The Jacksonville city court docket is the official list of every case filed at the Duval County Courthouse. The Duval County Clerk of Courts keeps and posts these records.
The public can search the docket online through the CORE system at any time. You can look up a case by name, case number, or hearing date. The clerk office adds new entries to the docket each business day. Court docket records are open to the public under Florida law. Anyone can see party names, hearing dates, and case status without giving a reason.
What a Jacksonville City Court Docket Shows
A court docket is a written log of every event in a legal case. Each line in the log is called a docket entry. The entry shows the date, the type of action, the judge, and the next step in the case. A Jacksonville city court docket lists the names of the people on both sides, the lawyers, the charges or claims, the money at stake, and the rulings so far.
The docket also shows scheduled hearings. It lists past hearings and the results of each one. New entries appear after every court action, motion, or order. The clerk office updates the docket as new papers are filed. The full record gives a clear picture of where the case stands today.
The Duval County Court System in Jacksonville
Jacksonville and Duval County share one local government. This means one clerk office handles all court records for the city. The Duval County Clerk of Courts sits at 501 W. Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville. The clerk is an elected official. The office files, stores, and shares court records for the entire county.
Jacksonville sits inside the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. The circuit has two court levels that create dockets.
| Court Level | Cases It Hears | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | Felonies, family law, probate, juvenile, civil cases over $50,000 | 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| County Court | Misdemeanors, traffic, small claims up to $8,000, civil cases up to $50,000, ordinance violations | 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
Both courts add their cases to the same docket system. A search of the Jacksonville city court docket pulls records from both court levels at once.
How to Search the Jacksonville Court Docket Online
The main online tool is called CORE. CORE stands for Clerk’s Online Records Exchange. It runs on the Duval County Clerk website. The tool is free for basic searches. No account is needed to look up a case.
You can search the docket three ways:
- By name: Type the last name of a party in the case. Add a first name to narrow the list.
- By case number: Type the full case number, like 2024-CF-001234.
- By date range: Pick a start and end date to see all hearings set in that span.
Search results show the case type, party names, filing date, judge, and a list of docket entries. Each entry has a short description. You can see when hearings are set and what papers the lawyers have filed. Full document images may need an in-person visit or a copy request.
Jacksonville Court Docket by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to find a specific case on the docket. The number includes the year, the case type code, and a sequence number. For example, 2024-MM-012345 points to a misdemeanor case filed in 2024. A 2024-CF number means a felony. A 2024-CA number means a civil case over $50,000. A 2024-CC number means a county civil case under $50,000. A 2024-SC number means a small claims case. A 2024-DR number means a family case. A 2024-TC number means a traffic case.
To use this search, open the CORE portal on the Duval County Clerk site. Pick the case number search box. Type the full number with dashes. Press search. The docket will load with all entries for that case.
If you do not know the case number, you can call the clerk at (904) 255-2000. Staff can help you find the number using a name and a birth date. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you locate the file.
Jacksonville Civil Court Docket
The Jacksonville civil court docket covers disputes between people or businesses. It includes contract fights, property disputes, personal injury claims, debt collection, and landlord-tenant cases. Civil cases with claims over $50,000 go to circuit court. Civil cases with claims up to $50,000 go to county court.
Civil dockets list the plaintiff, the defendant, the amount in dispute, the cause of action, and the assigned judge. The docket shows each motion, response, order, and hearing. Final judgments and appeals also appear on the docket.
Landlord-tenant eviction cases are a large part of the Duval County civil docket. The court hears these cases fast. Most evictions get a hearing within days of filing. The docket shows the eviction filing date, the court date, and the ruling. Tenants and landlords can both check the docket to see when they must show up.
Jacksonville Criminal Court Docket
The Jacksonville criminal court docket covers all criminal charges filed in Duval County. It includes felonies, misdemeanors, DUIs, and ordinance violations. Felony cases go to circuit court. Misdemeanor and DUI cases go to county court.
A criminal docket shows the defendant, the State of Florida as the prosecutor, the charges, the arresting agency, and the defense lawyer. It also shows bond status, arraignment date, pretrial hearings, plea dates, and trial dates. Each step gets a new docket entry with the date and result.
You can search the criminal docket to check if a warrant is active, when the next court date is, or what plea has been entered. The clerk office adds new entries the same day a judge signs an order.
Jacksonville Traffic Court Docket
The Jacksonville traffic court docket lists all traffic cases filed in Duval County. It covers speeding tickets, red light camera tickets, careless driving, driving on a suspended license, and other moving violations. Most traffic cases are heard in county court.
You can look up a traffic case using the ticket number or the driver last name. The docket shows the fine, the court date, and the outcome. Many traffic cases can be paid online without a court visit. Others require a hearing. The docket tells you which path your case is on.
Drivers with a Florida license should check the traffic docket after a stop. Points, fines, and license suspensions all show up on the docket. Checking early helps drivers meet court deadlines.
Jacksonville Misdemeanor Docket and Felony Docket
Misdemeanors are lesser crimes. They carry up to one year in jail. Common examples include simple battery, petty theft, minor drug possession, and disorderly conduct. Misdemeanor cases in Jacksonville use a case number starting with MM. The county court hears them.
Felonies are serious crimes. They carry more than one year in prison. Examples include aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, and major drug sales. Felony cases use a case number starting with CF. The circuit court hears them.
Both dockets show the same kinds of entries. The main difference is the court level. Misdemeanor dockets often move fast and end in a few months. Felony dockets can take a year or more, depending on the facts and the defense.
Jacksonville DUI Court Docket
The Jacksonville DUI court docket covers all driving under the influence charges. It includes first-time DUIs, second DUIs, third DUIs, and DUIs with property damage or injury. Most DUI cases start in county court. Felony DUIs go to circuit court.
A DUI docket shows the arrest date, the BAC level, the arresting officer, and the next court date. It also shows if a license suspension has been filed. The clerk office can tell you if a hardship license has been granted or denied.
DUI cases have strict deadlines. The driver must request a formal review within 10 days of arrest. Missing this deadline can lead to a longer license suspension. The docket is the best way to track these key dates.
Jacksonville Ordinance Violation Docket
The city of Jacksonville passes local rules called ordinances. Breaking them creates a civil citation, not a criminal charge. Common examples include noise complaints, property maintenance issues, and animal control violations. The city code enforcement office writes the citations.
These cases show up on the Jacksonville ordinance violation docket in the county court system. The docket lists the property owner, the address, the violation, the fine, and the hearing date. Owners can contest the citation at a hearing. They can also pay the fine online.
Jacksonville Small Claims Docket
The small claims docket covers cases where the claim is $8,000 or less. Common small claims cases include unpaid bills, security deposit disputes, damaged property, and small contract fights. The county court hears these cases. There are no lawyers in small claims court most of the time. People represent themselves.
The small claims docket shows the plaintiff, the defendant, the amount claimed, and the hearing date. Most small claims hearings end on the same day. The judge may rule from the bench or mail a written order.
You can file a small claims case in person at the clerk office. The filing fee depends on the amount claimed. You can also pay the fee online and file by mail.
Jacksonville Eviction Docket
The eviction docket in Duval County is part of the civil court system. Landlords file eviction cases to remove tenants. The docket shows the landlord, the tenant, the property address, the rent owed, and the eviction hearing date. Most eviction hearings happen within 5 to 15 days of filing.
Tenants facing eviction should check the docket daily for new entries. A default judgment can be entered if the tenant does not show up. The docket will show the judgment, any writ of possession, and the move-out deadline. Local sheriff deputies carry out the writ.
Jacksonville Daily Court Docket and Court Calendar
The Jacksonville daily court docket is posted online each morning. It lists every hearing set for that day, the assigned courtroom, the judge, and the time. Lawyers, parties, and the public can check the calendar before going to the courthouse.
The Duval County court calendar covers circuit and county court dockets. You can view it by date, by judge, or by courtroom. The calendar updates overnight. The clerk office posts the next day’s docket by 6:00 a.m. on most days.
To see the daily docket, open the Duval County Clerk site. Click on the court calendar link. Pick the date. The system will show the full schedule for that day. You can print the list or save it to your phone.
Jacksonville Hearing Docket and Court Schedule
The hearing docket is the part of the docket that lists future court dates. It shows arraignments, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, status checks, plea hearings, and trials. Each entry has the date, the time, the courtroom, and the type of hearing.
Missing a hearing can lead to a default judgment, a warrant, or a bond forfeiture. The hearing docket is the best way to keep track of court dates. You can sign up for email alerts through the CORE portal. The system will send you a message before each hearing.
Lawyers use the hearing docket to set depositions and trial prep meetings. Self-represented parties should check the docket at least once a week. Court dates can change with little notice.
Jacksonville Arraignment, Pretrial, Bond, and Trial Dockets
Each step in a criminal case has its own docket line.
- Arraignment docket: Lists first court dates for new criminal charges. The defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pretrial docket: Lists hearings where lawyers argue motions, review evidence, and try to settle the case before trial.
- Bond hearing docket: Lists hearings about pre-trial release. The judge may set, raise, lower, or deny bond.
- Trial docket: Lists the dates set for jury and non-jury trials. The docket shows the trial start date and the assigned courtroom.
Each of these dockets is part of the full case record. The CORE search pulls them all at once.
Jacksonville Online Court Docket and E-Filing
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal lets lawyers and the public file papers in Jacksonville cases online. The portal covers every county in the state. You need an account to e-file. The account is free.
You can file new civil cases, family cases, probate cases, and small claims cases through the portal. Criminal case papers are filed by the State Attorney and the defense lawyer. Self-represented parties can also use the portal in some case types.
After a paper is filed, the docket updates the same day or the next business day. The e-filing system sends a confirmation email with the filing time and the new docket entry number.
Getting Court Docket Copies in Jacksonville
You can get a plain copy of a docket entry for free through the CORE portal. You can print the entry from your screen. The printout is not certified.
For a certified copy, contact the Duval County Clerk Official Records Department. The office charges a fee per page and an extra fee for the clerk’s seal. Certified copies are accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies.
You can request copies in person, by mail, or online. Mail requests need a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order. Online requests need a credit card. The clerk office processes most copy requests within three to five business days.
Restricted and Sealed Court Records in Jacksonville
Most court docket records are public. Some records are sealed by court order. Sealed records do not show up in a public docket search. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists the types of records that can be sealed. Examples include juvenile records, mental health records, and adoption files.
Expunged records are removed from public view. A person with an expunged record can legally say they have no criminal record. Expunged cases do not show up on the public docket.
The Florida Supreme Court sets the rules for who can see restricted electronic court records. The general public sees party names, case numbers, and docket entries. Account holders with legal access can see more details in restricted cases.
Appellate Court Dockets for Jacksonville Cases
Cases that go to appeal leave the Duval County docket. They move to a higher court. Most appeals from Jacksonville go to the First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee. Death penalty cases go to the Florida Supreme Court.
The appellate docket shows the parties, the lower court ruling, the issues on appeal, and the briefing schedule. The ACIS portal, run by the Florida Courts, holds all appellate docket records. No account is needed for basic searches.
You can check ACIS to see the status of an appeal, read the briefs, and see the court’s ruling.
Contact the Duval County Clerk of Courts
The clerk office is the main contact for all Jacksonville court docket questions. Staff can help you find a case number, check a hearing date, or request copies. The office does not give legal advice.
Office Address: 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 255-2000
Website: duvalclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and court holidays.
You can visit the clerk office in person to use public access terminals. The terminals let you search the full docket and view document images at no cost. Printouts from the terminals cost a small fee per page.
Florida Court Records and Related Resources
Several statewide tools can help you with Jacksonville court records. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website lists every county clerk in the state. Each clerk office handles more than 1,000 official duties, from case filing to certified copies. The MyFloridaCounty official records search lets you look up recorded documents tied to court cases, like deeds, liens, and judgments.
For self-represented parties, the Duval County Law Library offers free legal forms and research tools. The library sits on the second floor of the courthouse. You do not need a library card to use the public terminals.
Tips for Using the Jacksonville City Court Docket
Check the docket at least once a week. Court dates can change with little notice. Set up email alerts through CORE so you do not miss a hearing. Print a copy of the docket before you go to court. Bring the printout with you to the courthouse. It will help you answer questions from the judge and the clerk.
Know your case number. It saves time at the clerk window and at the public access terminal. Write it down and keep it in a safe place. If you lose the number, you can call the clerk office to look it up by name.
Read the docket entries carefully. Each entry has a short code that explains the type of action. A “MIN” entry means a minute order or ruling by the judge. A “MOT” entry means a motion was filed. A “PLE” entry means a plea was entered. Learning the codes will help you track your case.
Jacksonville Court Docket Status and Case Progress
The docket status tells you where the case stands. A case marked “Open” has no final judgment. A case marked “Closed” has a final order from the judge. A case marked “Pending” is waiting for the next hearing. A case marked “Disposed” has been resolved.
You can also see the status of each hearing. A “Scheduled” hearing is set for a future date. A “Heard” hearing already took place. A “Continued” hearing was moved to a new date. A “Cancelled” hearing was taken off the calendar.
The docket status updates within one business day of a court action. Lawyers and self-represented parties can both use this data to plan their next steps.
Jacksonville Court Docket Lookup for Legal Professionals
Lawyers use the docket every day. They check it before hearings, after filings, and before client meetings. The CORE portal offers a paid subscription for law firms. The subscription lets lawyers run batch searches, set up firm-wide alerts, and download docket data for case management software.
Process servers also rely on the docket. They use the current hearing date and the assigned courtroom to serve papers on the right party. Bail bondsmen check the docket to track bond hearings. Reporters check it to cover court news.
The clerk office offers training for legal professionals who want to learn the full CORE system. Training sessions take place on the first Tuesday of each month at the courthouse.
Jacksonville Court Records and Public Access
Florida law makes court records public. Florida Statute Chapter 119 says any person can see public records without giving a reason. The clerk office follows this law. The CORE portal runs on the same rule. The public can search, view, and print docket entries for free.
Some records are kept private to protect victims and minors. These records are sealed or restricted by court order. The clerk office redacts personal details like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s names from public docket entries.
Jacksonville Court Docket Lookup for Background Checks
Many people use the docket for background checks. Employers, landlords, and volunteer groups check the docket before making a decision. A public docket search is a legal way to check for pending cases, past convictions, and active warrants.
The clerk office does not offer a full background check service. The CORE portal gives raw docket data. The user must read and judge the data. For a full background check, use a licensed screening firm that follows the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.
You can also run a free check on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement site. That site lists Florida arrests and dispositions from official sources. Use both tools together for a full picture.
Common Questions About the Jacksonville City Court Docket
The docket system can be hard to learn. Many people have questions about what they can see, how to search, and what each entry means. The FAQ below covers the most common questions about the Jacksonville city court docket. Each answer gives clear, direct facts based on the rules of the Duval County Clerk of Courts and Florida law.
How do I look up a court date in Jacksonville?
Open the CORE portal on the Duval County Clerk site. Type the case number or the party name in the search box. Pick the date range if you do not know the number. The portal will show the next court date, the courtroom, and the judge. You can also call the clerk office at (904) 255-2000 during business hours for help finding a court date.
Can I see sealed records in Jacksonville?
No. Sealed records are not open to the public. You must have a court order to see them. The clerk office cannot show sealed records even to the people named in the case. The only way to open a sealed record is to file a motion with the court and get the judge’s approval.
What does a “warrant” entry on the docket mean?
A “warrant” entry means a judge has signed an order for the person’s arrest. The warrant is active until the person is arrested or the judge recalls it. The public can see that a warrant exists. The full details of the warrant are not posted on the public docket.
How long does it take for a new filing to show up on the docket?
E-filed papers show up the same day or the next business day. Papers filed in person at the clerk window show up the same day. The clerk office processes most filings within a few hours. New docket entries appear in the public CORE search within minutes of processing.
Can I remove my case from the Jacksonville public docket?
You can ask the court to seal or expunge your record. The rules are set by Florida law. You must file a petition and meet the legal standards. Most sealing requests take several months to process. An attorney can help you file the petition and follow the steps.
Is there a fee to search the Jacksonville court docket?
No. Basic docket searches on the CORE portal are free. You can view party names, case numbers, hearing dates, and docket entries at no cost. Fees apply only for certified copies, full document images, and bulk data downloads.
What is the difference between the county docket and the circuit docket in Jacksonville?
County court handles misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, and civil cases up to $50,000. Circuit court handles felonies, family law, probate, juvenile, and civil cases over $50,000. Both dockets are kept by the same clerk office. A single CORE search pulls records from both court levels.