Jacksonville city court records are public files held by the Duval County Clerk of Courts at 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
The city of Jacksonville merged with Duval County in 1968, so one clerk’s office manages all circuit and county court files for the area. Anyone can ask to see these files under Florida law, unless a judge has sealed them.
This page explains how to look up Jacksonville city court records online, by phone, by mail, or in person. It covers civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate, and small claims case types. It also lists fees, office hours, and contact details for the clerk’s office.
Where Jacksonville City Court Records Are Kept
All Jacksonville city court records are stored and managed by the Duval County Clerk of Courts. The clerk runs both the circuit court (felony, family, probate, civil over $50,000) and the county court (misdemeanor, traffic, small claims, civil up to $50,000) from the same main office.
The main address is:
- Duval County Clerk of Courts
- 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Phone: (904) 255-1828
- Website: duvalclerk.com
Florida Statute Chapter 119 makes these files open to the public. Sealed cases, juvenile dependency records, and some family court files are kept private by law.
How to Search Jacksonville City Court Records Online
The main online tool is the Clerk Online Resource ePortal, called CORE. It lets you search by name, case number, business name, or date range. Basic case status searches are free and do not need a user account.
To run a search:
- Go to duvalclerk.com and click “Court Records” under Online Options.
- Pick the search type: name, case number, citation, or date.
- Type the last name, first name, and middle name if you have them.
- Pick the case type (civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate) from the filter.
- Press search and read the results list.
Each result shows the case number, party names, filing date, current status, and judge assigned. Click the case number to see the full docket, hearing dates, and document list.
Registered users can see actual scanned document images. They can also set up email alerts for new filings on a specific case. Registration is free with a valid email address.
Jacksonville Civil Court Records
Jacksonville civil court records cover lawsuits between people or businesses. The circuit court handles disputes where the amount in question is over $50,000. County court handles civil cases from $8,001 up to $50,000. Common civil case types in Jacksonville include:
- Personal injury claims
- Breach of contract
- Property disputes
- Foreclosure
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Debt collection
You can search civil cases by plaintiff name, defendant name, or case number in the CORE portal. The docket shows the complaint date, answer date, motion filings, and judgment entries. Most civil dockets are public from the day the case is filed.
For cases that resulted in a recorded judgment, you can also search the Official Records search tool at or.duvalclerk.com. Recorded judgments stay on the public record for 10 years and can affect credit and property.
Civil Court Filing Fees in Jacksonville
Filing fees depend on the type of case and the amount claimed. As of mid-2025, the standard civil filing fee in Duval County circuit court is $401 for cases over $50,000. County court fees start at $300 for claims between $8,001 and $50,000. Small claims cases cost less.
Jacksonville Criminal Court Records
Jacksonville criminal court records cover felony, misdemeanor, and ordinance violation cases. Felonies are heard in the 4th Judicial Circuit Court. Misdemeanors and county ordinance violations stay in county court. Both are searchable through the CORE portal.
Criminal record searches show:
- Arrest date and agency
- Charges filed
- Bond amount and status
- Arraignment date
- Plea entered
- Sentence and probation details
Booking photos and current jail inmate rosters are managed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, not the clerk. For a statewide criminal history check, use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website.
Under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, criminal court files are public unless sealed by court order. Expunged or sealed cases do not show up in the CORE search results.
First Appearance Process in Jacksonville
After an arrest in Jacksonville, the defendant must see a judge within 24 hours. This is called first appearance. The CORE portal shows the first appearance date, bond decision, and conditions of release. Most first appearance hearings happen at the Duval County Courthouse before a duty judge.
Jacksonville Family Court Records
Jacksonville family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases. The circuit court family division handles all of these. The CORE portal lets you look up case status, hearing dates, and final judgments.
Some family files are not public. Florida law keeps the following records private:
- Adoption files
- Juvenile dependency records
- Child abuse investigation files
- Sealed paternity cases
- Mental health commitment records
For divorce records, the final judgment is public. Financial affidavits, parenting plans, and child support worksheets are sometimes sealed by the judge. The clerk’s office cannot unseal records without a signed court order.
Jacksonville Traffic Court Records
Jacksonville traffic court records cover moving violations, DUI, reckless driving, and license suspension cases. These cases are heard in county court. You can search by citation number, last name, or driver license number in the CORE portal.
The portal shows the violation code, fine amount, court date, and outcome. You can also pay traffic fines online through MyFloridaCounty.com without going to the courthouse.
Common traffic case types in Jacksonville include speeding, running a red light, driving without a valid license, and no proof of insurance. Most non-criminal traffic cases can be resolved with a fine and traffic school.
Paying a Traffic Ticket in Jacksonville
To pay a Jacksonville traffic ticket:
- Find your citation number on the ticket.
- Go to myfloridacounty.com or call the clerk’s office.
- Enter the citation number and pay by card or e-check.
- Save the receipt for your records.
Credit card fees add 3.95% to the total. E-checks are free. You can also pay in person at the clerk’s office during business hours.
Jacksonville Probate Court Records
Jacksonville probate court records cover wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. The circuit court probate division handles all filings. The CORE portal shows case status, petition type, and hearing dates.
Probate records often include:
- Last will and testament
- Petition for administration
- Inventory of assets
- Creditor claims
- Final discharge
Most probate files are public from the date of filing. A judge can seal a probate case if it involves confidential financial data or minor children. Guardianship cases for adults with disabilities have stricter privacy rules.
Small Claims Court Records in Jacksonville
Small claims court records in Jacksonville cover disputes where the amount is $8,000 or less. The county court small claims division hears these cases. They are faster and have less paperwork than regular civil cases.
Common small claims cases in Jacksonville include:
- Unpaid rent or security deposit disputes
- Damage to property
- Bad checks
- Consumer complaints
- Contractor disputes
Small claims court has a $300 filing fee for most cases. There is no jury trial. The judge makes the final decision after a short hearing. The losing party can appeal to circuit court within 30 days.
Official Records vs Court Records in Jacksonville
Jacksonville has two separate search tools. The CORE portal handles court case dockets. The Official Records search handles recorded documents like deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments. Both are free to search.
The Official Records tool is at or.duvalclerk.com. You can search by:
- Name of the buyer or seller
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
- Legal description of property
- Recording date range
Recorded judgments from civil and small claims cases appear in the Official Records search. This is useful for title searches, credit checks, and real estate transactions.
Costs, Certified Copies, and Payment Options
Basic Jacksonville city court record searches are free. You pay only for printed or certified copies. The standard fee structure at the Duval County Clerk’s office is:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $2.00 |
| Document search fee | $2.00 per year searched |
| Federal tax lien search | $10.00 |
| Online credit card fee | 3.95% |
| E-check fee | Free |
You can order certified copies online, in person, or by mail. Online orders come with an e-certificate that courts and government agencies accept. In-person pickup is available at the clerk’s office during business hours.
Sealed and Confidential Jacksonville Court Records
Some Jacksonville city court records are sealed by court order. Sealed records do not appear in CORE search results. To open a sealed record, you must file a motion with the court that issued the seal. A judge must sign an order before the clerk can release the file.
Common reasons for sealing a case include:
- Expunged criminal records
- Juvenile cases
- Adoption proceedings
- Trade secrets in civil cases
- Protected identity cases
Under Florida Statute 119.0714, the clerk automatically redacts Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers from public court files. You do not need to ask for this redaction.
E-Filing in Jacksonville Court
Attorneys and self-represented filers can submit court documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The portal runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Filing is free, but court fees and service fees still apply.
E-filing is available for civil, family, probate, small claims, and some criminal motions. The portal sends a notification when the clerk accepts or rejects the filing. Rejected filings are returned with a reason code so you can correct and resubmit.
In-Person and Mail Requests for Jacksonville Court Records
You can request court records in person at the Duval County Courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk will help you pull the file and make copies. Plan for wait times during peak hours, especially Mondays and the day after court holidays.
For mail requests, send a written request to the clerk with:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties in the case
- Specific documents you need
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment by check or money order
Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days. The clerk will return the copies in the envelope you provided. They will bill you separately if the cost exceeds the payment sent.
Jacksonville Court System and Judicial Circuit
Jacksonville sits inside the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. Each county has its own clerk’s office. A case filed in Clay or Nassau County will not show up in the Duval County Clerk’s CORE portal.
For cases filed in other 4th Circuit counties, contact:
- Clay County Clerk of Court: clayclerk.com
- Nassau County Clerk of Court: nassauclerk.com
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website (flclerks.com) connects all 67 county clerks. It is a good starting point if you do not know which county holds a specific court record.
Contact Details and Office Location
Use these details to reach the Duval County Clerk of Courts for Jacksonville city court records.
Office: Duval County Clerk of Courts
Address: 501 W. Adams Street, Room 100, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 255-1828
Website: duvalclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on state holidays
The office is on the corner of West Adams Street and North Hogan Street in downtown Jacksonville. Public parking is available in the nearby garage at 215 N. Hogan Street. Public transit riders can take the Jacksonville Skyway to the Hemming Park station, which is two blocks away.
Jacksonville City Court Records FAQs
How do I look up a court case in Jacksonville for free?
Go to duvalclerk.com and open the CORE portal. Type the full name of the person in the case, pick the case type, and press search. You will see the case number, status, and hearing dates. You do not need an account. Scanned document images require a free registered account.
Are Jacksonville court records public?
Yes. Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, Jacksonville city court records are open to anyone who asks. The clerk’s office must provide access during business hours. Sealed cases, juvenile dependency files, and adoption records are the main exceptions. Some personal data like Social Security numbers is always redacted.
How much does a certified copy of a Jacksonville court record cost?
A certified copy costs $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. You can order online, by mail, or in person. E-certified copies sent by email are accepted by most courts and government agencies. Standard non-certified copies cost $1.00 per page.
Can I see Jacksonville criminal records online?
Yes. Criminal case dockets are searchable in the CORE portal. You will see charges, court dates, pleas, and sentences. Booking photos and current jail rosters are on the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office website. For a full state criminal background check, use the FDLE website and pay the $24 fee.
How do I find out if someone has a warrant in Jacksonville?
Open warrants do not always show up in the public CORE portal. The most accurate way is to call the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (904) 630-7600. You can also check with the clerk’s office, but they may not confirm active warrants by phone for safety reasons.
Can I remove or seal a court record in Jacksonville?
You can file a petition to seal or expunge a criminal record under Florida Statute 943.059. You must qualify and get a court order. The clerk’s office cannot seal a record without a signed judge order. Most sealing petitions need a lawyer and a fingerprint-based eligibility check from FDLE.
What is the difference between court records and official records in Jacksonville?
Court records show the case docket, motions, hearings, and judgments. Official records show recorded documents like deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded judgments. The CORE portal handles court records. The or.duvalclerk.com portal handles official records. They are two separate systems with different search tools.