Duval County felony records are official court files that show serious criminal cases handled in Jacksonville, Florida. These records list charges, court dates, plea deals, trial results, and sentences for felony offenses.
The Duval County Clerk of Court keeps these files under the 4th Judicial Circuit Court system. Anyone can view most of these records because Florida has strong public records laws. This page explains how to search, request, and read felony case files in Duval County as of July 2026.
What Are Duval County Felony Records
Duval County felony records are paper and digital files created when someone faces a felony charge in Jacksonville or nearby cities. A felony is a serious crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. The records start when a prosecutor files charges and end when a judge signs a final order. Each case gets a unique number called a Uniform Case Number, or UCN.
Types of Felony Cases in Duval County
Florida law divides felonies into five levels based on how serious the crime is. The type of charge affects where the case is heard and what sentence a judge can give. Duval County courts handle every level of felony case filed in the county.
- Capital felonies carry the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
- Life felonies can lead to life in prison, such as certain sex crimes.
- First-degree felonies allow up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Second-degree felonies allow up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Third-degree felonies allow up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Information Contained in Felony Case Files
Each felony case file in Duval County holds many types of documents. These documents show the full history of the case from start to finish. Common items in a case file include the arrest report, charging document, plea paperwork, trial transcripts, sentencing order, probation terms, and payment records. Files also include motions filed by lawyers and written orders signed by judges.
How to Search Duval County Felony Records Online
The fastest way to look up felony records in Duval County is through the Clerk of Court online portal. The portal runs day and night from any computer or phone with internet. The system covers most cases filed in the last 20 years. Older cases may need a phone call or in-person visit to the clerk’s office.
Using the Duval County Clerk of Court Online Portal
The official portal is located at duvalclerk.com. Users can pick the “Court Records Search” link from the main menu. The search box accepts a person’s full legal name, date of birth, or case number. Results show active and closed cases with basic details like charge type, court date, and judge name. Each result links to a full docket view and a list of documents filed in the case.
Searching by Name vs Case Number
A name search works best when you do not know the UCN. The system will show every case where the person’s name appears. A case number search gives one exact result. The UCN format for Duval County uses a two-digit year, a two-letter court code, a case type code, and a six-digit sequence number. For example, a 2024 felony case number might look like 24-CF-012345.
What the Online Portal Includes
The online portal shows dockets, hearing dates, charges, plea entries, sentence details, and most filed documents. Images of paper documents appear as PDF files that can be saved or printed. The portal does not include juvenile felony records, sealed records, or expunged records. It also does not show records from federal courts or other Florida counties.
4th Judicial Circuit Court and Felony Case Records
Duval County sits in the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit covers Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. Felony cases in Duval County are heard at the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville. The courthouse handles all felony divisions, including criminal felony, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court.
Court Locations in Duval County
The main courthouse for felony cases is the Duval County Courthouse at 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. This building has courtrooms for felony trials and motion hearings. Some pretrial matters and arraignments take place at the same address. Specialty courts like drug court and veterans court also meet in this building.
Division of Felony Cases by Court
Judges in the felony division rotate through different case types. Some judges handle only death penalty cases. Others focus on drug offenses, sex crimes, or white collar crimes. The clerk’s office assigns new cases to judges based on rotation schedules. The judge name appears on every docket entry for that case.
Duval County Felony Docket Search
A docket is a list of every event that happens in a felony case. The docket shows filings, hearings, and orders in the order they occur. Anyone can read the docket once the case is filed with the court. The docket does not include the full text of sealed documents.
Reading a Felony Docket
Each docket line has a date, a short description, and the name of the judge or clerk who entered it. Common entries include “Initial Appearance,” “Arraignment,” “Pretrial Conference,” “Plea Hearing,” “Jury Trial,” and “Sentencing.” Money entries like “Bond Set” or “Restitution Ordered” also appear in the docket. The docket shows the names of lawyers for both the state and the defendant.
Accessing Daily Court Calendars
The clerk posts daily court calendars online for each felony division. The calendar shows the time, courtroom, judge, and case name for every hearing that day. Users can search the calendar by date, judge, or attorney. The calendar updates each evening for the next business day.
Requesting Records in Person at the Clerk’s Office
Some records cannot be found online, especially older cases. People can visit the clerk’s office in person during business hours. Staff at the public counter help with searches and copy requests. The office charges a fee for copies and certified documents.
Office Location and Hours
The Duval County Clerk of Court main office sits at 501 West Adams Street, Room 100, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and on official state holidays. The main phone number for the clerk is (904) 255-2000.
What to Bring for In-Person Requests
Visitors should bring a photo ID and the full legal name of the person whose records they want. A case number speeds up the search if available. Payment can be cash, check, money order, or credit card. Visitors should plan for wait times during peak hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Felony Record Request by Mail or Phone
People who cannot visit in person can ask for records by mail. Phone requests work for simple questions but not for certified copies. Mail requests take longer to process than in-person visits.
Mail Request Process
Mail requests should be sent to the Duval County Clerk of Court, 501 West Adams Street, Room 100, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The letter must include the full name of the person, the case number if known, the type of record needed, and a return address. A check or money order for the copy fee must be included. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing.
Phone Inquiries
Phone calls to (904) 255-2000 connect to the clerk’s public service desk. Staff answer questions about case status, hearing dates, and document availability. Phone staff cannot process payment for copies over the phone. They also cannot give legal advice or explain case outcomes.
FDLE Statewide Felony Background Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history search. This search covers every Florida county, including Duval. The FDLE search costs $25 per name and runs through the state computer system.
When to Use FDLE Instead of Clerk Records
People use the FDLE search when they need a complete record from all Florida counties. Employers often use FDLE for background checks. Landlords use FDLE for tenant screening. The FDLE report shows arrests, charges, and dispositions across the state. The report does not show pending charges that have not been entered into the state system yet.
FDLE Fees and Processing Times
The FDLE charges $24.00 for a name search plus a small vendor fee, totaling $24.00 to $25.00 depending on the payment method. Results appear online within minutes after payment. Mailed requests take 5 to 7 business days. The official FDLE portal is web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in Duval County
Florida law allows some felony records to be sealed or expunged. A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists in the system. An expunged record is destroyed by court order. The Duval County clerk handles all seal and expunge filings.
How Records Get Sealed
A person must file a petition with the court in the county where the case was handled. The State Attorney’s Office must agree to the seal or expunge. A judge then signs an order directing the clerk to seal the file. Once sealed, the public cannot see the case through the online portal or in-person search.
Who Can View Sealed Records
Sealed records stay available to the person who was charged, their lawyer, the State Attorney’s Office, law enforcement agencies, and the courts. Certain employers like schools, hospitals, and government agencies can also view sealed records. The court can unseal a record at any time for good cause.
Costs and Fees for Duval County Felony Records
The clerk charges set fees for felony records. Fees change from time to time based on state law. The table below shows current fees as of July 2026.
| Record Type | Fee | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Copy (per page) | $1.00 | Paper |
| Certified Copy | $2.00 per page + $1.00 certification | Paper with Court Seal |
| Online Document Image | $0.10 per page | PDF Download |
| Docket Search Fee | No charge | Online Portal |
| FDLE Statewide Search | $24.00 plus vendor fee | Online or Mail |
Standard Copy Fees
Paper copies cost $1.00 for each page. A full felony case file can run many pages, so total costs add up fast. Self-service copiers at the clerk’s office cost $0.25 per page. Staff-assisted copying costs $1.00 per page.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies carry the official court seal and serve as proof in legal matters. They cost $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee. Most employers and government agencies require certified copies for background checks. Certified copies can only be obtained from the clerk’s office, not online.
Contact Information and Official Resources
The Duval County Clerk of Court manages all felony case records for the county. The office provides in-person service, phone help, and a 24-hour online portal. The main office address, phone, and hours appear below.
Official Website: https://www.duvalclerk.com/
Phone Number: (904) 255-2000
Address: 501 West Adams Street, Room 100, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common concerns about felony records in Duval County. Each answer uses plain language and references the rules that apply in 2026.
How long does it take to get felony records from the Duval County Clerk?
Online searches give instant results through the clerk’s portal at duvalclerk.com. In-person requests for simple docket copies are ready the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days for processing and return mailing. Certified copies can take up to 14 business days by mail. Walk-in customers who ask for large volumes of records may need to leave the request and pick up copies the next day. Old case files stored in remote archives can take up to 3 business days to retrieve for viewing. Customers can pay a small fee for expedited handling on certified copies. The clerk’s office posts expected timelines on its public notice board and on its website. State law does not set a strict deadline for public records requests, but the clerk aims to fill most requests within a reasonable time frame based on the type and volume of records asked for.
Are juvenile felony records in Duval County public?
Juvenile felony records in Duval County are not open to the public. Florida law treats most juvenile cases as confidential under Chapter 985 of the Florida Statutes. Only the minor, parents or guardians, lawyers, and certain agencies can view juvenile files. The records may be inspected by law enforcement for valid purposes. A judge can order a juvenile record opened to the public in rare cases involving serious violent crimes. The Duval County clerk keeps juvenile records in a separate system from adult records. Members of the public cannot search juvenile cases through the online portal. Requests for juvenile records must be filed in writing with the clerk and approved by a judge. The Duval County State Attorney’s Office can also limit access to active juvenile investigations. Once a juvenile turns 24, certain records may be eligible for expunction.
Can employers see expunged felony records in Duval County?
Expunged felony records are destroyed by court order and cannot be seen by employers. The clerk physically removes the case file from the public system. A standard FDLE background check will not show an expunged case. The only agencies that can still view expunged records are the State Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, and the courts. Schools, hospitals, and government agencies that work with children can also view some expunged records under Florida Statutes. Private employers cannot access expunged records through any legal database. A person who lies about an expunged record on a job application commits no crime. If an employer somehow learns about an expunged case, the person should contact a lawyer about possible legal action. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a confidential index of all expunged cases for limited internal use.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Duval County?
A felony in Florida is any crime that can be punished by more than one year in state prison. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that can be punished by up to one year in county jail. Duval County courts handle felonies in the criminal division of the circuit court. Misdemeanors are handled in the county court division. Felonies are divided into capital, life, first degree, second degree, and third degree. Misdemeanors are divided into first degree and second degree. Felony records stay on a person’s history forever unless sealed or expunged. Some misdemeanor records can also be sealed or expunged. The same event can lead to both felony and misdemeanor charges against different people. The prosecutor decides which charges to file based on the facts of each case.
Can I search Duval County felony records for free?
Yes, basic case searches through the Duval County Clerk’s online portal cost nothing. The portal shows dockets, charges, hearing dates, and judge names for free. PDF copies of filed documents cost $0.10 per page. In-person viewing of case files at the clerk’s office is also free. The only cost is for printed copies or certified copies. The FDLE statewide search costs $24.00 plus a small vendor fee, but the clerk’s own records do not require a payment to view. Self-service copiers at the clerk’s office cost $0.25 per page. People who want to avoid all costs can review records in person on the public terminals at the clerk’s office. The clerk does not charge a fee for simply looking up a case status or docket entry.
How do I find out if a felony case is still active in Duval County?
The clerk’s online portal shows the current status of every case. Active cases show upcoming hearing dates and pending motions. Closed cases show a final disposition like “Guilty,” “Not Guilty,” “Dismissed,” or “Nolle Prosse.” A phone call to (904) 255-2000 during business hours can also confirm case status. The clerk’s staff cannot give legal advice about what a status means. A person who is a party to the case can also contact their lawyer for an update. The State Attorney’s Office can provide general case information to crime victims. Public terminals at the clerk’s office show the same information as the online portal. Active warrant status is not shown on the public portal for safety reasons.
What should I do if I find wrong information in a Duval County felony record?
A person who finds an error in a felony record should contact the Duval County Clerk’s Office right away. The clerk can correct typos in names, dates, and case numbers. Wrong charges or dispositions need a court order to fix. A person must file a motion with the court asking the judge to correct the record. The State Attorney’s Office must be served with the motion. A hearing may be held where the judge hears evidence about the error. If the judge agrees, an amended order is entered into the case file. The corrected record is then sent to the FDLE for update in the state system. People with serious errors often hire a lawyer to handle the correction process. Simple errors like a misspelled middle name can be fixed at the counter with proper ID.