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Duval County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Duval County?

Public records in Duval County encompass a wide range of official documents, files, and information maintained by county government agencies pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 119, the Florida Public Records Act. These records are created, received, or maintained by government entities in the course of official business. The Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian for many county records. Public records available in Duval County include:

  • Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps)
  • Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family court cases)
  • Marriage licenses and certificates
  • Divorce decrees
  • Birth and death certificates (restricted access)
  • Tax records and property assessments
  • Business licenses and fictitious name registrations
  • County commission meeting minutes and resolutions
  • Building permits and code enforcement records
  • Voter registration information (with certain exemptions)
  • Sheriff's office incident reports and arrest records
  • County financial records and budgets
  • Land development and zoning records
  • Environmental permits and reports

These records are maintained by various county departments including the Duval County Clerk's Office, Duval County Courts, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, and the Duval County Tax Collector.

Is Duval County an Open Records County?

Duval County operates as an open records jurisdiction in accordance with Florida's strong public records laws. The county's commitment to transparency is mandated by Florida Statutes § 119.01(1), which states: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This statutory requirement establishes Florida as having one of the most comprehensive open government laws in the nation.

The Florida Public Records Act specifically defines public records in § 119.011(12) as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency."

Duval County government agencies must:

  • Provide prompt access to non-exempt public records
  • Respond to records requests within a reasonable time
  • Provide records in the format requested when feasible
  • Only charge statutorily authorized fees
  • Cite specific statutory exemptions when denying access

The county's commitment to open records is further reinforced by Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which enshrines the public's right to access government records and meetings in the state constitution.

How Do I Find Public Records in Duval County in 2025

Members of the public seeking records in Duval County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain public information. The county has expanded digital access options while maintaining traditional in-person services. Records may be accessed through the following channels:

Online Access:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Duval County Courthouse Records Department at 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
  • Records may be requested at satellite offices throughout the county for certain document types
  • Self-service terminals are available at the main courthouse for public research

Written Requests:

  • Submit formal public records requests via mail to the appropriate agency
  • Email requests are accepted by most departments
  • Fax requests may be sent to specific department numbers

Telephone Requests:

  • Limited information may be provided via telephone
  • Complex requests typically require written follow-up

For specialized records, requestors should contact the specific agency maintaining those records. Birth and death certificates are available through the Florida Department of Health in Duval County, while property tax records can be accessed through the Duval County Tax Collector.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Duval County?

Duval County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which establishes standard fee structures for public records throughout the state. Costs vary based on record type, format, and the extent of staff time required for retrieval and processing. Standard fees include:

General Document Fees:

  • Paper copies (standard letter/legal size): $0.15 per one-sided page
  • Double-sided copies: $0.20 per page
  • Certified copies: $1.00 per document plus copy charges
  • Large format documents (maps, plans): $5.00 per sheet

Court Record Fees:

  • Case docket printouts: $1.00 per page
  • Court file review: No charge for inspection
  • Certified court documents: $2.00 per document plus copy charges
  • Complete case file copies: Variable based on page count

Electronic Records:

  • Records provided via email (if not extensive): No charge for transmission
  • Records on CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc plus labor
  • Database exports: Actual cost of duplication

Special Service Fees:

  • Extensive use of agency resources (requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time): $20.00 per hour after first 30 minutes
  • Computer programming/specialized extraction: Actual cost based on IT staff hourly rate

Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (with processing fee) at most agencies. Prepayment may be required for requests exceeding $10.00 or for extensive searches. Fee waivers are not generally available except as specifically provided by statute.

Does Duval County Have Free Public Records?

Duval County provides certain public records at no cost to requestors in accordance with Florida's public records laws. While many records carry statutory fees, the following records and services are available without charge:

Free Records and Services:

Free Access Locations:

  • Public computer terminals at the Duval County Courthouse (501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202)
  • Duval County Law Library (501 W. Adams Street, Room 2409, Jacksonville, FL 32202)
  • Jacksonville Public Library branches throughout the county

Florida Statutes § 119.07(4)(d) specifically prohibits agencies from charging fees for inspection of public records or for records sent via email when the request does not require extensive use of agency resources. Additionally, § 119.01(2)(f) encourages agencies to provide remote electronic access to public records when feasible.

Certain specialized databases may require subscription fees for full access, though basic information remains available without charge. The county continues to expand its free digital offerings in accordance with technological capabilities and budgetary constraints.

Who Can Request Public Records In Duval County?

Under Florida's Public Records Act, any person, regardless of citizenship, residency, age, or purpose, may request access to non-exempt public records maintained by Duval County government agencies. Florida Statutes § 119.01(1) explicitly states that public records are open for inspection and copying "by any person," establishing one of the most inclusive public records access laws in the nation.

Eligible Requestors Include:

  • Florida residents and non-residents
  • U.S. citizens and foreign nationals
  • Individuals and organizational representatives
  • Media organizations and journalists
  • Commercial entities and businesses
  • Attorneys and legal representatives
  • Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)
  • Anonymous requestors (identification not required by law)

The Florida Attorney General's Office has consistently affirmed that agencies may not require requestors to:

  • Provide identification
  • Submit requests in writing (though agencies may ask for written clarification)
  • Disclose the purpose of their request
  • Sign forms or agreements as a condition of access

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), custodians of public records must acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith. The law does not distinguish between different categories of requestors, though certain records may have restricted access based on the content of the records themselves, not the identity of the requestor.

Special provisions exist for inmates requesting records from agencies other than the Department of Corrections or correctional facilities, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.07(6)(d).

What Records Are Confidential In Duval County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption of openness for public records, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure under state law. Duval County agencies must withhold or redact these confidential records in accordance with specific statutory exemptions found throughout Florida Statutes. Primary exemptions include:

Personal Information Exemptions:

  • Social Security numbers (§ 119.071(5)(a))
  • Driver license numbers (§ 119.0712(2))
  • Medical and health information (§ 456.057)
  • Bank account, debit, and credit card numbers (§ 119.071(5)(b))
  • Home addresses and phone numbers of certain protected classes including judges, law enforcement officers, and domestic violence victims (§ 119.071(4))

Public Safety Exemptions:

  • Active criminal investigative information (§ 119.071(2)(c))
  • Security system plans and vulnerability assessments (§ 119.071(3))
  • Confidential informant identities (§ 119.071(2)(f))
  • Emergency communication E911 recordings (§ 365.171(12))

Juvenile Records:

  • Juvenile offender records with limited exceptions (§ 985.04)
  • Child abuse reports and investigations (§ 39.202)
  • School records protected by federal FERPA regulations

Other Common Exemptions:

  • Trade secrets and proprietary business information (§ 815.045)
  • Attorney-client privileged communications (§ 119.071(1)(d))
  • Sealed court records and expunged criminal histories
  • Adoption records (§ 63.162)
  • Certain voter registration information (§ 97.0585)

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Duval County agencies must redact only the confidential portions and provide the remainder of the record. Agencies denying access must cite the specific statutory exemption as required by § 119.07(1)(e). The Florida Office of the Attorney General maintains a comprehensive Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual detailing all public records exemptions.

Duval County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Duval County Recorder's Office operates under the authority of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and maintains official records for property transactions, court filings, and other official documents. The office provides both in-person and online services for accessing and recording public documents.

Duval County Clerk of Courts - Official Records Division
501 W. Adams Street, Room 1041
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-2000
Duval County Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Satellite Offices:

Beaches Branch
1543 Atlantic Boulevard
Neptune Beach, FL 32266
(904) 255-2000
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Northwest Branch
1543 North Edgewood Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32254
(904) 255-2000
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, and liens
  • Marriage license applications and certificates
  • Passport application processing
  • Court records filing and retrieval
  • Certified copies of official records
  • Notary services and oath administration
  • Tax deed applications

Documents may be recorded in person, by mail, or through electronic recording for authorized submitters. The Duval County Clerk's Official Records Search provides 24/7 online access to recorded documents dating back to 1968, with historical records continuously being added to the digital system.

Lookup Public Records in Duval County

Duval County property records and court documents

Court filings and county records

Legal research materials and resources

Court case information for Duval County

Sheriff's office records and inmate information

Property tax records and payment services

Public health records and vital statistics

Property information and GIS mapping

Florida public records laws and statutes

Florida court system records

State health department records

Business registrations and state records

Corrections and inmate records

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