duval county fl public records beginner’s guide and quick tips

Understand the basics

Florida’s Sunshine Law makes most records open to the public. In Duval County, which includes Jacksonville, you can view court dockets, deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, business filings, and more. Some details remain protected for privacy, including Social Security numbers, health data, and records involving minors.

Where to look

Start with the Clerk of Courts for case files and official records; the Property Appraiser for parcel maps and ownership; the Tax Collector for payment history; the Sheriff’s Office for incident logs; and the Supervisor of Elections for precinct data. Many indexes are free to search and printable, while certified copies may carry fees.

Quick steps to search

1. Pick the right office or portal for the record you need.
2. Gather a full name, address, parcel ID, or case number.
3. Filter by date range, document type, or instrument number.
4. Review results, note document numbers, and request copies if needed.

Use exact names but also try variations, save document IDs, and rely on legal descriptions for older deeds. When unsure, call the office-staff can explain turnaround times and fees.