Search Duval County Civil Court Records

Duval County civil court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Jacksonville. The 4th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Duval County, and the clerk's office provides public access to court files online and at the courthouse.

Duval County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Duval County is Jody Phillips. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. With nearly one million residents, Duval County is one of the largest in Florida and processes a high volume of civil cases each year. The main courthouse is on West Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville. You can visit in person or call for help.

The Duval County Clerk website has tools for court records search, official records search, and e-filing portal access. The clerk handles circuit civil, county civil, family law, probate, criminal, and traffic cases. Jacksonville is a consolidated city-county, so the Duval County clerk serves the entire metropolitan area.

The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours for civil court record requests in Duval County.

How to Search Duval County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Duval County online or in person. The clerk's website provides a court records search tool that covers circuit civil, county civil, family law, probate, criminal, and traffic cases. You can look up cases by name or case number. The online search is free and open to anyone.

For official records like deeds, mortgages, and liens, the clerk has a separate official records search tool. This search covers recorded documents in Duval County. It is useful if you need to find civil judgments recorded against property in the Jacksonville area.

Online records are for informational purposes only. They are not official legal documents. For certified copies of civil court records in Duval County, you must get them from the clerk's office. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and are valid for court use. Plain copies are cheaper but do not have legal certification.

You can also visit the courthouse at 501 W Adams St in Jacksonville. Staff can look up cases and make copies. The clerk's office handles a large volume of requests each day, so expect some wait time during busy hours. Bring your ID when you visit.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Duval County civil court records. This statewide tool connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases through the portal at any time. It is free to register. The portal has more than 770,000 users and handles over 30 million documents per year.

Civil Court Structure in Duval County

Duval County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Clay and Nassau counties. Civil cases in Duval County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court in Duval County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Evictions and landlord-tenant cases go to County Court as well.

Because Jacksonville is such a large city, Duval County sees many civil filings each year. The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for all Florida counties. If you are not sure which court handles your case, call the clerk at (904) 255-2000.

Confidential Information in Duval County Civil Court Records

Some details in civil court records are kept private. Under Florida law, social security numbers and bank account or credit card numbers must not appear in public court files. If these numbers show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to redact them. There is no fee for this in Duval County.

Parties and attorneys who file civil court papers in Duval County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags any confidential data in a filing so the clerk can keep it out of public view. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other personal details.

Self-Help Resources in Duval County

DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through interview questions and fills out court forms for you. More than 20 forms are available for small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Duval County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply.

The E-Filing Portal support desk is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time at (850) 577-4609. Training videos on the portal show how to set up an account and submit documents. The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for common civil case types.

The Find a Clerk directory lists contact info for all 67 county clerks. The clerk's office in Duval County cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms for your civil case.

Public Records Access in Duval County

Florida has broad public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Duval County. You do not need to be a party in a case. You can ask to see any public civil court file. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time.

Some limits exist. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Social security numbers and bank account numbers stay confidential. But most civil court files in Duval County are open to the public. For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 501 W Adams St in Jacksonville. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more.

Cities in Duval County

Duval County is a consolidated city-county with Jacksonville as both the county seat and the main city. All civil court cases for the Jacksonville metro area go through the Duval County Clerk of Court.

Other communities in Duval County include Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. All use the Duval County clerk's office for civil court records.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 4th Judicial Circuit with Duval County. If you are not sure which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place. You must file in the correct county.