Jacksonville Public Records Database

Jacksonville public records cover a wide range of documents filed across what is the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States. Because Jacksonville operates as a consolidated city-county government with Duval County, most public records requests go through the Duval County Clerk of Courts. Under Florida's Chapter 119, every resident and visitor has the right to inspect or copy any public record held by a city or county agency, with no need to explain why you want them.

Jacksonville Court Records and the Duval Clerk

The Duval County Clerk of Courts handles all court records for Jacksonville. This includes civil case files, criminal court records, family court documents, and official records such as deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Clerk's office is the central access point for most Jacksonville public records that relate to court actions. You can search the Duval Clerk's online portal at duvalclerk.com to find case information without visiting in person.

For records not tied to the courts, the City of Jacksonville maintains its own public records office. The city's main number is (904) 255-1828. The city address is 117 W. Duval St., Suite 175, Jacksonville, FL 32202. City records can include meeting minutes, contracts, permits, and internal agency documents. Florida law at Chapter 119 applies to both city and county records alike.

How to Request Jacksonville Public Records

Requests can be made in person, by phone, by mail, or online. There is no required form. You just need to describe what you are looking for well enough that the agency can find it. You do not have to give your name or say why you want the records. That is the law under Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution.

Fees are set by state law. Copies cost $0.15 per page for standard documents. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification statement. If your request takes more than 30 minutes of staff time to process, the agency can charge you for that time at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee who can do the work. The first 30 minutes are free. Most simple requests involve no charge at all, and you get them quickly.

Duval County Clerk Official Records

Official records in Jacksonville are instruments recorded in the Duval County official records series. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, judgments, and other documents affecting real property or legal rights. The Duval County Clerk of Courts at duvalclerk.com is the primary portal for searching these records online. The Clerk's public records department can be reached at (904) 255-1828 for questions about specific filings or access procedures.

The screenshot below shows the Duval County Clerk's website, which is the main online access point for Jacksonville court records and official recorded documents.

From the Duval Clerk's site, you can search case records, request official documents, and find information on public records request procedures for Jacksonville and Duval County.

Types of Records Available in Jacksonville

Jacksonville's consolidated government means a broader range of records fall under one roof than in most Florida cities. Here are some common categories you can request:

• Civil and criminal court case files
• Property deeds, mortgages, and liens recorded in Duval County
• City council meeting minutes and resolutions
• Building permits and code enforcement records
• Police incident reports (subject to certain exemptions)
• Marriage and dissolution of marriage records filed in circuit court

Each record type may come from a different department or office. Court records come from the Clerk. Permits come from the city's Development Services Division. Police reports come from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Knowing which office holds the record you need saves time.

Exemptions That Apply to Jacksonville Records

Not every record is open. Florida law under Section 119.071 lists hundreds of specific exemptions. Common ones include active criminal investigative information, medical records, certain personal identifying details like Social Security numbers, and some law enforcement records. If an agency denies your request, they must tell you in writing which exemption applies. If you think the denial is wrong, you can contact the Florida Attorney General's Office at (850) 245-0140 to request mediation. The AG's open government mediation program is free and handles many disputes without going to court.

Jacksonville Property and Land Records

Property records for Jacksonville are held in two main places. The Duval County Clerk of Courts maintains the official records of deeds and mortgages. The Duval County Property Appraiser maintains assessment and ownership data. Both are public. If you need to trace ownership history, check if liens exist, or see recorded easements, the Clerk's official records index is your starting point. Many of these records go back decades and are fully searchable online at no cost to view. You pay only if you want copies printed or certified.

Jacksonville Public Records Contacts

Nearby Cities

Other Florida cities near Jacksonville have public records available through their respective county clerk offices.

Duval County Records

Public records for Jacksonville are maintained by the Duval County Clerk of Court. Visit the county page for office details and search resources.