Volusia County criminal history records hold arrest data, court case outcomes, and final court judgments from the Seventh Judicial Circuit in central Florida. The Clerk of Court in DeLand serves as the official record keeper for these public files.
People search these records for jobs, volunteer work, housing applications, legal research, and personal background checks. The records include arrests made by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, city police departments, and state law enforcement agencies that filed charges in the county. This resource explains how to search Volusia County criminal history records both online and in person, what fees apply, and how the statewide FDLE search works as a backup option for full-state background data.
What Volusia County Criminal History Records Cover
Criminal history records in Volusia County cover every person arrested and booked into the county jail or charged with a crime in the Seventh Judicial Circuit. These records list the original arrest date, the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, the formal charges filed by the State Attorney, court hearing dates, plea deals, trial outcomes, sentencing orders, and the final case disposition. Each record shows the full legal path of a case from arrest to closure. Records stay in the system for the life of the case and become archived after final judgment.
Types of Cases in the Records
The clerk’s office stores many case types under the criminal history umbrella. Felony charges, misdemeanor charges, county ordinance violations, DUI cases, domestic violence charges, and traffic-related criminal offenses all appear in these files. Juvenile criminal records stay in a separate sealed system and do not show up in standard public searches. Civil infractions and traffic tickets that did not result in criminal charges stay in a different division of the clerk’s records system. Bond hearings, arraignments, pretrial motions, and sentencing hearings each create separate entries in the case file.
Agencies That Create These Records
Many agencies feed data into Volusia County criminal history files. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests in unincorporated areas. The Daytona Beach Police Department, DeLand Police Department, New Smyrna Beach Police Department, Ormond Beach Police Department, Port Orange Police Department, Holly Hill Police Department, and other city police departments make arrests within city limits. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) supplies statewide arrest data. Court clerks enter case outcomes. The State Attorney files charging documents. Each step creates a paper or digital record that flows into the case file.
How Volusia County Stores and Maintains Records
The Clerk of Court acts as the main record holder for Volusia County criminal history files. This office keeps both paper files and digital records. Older cases from the 1980s and earlier often exist only on microfilm or physical paper stored in archive rooms. Newer cases from 2000 forward exist in digital databases with scanned documents attached to each case number. The clerk’s office stores records indefinitely unless a court orders them sealed or expunged.
The Role of the Clerk of Court
The Volusia County Clerk of Court operates under Florida’s public records laws and Florida Statute Chapter 943. The clerk’s office staff handle new filings, index cases by defendant name, scan paper documents into the digital system, issue certified copies of records, and respond to public records requests. Staff help visitors locate a specific case, explain file contents, and provide certified true copies for legal use. The clerk’s office cannot remove or delete criminal records; only a court order can seal or expunge a record. The clerk also collects court fines, handles traffic ticket payments, and issues marriage licenses alongside criminal records duties.
The Seventh Judicial Circuit
Volusia County sits within the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also includes Flagler County, Putnam County, and St. Johns County. The clerk’s office at 101 N Alabama Avenue in DeLand handles records from all four counties. A case filed in St. Johns County can still be searched through the same clerk’s website or office. This circuit-wide system makes it easier to search multiple counties in northeast Florida using one search portal. Each county keeps its own physical records, but the online search covers the whole circuit.
How to Search Volusia County Criminal History Records
Three main ways exist for searching Volusia County criminal history records: the online portal, in-person visits to the clerk’s office, and mail-in requests. Each way has different fees, processing times, and document types. Most people start with the online search because it is free for basic case lookup. Each search shows a different level of detail based on the request type.
Online Search Tools
The Volusia County Clerk of Court website at clerk.org offers a free online case search. Users can search by full name, case number, or citation number. The search shows basic case data including court date, charge type, and case status. Free searches show only a summary of the case. Printed copies of the search results cost a small fee per page. Certified true copies of full case files require a separate request and higher fee. The online portal updates each night with new filings from that day.
In-Person Visits to the Clerk’s Office
Visitors to the clerk’s office at 101 N Alabama Avenue in DeLand can request records in person during regular business hours. Staff at the public service counter pull case files, explain record contents, and issue certified copies on the spot. Bring a valid photo ID and as much case detail as possible, such as the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate arrest year. Walk-in requests cost the same as online requests for basic copies, but certified copies with the clerk’s stamp carry higher fees. Plan for short wait times during lunch hours and Mondays.
Mail-In Records Requests
Mail-in requests work well for people who cannot visit DeLand in person. Send a written request to the Clerk of Court with the full name of the subject, date of birth, last known address, and the type of records needed. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search fee. Mail requests take longer to fill than in-person visits. Add several extra days for postal delivery on top of the clerk’s handling time. Mail requests for older archived cases take the longest due to retrieval work.
Florida Statewide Criminal History Through FDLE
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. This statewide database pulls arrest data from all 67 Florida counties. FDLE offers two main search choices: an instant name-based search and a certified search through the CCHInet portal. Each search serves different needs based on the purpose of the background check.
FDLE Instant Name-Based Search
The instant search costs $24 plus a vendor service fee, totaling around $27 to $30 as of 2026. Users enter the subject’s name on FDLE’s approved vendor site. Results appear within minutes. The instant search works well for tenant screening, volunteer checks, and personal use. The instant search report shows Florida arrests only. It does not include federal arrests, out-of-state crimes, or sealed records. The instant search is not a certified record and may not satisfy government or licensing board requirements.
FDLE Certified Search Through CCHInet Portal
Certified Florida criminal history checks through the CCHInet portal serve official purposes such as professional licensing, immigration paperwork, and adoption applications. The certified search takes 5 to 7 business days to handle. The fee is $24 per search, plus a $5 mailing fee if the user wants a paper copy delivered by postal mail. Digital certified copies come with a digital signature accepted by most government agencies. The certified report serves as a legal document for court filings and immigration cases.
Differences Between Local Clerk and FDLE Searches
Local clerk searches show court case files with full court documents, motions, and judgments. FDLE searches show a summary of arrests and dispositions across all Florida counties. Local searches work best when the user needs full court records for a specific Volusia County case. FDLE searches work best when the user needs to check for arrests anywhere in Florida for employment or licensing purposes. Many employers and licensing boards require the FDLE certified search for this reason. Local searches and FDLE searches can be combined for the most complete picture.
Fees and Processing Times for Criminal History Records
Fees for criminal history records vary by search type, record format, and certification level. Processing times range from a few minutes for online summaries to several weeks for full certified mail-out copies. Understanding the cost breakdown helps users pick the right search for their needs.
Local Clerk Office Fees
The Volusia County Clerk of Court charges small per-page copy fees for public records. Uncertified copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. Full case file requests for older archived cases may cost more due to retrieval time. Credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders are accepted at the office. Online payments through the clerk’s portal accept major credit cards and debit cards with a small processing fee.
FDLE Statewide Fees
FDLE charges $24 for the basic search fee on both instant and certified searches. Vendor service fees add $3 to $6 on instant searches. Certified searches mailed on paper add a $5 postage fee. Apostille services for using certified records outside the United States add another $10 to $25 per document through the Florida Department of State. Some third-party vendors charge extra fees for faster handling or extra document scans.
Processing and Turnaround Times
Online case summaries on the clerk’s website appear within seconds. In-person requests for copies are filled the same day in most cases. Mail-in requests take 7 to 14 business days when including postal delivery. FDLE instant searches return results in 5 to 15 minutes. FDLE certified searches take 5 to 7 business days for digital delivery and 7 to 10 business days for paper mail delivery. Rush services are not offered for FDLE certified searches due to high demand.
| Service Type | Fee | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk Online Search | Free | Instant |
| Clerk Uncertified Copy | $0.15 per page | Same day |
| Clerk Certified Copy | $1.00 per page + $2.00 fee | Same day |
| FDLE Instant Search | $24 + $3-$6 vendor fee | 5-15 minutes |
| FDLE Certified Search (Digital) | $24 | 5-7 business days |
| FDLE Certified Search (Paper) | $24 + $5 postage | 7-10 business days |
| Apostille Service | $10-$25 per document | 7-14 business days |
Sealed and Expunged Records in Florida
Florida law allows certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. Sealed records stay in the system but do not show up in most public searches. Expunged records are physically destroyed by the agencies that held them. Both options limit public access to past criminal history. The rules for sealing and expungement come from Florida Statute Section 943.0585 and Section 943.059.
What Records Can Be Sealed or Expunged
Misdemeanor cases that did not result in a conviction may qualify for sealing. Some felony cases dismissed before trial may also qualify. Cases that ended in a withhold of adjudication may qualify under certain rules. Cases that ended in a final conviction for serious felonies, violent crimes, sexual offenses, or crimes against minors cannot be sealed or expunged. A Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE is required before filing a sealing or expungement petition. Cases involving trafficking, terrorism, or capital felonies stay open forever.
Eligibility Rules and Restrictions
A person who has never been convicted of a criminal offense in Florida or anywhere else may qualify for expungement of one eligible case. A person with prior convictions may still qualify for sealing under some circumstances. Juvenile cases handled through juvenile court follow a separate set of rules under Florida Statute Chapter 985. Sealing a record costs $75 in court fees plus the FDLE eligibility certificate fee. Expungement costs similar amounts plus attorney fees if a lawyer is hired. The process takes 4 to 6 months from application to final court order.
How to Check if a Record Was Sealed
FDLE records reflect sealed records as not showing up in standard name-based searches. The clerk’s office records still exist but are marked as sealed in the case file. Only the subject of the record, their attorney, or a court order can unseal the file. Background check companies that run FDLE searches will not see sealed records, but federal background checks through the FBI may still show federal charges. Sealed records stay sealed forever unless a court reopens them.
Using Criminal Records for Employment and Volunteer Work
Florida law allows employers and volunteer organizations to request criminal background checks on job applicants and volunteers. The level of background check depends on the job type, the population served, and the laws that apply to the industry. Some industries must follow specific state and federal background check rules.
Employment Background Checks
Florida law does not ban private employers from running criminal background checks on job applicants. Most employers use a third-party screening company that pulls data from FDLE, the FBI, county clerk records, and credit bureaus. Employers must follow federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules when running these checks. A job applicant has the right to see a copy of the background check report and dispute any errors before the employer takes adverse action. Ban-the-box rules in some cities and counties limit when employers can ask about criminal history.
Volunteer Background Checks
Schools, youth sports leagues, scout troops, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations often require background checks on volunteers who work with children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults. The FDLE instant search serves most volunteer screening needs. Level 2 background checks under Florida Statute Chapter 435 include fingerprint-based checks through FDLE and the FBI. These checks cover both Florida and federal arrest records. The fingerprint must be submitted at an approved Livescan location, often a local police station or sheriff’s office.
Certified Copies and Apostille Services
Certified criminal history records carry the clerk’s official seal and signature. Apostille services authenticate Florida records for use in foreign countries that signed the Hague Convention treaty. Both services serve specific legal and international needs.
Getting a Certified Copy of a Criminal Record
Request a certified copy through the Volusia County Clerk of Court in person, by mail, or through the CCHInet portal for FDLE certified records. Each certified copy includes a raised or stamped seal, the clerk’s signature, and a certification statement. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 base fee at the local clerk. FDLE certified copies cost $24 plus vendor fees. The certification statement names the document, the issuing agency, and the date of issue.
Apostille for International Use
An apostille is a state-issued authentication stamp required for legal documents used in foreign countries that signed the 1961 Hague Convention. Florida criminal records used for immigration, foreign job applications, international adoption, or foreign residency applications often need an apostille. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles in Tallahassee. The current fee is $10 per document. Mail-in apostille requests take 7 to 14 business days. Walk-in requests at the Tallahassee office are handled the same day in many cases. The apostille verifies the authenticity of the clerk’s signature for foreign governments.
Contact Details for the Volusia County Clerk of Court
The Volusia County Clerk of Court sits at 101 N Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The main phone number for criminal records questions is (386) 822-5710. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The clerk’s office closes on Florida state holidays. The official website at clerk.org hosts the online case search portal, court calendars, and records request forms. Mail should be addressed to the Volusia County Clerk of Court, Attention: Criminal Records Department, 101 N Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volusia County Criminal History
These questions cover the most common search needs for Volusia County criminal history records. Each answer below covers fees, processing times, eligibility, and the right agency to contact. Many readers ask similar questions before starting a search for employment, volunteer work, housing, or personal use. The answers reflect current FDLE and Clerk of Court policies as of mid-2026.
How long does an FDLE criminal history check take in Florida?
The FDLE instant name-based search returns results within 5 to 15 minutes through approved vendor websites. The FDLE certified search through the CCHInet portal takes 5 to 7 business days for digital results and 7 to 10 business days for paper copies delivered by mail. Processing times depend on the volume of requests at FDLE and the accuracy of the search data submitted by the user. Name changes, common names, and incomplete date of birth data can slow down the certified search. Users can check the status of a certified search through the CCHInet portal using a confirmation number.
Can I view Volusia County criminal records for free?
Yes. Basic case summaries on the Volusia County Clerk of Court website at clerk.org are free to view through the online case search portal. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number at no charge. The free search shows case status, court dates, and charge descriptions. Printed copies and certified copies cost additional fees per page. The free online search covers active and closed cases from 1990 to the present. Older cases from before 1990 may require an in-person visit or mail request to the archive department.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history search?
A Florida criminal history search shows arrests, charges filed by the State Attorney, court case outcomes, dispositions, and sentencing orders for every arrest in Florida. The search does not show sealed or expunged records, federal arrests, out-of-state crimes, juvenile records, or traffic infractions that did not result in criminal charges. Each entry shows the date, agency, charge, and final outcome. Warrants, pending cases, and active probation may also appear in the search results depending on the reporting agency.
How do I get a background check for a job in Florida?
Ask the employer which type of background check they require. Most private employers use a third-party screening company that pulls FDLE and county records. Government jobs, teaching jobs, healthcare jobs, and jobs working with children often require a Level 2 background check that includes fingerprint submission to FDLE and the FBI. The employer usually pays for the check and directs the applicant to the right vendor site. Self-paid background checks through FDLE work for personal use or volunteer applications.
Can I seal or expunge a Volusia County criminal record?
Florida law allows sealing or expungement for some cases. Eligible cases include dismissed charges, charges that ended in a withhold of adjudication, and certain first-time misdemeanor cases. Cases with final convictions for serious felonies cannot be sealed. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE first, then file a petition with the court that handled the original case. The Volusia County Clerk of Court can explain the local filing process and court fees. Attorney help is recommended for expungement cases due to complex paperwork.
Are Florida criminal records available to the public?
Yes. Florida’s public records law and Florida Statute 943.053 give the public the right to view criminal history records held by the Clerk of Court and FDLE. Some records stay confidential, including sealed records, expunged records, juvenile records, and cases under active court seal. Personal facts on victims of certain crimes also stay sealed by law. The public right to access criminal records does not extend to personal details such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, or phone numbers that may appear in case files.
What is the difference between a criminal record and an arrest record?
An arrest record shows that a person was taken into custody by law enforcement. A criminal record shows the full case history including charges, court hearings, plea deals, trial outcomes, and final dispositions. A person can be arrested without being charged. A person can be arrested and charged but later found not guilty at trial. Each status shows up differently on a background check. Employers and licensing boards typically look at the final disposition rather than the arrest itself.