Court records in Duval County, Florida can be searched through several channels. DuvalCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court resources such as the Duval County Clerk of Courts website, in person at the Clerk's office in downtown Jacksonville, or at public computer terminals inside the courthouse. The sections below explain which courts handle which cases, how to check court calendars, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Duval Court System & Jurisdictions
Duval County is part of Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit, which also covers Clay and Nassau Counties. Two levels of court operate within the county — Circuit Court and County Court — each handling distinct case types.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Florida. In Duval County it hears:
- Felony criminal cases — all charges classified as felonies under Florida law
- Civil cases — disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000
- Family law — dissolution of marriage, child custody, paternity, domestic violence injunctions, and adoptions
- Probate — estate administration, guardianships, and mental health proceedings
- Juvenile — delinquency and dependency cases
- Appeals — some appeals from County Court decisions
The Duval County courthouse is located at 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
County Court
County Court handles lower-level matters, including:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases — disputes involving $50,000 or less, including small claims (up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions — civil and criminal traffic violations
- Ordinance violations
If you are unsure which court division holds a particular case, the Clerk's online court records portal (CORE) lets you search across case types by party name or case number.
Federal Court
Federal matters originating in Duval County are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division. Federal dockets can be searched through PACER.
Duval Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars — sometimes called dockets or hearing schedules — show upcoming proceedings by judge, division, or courtroom.
Where to Check
- Fourth Judicial Circuit website — The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court page publishes judicial calendars and division-specific schedules. Look for the individual judge's calendar or the division calendar (criminal, civil, family, etc.).
- Clerk's CORE portal — After locating a case through the Clerk's court records search, upcoming hearing dates tied to that case number are typically displayed in the case detail view.
- In-person kiosks — Public terminals inside the Duval County Courthouse at 501 W. Adams Street display daily hearing schedules.
Tips
- Calendars are usually updated the business day before hearings. Check the morning of for last-minute changes or cancellations.
- If you need information about a specific judge's schedule, call the Clerk's office at (904) 255-2000.
How to Get a Copy of a Duval Court Document
The Duval County Clerk of Courts is the custodian of court records. You can request copies three ways:
1. Online
Search for the case through the Clerk's CORE system. Many documents can be viewed and printed directly. Some filings — particularly in sealed or confidential cases — will not appear online.
2. In Person
Visit the Clerk's office to request copies at the counter. Bring the case number if you have it; otherwise, staff can search by party name and date of birth.
3. By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of the document(s) needed
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the applicable fees (see below)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions — suitable for personal review.
- Certified copies carry the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are generally required for legal proceedings, government applications, or filings in another jurisdiction.
Certain records are restricted from public access under Florida law, including juvenile dependency files, sealed or expunged criminal records, and some family law documents. Under the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), most court records are generally public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
Duval Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in Duval County are set by Florida Statutes (primarily § 28.24) and the Clerk's fee schedule. The table below lists common charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court record (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of a document | $2.00 per certification |
| Search fee (per name, per year searched) | $2.00 |
| Copy of a recorded instrument from Official Records (first page) | $1.00 |
| Copy of a recorded instrument (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Exemplified copy | Contact Clerk for current fee |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, and most major credit/debit cards are accepted at the Clerk's office.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Duval County Clerk of Courts."
- Online: Fees for electronic copies or certified documents ordered through the Clerk's website may be paid by credit or debit card; processing fees may apply.
Fee amounts are subject to change. Confirm current rates on the Clerk of Courts website or by calling (904) 255-2000 before submitting payment by mail.