Jacksonville City Family Court Records are kept by the Duval County Clerk of Court, not the Jacksonville City Clerk. Every divorce, custody, and support case in the city is filed at the county level.
The 4th Judicial Circuit Court handles these cases at the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville. The City Clerk office deals with permits, council minutes, and local business files only. Court files stay with the county system at all times.
This page explains where to find family court files, how to search them, and what each file contains. You will learn who keeps the records, how to get copies, what fees apply, and which cases are sealed. All details come from the official Duval County Clerk of Court website and current Florida public records law as of August 2026.
Who Maintains Jacksonville Family Court Records
Family court records in Jacksonville fall under the Duval County Clerk of Court. The clerk is an elected official who runs the office that holds every legal file filed in the county. The office is the single source for divorce records, custody orders, support orders, paternity cases, and adoption files. The clerk serves all cities inside Duval County, including Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach.
Duval County Clerk of Court Role
The Duval County Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for the 4th Judicial Circuit. The current clerk, Jody Phillips, was elected to manage all court documents and related fees. Her office stores family law files, makes them available to the public, and issues certified copies when needed. The office also handles passport applications, marriage licenses, and other public services in the same building.
| Office Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Duval County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Jody Phillips |
| Address | 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Phone | (904) 255-2000 |
| Website | www.duvalclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Why City Clerk Does Not Handle Family Records
The Jacksonville City Clerk office sits at 117 W. Duval Street and can be reached at (904) 255-8100. That office stores city council records, local contracts, and business permits. It does not store or share any court files. A person who needs a family court file must go to the county courthouse, not the city hall. Many residents first visit the city office by mistake, which costs them time and travel.
How to Search Jacksonville Family Court Records
There are three ways to find Jacksonville family court records. You can search online, visit the clerk office in person, or send a mail request. Each method gives you a different mix of speed, cost, and detail. The right method depends on how fast you need the file and what kind of copy you require.
Online Search Methods
The Duval County Clerk website at www.duvalclerk.com has a free case search tool. You can look up a case by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The search shows the case type, filing date, current status, and judge assigned. You can also see a list of filed documents and their dates. Basic case data is free to view, but downloading or printing documents may cost a fee per page.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 counties in the state. This site is useful when you do not know which county holds a record. It also works for cases filed in more than one county. The portal shows docket entries, party names, and hearing dates. You can register for a paid account to pull full documents, or you can stick with the free view-only mode for basic data.
In-Person Records Request
You can walk into the Duval County Clerk office at 501 W. Adams Street and ask for a file in person. Staff at the public counter can search by name or case number and pull the file for you. You can view the file on site, take notes, or ask for printed copies. Same-day service is normal for files that are not sealed or archived off-site. Bring a valid photo ID and plan for security screening at the entrance.
Mail Request Process
Mail requests work for people who live outside the Jacksonville area. Write a letter that includes the case number, full names of both parties, and the year the case was filed. Add your return address, phone number, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail the request to the Duval County Clerk of Court at 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Allow 7 to 14 business days for a response.
Types of Family Court Cases in Jacksonville
Family court covers six main case types in Florida. Each case type creates its own set of files, motions, and orders. The clerk office keeps all of them under one filing system. You can search any of these case types using the same online tools or the same in-person counter.
Divorce Records
Divorce records include the petition, financial affidavits, marital settlement agreement, and final judgment. These files also contain child support worksheets if children are part of the case. A simple, uncontested divorce can generate a file of 20 to 50 pages. A contested case with hearings and trials can run several hundred pages. The final judgment is the most requested document, since it ends the marriage and sets out all post-divorce duties.
Child Custody and Support Records
Custody cases create parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and modification orders. Support cases create income calculations, payment orders, and arrears reports. The Florida Department of Revenue handles most support enforcement, but the court file stays with the clerk. You can pull the current support amount, the payment history, and any liens or license suspension actions from the same file.
Domestic Violence and Paternity Records
Domestic violence cases often start with a temporary injunction that can be granted in 24 hours. The file then grows to include the full petition, hearing transcripts, and any final injunction. Paternity cases start with a petition to establish the legal father, followed by DNA test orders and a final judgment. Adoption records are sealed by law in Florida, so access is limited even with a court order.
Fees and Copying Options
The clerk office charges set fees for copies, certifications, and searches. Florida law caps these fees, so the rates are the same across the state. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards. Online payments are also accepted through the clerk website for certain services.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular copies cost $1.00 per page for most documents. Certification costs an extra $7.00 per document. A certified copy of a marriage license or divorce judgment is often the most requested item. You can order one certified copy for $8.00 total, plus a small search fee if you do not know the case number.
Certified Copy Requirements
You must show a valid photo ID to get a certified copy. The clerk will not issue a certified copy to someone who is not a party to the case or a person named in the court order. Attorneys of record can also request certified copies on behalf of their clients. Mail requests for certified copies must include a copy of the requestor ID and a signed statement of relationship to the case.
Access Restrictions and Sealed Records
Most family court files are public under Florida law. A person can walk in and ask to see any non-sealed file. Some parts of every file are always redacted to protect private data. Other files are sealed by a judge and require a court order to open. The clerk office enforces all redactions and seals on a strict basis.
Public vs Confidential Records
The clerk office redacts Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children identifiers from public view. The redaction is automatic and happens when the file is scanned into the system. You can still see the case name, docket entries, and court orders. The redaction only hides the specific data fields that fall under the law.
How to Request Sealed Record Access
You must file a motion with the court to open a sealed file. The motion must state why you need the file and how you plan to use the data. A judge will hold a hearing and decide if the file should be opened for your case. Adoption files are sealed by law and require a special court order under Florida Statute 63.162. Most adoption files stay sealed for the life of the parties involved.
Special Records and Services
Beyond basic family court files, the clerk office also holds related records that often come up in a family case search. These records can help you build a full picture of a family law matter. The clerk office is the central hub for all of these records in Duval County.
Marriage License Records
The clerk office issues and stores marriage license records. A marriage license file includes the application, the license, and the marriage certificate if returned by the officiant. A certified copy of a marriage license costs $8.00. This file is often needed to prove a marriage for a divorce case or for a name change.
Domestic Relations Injunction Records
Domestic relations injunctions include restraining orders for stalking, repeat violence, and sexual violence. These files are public and can be searched online. The clerk office keeps a record of every active and expired injunction. You can use the online search tool to check if an injunction is active against a specific person.
Juvenile Dependency Records
Juvenile dependency cases involve child welfare and the Department of Children and Families. These files are sealed by law in Florida. Only parties to the case, their attorneys, and approved agencies can access them. The clerk office can confirm if a case exists but cannot share any file details without a court order.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people waste time and money on simple errors during their search. Knowing these errors in advance can save you hours of work. The clerk office sees the same mistakes every week and has shared them to help the public avoid delays.
Wrong Office Visit
The most common mistake is going to the Jacksonville City Clerk office at 117 W. Duval Street for a family court file. That office does not store court files. You will be sent across the street to the county courthouse. Save yourself the trip by going straight to 501 W. Adams Street for any family court file.
Missing Case Number
You do not need a case number to search, but having one speeds up the process a lot. If you only have a name, the clerk can still search. The search will take longer if the name is common. Bring a date of birth or a Social Security number for the person if you have it, since this data cuts down the search time to a few minutes.
No ID for Certified Copies
The clerk will not issue a certified copy without a valid photo ID. A driver license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. If you send a mail request, include a photocopy of your ID. The clerk will reject the request if the ID is missing, which can add weeks to your timeline.
Jacksonville Courthouse Location and Map
The Duval County Courthouse sits in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. The building is easy to reach by car, bus, or the Skyway monorail. Public parking is available in nearby garages, and street parking is metered. The courthouse is fully accessible for people with mobility needs.
Contact and Office Details
You can reach the Duval County Clerk of Court through the phone, website, or mail. The office serves walk-in customers during business hours. The office does not take requests by email for certified copies due to security rules, but you can use the online portal for basic case data.
- Website: www.duvalclerk.com
- Phone: (904) 255-2000
- Address: 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Mail Requests: Same address, attention Civil Division
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover the most common issues people face when they search for Jacksonville family court records. Each answer gives you the exact steps, fees, and time frames you need to complete your request. The data comes from current clerk office policies and Florida public records law.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Family Court File?
Online case data shows up right away. A printed copy at the counter takes 15 to 30 minutes. A mail request takes 7 to 14 business days. Files that are stored off-site can take up to 30 days to pull. You can pay a rush fee for faster service on in-person requests, but the rush option is not available for mail requests.
Can I View a Sealed Family Court File?
You must file a motion with the court to open a sealed file. The judge will hold a hearing and decide if you have a legal reason to view the file. Adoption files, juvenile dependency files, and files sealed for safety are the most common sealed records. You cannot view these files even as a party to the case without a specific court order.
Are Jacksonville Family Court Records Free to View?
Yes, basic case data is free to view on the clerk website. You can also view a file in person at no cost. You only pay when you want a printed copy, a certified copy, or a full document download. The fee for a printed page is $1.00, and a certified page is $8.00 per document.
What if I Do Not Know the Case Number?
You can search by full name on the clerk website or at the counter. The search will pull every case under that name. The results will show the case number, filing date, and case type. You can then pick the right case and order copies. A date of birth or address helps narrow down the results when the name is common.
Can I Get Family Court Records From Another State?
The Duval County Clerk only holds records for cases filed in Duval County. If you need records from another state, you must contact that state clerk. The Florida Department of Health also holds vital records like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates for the whole state. You can order these records online through the Florida Department of Health website.
What Documents Are Needed to Request Records by Mail?
You need a written request that includes the case number, full names of both parties, and the year the case was filed. You also need a copy of your photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the fees. The clerk office will not process a mail request that is missing any of these items.
Can an Attorney Request Records on My Behalf?
Yes, an attorney of record can request certified copies on your behalf. The attorney must show a bar number and a signed authorization from the client. The attorney can also view the file in person without the client present. This option is common in ongoing cases where the lawyer needs the file for a hearing or trial.