Volusia County Florida genealogy records cover more than 170 years of east coast family history. The county formed in 1854 when the Florida legislature split it from Orange County.
DeLand sits as the county seat. Local records include birth certificates, death files, marriage licenses, probate files, court cases, and land deeds that reach back many generations of pioneer families along the Atlantic coast.
Researchers can visit the courthouse in person. They can order records by mail through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. They can search online databases like FamilySearch and Ancestry. Each record source holds different types of documents. Together these records form a complete picture of family life in Volusia County.
Volusia County History and Background
Volusia County stretches along Florida’s central east coast. The Atlantic Ocean forms its eastern border. The St. Johns River runs through the western part of the county. Pine forests, orange groves, and coastal waterways shape the local landscape. The county covers about 1,432 square miles of land and water.
County Formation and Early Settlement
Florida earned statehood in 1845. Orange County covered a vast territory at that time. The Florida legislature created Volusia County on December 29, 1854. The new county took the southern section of Orange County. Early settlers came for the timber, citrus groves, and cattle ranches.
The county grew at a slow pace through the 1800s. Steamboats moved farm goods and lumber along the St. Johns River. Coastal towns like New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach served as port points. Henry Flagler’s railroad reached DeLand in 1889. The railroad opened the county to new residents and tourists.
Major Cities and Pioneer Communities
DeLand serves as the county seat. The main courthouse and most county offices sit there. Other major cities include Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, and New Smyrna Beach. Each city keeps its own local history and records. Smaller towns like Orange City, Deltona, and Pierson grew around citrus packing houses and railroad stops.
Pioneer families arrived near the St. Johns River during the 1820s and 1830s. Many came from Georgia and the Carolinas. Some came from the Bahamas. Others traced their roots to the Canary Islands. These settlers founded St. Augustine before moving south into Volusia County land grants.
Vital Records in Volusia County
Vital records document births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Volusia County vital records began with county formation in 1854. Statewide records started at different times for each record type. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville holds most statewide records from 1917 forward. Earlier local records sit at the Volusia County Courthouse.
Birth Records and Certificates
Florida started statewide birth registration in 1917. Earlier birth records appear in church books, family Bibles, and county court files. Some births from the 1880s appear in delayed birth certificates filed by elderly residents. These delayed certificates often hold more detail than regular birth records.
Birth records less than 125 years old stay private under Florida law. Only specific people can get a copy. These include the person named on the record, parents, adult children, grandparents, and legal guardians. Each request needs valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the person named on the record.
Death Records Access
Florida death records go back to 1877 for some counties. Volusia County death records start in 1877. Each entry shows the name, age, date of death, and cause of death. Earlier deaths appear in family Bibles, church records, and cemetery files.
Death records less than 50 years old stay private. Records older than 50 years become public records. The cause of death stays private for 75 years from the date of death. Researchers can order certified copies through the Bureau of Vital Statistics or the county clerk.
Marriage License Records
Volusia County marriage records start with county formation in 1854. The county clerk issued marriage licenses from the courthouse. Each license lists the names of both partners, ages, and parents’ names. Many licenses include the officiant and witness names too.
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds marriage records from June 6, 1927 forward. Earlier marriage records remain at the Volusia County Clerk of Court. Researchers can search marriage records online through the clerk’s website. Older records appear on microfilm at the state archives in Tallahassee.
Divorce Case Files
Volusia County divorce records begin with county formation. The county circuit court handled all divorces. Each divorce case file contains the petition, court orders, and final decree. Files often include details about property, children, and reasons for the divorce.
The Volusia County Clerk of Court keeps divorce files from 1854 forward. Researchers can visit the courthouse to view files in person. Older divorce records appear on microfilm at the state archives in Tallahassee. FamilySearch also hosts indexed divorce records from Florida counties.
Clerk of Court Official Records
The Volusia County Clerk of Court keeps the main set of local records. The clerk holds marriage licenses from before 1927. The clerk keeps court cases, probate files, and land deeds from 1854 forward. All records fall under Florida’s public records law in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
Court Case and Civil Records
Circuit court records cover civil and criminal cases. Civil records include debt cases, contract disputes, and property lawsuits. Criminal records include felony cases from the county. Each file contains the complaint, evidence, witness lists, and final judgment from the court.
Researchers can visit the courthouse at 101 North Alabama Avenue in DeLand. Court records from 1854 to 1970 appear on microfilm. Records from 1970 forward are available in digital format. Staff members help visitors locate specific cases and pull files for viewing during office hours.
Probate Estate Files
Probate records show how estates passed to heirs after death. Each file includes the will, death certificate, and list of heirs. Probate files name children, spouses, and other family members. These files help researchers link generations and confirm blood relationships.
Volusia County probate records start in 1854. Researchers can view files in person at the courthouse. Files from 1854 to 1980 sit in paper form in the archives. Later files appear in digital format on the clerk’s website. The state archives holds microfilm copies of older probate files.
Land Deeds and Property Records
Land records trace property ownership through time. Each deed shows the seller, buyer, property description, and sale price. Mortgage records show loans secured by property. Plat maps show property divisions in cities and rural areas across the county.
Volusia County land records begin in 1854. Spanish land grants predate the county for the period before 1821. The county recorder kept original deeds until the clerk took over in 1905. Researchers can search current land records online through the clerk’s official records search tool.
Florida State Archives Collections
The State Archives of Florida sits in Tallahassee. The archives holds records from Florida’s territorial period through modern times. Many collections include original documents from Volusia County. Researchers can visit the archives research room to view original materials on site.
Confederate Pension Applications
Confederate pension files hold detailed family information. Florida started paying Confederate pensions in 1885. Widows and dependents filed applications for benefits. Each application lists the soldier’s name, service dates, and family members who applied.
The pension files include birth dates, marriage dates, and death dates. Many files contain letters, affidavits, and medical reports from the Civil War era. These records help researchers trace families from the Civil War period. The State Archives holds all Florida Confederate pension files.
Spanish Land Grant Records
Spain granted land in Florida before 1821. Spanish land grants cover parts of what became Volusia County. Each grant includes the recipient’s name, property size, and location. Maps and surveys accompany many grants.
The State Archives holds original Spanish land grants for Florida. Researchers can view the grants in the archives research room. Many grants appear in the archives digital collection online. The grants name early settlers and their property locations along the St. Johns River.
Voter Registration Rolls
The 1867 and 1868 voter registration rolls hold key information for African American genealogy. Federal officials registered Black men to vote after the Civil War. Each entry shows the name, age, race, occupation, and place of birth for the voter.
The rolls include voters from across Florida. Many entries note physical descriptions of voters. Researchers can search the rolls on FamilySearch and at the State Archives. These records document the first major voter registration for African Americans in Florida.
Bureau of Vital Statistics Services
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds statewide vital records. The office sits in Jacksonville at 1217 North Pearl Street. Researchers can order birth, death, marriage, and divorce records from this office. The bureau accepts orders by mail, phone, and online through VitalChek.
Ordering Birth and Death Records
Researchers can order vital records through the Bureau of Vital Statistics website. Orders go through VitalChek for online and phone requests. Mail orders require a signed application, copy of valid photo ID, and a check or money order. Standard processing takes 5 to 10 business days from the date the bureau receives the request.
Each certified copy costs $9 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy at the same time. Expedited service costs extra money. Researchers need valid photo ID with each request. Death certificates need the date of death and full name of the deceased person to process the order.
Access Rules and Privacy Laws
Florida vital records follow strict privacy rules. Birth records less than 125 years old stay private. Death records less than 50 years old stay private. Marriage and divorce records become public 50 years after the event date.
Only specific people can get restricted records. Eligible people include the person named on the record, immediate family members, and legal representatives. Each request needs proof of identity and proof of relationship to the person on the record. Court orders can grant access to other researchers in special cases.
Census Records and Federal Data
Census records track households every 10 years. Federal census records help researchers trace families from 1830 forward in Florida. State census records fill gaps between federal census years and provide extra details about Florida residents.
Federal Census Schedules
Federal census records cover Volusia County starting in 1830. Earlier census years included Florida as a territory. The 1850 census was the first to list every family member by name. The 1880 census added relationships to the head of household for each person listed.
Each census entry shows the name, age, sex, race, occupation, and birth place. The 1900 census adds month and year of birth, years married, and number of children born to each woman. The 1940 census adds education and income details. Census records appear on FamilySearch, Ancestry, and other genealogy sites.
State Census Records
Florida took state census records in 1885, 1935, and 1945. The 1885 state census covered many Florida counties. The 1935 and 1945 censuses covered the whole state. These records help fill gaps between federal census years.
The State Archives holds original Florida state census records. Many state census records appear online through FamilySearch. Researchers can search these records to find ancestors between federal census years. State records often include more detail than federal records from the same time period.
Cemetery and Obituary Records
Cemetery records document burials and grave locations across the county. Obituaries add life details about family members. Both sources help confirm family relationships and dates when other records are missing or incomplete.
Local Cemetery Surveys
Volusia County has more than 200 known cemeteries. Many small family cemeteries sit on old homesteads. Larger public cemeteries serve cities like Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. The Halifax Historical Museum holds cemetery surveys for the area.
Find A Grave and BillionGraves host millions of grave photos and records. Volunteers photograph and transcribe cemetery records. Researchers can search these databases by name, date, or cemetery name. Local genealogy societies publish cemetery books for sale through their websites.
Obituary Search Methods
Local newspapers publish obituaries for residents. The Daytona Beach News-Journal covers the county since 1926. Older newspapers include the Florida Star, Halifax Journal, and DeLand Sun newspapers. The State Library of Florida holds microfilm copies of these newspapers.
Chronicling America hosts free digital newspapers from across the country. Newspapers.com holds digitized Florida newspapers. GenealogyBank holds historical obituaries by state. Researchers can search these sites for ancestors who lived in Volusia County at any time.
Church Records by Denomination
Church records document baptisms, marriages, and burials for pioneer families. Many pioneer families appear in church books before civil records began. Florida churches kept detailed membership lists for over 150 years across the state.
Baptist and Methodist Churches
Baptist and Methodist churches formed early in Volusia County. Many congregations started in the 1840s and 1850s. These churches kept records of baptisms, marriages, and member lists. Records often span multiple decades of community life.
The State Archives holds microfilm copies of many Florida church records. Researchers can search the archives church records collection. Local churches may hold original records in their archives. Researchers should contact churches directly to ask about record access and copy fees.
Catholic Diocese Archives
The Catholic Diocese of Orlando covers Volusia County. Parish records include baptisms, first communions, confirmations, marriages, and deaths. Many records go back to the 1880s. Earlier records may sit with the Diocese of St. Augustine archives.
The Diocese Archives in Orlando holds parish records for central Florida. Researchers can contact the archives for research requests. The archives charges fees for copies and research time. Some parish records appear on Catholic church records databases online.
Military and Naturalization Files
Military records document veterans who lived in Volusia County. Naturalization records show how immigrants became U.S. citizens. Both record types provide key family details that other records cannot supply.
Military Service Records
Volusia County men served in every major American conflict. Service records exist for the Seminole Wars, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. Each service record shows the soldier’s name, birth date, and service details.
The National Archives holds federal military service records. The State Archives holds Confederate military records and Florida militia records. Researchers can request copies through the National Archives website. Many military records appear on Ancestry and Fold3 databases.
Naturalization and Citizenship
Naturalization records show how immigrants became citizens. Federal courts handled naturalizations in Volusia County. The county circuit court handled naturalizations until 1906. Federal courts took over naturalizations after that date across the nation.
Naturalization files include declarations of intention, petitions, and final certificates. Files often list birth dates, birth places, and ship arrival dates. The National Archives holds federal naturalization records. Researchers can search the FamilySearch naturalization collection for Volusia County records.
Online Genealogy Databases
Online databases make Volusia County research easier for home researchers. Many records appear in digital form online. Researchers can search from home using a computer or mobile device connection.
FamilySearch Florida Records
FamilySearch hosts the largest free genealogy database. The site holds Florida birth, marriage, death, census, and church records. Many Volusia County records appear in indexed form on the site. Records link to digital images of original documents.
Researchers can create a free FamilySearch account at any time. The site allows record searches, family tree building, and record saving. FamilySearch partners with the State Archives to digitize Florida records. New records appear on the site each month from digitization projects.
Ancestry.com Florida Records
Ancestry.com hosts Florida records by subscription. The site holds census records, vital records, military records, immigration records, and newspaper archives. Ancestry hosts Volusia County records from many sources. The site builds family trees automatically from record matches.
Researchers can search Ancestry by name, location, and date. The site allows family tree building with record attachments. Ancestry offers a free 14-day trial for new users. Library editions of Ancestry are free at many public libraries in Volusia County.
Free Florida Databases
Several free databases hold Volusia County records. The USGenWeb project hosts county-level research data. Find A Grave hosts cemetery records. The Florida Memory Project hosts photos, documents, and maps from Florida history.
Volunteers maintain these free databases. Researchers can search by name or location. The sites hold records submitted by volunteers and researchers. Some sites accept new record submissions from users who want to share their own research with other people.
Research Methods and Strategies
Good research methods save time and effort during family history research. Researchers should plan their search before starting any project. Each record type provides different details about ancestors.
Starting Your Family Search
Start with family interviews at home. Talk to parents, grandparents, and older relatives. Write down names, dates, and places they remember. Ask about family Bibles, photos, and old documents stored in attics or closets. Many families hold records they never think to share with others.
Build a family tree from known facts first. Add census records to confirm family members. Add vital records to confirm dates. Add newspapers to add life stories. Each new record fills in gaps and confirms facts about past generations.
Solving Common Research Problems
Name spelling changes create issues for researchers. Census takers spelled names phonetically. Names changed at immigration or marriage. Researchers should search for name variations like John, Jon, and Johannes. Each spelling may lead to different records.
Record gaps happen when records were lost or never kept by the courthouse. Fire, floods, and courthouse transfers caused losses over the years. Researchers should check neighboring counties for missing records. Family members often moved between nearby counties for work or land purchases.
Local Libraries and Museums
Local libraries and museums hold key genealogy materials for county research. These resources help researchers trace local families with unique records. Staff members guide visitors to the right materials for their research needs.
Volusia County Public Library
The Volusia County Public Library system serves all county residents. The main library in Daytona Beach holds the genealogy collection. The collection includes census records, local history books, city directories, and obituary files for the county.
Library card holders can access Ancestry Library Edition and other databases for free at the library. The library offers genealogy classes each month. Staff members help visitors start their family research. The library keeps microfilm copies of local newspapers from the county.
Regional Historical Museums
The Halifax Historical Museum sits in Daytona Beach. The museum holds artifacts, photos, and records from the Halifax River area. The museum genealogy room helps visitors with local family research using their collections.
The New Smyrna Museum of History covers the New Smyrna Beach area. The museum holds photos, maps, and records from the city’s pioneer days. The DeLand Naval Air Station Museum covers military history from the area. Each museum holds unique records for the local community.
Nearby Counties for Research
Volusia County borders several other Florida counties. Family members often lived and worked across county lines through the years. Researchers should check records in neighboring counties to find all family members.
- Flagler County sits to the north. The county formed from Volusia County in 1917. Records from before 1917 sit at the Volusia County Clerk of Court in DeLand.
- Brevard County sits to the south. The county formed in 1855. Early settlers moved between Volusia and Brevard counties for work in citrus and fishing trades.
- Seminole County sits to the southwest. The county formed from Orange County in 1913. Records from the 1800s sit at the Volusia County Clerk of Court archives.
- Lake County sits to the west. The county formed in 1887 from Orange and Sumter counties. Pioneer families moved between Volusia and Lake counties for land purchases.
- Marion County sits to the northwest. The county formed in 1844. The Ocala National Forest covers parts of Volusia and Marion counties. Pioneer families settled across this border region.
Visiting Hours and Locations
Researchers can visit several locations for Volusia County genealogy records. Each location has set hours and contact details for research requests. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting any location to save time.
| Location | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volusia County Clerk of Court | 101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724 | (386) 736-5915 | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | 1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | (904) 359-6900 | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| State Archives of Florida | 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | (850) 245-6719 | Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Volusia County Public Library | 101 City Island Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | (386) 257-6036 | Monday – Thursday 10 AM – 7 PM; Friday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Halifax Historical Museum | 252 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | (386) 255-6976 | Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Researchers often have questions about Volusia County genealogy records at the start of their research. The questions below cover the most common topics that come up during family history research. Each answer gives direct details for genealogy research in this Florida county.
Where do Volusia County birth records sit?
Volusia County birth records from 1917 forward sit at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Researchers can order copies online through VitalChek for fast service. Records less than 125 years old stay private under Florida law. Only the person named on the record, parents, adult children, and legal guardians can get copies. Earlier birth records appear in delayed birth certificates, church books, and family Bibles. The Volusia County Clerk of Court holds delayed birth certificates filed by residents during the 1900s. Researchers can search FamilySearch for indexed Florida birth records from the state collection. Each certified copy costs $9 from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Valid photo ID is required for all certified copy requests by mail, phone, or online.
How do I get a Volusia County death certificate?
Florida death records from 1877 forward sit at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The bureau accepts orders by mail, phone, and online through the VitalChek system. Each certified copy costs $9 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy at the same time. Death records less than 50 years old stay private under Florida law. Records older than 50 years are public records anyone can view. The cause of death stays private for 75 years from the date of death for medical privacy reasons. Researchers need the deceased person’s full name, date of death, and county of death to order a record. Valid photo ID is required for all requests to the Bureau of Vital Statistics office.
Where do Volusia County marriage records sit?
Marriage records from June 6, 1927 forward sit at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Marriage records before that date sit at the Volusia County Clerk of Court in DeLand. Researchers can search marriage records online through the clerk’s official records search website. Older records appear on microfilm at the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. Each Volusia County marriage license shows both partners’ full names, ages at marriage, parents’ names, and the officiant’s name who performed the ceremony. Marriage records become public 50 years after the event date under Florida law. Researchers can also search FamilySearch for indexed Florida marriage records from the state and county collections.
Can I see Volusia County probate records online?
Volusia County probate records from 1980 forward appear on the clerk’s official records website. Researchers can search by last name and date range to find specific cases. Earlier probate records sit at the courthouse in paper form in the archives room. The State Archives of Florida holds microfilm copies of probate records from 1854 to 1980 for many counties. Researchers can view the microfilm in Tallahassee or order copies by mail through the archives. Probate files show the original will, death certificate, list of heirs, and final distribution of the estate to family members. These files help researchers confirm family relationships and inheritance patterns across generations of Volusia County families.
Where do I search Volusia County newspaper records?
The Daytona Beach News-Journal covers the county since 1926 with local news and obituaries. Older newspapers include the Florida Star, Halifax Journal, and DeLand Sun newspapers. The State Library of Florida holds microfilm copies of these newspapers at the library in Tallahassee. Chronicling America hosts free digital newspapers from across the country at the Library of Congress. Newspapers.com and GenealogyBank hold digital archives of Florida newspapers by subscription service. Obituary records often include full names, birth dates, death dates, spouse names, children’s names, and burial location details. Researchers can search these newspaper sites for obituaries, marriage notices, and community news about Volusia County families.
How do I get Volusia County cemetery records?
Find A Grave hosts the largest online collection of cemetery records for free search. BillionGraves hosts grave photos with GPS locations for many Florida cemeteries. Local genealogy societies publish cemetery books for Volusia County through their websites. The Halifax Historical Museum holds cemetery surveys for the Daytona Beach area. Researchers can visit local cemeteries to photograph graves and add records to online databases. Many small family cemeteries sit on private land and need landowner permission to visit the graves. The Volusia County Public Library genealogy collection holds cemetery books and survey records for the county. Researchers should also check church records for burial information from pioneer era families.
Can I see Volusia County land records online?
Volusia County land records from 1970 forward appear on the clerk’s official records search website. Researchers can search by owner name, parcel number, or date range to find specific deeds. Earlier land records sit at the courthouse in paper form in the records room. The State Archives of Florida holds microfilm copies of older deeds from 1854 forward. Spanish land grants predate 1821 and sit at the State Archives in Tallahassee. Researchers can view the original grants in person or order copies through the archives by mail. Land records trace family wealth, property transfers, and migration patterns of Volusia County residents from the pioneer period through modern times for genealogy research.