Duval County Property Records
What Is Duval County Property Records
Duval County property records are official documents maintained by various county agencies that contain detailed information about real estate parcels within Duval County, Florida. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding property ownership, valuation, taxation, and legal status. The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 119, commonly known as the "Public Records Law."
Property records in Duval County are primarily maintained by three governmental entities:
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Duval County Clerk of Courts
501 W. Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-2000
Duval County Clerk of Courts -
Duval County Property Appraiser
231 E. Forsyth Street, Suite 260
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-5700
Duval County Property Appraiser -
Duval County Tax Collector
231 E. Forsyth Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-5700
Duval County Tax Collector
The Clerk of Courts maintains the official records of property transactions, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Property Appraiser assesses property values for tax purposes and maintains detailed property characteristics. The Tax Collector maintains records of property tax payments and delinquencies. Together, these agencies provide comprehensive documentation of all real property within the county boundaries.
Are Property Records Public Information In Duval County?
Property records in Duval County are public information pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This statute establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by law.
The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this right of access by stating that "every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf."
Members of the public may access Duval County property records through several means:
- In-person visits to the appropriate county office
- Online through official county websites
- Written requests submitted to the records custodian
Certain limited information may be exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Information related to security systems
- Personal information of certain protected individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers, judges)
These exemptions are outlined in §119.071, Florida Statutes, and are designed to protect personal privacy and security while maintaining the public's right to access governmental records. Individuals seeking to have their personal information redacted from public records must submit a written request to the appropriate agency and provide documentation supporting their exempt status.
How To Search Property Records in Duval County in 2025
Duval County offers multiple methods for searching property records in 2025, accommodating various research needs and technological preferences. Members of the public may utilize the following official channels to access property information:
Online Search Platforms:
- The Duval County Property Appraiser's search tool allows searches by owner name, property address, or parcel identification number (PIN)
- The Duval County Clerk's Official Records Search provides access to recorded documents dating back to 1842
- The Duval Property Map offers a geographic interface for property searches
In-Person Research:
-
Duval County Property Appraiser's Office
231 E. Forsyth Street, Suite 260
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(904) 255-5700 -
Duval County Clerk of Courts - Official Records Department
501 W. Adams Street, Room 1041
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(904) 255-2000
When conducting property record searches, users should have one or more of the following identifiers:
- Property owner's name (current or previous)
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Book and page number (for recorded documents)
Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 12D-1.009, the Property Appraiser must maintain property records in a manner that facilitates public access. Users experiencing difficulties with online searches may contact the appropriate office for assistance or visit in person to access public computer terminals specifically designated for property record searches.
How To Find Property Records in Duval County Online?
Duval County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official web portals. These digital resources are maintained pursuant to §119.01(2)(a), Florida Statutes, which encourages agencies to provide reasonable public access to records electronically.
The primary online resources for accessing Duval County property records include:
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Property Appraiser's Basic Search
Property Appraiser Search Portal
This database contains information on all real estate parcels in Duval County, including properties in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Baldwin. Users may search by:- Owner name
- Property address
- Parcel ID number
- Subdivision name
-
Clerk of Courts Official Records Search
Official Records Search
This system allows users to search for recorded documents by:- Party name (grantor/grantee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Document number
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Duval Property Map
Interactive Property Map
This GIS-based tool provides a visual interface for property searches and includes:- Aerial photography
- Parcel boundaries
- Zoning information
- Flood zones
- Links to detailed property information
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Tax Collector's Property Tax Records
Tax Collector Portal
This site provides access to:- Current tax bills
- Payment history
- Tax certificate information
- Delinquent taxes
When using these online resources, members of the public should note that while most information is updated regularly, some systems may experience delays in reflecting the most recent transactions. For time-sensitive research, contacting the appropriate office directly is recommended to verify the currency of online information.
Can You Look Up Duval County Property Records for Free?
Duval County provides free access to basic property record information in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This statutory framework ensures that governmental records, including property information, are available to the public with minimal barriers to access.
Free property record resources include:
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Online Basic Searches
- The Property Appraiser's search portal offers free access to property assessment data, ownership information, and property characteristics
- The Duval Property Map provides free geographic property information
- The Clerk of Courts records search allows free basic searches of recorded documents
-
In-Person Access
- Public computer terminals at the Property Appraiser's Office (231 E. Forsyth Street, Suite 260, Jacksonville, FL 32202)
- Research computers at the Clerk of Courts Office (501 W. Adams Street, Room 1041, Jacksonville, FL 32202)
While basic access is provided at no cost, certain specialized services may incur fees as authorized by §119.07(4), Florida Statutes:
- Certified copies of documents: $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification
- Printed copies: $0.15 per one-sided page
- Large format maps or surveys: Varies based on size
- Research assistance beyond standard public service: $20 per hour after the first 30 minutes
- Bulk data requests or specialized electronic formats: Fees based on actual cost of production
These fees are established to recover the actual cost of duplication or production as permitted by Florida law and are not intended to create barriers to public access. Individuals with financial hardships may request a fee waiver under certain circumstances as provided in §119.07(4)(d), Florida Statutes.
What's Included in a Duval County Property Record?
Duval County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 193, which establishes requirements for property assessment records, and Chapter 695, which governs the recording of instruments affecting real property.
A complete Duval County property record typically includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner(s) name and mailing address
- Previous ownership history
- Date of acquisition
- Type of ownership (individual, joint tenancy, corporate, etc.)
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description
- Property address
- Subdivision information (if applicable)
- Section, township, and range coordinates
Physical Characteristics:
- Land area (acreage or square footage)
- Building size and dimensions
- Year built
- Construction type and materials
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Heating and cooling systems
- Special features (pools, outbuildings, etc.)
Valuation and Tax Information:
- Assessed value
- Just (market) value
- Taxable value
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, etc.)
- Millage rates
- Annual tax amounts
- Tax payment history
Legal Instruments:
- Deed information (type, recording date, book/page)
- Mortgage details
- Liens and encumbrances
- Easements
- Restrictions
- Foreclosure actions (if applicable)
Land Use Information:
- Zoning classification
- Future land use designation
- Wetland or conservation areas
- Flood zone designation
The level of detail available may vary depending on the specific property and the agency maintaining the record. The Duval County Property Appraiser maintains physical characteristic and valuation information, while the Clerk of Courts maintains records of legal instruments affecting property ownership and encumbrances.
How Long Does Duval County Keep Property Records?
Duval County maintains property records in perpetuity in accordance with Florida's records retention requirements established in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and the retention schedules promulgated by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
The retention of property records is governed by several key provisions:
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Permanent Records: Pursuant to General Records Schedule GS1-SL for State and Local Government Agencies, deeds, property title records, and other instruments affecting real property are classified as permanent records that must be maintained indefinitely.
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Historical Archives: The Duval County Clerk of Courts maintains official records dating back to 1842, when Duval County was established. These historical records are preserved through both physical and digital archiving methods.
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Digital Conversion: In compliance with §28.22(3), Florida Statutes, the Clerk has implemented a comprehensive digitization program to convert older paper records to electronic format for preservation and improved accessibility.
The specific retention periods for different types of property-related records include:
- Deeds and property transfers: Permanent
- Mortgages and satisfactions: Permanent
- Tax rolls and assessment records: Permanent
- Building permits: 10 years after issuance
- Property tax payment records: 5 fiscal years
- Variance and zoning decisions: Permanent
- Plats and surveys: Permanent
Members of the public seeking historical property records may access:
-
Duval County Clerk of Courts Archives
501 W. Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Jacksonville Historical Society
314 Palmetto Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 665-0064
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
For records predating computerization, research assistance may be available from staff at these facilities. Some historical records may require special handling due to their age and condition.
How To Find Liens on Property In Duval County?
Liens on property in Duval County are public records that can be researched through several official channels. These encumbrances are recorded pursuant to various Florida Statutes, including §713.08 for construction liens, §55.10 for judgment liens, and §197.122 for tax liens.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search on Duval County property, interested parties should utilize the following resources:
Official Records Search: The Duval County Clerk's Official Records Search provides the most comprehensive database of recorded liens. Users may search by:
- Property owner name
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Document type (select "Lien" from the document type menu)
- Date range
Types of Liens Searchable in Duval County Records:
- Construction/Mechanic's Liens
- Judgment Liens
- Tax Liens (county, municipal, and state)
- Homeowners Association Liens
- Code Enforcement Liens
- Utility Liens
- Federal Tax Liens
In-Person Research: For complex searches or older records, in-person research is available at:
Duval County Clerk of Courts - Official Records Department
501 W. Adams Street, Room 1041
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(904) 255-2000
Tax Liens: For property tax liens specifically, the Duval County Tax Collector's website provides information on:
- Current tax status
- Delinquent taxes
- Tax certificates sold
Municipal Liens: The City of Jacksonville maintains records of code enforcement liens, which can be searched through:
City of Jacksonville Municipal Code Compliance Division
214 N. Hogan Street, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(904) 255-7000
When conducting lien searches, it is important to note that some liens may be filed against the property owner rather than the property itself. A thorough search should include both property-specific and name-specific queries. Additionally, certain liens may have expiration dates or priority status as established by Florida law, which may affect their enforceability or position in relation to other encumbrances.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Duval County?
The Property Owner Rule in Duval County refers to a set of legal principles and administrative procedures that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions. These rules are derived from Florida Statutes, local ordinances, and case law that collectively establish the framework for property ownership within the county.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Homestead Exemption Requirements: Pursuant to Article VII, Section 6 of the Florida Constitution and §196.031, Florida Statutes, property owners who maintain permanent residence on their property may qualify for homestead exemption, which:
- Provides a tax exemption of up to $50,000 on assessed value
- Limits annual assessment increases to 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower
- Offers creditor protection for the homestead property
To qualify, property owners must:
- Own and occupy the property as their permanent residence as of January 1
- Be a Florida resident
- File an application with the Duval County Property Appraiser by March 1
Disclosure Requirements: Under Florida law, property owners must disclose certain information:
- Material defects when selling property (Johnson v. Davis, 480 So.2d 625)
- Coastal construction line restrictions (§161.57, Florida Statutes)
- Radon gas notification (§404.056, Florida Statutes)
- Lead-based paint (for properties built before 1978)
Property Tax Responsibilities: Property owners in Duval County are subject to:
- Annual property tax assessments based on the property's just value
- Payment deadlines (taxes are due by March 31 each year)
- Potential tax certificate sales for delinquent taxes after April 1
Land Use Restrictions: Property owners must adhere to:
- Zoning regulations established by the Jacksonville Planning and Development Department
- Subdivision covenants and restrictions
- Historic preservation requirements in designated districts
- Environmental protection ordinances
Maintenance Requirements: The Jacksonville Municipal Code Chapter 518 establishes that property owners must:
- Maintain structures in safe condition
- Control nuisance conditions
- Comply with minimum housing standards
- Adhere to property appearance standards
Property owners seeking additional information about their rights and responsibilities may contact:
Duval County Property Appraiser
231 E. Forsyth Street, Suite 260
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-5700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lookup Property Records in Duval County
Search Duval County Official Records
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