Duval County public records cover court files, arrest reports, booking logs, mugshots, jail rosters, property deeds, and other official documents kept by government offices in Jacksonville, Florida. Duval County operates as a consolidated city-county government.
This means the City of Jacksonville and the County of Duval share one set of public agencies. Anyone can search these records under Florida’s open records law. Most records are free to view online. Some copies cost a small fee.
This page explains how to search Duval County public records. It covers arrest records, inmate lookups, booking data, mugshots, court cases, and official property records. Each section gives clear steps, real phone numbers, and direct website links so you can complete your search quickly.
What Are Duval County Public Records
Duval County public records are paper and electronic files created by local government offices. These offices include the Clerk of Courts, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector, and the Supervisor of Elections. Florida law treats these records as open to the public. You do not need to give a reason to see them.
Common record types include:
- Court case files (civil, criminal, family, traffic)
- Arrest reports and arrest logs
- Booking photos and inmate rosters
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Tax records and voter registration data
All of these records fall under Florida Chapter 119, the state’s main public records law. A few records stay sealed. Examples include juvenile cases, active criminal investigations, and certain victim details.
Duval County Clerk of Courts
The Duval County Clerk of Courts is the main office that keeps court records. Jacksonville is the county seat. The clerk’s office serves the entire county through one main office located in downtown Jacksonville. The clerk also runs online search tools that cover most case types.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Duval County Clerk of Courts |
| County Seat | Jacksonville, FL |
| Public Records Phone | (904) 255-1828 |
| Website | duvalclerk.com |
| Public Information Page | duvalclerk.com/services/public-information |
| Judicial Circuit | 4th Judicial Circuit |
| State Public Records Law | Florida Chapter 119 |
The clerk’s office handles filings from the 4th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. Duval County records are filed and searched through the Duval office only. The online case search lets you look up civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases by name, case number, or attorney.
The system shows case status, hearing dates, and docket entries. Many court documents are free to view online. Older files or sealed records may need a court order or an in-person visit to the courthouse.
Florida Public Records Law and Duval County
Florida’s public records law is called Chapter 119. This law covers every Duval County government office. It covers the clerk, the sheriff, the city of Jacksonville, the property appraiser, and all other county agencies.
The basic rule is simple. Government records belong to the public. You do not need to sign a form, give your name, or explain why you want the records. If an agency wants to hide a record, it must point to a specific legal exemption. Agencies cannot destroy records that are part of a pending public records request for at least 30 days.
Florida Attorney General’s Office runs a free mediation service for people who have trouble getting records. The mediation line is (850) 245-0140. The open government page at myfloridalegal.com/open-government explains your full rights under the law.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Arrest Records
Arrest records in Duval County are kept by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). JSO serves as both the county sheriff and the city police department because Jacksonville and Duval County merged in 1968. This consolidated structure makes JSO the only law enforcement agency for the entire county.
JSO holds several types of arrest records:
- Duval County arrest reports and arrest logs
- Booking records from the Duval County jail
- Mugshots taken at the time of booking
- Inmate custody status and release dates
- Warrant information and active warrants
Most arrest records are public under Chapter 119. Active investigations, juvenile arrests, and certain victim details are exempt. You can request arrest records directly from JSO. The clerk’s office also shows criminal case filings, but the raw arrest data sits with JSO.
How to Search Duval County Arrest Records
You have two main paths to search Duval County arrest records. You can use the JSO online tools, or you can request records through the public information office. Here are the steps for each method.
Method 1: JSO Online Search
- Go to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office website at jaxsheriff.com.
- Look for the “Inmate Search” or “Recent Arrests” tool.
- Type the full name of the person you are looking for.
- Review the list of results. Each result shows booking date, charges, and custody status.
- Click on a record to see more details, including mugshots when available.
Method 2: Public Records Request
- Contact the JSO Records Unit or file a request through the agency’s public records portal.
- Provide the person’s full name, date of birth (if known), and the date range you need.
- Pay any copying fees that apply.
- Wait for JSO to process the request. Simple requests often take a few business days.
You can also call JSO’s non-emergency line at (904) 630-0500 for general questions about arrest records or inmate status.
Duval County Booking Records and Inmate Lookup
Duval County booking records show every person processed into the county jail. A booking record includes the arrest date, the arresting agency, the booking number, the charges, and the person’s physical description. You can search booking records online through the JSO inmate search tool.
The inmate lookup tool is updated regularly. It shows people who are currently in custody at the main Duval County jail. It also shows recent releases. To run a search, enter the person’s last name and first name. If you know the booking number, you can search by that number for a direct match.
Common data fields in a booking record include:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth
- Booking date and time
- Arresting officer or agency
- Charges and Florida statute numbers
- Bond amount and bond status
- Court date and assigned judge
For federal inmates or people held in state prison, use the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search at dc.state.fl.us. The Duval County jail only holds people who are awaiting trial or serving short county sentences.
Duval County Mugshots
Duval County mugshots are photos taken when someone is booked into the county jail. JSO takes a mugshot for every person processed at the jail. These photos become part of the public record under Florida law.
You can see mugshots through the JSO inmate search tool. Click on a booking record, and the mugshot will appear with the other booking details. Third-party websites also collect mugshots from public sources. These sites often charge a fee to remove the photos. Be careful with these services. You do not have to pay to see a mugshot that is already public.
Mugshot removal requests in Florida have specific rules. A person can ask JSO to remove their mugshot from public online searches only under narrow legal grounds. Most removal requests must go through a court order or a state law exception. The standard public records process does not include a free removal option.
Duval County Jail Records
Duval County jail records cover every person held at the county jail. The jail sits in downtown Jacksonville. It holds people who are awaiting trial, people serving misdemeanor sentences, and people held on behalf of other agencies.
Jail records include:
- Current inmate roster
- Recent release logs
- Arrest logs from the past 24 to 72 hours
- Warrant lists (when published)
- Holding time and court appearance schedules
The JSO website posts a current inmate roster. The roster is searchable by name. The same tool also shows the arrest log, which lists people arrested in the past few days. For older records, you may need to file a public records request with JSO.
Duval County Court Records
Duval County court records are kept by the Clerk of Courts. These records cover all cases filed in the 4th Judicial Circuit within Duval County. The clerk’s online case search tool covers four main case types.
- Civil cases: Contract disputes, small claims, and other civil lawsuits.
- Criminal cases: Felony and misdemeanor charges filed by the State Attorney.
- Family cases: Divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence.
- Traffic cases: Traffic tickets, DUI charges, and driving infractions.
You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The results show the case status, scheduled hearings, and a list of filed documents. Most documents are free to view online. Certified copies cost a fee.
For federal cases in the Jacksonville area, use PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at pacer.uscourts.gov. PACER covers the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, which includes Duval County.
Duval County Official Records
Official records in Duval County include property deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, easements, plat maps, and other recorded documents. The clerk’s office records these documents in the Official Records index. The index goes back many years and is searchable online.
You can search the index by:
- Grantor name (the person selling or giving the property)
- Grantee name (the person receiving the property)
- Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Recording date or date range
- Book and page number (for older records)
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and homeowners use the official records index to check property ownership, liens, and mortgages. The clerk’s official records search is free to view. Certified copies cost extra.
Fees and Copy Costs
Florida law sets the fees for public records copies. Duval County agencies must follow the same statewide fee schedule.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (one-sided page) | Up to $0.15 per page |
| Two-sided copy | Up to $0.20 per page |
| Certified copy | $1 per page |
| Certification fee | $5 per document |
| Staff research time | Free for the first 30 minutes |
| Staff research after 30 minutes | May be billed at hourly rate |
You can avoid fees by viewing records online instead of asking for printed copies. Most records on the clerk’s website are free to view in your browser.
Vital Records in Duval County
Birth and death certificates from events in Duval County are state records. The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, holds these records. You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or by mail.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Duval County Clerk. Marriage license records are public and can be searched through the clerk’s official records index. Divorce decrees are also public and show up in the clerk’s court case search.
Property tax records are held by the Duval County Property Appraiser. Vehicle registration and title records are held by the Tax Collector. Voter registration data is held by the Supervisor of Elections. Each office has its own public records process under Chapter 119.
How to File a Public Records Request
You can file a public records request with any Duval County office. The clerk’s public information services division handles requests for court records, official records, and other clerk-held files. For arrest records and inmate data, contact JSO directly. For tax data, contact the Property Appraiser or Tax Collector.
A strong public records request includes:
- Your name and contact information (the agency can ask, but you are not required to give a reason)
- A clear description of the records you want
- A date range or specific date
- Case numbers, party names, or other identifiers
- Your preferred format (paper copy, electronic file, in-person pickup)
Send the request in writing when possible. Email or online forms create a written record. If an agency does not respond within a reasonable time, you can contact the Florida Attorney General’s open government mediation line at (850) 245-0140.
Nearby Counties and Cross-County Searches
Duval County borders several other counties in northeast Florida. If you need to search records in a nearby county, each county has its own clerk and sheriff. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers directory at flclerks.com links to all 67 county clerk portals in the state.
- Baker County: North of Duval. Small, rural county.
- Nassau County: Northeast of Duval. Beaches and Amelia Island.
- Clay County: Southwest of Duval. Part of the Jacksonville metro area.
- St. Johns County: South of Duval. Includes St. Augustine.
For state-level searches across multiple counties, myFloridaCounty.com provides a statewide official records search tool.
Common Misconceptions About Public Records
Many people believe myths about public records. Here are a few facts that clear up common confusion.
Myth: You need to give a reason to see a public record.
Fact: Florida law does not require you to explain why you want a record. You can ask without giving a reason.
Myth: Sealed records are still public.
Fact: Sealed records are not public. You need a court order to see them. Expunged records are removed from public view by court order.
Myth: You must pay to view records online.
Fact: Most Duval County online records are free to view. You only pay for printed or certified copies.
Myth: Third-party mugshot sites have official records.
Fact: Third-party sites copy public records. The official source is always JSO or the Clerk of Courts.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Duval County Clerk of Courts
Address: 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone (Public Records): (904) 255-1828
Website: duvalclerk.com
Public Information Page: duvalclerk.com/services/public-information
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO)
Address: 501 E. Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone (Non-Emergency): (904) 630-0500
Website: jaxsheriff.com
Office Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Florida Attorney General – Open Government Mediation
Phone: (850) 245-0140
Website: myfloridalegal.com/open-government
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for recent arrests in Duval County?
Go to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office website at jaxsheriff.com and use the inmate search or recent arrests tool. Type the full name of the person you want to look up. The tool shows recent bookings, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. You can also call JSO’s non-emergency line at (904) 630-0500 for help with a specific arrest record.
Are Duval County arrest records free to view?
Yes. Most arrest records, booking photos, and inmate rosters are free to view through the JSO online search tool. You only pay if you need a printed or certified copy. Standard copies cost up to $0.15 per page, and certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $5 certification fee. The clerk’s office also shows criminal court case data for free.
Can I remove my mugshot from the Duval County jail website?
Florida law limits mugshot removal. JSO only removes mugshots under narrow legal grounds, such as a court order, an expungement, or a documented error in the booking record. Paying a third-party site does not affect the official JSO mugshot. The best step is to talk to a Florida attorney about a formal expungement or sealing if you qualify.
How far back do Duval County booking records go online?
The JSO online search tool shows current inmates and recent releases, usually going back several weeks. For older booking records, you can file a public records request with JSO. The clerk’s office also shows criminal court case history that goes back many years. Older paper records may require an in-person visit to the courthouse or a request for archived files.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a court record?
An arrest record shows that law enforcement arrested someone. A court record shows the case filed after the arrest, including charges, plea deals, trials, and sentences. The JSO holds arrest records. The Clerk of Courts holds court records. Both are public under Florida Chapter 119, but they come from different agencies and cover different parts of the legal process.
Can I find out if someone has a warrant in Duval County?
Active warrant lists are sometimes published by JSO on its website. You can also call JSO at (904) 630-0500 to ask about a specific person. The clerk’s court case search may also show pending cases that involve warrants. Some warrants are sealed, so they will not show up in public searches.
How long does it take to get a public records request fulfilled?
Simple requests often take 3 to 10 business days. Complex requests that need staff research can take longer. Florida law does not set a strict deadline, but agencies must respond in a reasonable time. If an agency delays, you can contact the Florida Attorney General’s open government mediation line at (850) 245-0140 for help.