Duval County Public Records
What Is Public Records in The Duval County?
Public records in Duval County refer to all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency in Duval County.
These records are maintained by the Duval County Clerk of Courts and include various documents such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Court records (civil, criminal, family, probate cases)
- Marriage licenses
- Tax records
- Business records
- Vital records
The Duval County Clerk of Courts is the official custodian of these records and is responsible for maintaining, preserving, and providing public access to them.
Duval County Clerk of Courts, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Is Duval County an Open Records County?
Yes, Duval County is an open records county. Florida has some of the most comprehensive public records laws in the United States, often referred to as "Sunshine Laws." Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, most government records in Duval County are open to public inspection and copying.
The Florida Constitution and the Public Records Act guarantee the right to access public records in the state. This means that any person, regardless of citizenship or reason, has the right to inspect or copy any public record in Duval County, with certain exemptions established by law.
The Duval County Clerk of Courts is committed to transparency and provides various methods for accessing public records, including in-person visits, online portals, and written requests.
Florida Division of Library and Information Services, 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
How Do I Find Public Records in Duval County in 2025
In 2025, Duval County offers several methods to access public records:
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Online Access:
- Use the Duval County Public Records Search portal (OnCore) for official records
- Access court records through the Clerk Online Resource ePortal (CORE)
- Visit the Duval County Property Appraiser's website for property records
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In-Person Visits:
- Visit the Duval County Courthouse to access records in person
- Use public terminals available at the Clerk's Office
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Written Requests:
- Submit a public records request form to the appropriate department
- Specify the records you're seeking with as much detail as possible
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Mobile Applications:
- Download the Duval County Clerk's mobile app for on-the-go access to certain records
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Email or Phone Requests:
- Contact the specific department that maintains the records you need
For the most efficient service, it's recommended to use the online portals whenever possible, as they provide immediate access to many records 24/7.
Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Duval County?
The cost to obtain public records in Duval County varies depending on the type of record and the method of delivery:
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Viewing Records:
- No charge for viewing public records in person
- No charge for accessing records through online portals (registration may be required)
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Copying Fees:
- $1.00 per page for certified copies
- $0.15 per one-sided copy (standard size)
- $0.20 per two-sided copy (standard size)
- $1.00 per page for microfilm copies
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Special Service Charges:
- If the request requires extensive use of information technology resources or clerical assistance, additional fees may apply
- These charges are based on the actual cost of the resources used
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Recording Fees:
- First page: $10.00
- Each additional page: $8.50
- Additional fees may apply for specific document types
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Electronic Records:
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- Email delivery: Usually no charge if records are already in electronic format
Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card (a convenience fee may apply for credit card payments).
Duval County Clerk's Office, Records Department, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Does Duval County Have Free Public Records?
Yes, Duval County does provide free access to many public records:
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Online Access:
- Basic searches on the Duval County Clerk's website are free
- The OnCore public records search system offers free access to view many documents
- CORE (Clerk Online Resource ePortal) provides free access to non-confidential court records
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In-Person Viewing:
- Anyone can visit the Duval County Courthouse to view public records at no cost
- Public terminals are available for searching records electronically
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Free vs. Fee-Based Services:
- While viewing records is generally free, obtaining copies (physical or certified) incurs fees
- Enhanced access or subscription services for high-volume users may have associated costs
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Public Libraries:
- Some Duval County public libraries provide free access to certain public records databases
It's important to note that while viewing the records is free, any copies or certified documents will incur the standard fees outlined in the previous section.
Jacksonville Public Library, Main Library, 303 N. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Who Can Request Public Records In Duval County?
In Duval County, as in all of Florida, public records are available to anyone regardless of:
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Citizenship Status:
- You do not need to be a Florida resident or U.S. citizen to request public records
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Age Requirements:
- There are no age restrictions for requesting public records
- Minors have the same rights to access public records as adults
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Purpose of Request:
- You are not required to disclose why you want the records
- You do not need to provide identification for most record requests
- Your intended use of the records does not affect your right to access them
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Request Format:
- Requests can be made verbally or in writing
- You do not need to use a specific form, though some agencies provide them for convenience
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Anonymous Requests:
- Anonymous requests are permitted for most public records
- However, if you're requesting records that require verification of exemption status, identification may be necessary
The Florida Public Records Act is designed to provide maximum access with minimal restrictions on who can request information.
Florida Attorney General's Office, PL-01 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
What Records Are Confidential In Duval County?
While Florida has strong public records laws, certain records in Duval County are confidential or exempt from public disclosure:
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Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical records
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
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Specific Case Types:
- Certain juvenile records
- Adoption records
- Baker Act records (involuntary mental health examinations)
- Domestic violence and sexual assault victim information
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Security-Related Information:
- Building security plans
- Security system information
- Emergency response plans
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Ongoing Investigations:
- Active criminal investigative information
- Active criminal intelligence information
- Pending internal affairs investigations
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Protected Individuals:
- Home addresses and phone numbers of judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other protected classes
- Information about victims of certain crimes
- Child abuse records
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Sealed and Expunged Records:
- Court records that have been officially sealed or expunged by court order
If you're unsure whether a record is confidential, you can contact the Duval County Clerk's Office for guidance.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302
Lookup Public Records in Duval County
Here are resources to help you access public records in Duval County:
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Duval County Public Records Search - Search for official records in Duval County by name, instrument number, document type, record date, and more.
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Official Records And Research - Information about the Official Records Department responsible for maintaining all documents recorded in Duval County, such as marriage licenses, deeds, and mortgages.
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Public Information - Details on how to access public records maintained by the Duval County Clerk of Courts, including media requests and confidentiality for protected groups.
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CORE - Clerk Online Resource ePortal - Online access to non-confidential court records in Duval County, governed by the Florida Supreme Court's administrative orders.
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Court Records - Information on accessing court records online, including registration for enhanced access and frequently asked questions.