Jacksonville Civil Court Records Lookup
Jacksonville civil court records are kept by the Duval County Clerk of Court. As a consolidated city-county, Jacksonville and Duval County share the same government, and all civil cases go through the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Jacksonville Quick Facts
Duval County Clerk of Court
Jacksonville is Florida's largest city by population. It is also a consolidated city-county, meaning the city and Duval County share the same government. Civil court records for Jacksonville are managed by the Duval County Clerk of Court, Jody Phillips. The clerk's office is at the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville.
The Duval County Clerk website has tools for searching court records and official records online. You can look up Jacksonville civil court cases at no cost from any computer or phone. The clerk also offers e-filing, traffic payment, and child support payment services through the website.
The clerk's office is open weekdays for walk-in service. Call ahead if you have questions about a specific civil court case in Jacksonville.
| Clerk | Jody Phillips |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 W Adams St Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Phone | (904) 255-2000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | duvalclerk.com |
How to Search Jacksonville Civil Court Records
You can search Jacksonville civil court records online for free. The Duval County court records search gives public access to case information. Type in a name or case number to pull up results. The system covers circuit civil, county civil, family law, probate, criminal, and traffic cases.
Search results show the case type, filing date, parties involved, and current status. You can view docket entries and find out which judge is assigned. Some document images may be available online. For others, you will need to visit the courthouse or request copies from the clerk.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to Jacksonville civil court records too. This statewide system links to all 67 county clerks in Florida. You can file new civil cases and look up existing ones. It is free to create an account. The portal handles all filings for Jacksonville civil cases electronically.
For in-person searches, visit the Duval County Courthouse at 501 W Adams Street. Staff can look up civil cases and make copies. Bring your ID. Copy fees and certification fees apply.
Jacksonville handles a large volume of civil court cases each year due to its size. Online searches are the quickest way to find records. The system is available around the clock, so you do not have to wait for courthouse hours.
Civil Court Structure in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is in the 4th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Clay, Nassau, and Baker counties. Civil cases in Jacksonville go to one of two court levels depending on the amount in dispute.
Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000. These include contract disputes, injury lawsuits, property actions, and foreclosures. Family law and probate cases also go to Circuit Court in Jacksonville. County Court handles civil claims up to $30,000. Small claims under $8,000 fall here too. Eviction cases and landlord disputes in Jacksonville go through County Court.
The 4th Judicial Circuit has a dedicated civil division for Jacksonville cases. If you are filing a new case, make sure you pick the right court level. The clerk's office can help if you are not sure where your Jacksonville civil case belongs.
Official Records in Jacksonville
The Duval County Clerk also keeps official records separate from civil court case files. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and other recorded documents. The Duval County official records search lets you look these up online at no cost.
If you need to check whether a civil judgment has been recorded against a Jacksonville property, this is the tool to use. Recorded judgments become liens on real property. Searching official records in Jacksonville can reveal these liens along with other documents tied to a property address or owner name.
Online records are not the same as certified copies. For legal proceedings, you may need certified copies from the clerk's office. Staff at the courthouse can help you get the right documents for your Jacksonville civil case.
Confidential Information in Jacksonville Civil Court Records
Certain data in civil court records stays private. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must not appear in public court files. This applies to all Jacksonville civil court records. If you see these numbers in a public document, tell the clerk. They will redact the data at no charge.
Filers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags private data in filings so the clerk can keep it out of the public version. Adoption records and sealed cases are completely off limits in the public search system.
Public Records Law and Jacksonville Civil Court Records
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes government records open to the public. This covers civil court records in Jacksonville. You do not need to be a party in a case to view the file. Anyone can request access. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time.
A few categories are exempt. Social security numbers, sealed records, and some personal details cannot be disclosed. But the bulk of Jacksonville civil court records are open. You can check them online or ask for copies at the courthouse.
Florida's public records law is one of the broadest in the nation. It is sometimes called the Sunshine Law. For Jacksonville residents, this means most civil court documents are just a search away.
Self-Help for Civil Cases in Jacksonville
Free tools exist if you plan to handle a civil case on your own in Jacksonville. The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and step-by-step guides for common case types. DIY Florida, part of the E-Filing Portal, creates court forms based on your answers to simple questions.
Over 20 form types are available for small claims, evictions, and other civil matters. You can file completed forms electronically to the Duval County clerk. Standard filing fees apply. The E-Filing Portal support desk is open weekdays at (850) 577-4609.
The clerk's office cannot give legal advice. For legal help in Jacksonville, try Jacksonville Area Legal Aid or the Jacksonville Bar Association lawyer referral service. These groups assist people who need help with civil court cases but cannot afford a private attorney.
Duval County Civil Court Records
Because Jacksonville and Duval County are consolidated, the civil court system is the same for both. For a complete guide on court procedures, fees, filing instructions, and search tools, see our full Duval County page.
Nearby Cities
Jacksonville is in northeast Florida. The nearest qualifying cities with civil court records pages are further south along the coast and in central Florida.