Official Records / Recording

Records instruments as prescribed by law and makes them open to the public, under supervision of the Clerk, for the purpose of inspection and copying.

Service and Assistance

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is also the County Recorder. The Clerk records instruments presented for recording, upon payment of the service charges, as prescribed by law. All instruments recorded in the Official Records are open to the public, under the supervision of the Clerk, for the purpose of inspection and copying.

The Recording Department is located at the Volusia County Courthouse, Room A121, DeLand. Documents can be dropped off at the Steven C. Henderson Judicial Center's Civil Department, Room 100, Daytona with cash or check sent to DeLand via next-day courier service.

Official records may be accessed using the Clerk of Court's Online Records Search or the public access terminals located in the Recording Division. Records are searchable by name using an alphabetical index, or by Clerk file number, or by book and page numbers. The Public Research area offers access to Volusia County's Official Records dating back to 1887 in various forms of media including books, microfilm and digital images. The types of records which may be researched include, but are not limited to, deeds, marriage records, military discharges and plats.

Employees for the Clerk of the Court are not authorized by Florida law to perform title searches, nor are they permitted to perform lien searches. However, an employee will assist you in using the equipment and the sources of information available. Depending on the complexity of your search, you may wish to seek the assistance of a title company or attorney.

Subdivision Plat

Platted subdivisions are recorded as a part of the Official Records. The entire plat library and monthly updates are available for download from the Clerk's FTP site via an annual subscription agreement.

eRecording

Do you want to save time, the cost of check-writing, envelopes, postage, shipping/courier, delays, and photocopying? eRecording is easier, faster and less expensive. All you need is a computer, scanner and internet connection.

What is e-Recording - e-Recording is the process of submitting, receiving, and processing documents via the Internet, through a third-party vendor. Documents that have traditionally been delivered or mailed to the Clerk of the Circuit Court by runner, express mail, or courier services can now be processed with e-Recording, simplifying and accelerating all aspects of the recording process. The most commonly e-Recorded documents are Deeds, Mortgages, Assignment of Mortgages, Satisfaction of Mortgages and Notice of Commencements. With e-Recording, the submitter scans the document and uses a vendor application to upload the document and associated data. No special equipment is required, just a computer with high speed internet access and a scanner. Original documents never leave the submitter's possession since they are scanned for submission.

E-Recording documents can be tracked through the entire process. Documents are recorded within one to three business days, if submitted during regular business hours. Once the document is accepted, you can immediately retrieve an image that includes the recorder's stamp.

Benefits of eRecording

• You may submit documents at your convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Expedites the speed in which your documents are recorded
• Increases efficiencies, streamlines work flow
• Stop writing checks and eliminate payment errors
• Improves document security – you retain original documents
• Saves time and money for postage and/or courier fees or runner costs

Who should use eRecording? - Customers who should utilize eRecording are attorneys, closing agents, title companies, financial institutions, county/state agencies and contractors.

Funds- Funds are transferred using Automated Clearing House (ACH) for transfer taxes, recording fees, copies, and a nominal fee paid to the vendor.

How do I get started? - If you are a recording customer, and would like to begin sending your documents to the Recorder's office electronically, select a vendor from the e-Recording Vendors list below to review, research, and determine your personal and professional needs.

Simplifile – www.simplifile.com or Phone 800-460-5657.

Corporate Service Company (CSC) - www.erecording.com or Phone 866-652-0111.

eRecording Partners Network (ePN) – www.GOePN.com/ or Phone 888-325-3365.

Property Fraud Alert

Property Fraud Alert - Be Informed…Be Alert…Be Notified SIGN UP NOW!

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is pleased to offer a free service to alert property homeowners to potential fraud. Property Fraud Alert is an online subscription service FREE to the public that allows you to have a name or names monitored with the Recorder's office in order to track possible fraudulent recordings that affect your property. With Property Fraud Alert, subscribers will sign up and be notified when the name they have submitted is used in any recording activities within the Recorder's office. When subscribing to the service, the subscriber will have the option to choose one of the following notification methods: e-mail or voice phone call. Click HERE to sign up for PFA and be comforted knowing that you are taking the first steps in protecting your most valuable asset, your home.

Preparation of Instruments for Recording

• The legal property description should be included on all conveyances.
• The name of each witness to the instrument must be legibly printed, typewritten or stamped immediately below signature. Signatures of two witnesses are required on a deed.
• The name and post-office address of the person who prepared the instrument must be included on the document.
• Notary public seal, expiration date and commission number or corporate seal must be affixed, if applicable.
• Include the grantee's mailing address if transfer of interest is in real estate. (Example: Deeds, Agreements and Contract for Deeds)
• Corrective deeds must have a minimum of $.70 documentary stamps.
• Address all mail to the attention of the Recording Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I record a photocopy of a document?

You must have an original instrument or a certified copy.

Q: Who do I make my check payable to?

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Q: Do I have to appear in person to record documents?

You may mail documents for recording to our DeLand office or you may drop them off at our DeLand or Daytona Beach office. Please review the requirements for recording to avoid any problems.

Q: How do I change my deed?

The only way to change ownership or make a correction to a document already of record is to prepare a new document. These services are provided by law offices or title companies. The Clerk's Office does not prepare documents.

Q: Can I get a copy of a deed and how much does it cost?

If you wish to request a copy of any Official Records please submit your request online by selecting Contact Us Online and submit your request to Recording. You may also request in person at either the Deland or Daytona location, or via mail. The cost is $1.00 per page and $2.00 for certification of the document (if mailed, remittance is required before mailing unless you have an escrow account).

Q: What is the selling price for a particular property transfer?

This information is public record, you can come by and see any conveyance on record or you may call with the Official Record Book and Page number and we will assist you.

Q: Is the title to this particular piece of property clear of any liens?

The Recorder of Deeds Office does not perform this service. We only record documents that meet the recording requirements governed by the Florida Statutes. People that provide research services are attorneys, paralegals and title companies. If you wish to look at the records, we will be glad to show you how to search the records.

Fees may be paid by check, money order, or credit card. A 3.5% nonrefundable fee is charged by the financial service provider for each credit card transaction. Payment should be made payable to Laura E Roth, Clerk of Court.