Duval County court records are public files kept by the Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville, Florida. Anyone can look at most of these files online or at the courthouse.
This page explains how to search, what you can find, and where to get help with Duval County court records.
Quick Facts About Duval County
Duval County sits in northeast Florida. Jacksonville serves as the county seat. The county is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. About 1 million people live in Duval County. The court system handles civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. All filings go through one clerk’s office because Jacksonville and Duval County share a consolidated government.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Population | About 1 million |
| Judicial Circuit | 4th Judicial Circuit |
| Court Records Search | Free online through CORE |
| Clerk Office | 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Main Phone | (904) 255-2000 |
Who Manages Duval County Court Records
The Duval County Clerk of Courts keeps all court files for the area. The clerk stores new filings, scans old files, and gives copies to the public. Because Jacksonville merged with Duval County, this one office handles every court case in the region. There is no separate city court system.
The clerk’s main office sits at the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville. Walk-in help is open on weekdays. You can also call the clerk with questions about case status or filing steps. The clerk follows Florida public records law under Florida Statute Chapter 119. Most court records stay open to the public unless a judge seals them. The clerk also hides certain private data, like social security numbers, on its own under Florida Statute 119.0714.
How to Search Duval County Court Records Online
You can search Duval County court records online through the CORE portal. CORE stands for Court Online Records. It is the main public tool for case files in Duval County. The basic search is free. You do not need an account to look at public cases.
To start a search, go to the duvalclerk.com website. Click on the court records link. Type a name or case number into the search box. Results show on screen with the case number, party names, case type, filing date, and case status. You can click into a case to see the docket and any documents the clerk has posted.
The CORE system covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases in Duval County. Not all documents appear online. Some are held back under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, which lists what stays private. Sealed cases do not show up in search results at all.
Under Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14, clerks across the state post many public court document images online. Duval County takes part in this program. That means you can often view the actual papers filed in a case, not just the docket list. The clerk still checks each item before posting to keep protected data out of public view.
Note: Some older Duval County court records may not be in the CORE system if they were filed before the office went digital.
Duval County Official Records vs Court Records
Many people mix up court records with official records in Duval County. They are two different systems. Court records come from lawsuits, criminal cases, and other matters filed with the court. Official records cover deeds, liens, mortgages, marriage licenses, and other recorded documents.
If you need a court case, use CORE. If you need a recorded document like a deed, use the Duval County Official Records portal at or.duvalclerk.com. The official records search lets you look up files by book type, number, page, or case number. Both systems offer free basic searches in Duval County.
You can combine search fields to narrow down your results if you know the book type and page number for a Duval County record.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
New filings in Duval County must go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The portal runs around the clock. Lawyers and people who represent themselves can file papers and pay fees online. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers group links all 67 county clerks and offers extra services, including traffic fine payments and jury duty facts that cover Duval County.
Types of Court Records in Duval County
The 4th Judicial Circuit handles many case types in Duval County. Each type creates its own set of court records. The clerk stores and maintains all of them.
Civil Court Records
Civil cases include contract disputes, debt collection, personal injury claims, and real estate matters. These files stay open to the public unless a judge seals them. You can search civil court records by party name or case number in the CORE system.
Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records in Duval County come from felony and misdemeanor cases. Felony cases go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanor cases go to County Court. Each case has its own file with a docket that tracks every motion, order, hearing, and ruling. Under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, the public can see all judicial branch records unless a specific exemption applies.
Family Court Records
Family cases cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and name changes. Most family court records in Duval County are public, but some parts may be sealed to protect children or private data. You can search family cases in the CORE portal.
Probate Court Records
Probate cases deal with wills, estates, and guardianships. These files include the will, the petition, and the final order from the judge. Probate records are public in Duval County, and you can view them online or at the courthouse.
Traffic and Small Claims Records
Traffic violations and small claims cases are heard in County Court in Duval County. Small claims cover disputes up to $8,000. Traffic records include moving violations, speeding tickets, and DUI charges. You can search these cases in the CORE system using a name or case number.
Juvenile Court Records
Juvenile court records in Duval County have their own rules. Most juvenile cases are not open to the public. You usually need a court order to view them. Dependency and delinquency cases involving minors stay separate from the regular court records system. If you need access to juvenile records, you may need to file a motion with the court and show a valid reason.
In-Person Access at the Courthouse
You can visit the Duval County Courthouse at 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Walk-in service is open on weekdays during normal business hours. Staff at the front desk can help you find court records, pull case files, and make copies. You do not need to be a party to the case to look at public files. This right comes from Florida’s public records law under Chapter 119.
The clerk must let you see the file unless a court order or statute says otherwise. Bring a photo ID with you. If you need to see sealed records, you must file a written request with the court and get a judge’s approval first.
Fees and Copies
Copies of Duval County court records cost a small fee. Plain copies cost less than certified ones. Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and stamp, which some agencies and courts in other states need as proof. If you just need to confirm case details or check a filing date, a plain copy works fine. For legal use in other courts, get a certified copy from the Duval County Clerk.
You can pay for copies with cash, check, or card at the courthouse. Online payment is also available through the clerk’s website for some services. Fee amounts can change, so call (904) 255-2000 to confirm current costs before you visit.
Legal Resources for Duval County
Several groups help people who need court records or legal aid in Duval County. Jacksonville Area Legal Aid serves low-income residents with free legal help. They handle family law, housing, and consumer cases. Their main office is at 126 West Adams Street in Jacksonville, close to the courthouse. Call (904) 356-8371 to see if you qualify.
The Jacksonville Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for people who need an attorney. The Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov has free forms and self-help guides for anyone who wants to file on their own. All court forms are free from the Florida Supreme Court and can be used in Duval County.
The 4th Judicial Circuit also has a self-help center at the courthouse where staff can point you in the right direction. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you with forms and procedures. For court records from other Florida counties, the MyFloridaCounty.com portal lets you make payments and access services across the state. If you filed your case in another county but live in Duval County now, you still need to get your records from the county where the case was filed. Florida does not have one statewide database for all court records.
Cities in Duval County
Jacksonville and Duval County are consolidated, so the entire county operates under one government. All court records in Duval County are filed at the clerk’s office in Jacksonville. Smaller towns within the county limits, such as Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Baldwin, all use the Duval County court system for filings.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Duval County. Make sure you file in the correct county, since the court must have jurisdiction over your case. If you live in one county and the other party lives in another, check with the clerk about where to file.
- St. Johns County
- Clay County
- Nassau County
- Baker County
Contact Details and Location
Use these details to reach the Duval County Clerk of Courts for court records help:
- Office: Duval County Clerk of Courts
- Address: 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Phone: (904) 255-2000
- Website: https://www.duvalclerk.com
- Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Email: Available through the contact form on duvalclerk.com
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common things people ask about Duval County court records. Each answer gives clear facts you can use right away.
How do I look up a case number in Duval County?
You can look up a case number in Duval County by searching the CORE system on the duvalclerk.com website. Type a full name into the search box. Results show the case number, party names, case type, filing date, and status. If you already have a case number, type it directly into the case number field for faster results. You can also call the clerk at (904) 255-2000 during business hours and ask staff to look up the case number for you. Have the full legal name and date of birth ready to help staff find the right file.
Are Duval County court records free to view online?
Yes. Basic searches in the CORE system are free. You can see case details, docket entries, and many public documents at no cost. Certified copies and printed copies cost a small fee. The fee amount changes over time, so check the clerk’s website or call the office for current pricing. The free search covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases in Duval County.
Can I see sealed court records in Duval County?
No. Sealed court records are not open to the public. They do not show up in the CORE search results. You must file a written motion with the court to ask a judge to unseal a record. The judge will look at your reason and decide whether to grant access. Juvenile records, some family files, and cases under a court order stay sealed in Duval County unless a judge rules otherwise.
What is the difference between court records and official records in Duval County?
Court records and official records are two different file systems. Court records come from lawsuits, criminal cases, and other matters filed with the court. Official records cover deeds, liens, mortgages, marriage licenses, and other recorded documents. Use the CORE system for court cases. Use the official records portal at or.duvalclerk.com for recorded documents. Both systems are run by the Duval County Clerk of Courts.
How do I get a certified copy of a court record in Duval County?
You can get a certified copy of a court record in Duval County by visiting the clerk’s office in person or by mail. Bring the case number or full party name. Pay the certified copy fee, which covers the clerk’s seal and stamp. You can also order certified copies online through the clerk’s website for some record types. Certified copies are often needed for legal use in other courts or agencies.
Can I access Duval County court records from another state?
Yes. You can access Duval County court records from anywhere with an internet connection through the CORE portal. The system runs online 24 hours a day. You can also call the clerk during business hours or send a written request by mail. For certified copies, you may need to arrange payment and shipping by mail if you cannot visit the courthouse in person.
What should I do if I cannot find a court record in the CORE system?
If you cannot find a court record in the CORE system, the file may be sealed, too old to be online, or filed under a different name. Try searching with other name variations, including middle names and date of birth. You can also call the clerk at (904) 255-2000 for help. Staff can check older files in the paper archive or microfilm. Some pre-digital records from before the office went online may need an in-person visit to view.