Duval County civil court records are public court files that list every civil case filed in Jacksonville and the rest of Duval County. These records include lawsuits between people, businesses, or neighbors over money, property, contracts, injuries, evictions, and many other disputes.
Anyone can look at these records. They are kept by the Clerk of Court and posted online for free.
What Are Duval County Civil Court Records
Duval County civil court records are the paper and digital files that the court clerk keeps for each civil case. A civil case is a court fight between two sides where one side asks for money or some action from the other side. These cases do not include crimes. They include things like unpaid debts, car accidents, broken contracts, child custody, divorce, and evictions.
Types of Civil Cases in Duval County
Duval County handles many kinds of civil cases each year. The most common are small claims, landlord and tenant cases, debt collection, car accidents, business disputes, and family matters. Each case type goes to a specific court based on how much money is at stake and what the case is about.
Who Files Civil Cases in Jacksonville
Civil cases in Duval County are filed by private people, small business owners, large companies, banks, landlords, and government agencies. A person who files a case is called the plaintiff. The person or business being sued is called the defendant. Both sides can look up the case file through the clerk.
How Long Court Records Are Kept
Civil court records in Duval County are kept for many years. Most civil case files are kept for at least 10 years after the case ends. Some records, like judgments and liens, are kept much longer. Older files may only be available on microfilm or paper at the clerk’s office.
The Clerk of Court and the 4th Judicial Circuit
The Clerk of Court is the elected officer who runs the records system for the county. In Duval County, the clerk is Jody Phillips. The clerk keeps all the files, runs the search tools, takes new filings, and gives out copies of court papers. Duval County sits inside the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Role of the Clerk in Civil Cases
The clerk accepts new case filings, assigns case numbers, collects filing fees, and stores every paper filed by either side. The clerk also issues summons, certifies copies, and handles the public access computers. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but they can show you how to use the search tools and which forms you need.
Circuit Court vs County Court in Duval
Duval County has two levels of civil court. Circuit Civil handles big cases, family law, probate, and guardianship. County Civil handles smaller money disputes and most landlord-tenant cases. Knowing which court your case is in helps you search the right file.
Filing Thresholds and Case Types
Cases asking for more than $30,000 go to Circuit Court. Cases asking for $30,000 or less go to County Court. Small claims cases asking for $8,000 or less also go to County Court. Evictions, even when the rent owed is more than $30,000, go to County Court because of state law.
| Case Type | Court Level | Dollar Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Civil | Circuit Court | More than $30,000 |
| County Civil | County Court | $30,000 or less |
| Small Claims | County Court | $8,000 or less |
| Evictions | County Court | No minimum |
| Family Law | Circuit Court | All amounts |
| Probate | Circuit Court | All amounts |
How to Search Duval County Civil Court Records
You can search Duval County civil court records online for free. The clerk runs a public search tool on the official county website. You can search by party name, case number, attorney bar number, or filing date. The search works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Online Search Through the Clerk Website
Go to the Duval County Clerk website and click on the Court Records Search link. Type a last name and first name into the party name field. You can narrow the results by date or case type. The results show the case number, party names, filing date, and current status of every case that matches.
Searching by Party Name
A party name search works best when you know the full legal name of one side in the case. The clerk’s tool shows all civil cases where that name appears as a plaintiff or defendant. You can click on each case number to see the full docket, which lists every paper filed in the case.
Searching by Case Number
If you already have a case number, you can go straight to the file. Case numbers in Duval County follow a set pattern. Civil case numbers start with letters like CA for Circuit Civil, CC for County Civil, or SC for Small Claims, followed by the year and a sequence number. Typing the full case number takes you straight to the docket.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal Access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to all 67 county clerks, including Duval County. You can register for a free account and search civil cases statewide. The portal also lets attorneys and self-represented filers submit new civil cases online. Registration requires a valid email address.
In-Person and Certified Copy Requests
Some records must be picked up at the courthouse. Certified copies, sealed files, and very old records are only available in person at the clerk’s office. The main courthouse is in downtown Jacksonville on West Adams Street.
Visiting the Duval County Courthouse
The Duval County Courthouse sits at 501 West Adams Street in Jacksonville, Florida 32202. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring a photo ID. Sign in at the front desk and tell the clerk staff the name or case number you need.
Getting Certified Copies of Records
A certified copy has the clerk’s raised seal and a signature. Courts, banks, and government agencies often require certified copies for legal use. The clerk charges a fee for each certified page. Regular copies are cheaper but do not have legal certification for use in other court cases.
Fees and Processing Times
Regular copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more per page. Search fees also apply when the clerk has to pull files for you. Most record requests are processed the same day if the file is already on the shelf. Older files stored off-site may take a few business days.
| Service | Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Copy | $1.00 per page | Same day |
| Certified Copy | $2.00 per page | Same day |
| Online Search | Free | Instant |
| Clerk Search Fee | $2.00 per name per year | Same day |
| Off-Site File Retrieval | Varies | 2 to 5 business days |
Civil Case Records and What They Include
Each civil case file in Duval County contains a docket sheet and many attached documents. The docket sheet is a chronological list of every filing in the case. The attached documents are the actual papers filed by each side.
Standard Docket Entries
The docket sheet shows the case number, party names, judge assigned, filing date, and current status. It lists every motion, order, and hearing date. You can use the docket sheet to track a case and see what step the lawsuit is at.
Motions, Orders, and Judgments
Most civil case files include motions filed by each side. Motions are written requests asking the judge to rule on something. Orders are written rulings by the judge. Final judgments end the case and state who wins and what they must pay or do.
Small Claims and Landlord-Tenant Records
Small claims and eviction cases have shorter files. They include the complaint, the answer, any motions, and the final judgment. Eviction files often include the lease, the notice to vacate, and the writ of possession. Small claims files rarely include extensive evidence records.
Confidential and Sealed Records
Florida law keeps some information out of public court files. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers are kept private. A judge can also order a whole case sealed for good cause.
Information Redacted Under Florida Law
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists the items that must stay out of public files. These items include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and information about minors in family cases. Filers must use the Notice of Confidential Information form to flag these items for the clerk.
Court-Ordered Sealed Cases
A judge can seal an entire case file if the party shows a strong reason. Common reasons include protecting trade secrets, keeping minors safe, or shielding victims. Sealed case files are not visible in the public search tool. Only the parties and their lawyers can see them.
Expunged and Restricted Records
Criminal records can be expunged or restricted under Florida law. Civil records cannot be expunged the same way. A civil case file stays public unless a judge seals it. Some sensitive personal details can still be redacted even from open civil files.
Free vs Paid Record Search Options
You have free and paid ways to search Duval County civil court records. The free ways go straight to the clerk’s database. The paid ways pull data from many clerks into one search box.
Official Free Search Sources
The Duval County Clerk website and the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal are the official free sources. Both pull data straight from the live court database. Results are accurate and current. The free sources do not show records sealed by court order.
Third-Party Aggregator Services
Several private companies also offer Florida court record searches. These services gather data from all 67 county clerks. They charge a fee and may offer extra features like email alerts. Some third-party sites show the same data as the clerk but charge for convenience or extras.
Comparing Free and Paid Search Results
Free searches show the same docket entries and case numbers as paid searches. Paid services add formatting, batch lookups, and monitoring tools. The actual court data is the same. Pick the free clerk tool for single lookups. Pick a paid service only when you need alerts or batch reports.
| Feature | Free Clerk Search | Paid Aggregator |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time data | Yes | Yes |
| Statewide search | One county at a time | All counties at once |
| Email alerts | No | Yes |
| Bulk lookup | No | Yes |
| Cost | $0 | Monthly fee |
Search Methods for Other Florida Counties
Florida has 67 counties, and each one runs its own civil court records search. The search steps are similar across counties, but each clerk uses a slightly different website.
Miami-Dade County Civil Court Records
Miami-Dade County is the largest county in Florida. Its clerk offers an online search tool and an e-filing portal. Civil cases in Miami-Dade include many real estate and business disputes because of the size of the local economy.
Orange County Civil Court Records
Orange County covers Orlando. The Orange County Clerk runs the My Orange Clerk online search tool. Civil cases include tourist-area disputes, family law, and small claims. The clerk charges small fees for certified copies.
Hillsborough County Civil Court Records
Hillsborough County covers Tampa. The Hillsborough County Clerk offers a Hillsborough Online Public Records search tool. Civil filings include landlord-tenant, contract, and personal injury cases. Records go back many decades.
Broward and Palm Beach County Records
Broward County Clerk and Palm Beach County Clerk both run free online search tools. Broward County covers Fort Lauderdale. Palm Beach County covers West Palm Beach. Each tool lets you search by name, case number, or date.
Legal Use of Duval County Civil Court Records
People search civil court records for many reasons. Landlords check eviction history. Lenders check judgments before issuing loans. Lawyers check the docket before filing new cases. The records help with due diligence and background checks.
Background Checks and Due Diligence
Civil court records show past lawsuits, money judgments, and liens. Employers, landlords, and lenders use these records to make decisions. A history of unpaid judgments may affect a loan approval. A history of evictions may affect a rental application.
Debt Collection and Judgment Recovery
Debt collectors search civil records to find judgments they can enforce. A judgment is a court order that says one side owes money to the other. Judgments can be renewed for many years. They can lead to liens on property or wage garnishment.
Eviction Filings and Tenant Screening
Landlords search Duval County civil court records to screen tenants. Eviction filings stay on the public record even when the tenant wins the case. Tenants can request a copy of their own record to correct errors before applying for a new rental.
Self-Help Tools and DIY Florida
People who file civil cases without a lawyer can use self-help tools. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal includes DIY Florida, a free tool that helps you fill out court forms.
Using the E-Filing Portal Self-Help
DIY Florida asks interview questions and fills out the right court form based on your answers. The tool covers small claims, evictions, and other civil case types. You then file the completed form through the portal to the Duval County clerk.
Filing Small Claims Without a Lawyer
Florida lets people file small claims cases without a lawyer. The claim form is short. You name the other side, state what they owe you, and attach supporting papers. Filing fees apply. You can request a fee waiver if you have low income.
Self-Help Forms and Fee Waivers
The Florida Courts self-help page has free forms for civil cases. Fee waiver forms let low-income filers skip the filing fee. You can pick up forms at the clerk’s office or download them from the Florida Courts website.
Contact Information and Courthouse Location
You can reach the Duval County Clerk of Court by phone, online, or in person. The clerk’s office handles record requests, filing questions, and account help for the e-filing portal.
Official Contact Details
The main phone number for the Duval County Clerk is (904) 255-2000. The official website is duvalclerk.com. The mailing address is 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The E-Filing Portal support desk phone is (850) 577-4609.
Hours and Accessibility
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state holidays. The courthouse has accessible parking, ramps, and elevators. Free public computers are available inside the clerk’s office for record searches.
Map and Directions
The Duval County Courthouse sits in downtown Jacksonville on the north bank of the St. Johns River. Visitors can take I-95 to Exit 350B for Adams Avenue. Public parking garages are nearby on West Adams and Laura Street. The Jacksonville Skyway stops one block away at the Government Center station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions people ask about Duval County civil court records. These answers cover search steps, fees, privacy rules, and record availability. Each answer reflects the current rules under Florida law and the policies of the Duval County Clerk of Court as of August 2026.
How Do I Search Duval County Civil Court Records for Free?
You can search Duval County civil court records for free on the clerk’s official website at duvalclerk.com. Click the Court Records Search link and enter a party name or case number. The tool pulls live data from the court database. You can also use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. Both tools are free and open to the public without registration.
Can I Look Up Civil Court Records by Name in Duval County?
Yes. The clerk’s online search tool lets you look up cases by the full legal name of a party. You can enter a last name and first name. You can also narrow the search by date range or case type. Results show every civil case where that name appears as a plaintiff or defendant.
What Is the Difference Between Circuit Civil and County Civil in Duval County?
Circuit Civil cases ask for more than $30,000. They also include family law, probate, and guardianship cases. County Civil cases ask for $30,000 or less. Small claims and most evictions also go to County Civil. Both case types are searchable on the same clerk website.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Civil Court Record in Duval County?
Visit the Duval County Clerk’s office at 501 West Adams Street in Jacksonville. Ask for a certified copy of the file. Bring a photo ID and the case number or party name. Pay the certified copy fee per page. The clerk stamps the document with a raised seal and signature for legal use.
Are Sealed Civil Court Records Available to the Public?
No. Sealed civil court records are not visible in the public search tool. A judge must order the seal. Only the parties and their lawyers can view a sealed file. Confidential details like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are also redacted from open files.
Can I Search Civil Court Records by Case Number?
Yes. The Duval County Clerk’s online search tool accepts case numbers. Case numbers for civil cases in Duval County start with CA for Circuit Civil, CC for County Civil, or SC for Small Claims, followed by the year and a sequence number. Typing the full case number takes you straight to the docket sheet.
What Florida Civil Court Records Are Available Online Statewide?
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal offers statewide search across all 67 county clerks. You can register for a free account and search civil cases by name or case number. The portal pulls live data from each county clerk. Some sealed records are not visible even on the statewide portal.