Florida launches first domestic violence offender database

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — October 24, 2026. Florida has taken a new step in addressing domestic violence after Volusia County officially launched the state’s first county-operated Domestic Abuse Offender Database.

The online system, unveiled Thursday, October 22, gives residents access to searchable records of individuals convicted of qualifying domestic or dating violence offenses in Volusia County.

County officials say the initiative is designed to help people make more informed decisions about personal relationships, caregivers and others they may invite into their homes.

What Information Will Be Public?

The database includes records of qualifying convictions from approximately the past 10 years. Residents can search for information such as full legal names, dates of birth, booking photographs, court case numbers, offense dates and relevant Florida criminal statutes.

Importantly, the database includes individuals who have been convicted, not people who were merely arrested or accused. A single qualifying conviction is sufficient for inclusion.

Information identifying victims is not published in the database.

Why Was the Database Created?

Volusia County Council Vice Chair Matt Reinhart led the effort to establish the new public resource.

The County Council approved the project on July 21, 2026, following discussions about how residents could more easily identify previous domestic violence convictions.

Although the information was already available through public court records, finding it often required navigating multiple court documents. The new database brings those records together in one searchable location.

Supporters believe the system could be particularly useful for people entering new relationships or hiring caregivers for children and elderly relatives.

Domestic violence advocates also hope easier access to conviction records will help residents recognize potential risks before situations become dangerous.

Could the Database Expand Across Florida?

For now, the database covers qualifying convictions recorded in Volusia County courts. It does not provide a comprehensive list of people convicted of domestic violence throughout Florida.

However, officials are already discussing the possibility of expanding the concept statewide.

Reinhart has indicated that state leaders are interested in broader implementation, potentially creating a similar resource accessible to residents across Florida.

Any statewide expansion would require additional government action.

How Will the Database Stay Updated?

The system is connected to records maintained by the Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

County officials say it synchronizes frequently with the court’s case management system, allowing new qualifying convictions to be incorporated as records become available.

Residents are encouraged to consult the original court records for more complete information about individual cases.

The database should not be treated as a complete assessment of a person’s current behavior or as a substitute for other safety precautions.

A New Tool in the Fight Against Domestic Violence

The initiative arrives amid continuing concerns about domestic violence in Florida.

Supporters argue that making conviction records easier to access could help protect vulnerable residents and increase public awareness.

At the same time, the database has limitations. It includes only qualifying convictions, does not capture every incident of abuse and currently covers just one county.

Nevertheless, its launch could become a model for other Florida communities considering similar public safety measures.

How Can Residents Access the Database?

The database is available free of charge through the official Volusia County government website at www.volusia.gov/domesticabusers.

Residents can search available records and follow links to additional court information.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119. For immediate danger, call 911.

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