Duval County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Duval County?
A search warrant in Duval County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specified location for evidence of a crime. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.02, search warrants may be issued when property has been stolen or embezzled in violation of law, used as a means to commit a crime, or constitutes evidence relevant to proving that a felony has been committed.
Search warrants in Duval County must meet the following constitutional and statutory requirements:
- The warrant must be based on probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation
- The warrant must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized
- The warrant must be executed within 10 days of issuance as specified in Florida Statutes § 933.05
- The search must be conducted in a reasonable manner
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over Duval County, oversees the issuance of search warrants in accordance with both Florida law and the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Fourth Judicial Circuit Court 501 W. Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 255-2000 Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
Are Warrants Public Records In Duval County?
Warrants in Duval County are generally considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), which provides that most government records are open to public inspection. However, important exceptions and limitations apply to warrant accessibility.
Active warrants may be temporarily exempt from public disclosure under the following circumstances:
- When disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation (§ 119.071(2)(c), F.S.)
- When the warrant has not yet been executed and public knowledge might impede law enforcement efforts
- When the warrant contains confidential informant information (§ 119.071(2)(f), F.S.)
- When the warrant relates to a juvenile offender whose records are protected
Once a warrant has been executed and the investigation is no longer active, the warrant typically becomes available as a public record through the Duval County Clerk of Courts. Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through the Clerk's online portal or by visiting the office in person.
Duval County Clerk of Courts 501 W. Adams Street, Room 1041 Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 255-2000 Duval County Clerk's Official Records
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Duval County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Duval County have several official channels through which this information may be obtained. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office maintains records of all active warrants within its jurisdiction and provides multiple methods for warrant verification.
Persons wishing to check their warrant status may:
- Contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Warrants Division directly at (904) 630-2120
- Visit the JSO Pre-Trial Detention Facility in person with valid identification
- Utilize the online resources provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database
- Consult with the Duval County Clerk of Courts, which maintains court records including warrant information
For individuals concerned about potential arrest upon inquiry, legal counsel may be obtained to facilitate the warrant verification process. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a statewide database that includes Duval County warrants.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office 501 E. Bay Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 630-7600 Jacksonville Sheriff's Office website
How To Check for Warrants in Duval County for Free in 2025
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Duval County without incurring fees through several government-provided resources. The following methods are available for free warrant checks:
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons Search provides a searchable database of active warrants statewide, including those issued in Duval County
- The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office website offers limited public access to warrant information through their online portal
- The Duval County Clerk of Courts maintains public access terminals at their office location where individuals may search court records at no cost
- The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court provides public access computers for searching case information, including warrant status
When conducting a warrant search, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name (including possible aliases)
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for more accurate results)
- Case number (if known)
Public access terminals are available during regular business hours at the Duval County Courthouse. Remote access through the FDLE website is available 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability.
What Types of Warrants In Duval County
Duval County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving different legal purposes within the criminal justice system. The primary categories of warrants include:
- Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime, authorizing law enforcement to take the person into custody
- Bench Warrants: Ordered by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates court orders
- Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence related to criminal activity
- Capias Warrants: Issued for failure to comply with court-ordered financial obligations, such as fines or child support
- Violation of Probation Warrants: Issued when an individual allegedly violates terms of probation
- Fugitive Warrants: Issued when a person is wanted in another jurisdiction and is believed to be in Duval County
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements under Florida law. The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Duval County, processes these various warrants in accordance with Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and relevant statutes.
Florida Courts - Duval County 501 W. Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 255-2000 Florida Courts - Duval County information
What Warrants in Duval County Contain
Warrants issued in Duval County contain specific information as required by Florida Statutes § 901.02 and applicable case law. A legally sufficient warrant must include the following essential elements:
- The name of the person to be arrested or the premises to be searched (if known)
- A description sufficient to identify the person or place when the name is unknown
- The specific offense charged or suspected
- Date of issuance and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
- The name of the law enforcement agency authorized to execute the warrant
- For search warrants: a particular description of items to be seized
- For arrest warrants: the amount of bail, if applicable
Additionally, warrants in Duval County typically contain:
- Case number and court of issuance
- Statutory citations for the alleged offense(s)
- Time limitations for execution
- Special instructions regarding execution, if applicable
The format and content of warrants conform to standards established by the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court and must satisfy both Florida statutory requirements and constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Who Issues Warrants In Duval County
Warrants in Duval County are issued exclusively by judicial officers with proper jurisdiction and authority under Florida law. The following judicial authorities may issue warrants within Duval County:
- Circuit Court Judges of the Fourth Judicial Circuit
- County Court Judges of Duval County
- Magistrates specifically authorized to issue warrants
The issuance process requires the following procedural steps:
- Law enforcement officers or prosecutors must present an affidavit establishing probable cause
- The judicial officer reviews the affidavit to determine if the legal threshold for probable cause has been met
- If satisfied, the judge or magistrate signs the warrant, making it legally executable
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.120 and 3.121, the issuing authority must be neutral and detached from the investigation. The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which encompasses Duval County, maintains administrative oversight of the warrant issuance process to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Duval County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Duval County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for locating warrant information:
- Contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Warrants Section at (904) 630-2120
- Visit the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office website for limited online warrant information
- Search the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database, which includes Duval County warrants
- Access the Duval County Clerk's Official Records Search for court records that may contain warrant information
- Visit the Duval County Courthouse in person to use public access terminals
When searching for warrant information, requestors should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Other identifying information that may assist in confirming identity
For third-party searches, be advised that while warrant information is generally public record, certain limitations may apply regarding the disclosure of specific details contained within warrant documentation.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Duval County
Federal warrants differ from state and local warrants in that they are issued by federal courts for violations of federal law. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants that may be executable in Duval County should be aware of the following procedures:
- Federal warrant information is not typically available through local Duval County resources
- The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, has jurisdiction over federal cases in Duval County
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintains information regarding federal warrants
To check for federal warrants, individuals may:
- Contact the U.S. Marshals Service, Jacksonville Office at (904) 301-6800
- Consult with the U.S. District Court Clerk's Office at (904) 549-1900
- Retain legal counsel who can make appropriate inquiries with federal authorities
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division 300 North Hogan Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 549-1900
Federal warrant information is subject to different disclosure rules than state and local warrants, and certain information may be restricted from public access under federal regulations and court rules.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Duval County?
Warrants issued in Duval County remain valid and executable until they are served, recalled by the court, or otherwise terminated through legal proceedings. Unlike some jurisdictions, Florida law does not establish automatic expiration dates for most types of warrants. The following principles apply to warrant duration:
- Arrest warrants remain active indefinitely until executed or recalled
- Bench warrants persist until the subject appears before the court or the warrant is withdrawn
- Search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance per Florida Statutes § 933.05
- Warrants for minor offenses may, at the court's discretion, be reviewed periodically
The persistence of warrants in the system means that individuals with unresolved warrants may face arrest even many years after issuance. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants regardless of age, and these warrants remain enforceable throughout the state of Florida and potentially nationwide through interstate compacts and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Duval County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Duval County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the completeness of the application. Under normal circumstances, the process includes these steps and approximate timeframes:
- Preparation of affidavit and warrant application by law enforcement: 1-3 hours
- Review by prosecutorial authorities (when required): 1-4 hours
- Judicial review and determination: 1-24 hours depending on circumstances
In emergency situations, expedited procedures exist:
- Judges are available 24 hours for emergency warrant applications
- Electronic submission systems allow for remote review in urgent cases
- Telephonic warrants may be authorized under Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.120
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court maintains judicial officers on call to review urgent warrant applications outside of normal business hours. Law enforcement agencies in Duval County coordinate with the State Attorney's Office and judicial officers to ensure that time-sensitive warrant applications receive prompt attention while still meeting all constitutional and statutory requirements.
Search Warrant Records in Duval County
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office warrant information
Florida Department of Law Enforcement warrant database
Duval County court records search