As of July 2, both same-sex and opposite-sex unmarried couples can register as domestic partners in Volusia County, making Volusia's registry the first countywide domestic partner registry in Central Florida. The Volusia County Council approved the registry with a 6-1 vote May 17. As of press time, more than a dozen couples had registered with at least five more future appointments scheduled.
Under the registry, couples 18 and older who are unmarried receive visitation rights to hospitals and jails. They will also be notified in case of an emergency and can make funeral arrangements for one another. It costs $50 to register and couples receive paperwork confirming their domestic partnership. Their names are also placed on a county-run website. When commissioners approved the registry, they heard no opposition.
There are two locations where couples can sign up or the registry. In Daytona Beach, couples register at the county’s tag and title office at 250 N. Beach St., room 101. Call 386-254-4610 for an appointment. In Deland, the location is the tax office at 123 W. Indiana Ave., room 103, and couples should call 386-736-5938 for an appointment. Couples can also make appointments by emailing revenue@co.volusia.fl.us.
