The Historic Volusia County Courthouse, DeLand, Florida

Located at 125 W. New York Ave. in DeLand, the Volusia County Historic Courthouse has stood as a beacon of civic pride and architectural distinction since its completion in 1929. Designed by W.D. Harper & Co. in Neoclassical style, the building features hallmark elements of the period, including fluted Corinthian columns, a copper-clad dome, and a dramatic stained-glass rotunda—all expressing the grandeur and dignity of public service.

This building was the third courthouse built in the City of DeLand, FL, underscoring its longstanding role as the county seat of Volusia County. Originally built to house county judicial and administrative functions, the courthouse served as the center of legal proceedings for over 70 years, until it closed in 2001. It was renovated and repurposed in 2005 to accommodate county offices and public cultural uses.

A central feature of the building is its historic second-floor courtroom, which seated up to 200 people and held trials from 1929 to 2002. On either side of the courtroom are two balconies, originally designated as segregated seating areas during the Jim Crow era.

This is also where Mary Stewart Howarth-Hewitt made history as the first woman to graduate from Stetson College of Law and the first woman registered with the Florida Supreme Court, marking a pivotal advancement for women in the legal profession.

Today, the courthouse doubles as a cultural destination, housing 27 commissioned works of public art by six Florida-based artists. Their artworks celebrate our area’s natural environment, diverse communities, and shared heritage, bringing new life and meaning to the historic structure. Now part of the MainStreet DeLand National Historic District, the Volusia Historic Courthouse remains one of the city’s most enduring and iconic landmarks—honoring its legacy while continuing to serve and inspire the community. 

It is open to the public from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Visitors can explore the main lobby, rotunda, and public art displays. Guided tours are available by calling the Museum of Art, DeLand at 386-734-4371.