Terms & Conditions – Volusia County Property Appraiser

Welcome to the official website of the Volusia County Property Appraiser. This document outlines the Terms & Conditions that govern your access to and use of our digital services. By using this site, you agree to comply with these terms in full. If you do not agree, please discontinue your use of the website immediately.

These Terms exist to protect both the public and our office, ensuring fair, safe, and lawful access to property records and tools.

Purpose of These Terms

The Terms & Conditions of the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s website serve as a foundational agreement between the user and our office. These terms are intended to provide a transparent understanding of how our digital services should be used, what obligations both parties have, and the legal framework that governs this interaction.

Here’s a breakdown of what these Terms aim to establish:

User Interaction Guidelines

These terms define the proper and acceptable ways users may interact with the website, its tools, and the data provided. This includes using the site for lawful, non-commercial purposes such as property research, exemption applications, or public information gathering. Misuse, such as scraping data, submitting false forms, or attempting unauthorized access, is strictly prohibited.

User Responsibilities

By using the Volusia County Property Appraiser website, users agree to act responsibly. This means:

  • Providing accurate and truthful information in any online forms or submissions.
  • Respecting the privacy and property of others.
  • Avoiding attempts to alter, damage, or disrupt website operations or content.

Users are also responsible for understanding that the website’s tools and data are informational in nature and not a substitute for legal, financial, or professional advice.

Accuracy and Use of Data

The website provides property data, mapping tools, and tax estimation calculators. While we strive to ensure this data is as accurate and up to date as possible, there are no guarantees of completeness, timeliness, or absolute correctness. These terms inform users that reliance on this data for legal, financial, or transactional purposes is done at their own risk.

Content Ownership, Privacy, and Third Parties

The terms clarify ownership of content on the website, including public records, images, maps, and written materials. All content is protected under applicable copyright or public domain laws and may not be reproduced or altered without permission.

In addition, the terms explain how:

  • Privacy is safeguarded when personal data is collected.
  • Third parties (such as software providers or data services) may have limited access to user information to assist in delivering services or maintaining the website.

Consequences of Misuse or Violations

Users who violate these Terms & Conditions may face a range of consequences, depending on the nature of the violation. This could include:

  • Temporary or permanent suspension of website access.
  • Legal action or referral to law enforcement.
  • Reporting of fraudulent activity to appropriate agencies.

The Property Appraiser’s Office reserves the right to take any necessary action to protect the integrity of its systems, data, and users.

Policy Updates and User Notification

These Terms & Conditions may be updated at any time, without advance notice. Users are encouraged to review the Terms periodically to stay informed about any changes. Continued use of the website after changes have been made signifies acceptance of the updated terms.

In summary, these Terms & Conditions are designed to maintain a fair, secure, and efficient environment for all users of the Volusia County Property Appraiser website. By using the site, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these terms to ensure respectful and lawful digital engagement.

Acceptable Use of the Website

When using the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s website, you are expected to act responsibly. You agree to:

  • Use the website only for lawful, non-commercial purposes
  • Access property data for personal reference, research, or public interest
  • Submit accurate and truthful information when using online forms
  • Avoid interfering with the website’s functionality or attempting unauthorized access

Any abuse of the system, including the use of bots, data scraping, or fake submissions, may lead to suspension or legal consequences.

Data Accuracy and Informational Purpose

The Volusia County Property Appraiser’s website is designed to provide the public with convenient access to a wide range of property-related information. This includes—but is not limited to—the following data types:

  • Parcel Ownership Information: Details about the legal owner(s) of each parcel of real estate within Volusia County.
  • Assessed and Market Values: Estimated property values used for taxation, including just (market) value and assessed value as determined by the appraiser’s office.
  • Exemption Status: Eligibility and application of tax exemptions, such as the Florida Homestead Exemption.
  • Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Records: Information related to business-owned furniture, equipment, and other non-real estate assets subject to taxation.
  • GIS Maps and Tax Estimators: Visual property mapping tools and calculators for estimating potential property taxes based on value and millage rates.

Commitment to Accuracy

Our team takes great care to ensure that the data presented on the website is as accurate and up to date as possible. We perform routine maintenance, system upgrades, and regular updates to reflect changes such as ownership transfers or new construction.

However, despite these efforts, complete accuracy at all times cannot be guaranteed.

Why Property Data May Change

Property-related data is highly dynamic and can be influenced by multiple factors, including:

  • Property Sales and Transfers: When real estate changes hands, ownership records must be updated and verified.
  • Assessment Corrections: Mistakes or omissions discovered through internal review, public inquiry, or audits may result in changes to values or classifications.
  • Legal Rulings or Appeals: Decisions made by value adjustment boards, courts, or administrative bodies may require updates to property records.
  • Government-Mandated Updates: Changes in state or county regulations may necessitate revisions to property classifications, exemption rules, or reporting structures.

Important User Reminder

Because property data can change frequently and is influenced by legal, regulatory, and administrative factors, the information on this website should be considered a helpful reference tool, not an official legal document or record.

For legally binding information, such as certified ownership records or finalized assessment documents, users should contact the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s office directly or consult the official county records.

While the website is an excellent starting point for research, analysis, and public inquiry, users are strongly encouraged to verify all critical property information through direct communication with the Property Appraiser’s Office, especially when making legal, financial, or real estate decisions.

No Legal, Financial, or Professional Advice

Nothing presented on this website should be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. This includes:

  • Property tax calculations
  • Homestead exemption decisions
  • Land use and zoning questions
  • Investment judgments
  • Legal ownership disputes

You should always consult a qualified professional—such as an attorney, CPA, or real estate expert—when making decisions related to property rights, taxes, or investments. This website is a tool for general understanding, not a substitute for licensed guidance.

Prohibited Conduct – Terms of Use and User Responsibilities

To maintain the security, integrity, and public accessibility of the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s website, all users are expected to act responsibly and ethically. The following activities are strictly prohibited and may result in account restrictions, access blocks, or legal consequences:

Unauthorized Access

Users must not attempt to bypass security protocols or gain entry into password-protected, administrative, or restricted areas of the website. Unauthorized access is a violation of local, state, and federal laws and will be treated as a serious offense.

Transmission of Malicious Software

Uploading or sending viruses, malware, worms, trojans, or any form of malicious code that can damage, disable, or compromise website functionality is strictly forbidden. Such actions can harm systems and place sensitive data at risk.

Misrepresentation of Identity

Users must not falsify personal information or impersonate others when submitting inquiries, filing online forms, or accessing digital services. Misleading submissions can interfere with official records and compromise the integrity of public services.

Automated Data Collection or Scraping

The use of automated tools such as bots, web scrapers, or data-mining software to harvest property records, parcel data, or contact information for commercial or mass distribution purposes is not allowed. This not only violates our terms of use but may also violate data privacy regulations.

Interference with Site Functionality

Any actions—whether deliberate or negligent—that could impair, overload, or interfere with the proper functioning of the website or its services are prohibited. This includes attempts to flood the server, perform denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, or exploit vulnerabilities.

Consequences of Violations

Any user who engages in prohibited conduct on the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s website may be subject to one or more of the following consequences, depending on the severity and intent of the violation:

Immediate Termination of Website Access

The Property Appraiser’s Office reserves the right to revoke or restrict access to its online services without prior notice if misuse, abuse, or suspicious activity is detected. This action is taken to protect system integrity and safeguard user data.

Reporting to Authorities

Serious violations—such as unauthorized access attempts, identity fraud, or the deployment of malicious code—may be formally reported to appropriate law enforcement or cybersecurity agencies for investigation and legal action.

Legal Penalties

Depending on the nature of the infraction, violators may face:

  • Civil penalties, such as fines or restitution for damages caused
  • Criminal charges, including potential prosecution under state or federal cybersecurity and data protection laws
  • Court-ordered injunctions or sanctions, especially in cases involving data scraping, impersonation, or intentional system disruption

Note: The Volusia County Property Appraiser’s Office is committed to maintaining a safe and reliable online environment for all users. To ensure fairness and compliance, violations are taken seriously and handled in accordance with local and national legal standards.

If you believe a violation has occurred or would like to report suspicious activity, please contact our office immediately through the official channels provided on the website.

Our Commitment to Fair Use

The Volusia County Property Appraiser’s website exists to serve the public with transparency, accessibility, and reliability. In return, users are expected to engage in lawful, respectful, and constructive use of its services.

If you have any concerns about acceptable use or encounter suspicious activity, please contact our office immediately.

Reminder: Responsible use of public digital resources helps protect the community and ensures continued access to essential property information.

Privacy and Data Collection

The Volusia County Property Appraiser’s Office is committed to maintaining the privacy and security of all users who interact with our website. When you visit or use certain features of our site—such as submitting exemption applications, sending inquiries, or filling out official forms—you may be asked to provide limited personal information.

Information We May Collect

Personal data collected may include:

  • Your name and contact details
  • Property addresses or parcel ID numbers
  • Supporting documents for exemption claims or correspondence

This information is gathered strictly for processing your requests, improving public services, and ensuring the accuracy of property records.

How We Use Your Information

Your data is used only for its intended government purpose, such as:

  • Processing exemptions and property record updates
  • Responding to your inquiries or submissions
  • Maintaining transparency and accurate property databases

We do not sell, trade, or share your personal data for commercial use.

Your Privacy Rights Under Florida Law

Under Florida Statutes, you have specific rights related to your personal information, including:

  • The right to request redaction of sensitive personal data (such as home addresses for protected individuals)
  • The right to access or review the data you’ve submitted
  • The right to correct inaccuracies

We encourage you to review our Privacy Policy for a full breakdown of these rights and how to exercise them.

Limited Sharing of Data

Personal information may only be shared under narrow, lawful circumstances—such as court orders, compliance with Florida’s Public Records Law, or necessary internal operations. Every effort is made to safeguard your information from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Use of Online Tools & Forms

Our website offers convenient access to a variety of tools and forms, including:

  • Property search and parcel lookup
  • GIS mapping interface
  • Homestead and other exemption applications
  • Tax benefit estimators
  • Tangible Personal Property return forms

These resources are provided for your convenience but are not official records. The results should be verified with our office if you’re relying on them for tax filing, legal actions, or property purchases.

Intellectual Property Rights

All content on this website—including text, images, maps, code, downloadable files, and logos—is either owned by the Property Appraiser’s Office or licensed to us. Unless stated otherwise:

  • You may print or download content only for personal, non-commercial use
  • You may not redistribute, modify, or sell website content
  • All trademarks, logos, and data compilations are protected by law

If you wish to reuse any content for education, media, or research purposes, please contact us for written permission.

Third-Party Links and References

The site may include links to third-party websites such as government agencies, public records portals, or mapping tools. We provide these links for your convenience only.

Please note:

  • We do not endorse third-party websites
  • We do not control their content, privacy practices, or accessibility
  • We are not responsible for any loss, damage, or misuse arising from visiting these external sites

Use third-party links at your own discretion and review their terms and privacy policies.

Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

By using this website, you agree that:

  • The Volusia County Property Appraiser provides services “as is” without warranties of any kind
  • We do not guarantee that the site will always be available, timely, or secure
  • We are not liable for any inaccuracies, delays, or errors in the data provided
  • We will not be held responsible for losses or damages caused by reliance on website content

If you identify a data error or experience a technical issue, please report it so we can correct it promptly.

Updates to Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions may be revised at any time. Updates will be posted on this page. Continued use of the website after changes are made signifies that you accept the revised terms.

Your Rights as a User

As a visitor or user of the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s website, you are entitled to specific rights concerning the personal information you provide or that may be held in public records. These rights are established under Florida law and supported by our office’s commitment to transparency, accuracy, and user protection.

Access to Personal Information

You have the right to request and review any personal data that the Property Appraiser’s Office may hold about you. This includes:

  • Information submitted through forms or applications
  • Data associated with your property or exemption filings
  • Any correspondence related to your records

We aim to provide timely responses to all access requests in accordance with public records laws.

Requesting Corrections

If you believe any of your records are outdated or incorrect, you may formally request a correction. This could apply to:

  • Misspelled names or incorrect ownership details
  • Outdated mailing addresses
  • Mistaken exemption statuses

Supporting documentation may be required to verify the requested changes.

Redaction Requests for Sensitive Data

Certain individuals—such as law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, or other eligible professionals—have the right to request redaction of personal information (like home addresses or phone numbers) from public records under Florida Statute 119.071.

Our office takes these redaction requests seriously and processes them as required by law to protect the safety and privacy of eligible individuals.

Opt-Out Options

Users may choose not to provide optional information when filling out online forms or subscribing to notifications. For example:

  • Declining email alerts or newsletters
  • Not submitting non-required fields on applications

While opting out may limit certain services, your decision will be respected and your data handled accordingly.

How to Exercise Your Rights

To request access, corrections, redactions, or to opt out of communications, please contact the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s Office directly. We are here to assist you and ensure that your rights are honored promptly and professionally.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms & Conditions, or if you would like to report a violation, please contact:

Volusia County Property Appraiser
123 W. Indiana Avenue, Room 102
DeLand, FL 32720
📞 Phone: (386) 736-5901
📧 Email: appraiser@volusia.org
🌐 Website: vcpa.vcgov.org

By using the Volusia County Property Appraiser website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions. Your cooperation ensures a safe, secure, and efficient environment for accessing public property data in Volusia County.