Duval County Circuit Court Case Search

As the Florida judicial system does not have Superior Courts, its parallel in Duval County is the Duval County Circuit Court. A search for these court records can typically be made via the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains these court records and is also responsible for providing access to records to the general public. Such searches may become necessary for various reasons, including personal records, legal issues, academic research, and even background checks.

What Kinds of cases have been heard in the Duval County Circuit Court?

The Duval County Circuit Court is a superior court equivalent and the main trial court in Duval County. It has jurisdiction over criminal and civil court cases and handles any cases beyond the jurisdiction of the county courts. Examples of the types of cases heard by the county circuit court are criminal cases such as felonies, misdemeanors, and other lesser offenses.

The Duval County Circuit Court also hears most civil cases, including claims over $15,000, landlord-tenant disputes, property boundary disputes, and cases that require injunctive relief. Probate cases involving wills, trusts, guardianships, estates, and juvenile matters, as well as all family law cases, including divorce, child custody, and child support, are also heard at the Duval County Circuit Court.

Duval County Circuit Court

In Florida, the court system consists of circuit and county courts. Circuit courts are the main trial courts and hold general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil court cases. They handle felonies and lesser offenses. They also handle civil cases such as claims above certain amounts. As most cases are handled at the circuit court, they serve a crucial part in the judicial process and may be the first stop for residents seeking legal resolution to disputes.

Listed below are the circuit courts in Duval County.

Duval County Circuit Court - Beaches Branch
1543 Atlantic Boulevard,
Neptune Beach, FL 32266
Phone: (904) 255-2000

Duval County Circuit Court - Downtown Courthouse
501 West Adams Street,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 255-2000

Duval County Case Lookup

The Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court allows interested parties to look up court records in their custody in person, online, or send requests by mail. These records include court records from all cases heard at the court, including criminal, civil, juvenile, probate, and traffic cases.

Online Searches

Interested persons may look up Duval County Circuit Court records online using the Clerk Online Resource ePortal (CORE). Record seekers may use the online Public Access option or Register as a new user. The public access option is the basic level of access that allows users to view non-confidential records for non-confidential cases. Users who enter information to create a free CORE account have enhanced search capabilities and may also request that confidential documents be reviewed and uploaded into CORE. It should be noted that the records may be redacted according to Florida law. Search criteria on the online search tool include case number, case year, court type, case party name, and case type.

Walk-in Requests

Walk-in Requests for Duval County Circuit Court records can be made by visiting any Office Location in person. Requests can be made at the counter by providing details of the record, such as case number, names of parties involved, filing date, and any other information to help locate the record swiftly and accurately. Copies of records cost $1 per page, and certification of the document will cost an additional $2. Payment is acceptable in cash, cashier's checks, certified checks, money orders, and cards. Visitors should note that card payments will usually incur an additional convenience fee. For assistance, record seekers may call the clerk's office at (904) 255-2000.

Mailed Requests

Mailed requests must be written and mailed to the Duval County Circuit Court at:

Duval County Clerk of Courts
Attn: Official Records and Research
501 West Adams Street, Room 1253
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Record requests should contain enough information to accurately locate the record, such as case number, case type, court type, names of parties involved, and filing date. The requester must also include personal information such as an email address or phone number where they can be reached in case of any issues. Copies required in record requests will cost $1 per page plus a $2 fee to certify the records. Payment in the form of a money order, certified check, or cashier’s check can be included in the mailed request. A self-addressed and stamped envelope must also be included in mailed requests for return of the records.

Record seekers with any inquiries may also contact the Ducal County Circuit Clerk’s Office using the Contact Form on their website.

Duval Circuit Court Case Search by Name

Several options exist to make name-based searches for Duval County Circuit Court records. The Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court provides options for name-based record searches by mail, online, or in person at the office. Typically, the searches will require the full name of the parties involved in the case. This means the first, middle, and last names must be provided. Names must be accurate and correctly spelled to ensure the right subject is searched. To refine the search and increase search accuracy, additional filters such as case numbers, case dates, case type, and court type will be required, particularly during online searches.

Duval Circuit Court Docket Search

A Duval County Circuit Court Docket is a record that outlines a case's progress, showing hearings, motions, rulings, and other important court events. Dockets are beneficial as they help interested parties monitor a case's timeline and stay up to date with its progress. To obtain a Duval County Circuit Court docket, record seekers may visit the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court office in person or use the CORE online database to look up docket information.

Lookup Duval County Circuit Court Online

Record seekers may obtain Duval County Circuit Court records online using official resources, including the Duval County CORE (Clerk Online Resource ePortal). Another possible option are third-party-owned websites such as Floridacourtrecords.us. These websites provide constant access to court records across jurisdictions via internet devices such as smartphones. Record seekers can search for records using simple criteria such as names and case numbers, then download search results to their device. It must be noted that as these websites are not government-owned and as such, the accuracy of results cannot be guaranteed. Users must verify their records using official sources.

Supreme Court vs. Circuit Court

The Florida Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. It maintains statewide jurisdiction and is responsible for managing constitutional matters, cases involving statewide issues, and reviewing appeals from the lower courts. It is the court of last resort in the state as it makes the final decisions in appeals and matters concerning public interest.

Conversely, the Duval County Circuit Court is the superior court equivalent and the main trial court in Duval County. As the county trial court, it only has jurisdiction over cases within Duval County. Cases heard in the circuit court include civil cases involving larger amounts of money, family law cases, probate cases, and criminal trials.