deed sales documents
- Property transfers
To submit a recording, a filer brings or mails the original document with required signatures, legal descriptions, and any county-specific forms. Fees depend on page count and document type. The Clerk can provide certified copies for legal use. Many counties now promote a property fraud alert service, which sends alerts if a new document is filed under a person’s name.
Public viewing stations inside the Clerk’s Office let visitors search older archives, and online tools give digital viewing for newer entries. These long-term record collections support title checks, real-estate research, and historic property searches.
Court Case Filings & Court Record Maintenance
The Clerk keeps official case files for civil, criminal, family, probate and guardianship, traffic, and small-claims matters. This recordkeeping helps courts track hearings, filings, and final rulings.
People can file case papers in person, by mail, or through e-filing systems if the county supports them. Filing packets must include required forms, signatures, and filing fees. The Clerk timestamps submissions, updates the case docket, and stores the documents for future review.
Common filings include:
- New case packets
- Motions and responses
- Probate inventories
- Traffic-related forms
- Family-court petitions
The office also posts fee schedules, form links, and instructions so residents can prepare filings with fewer mistakes.
Public Records Viewing & Document Retrieval
Residents can view or request copies of many public documents, such as court files, recorded deeds, mortgages, and marriage records. The Clerk offers an online search portal through the county site, plus public terminals inside the office for in-person research.
Copy costs depend on page count. Certified copies are available for matters like real-estate closings, passport applications, and court use. Some records may appear redacted for privacy rules, and certain case types remain sealed by law. Requests can be made online, in person, or by mail with simple forms and payment.
Marriage Licenses, Passport Processing & Civil-Registry Services
The Clerk issues marriage licenses, performs civil marriage ceremonies, and helps with passport applications if the county participates in the federal passport program. Couples must bring photo ID, basic personal information, and payment. Some counties also require a short waiting period.
Other civil-registry functions may include:
- Domestic-violence injunction support
- Child-support payment handling
- Court-ordered sales
- Tax-deed sales
- Traffic-related services under FL Traffic Laws
These services give residents one central place for many life-event records and government filings.
Fines, Fees, Payments & Court Registry Services
The Clerk collects court fines, filing fees, bonds, appeal bonds, child-support payments, and charges for certified documents. Payment options vary by location and usually include an online portal, in-office counters, and mail-in payments.
Visitors can bring cash, cards, money orders, or checks depending on the type of fee. The Clerk posts fee schedules so residents know what to expect before submitting paperwork or paying a citation.
Additional Support Services & Public Programs
Many offices offer how to request public documents. Customer-service teams assist with research questions, record requests, and form guidance.
How to Use Clerk Services
The Clerk’s Office helps residents handle court filings, property documents, payments, and public records. The steps below explain how to complete the most common tasks with clear instructions and simple checklists.
Filing a Court Case or Court Document
Residents can file civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, or small-claims papers through in-person counters, mail, or an e-filing portal if the county supports one.
Gather the right paperwork
Bring:
- Completed forms with signatures
- Supporting records or exhibits
- A photo ID for in-person visits
- Filing fees or a fee-waiver form (if allowed)
Choose a filing method
- In person: Hand documents to the intake clerk for stamping and docket entry.
- Mail: Send originals to the Clerk’s Office with payment and a return envelope.
- E-filing: Upload PDFs through the portal, then pay filing fees online. The system provides a timestamp once submitted.
Pay the fees
Fees depend on case type. The office lists the amounts on its main site and at customer counters.
Wait for processing
Most filings appear in the case docket within one to three business days. Some complex cases may take longer if staff must review forms for completeness.
Recording a Deed or Real-Estate Document
The Clerk records deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, easements, and other land documents to keep property history current.
Prepare the document
- Provide a complete legal description of the property.
- Obtain all required signatures.
- Have the document notarized.
- Include any county forms tied to transfer taxes or documentary stamp rules.
Bring originals or mail them
Recordings must be original paper documents with room for the Clerk’s stamp at the top of the first page.
Pay recording fees
Fees depend on page count and document type. The Clerk posts a fee chart for quick reference.
Request certified copies
After the document is recorded, residents may request a certified copy for title work or loan use.
Sign up for property-fraud alerts
Many counties offer a free alert system that warns property owners whenever a new filing appears under their name.
Requesting a Certified Copy of a Record
Residents may order certified copies of deeds, court files, marriage certificates, and other public documents.
Choose how to request copies
- Online request form: Submit a search request and pay electronically.
- In person: Visit the records counter and provide names, dates, or a document number.
- Mail: Send a written request with payment included.
Pay copy fees
Standard copy fees apply per page. Certified copies have an added charge.
Delivery options
Copies can be picked up at the office, mailed, or downloaded if the system allows digital certification.
Processing time
Most orders finish the same day for walk-ins. Online and mail requests usually take two to five business days.
Paying Fines, Fees, or Bonds
The Clerk posts and collects court-related payments, traffic fines, bonds, and filing costs.
Pick a payment method
- Online portal: Pay court costs, traffic fines, and other fees with a card.
- In person: Pay at the counter with cash, card, money order, or check (varies by county).
- Mail: Send a money order or check with your name and case number.
Payment plans
If a resident cannot pay a fine in full, the Clerk may offer a payment plan for eligible cases. Staff can explain options and setup steps.
Bond payments
For appearance bonds, bring the correct amount and ID. The Clerk issues refunds once the case rules permit release.
Searching Public Records or Court Files
The Clerk provides a digital search tool and in-office stations for document lookup.
Use the online search portal
Search by:
- Name
- Case number
- Document number
- Recording date
- Court division
Visit public terminals
Residents can look up older records or files not shown online at office search stations.
Know the limits
Sealed and protected cases do not appear in the public system. Some pages may show redactions for privacy laws. Certified copies must be ordered through the Clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many residents have similar questions about Volusia County Clerk of Court, how to request them, and what information these files contain. The points below expand on common topics tied to Florida records law and local public access rules.
How can someone record a deed or mortgage in Volusia County?
A deed, mortgage, or real-estate document can be recorded by bringing the original paper copy to the Clerk’s recording counter or mailing it with payment. Each document must include signatures, a legal description, and a notarized acknowledgment. Fees depend on page count and any required documentary stamps. Once recorded, the document appears in the official records system, and a certified copy can be requested for closing packets or title work.
Can someone request certified copies of court or land records online?
Yes. A resident may submit a certified copy request through the online form or order in person at the records counter. Search tools on the county site help users find deeds, court files, and other records before placing the order. Certified copies include a raised seal or digital certification, depending on the format. Online orders take a short processing window, while walk-ins usually leave with copies the same day.
What payment methods does the Clerk accept for court fees and fines?
The Clerk accepts payments through the online portal, in person, or by mail. Visitors can use cash, cards, money orders, or checks, depending on the type of fee. Some services include a small service charge for card payments. Residents who face hardship may qualify for a payment plan for certain cases, and staff at the counter can explain how to set that up.
How long does it take to receive a certified copy of a record?
Walk-in requests are often completed on the same day. Online or mail-in orders usually finish in two to five business days, then ship by regular mail. Large requests or older archives may need extra time. The Clerk updates request notes inside the order system so residents can see the turnaround time as it moves through the queue.
Are all records open to the public? What happens if a case is sealed?
Most documents appear through official records access tools or a public access terminal in the office. Some cases remain protected by law, such as sealed matters, adoption files, certain juvenile records, or files with sensitive information. Those items do not appear in online searches. Redacted pages may also appear if a document includes data protected by state rules.
Where does someone go to file a civil or criminal case?
Civil, family, probate, and small-claims filings go to the Clerk’s civil division counter or the county e-filing portal. Criminal filings usually go to the criminal division counter. Each division posts its document filing location at office entrances and on the county site. Case packets must include complete forms and payment, or the Clerk will hold the submission until corrected.
Does the Clerk handle passports, marriage licenses, or ceremonies?
Yes, many Clerk offices issue marriage licenses, perform ceremonies, and accept passport applications. Couples should bring photo ID and required personal details. Passport applicants must submit federal forms, proof of citizenship, and payment. These services help residents manage life-event paperwork in one place without extra trips to other agencies.
How can someone check the status of a filed document or court case?
Status updates appear in the online case system soon after clerk staff review the filing. Users can search by name or case number to view docket entries, timestamps, and new filings. If a record is older or missing from the online list, a public access terminal in the office can show the full file. Court registry services staff can help residents confirm processing steps if something looks delayed.