Duval Clerk Of Courts Public Records provides free online access to two major digital systems—CORE and Acclaim—that together hold over 1.2 million property transactions and court filings dating back to 1975. These records include criminal cases, family law matters, probate files, deeds, liens, and tax notices. Both systems follow Florida’s Sunshine Law, ensuring public access unless a judge orders otherwise. Users can search, view, and download PDFs at no cost. Certified copies cost $10 per page, with in-person help available at the main office in Jacksonville.
How to Search Duval Clerk Of Courts Public Records Online
The Clerk’s office offers two main portals for searching public records. The CORE system covers court cases like felonies, domestic violence, civil lawsuits, and municipal infractions from 1998 to today. Each record shows the docket number, filing date, case type, and presiding judge. The Acclaim system holds official land records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and tax collector notices, with data going back to 1975. Both systems allow keyword searches, date filters, and document downloads. No registration is needed for basic searches, but certified copies require a formal request and payment.
CORE Portal: Court Case Lookup Made Simple
CORE (Clerk Online Resource ePortal) is the primary tool for finding court records in Duval County. It includes criminal prosecutions, family law cases, probate filings, and traffic citations. Users can search by name, case number, or date range. Results display key details like charges, court dates, and final judgments. The system logs every search for transparency and complies with Florida Statute Chapter 119, which mandates open access to government records. Confidential cases, such as juvenile or sealed matters, are not visible. All other records remain accessible unless restricted by court order.
https://core.duvalclerk.com/CoreCms.aspx?mode=PublicAccess
Acclaim System: Property and Land Records
The Acclaim system manages over 1.2 million property-related documents, including warranty deeds, mortgage liens, tax deeds, and right-of-way agreements. Records date from 1975 to the present and are updated daily. Users can search by parcel number, grantor/grantee name, or recording date. Each entry includes a scanned PDF of the original document. This system is essential for real estate professionals, title companies, and homeowners verifying ownership or encumbrances. Unlike CORE, Acclaim focuses only on civil and property records, not court cases.
https://www2.duvalclerk.com/records/
Public Records Department Contact and Hours
The Public Records Department is located at 501 West Adams Street, Room 2403, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brian Corrigan serves as the Public Information Officer and can be reached at (904) 255-1828 or publicrecords@duvalclerk.com. All emails sent to this address become public records under Florida law. For mailed requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Phone inquiries are handled during business hours only.
Official Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of marriage licenses, birth certificates, and probate documents are processed by the Official Records and Research division in Room 1253. First-time certified copies cost $15; additional copies of the same record cost $10. Overnight delivery is available for $20. Requests must include a completed form, payment, and a stamped return envelope. In-person service runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Staff assist with research but cannot provide legal advice.
https://www2.duvalclerk.com/departments/official-records/
Fees and Payment Options
Most online searches are free. Downloading PDFs costs nothing. Certified copies are $10 per page for court records and $15 for vital records like birth or marriage certificates. Additional copies of the same document drop to $10. Overnight shipping adds $20. Payments can be made by cash, check, or money order at the office. Online payments are not accepted for certified copies—requests must be submitted in person or by mail. Fee waivers are not available except by court order.
Accessibility and Language Support
The Clerk’s office is fully accessible. Wheelchair ramps, elevators, and TTY phone services are available. Printed materials in Spanish can be requested at the front desk. Staff are trained to assist non-English speakers, though interpreters are not provided on-site. The website is compatible with screen readers and follows ADA guidelines. All public counters have lowered sections for wheelchair users.
Holiday Schedule and Office Closures
The Clerk’s office follows the Florida state holiday calendar. It closes on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Hours may change during emergencies. A scam alert bulletin on the website warns residents about fake solicitations claiming to sell public records. Always verify contact details through the official site.
Historical Records and Microfilm Access
Birth records from 1850 onward are archived by the Bureau of Vital Statistics, reachable at (904) 352-5300. Each certified copy costs $5, with expedited service for $7 more. Microfilm copies of records from 1900 to 1950 are available for on-site review. Researchers can visit Room 2403 during business hours to use microfilm readers. No appointment is needed, but large projects may require staff assistance.
Document Number Error Correction (2004)
In early 2004, a system error added an extra zero to document numbers between January 1 and January 20. Numbers like 2004000555 were recorded instead of 200400555. The IT team fixed this on March 15, 2004. When searching for documents from that period, use the corrected format (without the extra zero) to ensure accurate results. The online index was updated, but legacy references may still show the old format.
https://oncore.duvalclerk.com/search/SearchTypeName
Third-Party Access via TexasFile
TexasFile offers a free search portal for Duval County property records from 1986 to 2022. Users can look up deeds, liens, oil and gas leases, and plat maps. After creating a free account, researchers can set up “record-watch” alerts for specific properties. While document viewing is free, certified copies must be ordered through the Clerk’s office for $15 per page. This service is popular among title insurers and real estate attorneys.
https://www.texasfile.com/texas-deed-records-directory/duval-county-clerk/
Scam Alerts and Fraud Prevention
The Clerk’s website posts regular scam alerts warning residents about companies that charge high fees for “free” public records. These third-party sites are not affiliated with the government. Always use official channels—CORE, Acclaim, or the Clerk’s office—to obtain records. Report suspicious activity to the Public Information Officer. The office never calls residents demanding payment for record requests.
Divisions and Services Overview
The Clerk’s office manages multiple divisions: Appeals, Circuit Civil, County Civil, Domestic Relations, Domestic Violence, Family Law, Felony, and Finance. Each handles specific case types and maintains separate dockets. Attorneys and the public can file motions, view judgments, and track hearings online. All divisions follow the same public access rules under Florida law.
Florida Sunshine Law Compliance
Florida Statute Chapter 119 requires all government agencies, including the Duval Clerk of Courts, to provide public access to records. This includes emails, scanned documents, and system logs. Exemptions apply only when a court order restricts disclosure, such as in juvenile or ongoing criminal cases. The Clerk logs every record request to maintain transparency and accountability.
TTY and Disability Services
Residents with hearing impairments can contact the office via TTY at (904) 255-1828 during business hours. The building has wheelchair-accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators. Large-print forms and Spanish-language materials are available upon request. Staff are trained to assist people with disabilities in retrieving records.
Email and Electronic Communications Policy
Under Florida Statute 119.0715, all emails sent to or from the Clerk’s office are public records. This includes addresses like publicrecords@duvalclerk.com. Anyone can request these communications through a formal public records request. The office does not use private email accounts for official business.
Overnight and Expedited Services
For urgent needs, the Official Records division offers overnight courier service for $20 per shipment. This applies to certified copies sent via FedEx or UPS. Requests must be submitted by 2 p.m. for next-day delivery. In-person pickup is still the fastest option during office hours.
Marriage and Birth Certificate Requests
Marriage licenses and birth certificates are handled by the Official Records division. Requests require a completed form, ID, and payment. Processing takes 5–7 business days. Expedited service reduces this to 2–3 days for an extra $7. Records older than 100 years are freely accessible; newer ones require proof of eligibility.
Probate and Estate Filings
Probate records, including wills, estate inventories, and guardianship papers, are available through CORE. These files show court decisions, appointed executors, and asset distributions. Certified copies are needed for legal transfers. Researchers should search by decedent name or case number.
Traffic and Municipal Infractions
Traffic tickets, code violations, and municipal infractions are indexed in CORE. Users can search by driver name, ticket number, or court date. Payments for fines must be made separately through the Clerk’s payment portal. Dismissed cases remain visible but are marked “closed” or “dismissed.”
Domestic Violence and Family Law Cases
Family law records include divorce decrees, child custody orders, and restraining orders. Some details may be redacted to protect privacy. Certified copies are required for enforcement or relocation. In-person assistance is recommended for complex family law research.
Felony and Criminal Case Access
Criminal records in CORE include arrest reports, charging documents, and trial outcomes. Sealed or expunged records are not visible. Active cases may have limited details until resolution. Attorneys can request full files through formal channels.
GIS and Parcel Number Cross-Reference
Property researchers should verify parcel numbers using Duval County’s GIS mapping system. This ensures accurate deed and lien searches. The Clerk’s office does not maintain GIS data but provides parcel numbers in Acclaim records.
Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Public Records staff assist with searches, explain fee structures, and process requests. They cannot interpret laws or provide legal advice. For complex issues, users are directed to attorneys or legal aid organizations. Brian Corrigan oversees all public information requests.
Website Navigation Tips
The official Clerk website has clear menus for Records, Departments, and Services. Use the search bar for quick access to CORE or Acclaim. Bookmark frequently used pages. Avoid third-party sites that mimic the official design but charge unnecessary fees.
Record Retention and Destruction Policy
Permanent records like deeds and court judgments are kept indefinitely. Temporary files may be destroyed after 7 years per state guidelines. Destruction schedules are published annually. Researchers should act promptly for older records.
Public Meeting Minutes and Agendas
While not part of public records, meeting minutes from the Clerk’s advisory boards are posted online. These are separate from court or property records and are maintained by the administrative office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get a certified copy of a deed? Visit Room 1253 with ID, fill out a request form, and pay $15. Allow 5–7 days for processing. Can I search records for free? Yes, CORE and Acclaim allow free searches and PDF downloads. Are birth records public? Birth records over 100 years old are public. Newer ones require proof of relationship or legal interest. What if I find an error in a record? Contact the Public Records Department at (904) 255-1828. Corrections require court approval. Is the Clerk’s office open on weekends? No, it is open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding holidays.
Contact Information and Location
Duval Clerk Of Courts Public Records
501 West Adams Street, Room 2403
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 255-1828
Email: publicrecords@duvalclerk.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Official Website: https://www2.duvalclerk.com
Related Services and Resources
Final Notes on Accuracy and Updates
All information is current as of 2024 and aligns with Florida statutes and the Clerk’s official policies. Users should verify details before acting on records. The office updates systems nightly, so recent filings may take 24–48 hours to appear online. For legal proceedings, always obtain certified copies.
FAQ Section
Many residents have questions about accessing, interpreting, or using Duval Clerk Of Courts Public Records. Below are detailed answers to the most common inquiries, based on official policies and Florida law.
How do I request a certified copy of a court judgment?
To request a certified copy of a court judgment, visit the Official Records and Research division at 501 West Adams Street, Room 1253, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number or party names. Fill out the request form, pay $15 for the first copy or $10 for additional copies of the same document, and allow 5–7 business days for processing. Overnight delivery is available for $20. You may also mail your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope, completed form, and check or money order. Certified copies are required for legal enforcement, property transfers, or immigration purposes. Uncertified PDFs from CORE are not legally valid. Staff cannot expedite requests without court approval.
Are juvenile court records available to the public?
No, juvenile court records are not available to the public under Florida Statute 985.04. These records are sealed by law to protect the privacy of minors. Only judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and authorized social service agencies can access them. Even parents or guardians must petition the court for access. If a juvenile case is transferred to adult court, those records become public once the transfer is finalized. The Clerk’s office will deny any request for juvenile records without a court order. Researchers should use adult criminal records in CORE for cases involving individuals over 18.
Can I search property records by address?
Yes, you can search property records by address using the Acclaim system. Go to the official Duval Clerk website and click on “Official Records.” Enter the street address or parcel number in the search field. Results will show deeds, liens, mortgages, and tax notices linked to that property. Each entry includes a PDF scan of the original document. For best results, cross-check the parcel number with Duval County’s GIS map. Note that addresses may change due to city renumbering, so older records might use outdated formats. If you cannot find a record, contact the Public Records Department for assistance.
What happens if I misspell a name in my search?
If you misspell a name in your search, the system will not return results. Both CORE and Acclaim require exact or close matches. Try common variations like “Jon” instead of “John” or “Smith” vs. “Smyth.” Use partial names with wildcards if supported. For example, searching “Sm*” may return Smith, Smyth, and Smythe. If unsure, search by case number, date, or document type instead. The Clerk’s staff can help locate records if you provide additional details like approximate filing year or co-party names. Always double-check spelling before submitting formal requests to avoid delays.
How long does it take to process a public records request by mail?
Mail-in public records requests take 7–10 business days to process. Include a completed request form, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send to: Duval Clerk of Courts, Attn: Public Records Department, 501 West Adams Street, Room 2403, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Processing begins the day the request is received. Certified copies add 3–5 days. Overnight service reduces delivery time but not processing time. During holidays or high-volume periods, delays may occur. For faster service, visit in person or use online portals for non-certified documents.
Can I get a refund if my record request is denied?
No, fees are not refundable if a record request is denied. This includes cases where no record exists, the record is exempt under law, or the request lacks sufficient detail. The $15 or $10 fee covers staff time and administrative costs, not just document production. If your request is denied, the Clerk will explain the reason in writing. You may refile with corrected information at no extra charge. Refunds are only issued if the Clerk made an error, such as sending the wrong document. Always verify details before submitting to avoid unnecessary costs.