Duval County Recorder: Deeds, Official Records, Search, Copies & Recording Guide
In Duval County, Florida, the “recorder” function is handled by the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Florida law makes the Clerk the county recorder for instruments that are authorized or required to be recorded, and the Duval Clerk records deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, judgments, marriage licenses, notices and other instruments in the county’s Official Records.
This guide explains how to search Duval County deeds online, how to request certified or uncertified Official Records copies, how to prepare a document for recording, what fees to expect, which office to contact for property values or tax bills, and how to avoid mistakes that delay recording at the Jacksonville courthouse.
Who Is the Duval County Recorder?
The office people usually call the Duval County Recorder is the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s recording and Official Records operation. Use the Clerk for recorded deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, judgments, marriage-license records, notices, certified copies and Official Records research.
Use the Clerk / Recorder For
- Recorded deeds, mortgages and mortgage satisfactions.
- Claims of lien, judgments and recorded notices.
- Official Records images and certified copies.
- Recording new original documents.
Use the Property Appraiser For
- Parcel search by address or owner.
- Assessed value, exemptions and homestead questions.
- Property Record Cards and TRIM/value questions.
- Property Appraiser phone: 904-255-5900.
Use the Tax Collector For
- Property-tax bills and payments.
- Delinquent tax balances and payment questions.
- Tax certificates and tax payment status.
- Tax Department phone: 904-255-5700, option 4.
How to Search Duval County Deeds and Official Records Online
The Duval Clerk’s Official Records online portal is the starting point for deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, judgments and many other recorded instruments from 1988 forward. If a record predates the online records, the Clerk directs users to contact Official Records staff for assistance.
Open the Official Records Portal From the Clerk’s Site
Start from the official Duval Clerk website or the Clerk’s Official Records & Research page. This helps avoid third-party sites that look official but charge unnecessary fees for basic public-record access.
Choose the Search Method That Matches What You Know
If you know the owner or party name, search by name. If you know the recording reference, use the instrument, book/page or record-reference fields shown by the portal. If you know only the property address, first use the Duval Property Appraiser search to identify owner and parcel clues.
Search Names Broadly Before Narrowing
Deeds and mortgages can be indexed under grantor, grantee, borrower, lender, trust, estate, business name or spouse/co-owner names. Start with the last name or a business keyword, then add a first name, date range or document type if the results are too broad.
Open the Record and Save the Recording Details
Before ordering a copy, write down the document type, party names, recording date, book/page if shown, instrument or filing number, and page count. These details make copy requests and later title research easier.
Download Free Uncertified Copies When Available
The Clerk says uncertified copies of Official Records recorded since 1988 may be downloaded or printed by the user for free through the online portal. Use certified copies only when a bank, court, agency, closing agent or other recipient specifically requires certification.
Contact Official Records & Research for Older or Certified Records
For records before 1988, unclear indexes, copy questions or certified-copy handling, contact the Official Records & Research Department at 904-255-2025 or use Room 1253 at the Duval County Courthouse.
Duval County Deed and Official Record Types Explained
The Official Records index can contain many document types. Use this decoder to understand what the most common Duval County recorded instruments are usually used for.
| Record Type | What It Usually Shows | Best Use | Important Caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warranty deed / special warranty deed / quit claim deed | Grantor, grantee, legal description, recording date and instrument reference. | Finding the recorded transfer document behind an ownership change. | A deed image does not prove the transfer was legally drafted or free from title defects. |
| Mortgage | Borrower, lender, property description, recording reference and security instrument details. | Researching financing recorded against a property. | The recorded mortgage usually does not show current payoff balance. |
| Satisfaction / release / assignment | Document showing a mortgage or lien was released, satisfied, assigned or modified. | Checking whether a paid mortgage or lender change has a later recorded document. | Search both lender and borrower names if one search does not work. |
| Claim of lien / judgment lien / lis pendens | Recorded claim, judgment or pending-action notice affecting property or a party’s interest. | Reviewing possible encumbrances before a sale, refinance or legal review. | Do not rely on index text alone to decide whether a lien is valid, expired or released. |
| Notice of commencement | Construction-related notice tied to a project, owner, contractor and property. | Reviewing construction work and lien-risk context. | This is not a building permit and does not replace city permitting research. |
| Notice of domicile | Sworn statement of intent to maintain Florida residence as permanent home. | Documenting domicile intent when needed for legal or administrative purposes. | The Clerk records it but does not decide tax residency, legal domicile disputes or homestead eligibility. |
How to Record a Deed or Real Property Document in Duval County
Duval Clerk says original documents may be recorded in person, by mail with a Recording Transmittal Cover Sheet, or through an approved eRecording vendor where the document type is allowed. Time-sensitive recordings should be handled carefully because the Clerk cannot guarantee same-day or next-day recording for mail or eRecording submissions.
Confirm the Document Is Ready to Record
The Clerk cannot change an instrument after recording. Before submitting, verify the deed or document type, names, legal description, date, signatures, printed names, notary acknowledgment, return address and required preparer information.
Follow Duval’s Page-Space and Legibility Rules
Duval Clerk’s recording instructions say the first page needs a 3×3 blank space in the upper-right corner, each following page needs a 1×3 blank space, and the document should use legible black print or typing for best reproduction.
Include Real Estate Transfer Details
For deeds, agreements and contracts for deed, include the grantee’s mailing address. For instruments that convey, create, encumber, assign or dispose of an interest in real estate, include the name and address of the person who prepared the instrument on the face of the document unless an exception applies.
Use Original Documents, Not Copies
The Clerk says copies cannot be recorded. If filing in person, original documents are scanned, recorded and returned while you wait. If filing by mail, include originals, correct payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope or other paid return method.
Prepare Mail-In Recording Correctly
Mail official documents with the Recording Transmittal Cover Sheet and payment to the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Attention: Recording Department 1054, 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. The Clerk says mail payment may be a money order, business check or cashier’s check, and personal checks are not accepted.
Use eRecording Only for Allowed Document Types
Duval Clerk says eRecording must be submitted through a third-party vendor and the Clerk does not recommend or endorse a specific vendor. The Clerk’s page lists direct submitters such as CSC eRecording Systems, eRecording Partners Network, Hopdox and Simplifile, and it also lists certain document types that cannot be processed through eRecording.
How to Get Duval County Deed Copies and Certified Official Records
Duval Clerk separates free online uncertified copies from certified copy requests. Use the correct path depending on what the bank, court, title company, government agency or buyer actually requires.
Uncertified Copies Since 1988
Use the Official Records online portal to search and view records recorded since 1988. The Clerk says uncertified copies may be downloaded or printed on your own printer for free.
Best for: personal reference, quick research and preliminary review.
eCertified Copies
Electronic certified copies recorded since 1988 can be ordered through eCertify. The Clerk says eCertified documents have a unique code plus an electronic stamp and seal and are available through an email download link for 30 days.
Best for: agencies, lenders and parties that accept electronic certification.
Older or Mailed Requests
For records before 1988, contact Official Records & Research. Requests can be made in person in Room 1253 or by mail to Official Records and Research at 501 West Adams Street, Room 1253, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Best for: pre-1988 records and paper-certified copy handling.
Duval County Official Records Privacy, Redaction and Internet Removal
Florida public-records law makes many Official Records public, but some information should not appear online or may be eligible for redaction. This is especially important for older documents, protected-group requests and documents that accidentally include sensitive account numbers.
Information That May Need Redaction
- Social Security numbers.
- Bank account numbers.
- Credit, debit or charge card numbers.
- Home address and telephone information for certain protected groups under Florida law.
How Redaction Requests Work
The Clerk’s privacy guidance says requests must identify the specific record and location of the information to be redacted. For non-court records, protected-group confidentiality requests use a Clerk form. Court-record redaction may require a motion to the judge instead of a Clerk-only request.
Duval County Recording Fees and Simple Fee Estimator
Duval Clerk’s recording page lists $10 for the first page of a document, $8.50 for each additional page per document, and $1 for each indexed name after the fourth. This estimator is for common recording-fee planning only and does not include documentary stamp tax, intangible tax, copy fees, certification, vendor fees, postage or legal preparation.
Estimate a Basic Duval County Recording Fee
This tool assumes each document has the same page count. If you are recording a deed, mortgage, multiple instruments, notices with special handling, plats, or documents involving documentary stamp tax, call the Recording Department before mailing originals.
Duval Clerk vs Property Appraiser vs Tax Collector vs Tax Deeds
Duval County is consolidated with Jacksonville, so users often see City of Jacksonville, Duval County, Clerk, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector pages. Use this table to avoid calling the wrong office.
| Your Task | Correct Office | Why | Best First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search a recorded deed, mortgage, satisfaction, lien or notice. | Duval Clerk — Official Records | The Clerk records and indexes instruments in the Official Records. | Open Official Records online search and search by name, date, document type or reference. |
| Record an original deed or notice. | Duval Clerk — Recording Department | The Recording Department accepts original instruments for recording. | Review formatting, signatures, witnesses, notary, fees and transmittal sheet before filing. |
| Find the owner from a street address. | Duval County Property Appraiser | The Property Appraiser maintains real-property records, values and exemption information. | Search the property database first, then use owner names in Official Records. |
| Apply for homestead exemption. | Duval County Property Appraiser | Duval Clerk’s recording page directs homestead exemption questions to the Property Appraiser. | Use the Property Appraiser exemption page or online homestead system. |
| Pay property taxes or check taxes due. | Duval County Tax Collector | The Tax Collector collects real estate and tangible personal property taxes. | Use the Tax Collector property-tax page or call 904-255-5700, option 4. |
| Bid on or research tax deed files. | Duval Clerk — Tax Deeds | The Clerk has a separate tax deed operation and auction site. | Use the Clerk’s Tax Deed files/auction page instead of normal Official Records search. |
Duval County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Hours and Map
The key courthouse address for Duval Clerk recording and Official Records research is 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Recording Department and Official Records & Research have different room/contact references, so choose the right one before visiting.
Duval Clerk — Recording Department
Address:
Duval County Courthouse
501 West Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Mailing label:
Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Attention: Recording Department 1054
501 West Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904-255-2000
Hours listed by Clerk: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm, excluding holidays.
Open Courthouse Map ↗Official Duval County Recorder, Clerk and Property Links
Use these official resources for live records, recording rules, copies, redaction, property values and tax payments. Each link includes what to do after opening it.
Duval Clerk — Official Records & Research
Official page for online Official Records search, eCertified copies, uncertified copies, pre-1988 records and Room 1253 copy requests.
- Read the sections for eCertified copies and uncertified copies.
- Use the Official Records portal link for records since 1988.
- For older documents, note the Room 1253 mailing and in-person instructions.
- Save the phone number 904-255-2025 for copy and older-record questions.
Duval Clerk — Official Records Online Search
Direct public search portal for Duval County Official Records, including deed and mortgage record searches.
- Open the portal and allow the search screen to load.
- Choose the search method that matches what you know: name, record date, document type, book/page or instrument reference where available.
- Open the matching record and write down the instrument number, date and page count.
- Use certified copies only if a recipient specifically requires certification.
Duval Clerk — Recording Department
Official page for recording original documents, recording fees, formatting checklist, mail-in recording, eRecording and property-fraud alerts.
- Review the checklist before signing or mailing any original deed.
- Confirm first-page, additional-page and extra-name indexing fees.
- Download and complete the Recording Transmittal Cover Sheet if mailing or submitting a package.
- Check whether your document type is excluded from eRecording.
Duval Clerk — Recording Transmittal Cover Sheet
Official form used to identify the documents, order, page counts, fee amounts and contact information for recording packages.
- Enter your name, company if applicable, address and phone number.
- List documents in the exact order you want them recorded.
- Include document type, consideration if relevant, number of pages and fee amount.
- Attach payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope if mailing originals.
Duval Clerk — Public Information and Redaction
Official privacy page for redaction, internet removal, protected-group confidentiality and public-records request guidance.
- Read the Public Records Privacy Notice before filing documents with sensitive data.
- Use the correct redaction or confidentiality form for non-court Official Records.
- Identify the exact book/page, document number or record location that needs review.
- Do not use a non-court redaction form for court records if a judge’s motion is required.
Florida Statute 28.222 — Clerk to Be County Recorder
Official Florida law explaining the clerk’s county-recorder role and Official Records series.
- Read subsection (1) to confirm the Clerk is the county recorder.
- Review the Official Records register requirements.
- Use this for legal context, not as a deed-drafting guide.
Florida Statute 695.26 — Real Property Recording Requirements
Official Florida law for recording instruments affecting real property, including witness and grantee information requirements.
- Review the requirements before signing a deed or real-property instrument.
- Check witness-name and witness-address rules.
- Confirm grantee mailing-address and preparer information rules.
- Ask a legal professional if you are unsure whether your deed meets Florida law.
Duval County Property Appraiser
Official source for property search, assessed values, exemptions, homestead, Property Record Cards and value questions.
- Use this site when you only have a property address and need owner or parcel clues.
- Search the property record before searching Clerk deed records if party names are unknown.
- Use Property Appraiser forms and exemption pages for homestead, not the Clerk recorder page.
Duval County Tax Collector — Property Taxes
Official source for property-tax bills, payments, tax collection and tax-department contact information.
- Use this page when your question is about paying or checking a property-tax bill.
- Do not use Recorder records alone to decide current tax balance.
- Call 904-255-5700, option 4, for property-tax department help.
Common Duval County Recorder Search and Recording Mistakes
Mistakes That Waste Time
- Searching the Clerk when you only know the street address and need parcel data first.
- Trying to record a copy instead of the original document.
- Forgetting the 3×3 first-page recording space.
- Missing witness, printed-name, notary or preparer-address requirements.
- Mailing personal checks even though the Clerk says personal checks are not accepted by mail.
- Assuming a free online printout is the same as a certified copy.
- Using the Clerk for homestead exemption or property-tax payment questions.
Better Duval Workflow
- Use the Property Appraiser first if the only clue is a property address.
- Search Official Records by party name, date range and document type.
- Save the instrument number and page count before ordering copies.
- Use Room 1253 for older records and certified-copy help.
- Use the Recording Department for original-document recording.
- Call before mailing originals with unusual fees, many names or excluded eRecording document types.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Resource |
|---|---|---|
| You need to find a deed or mortgage recorded after 1988. | Search the Duval Official Records portal by party name, date, document type or recording reference. | Duval Clerk Official Records |
| You need a certified copy of a deed. | Order an eCertified copy if accepted by the recipient, or contact Official Records & Research in Room 1253. | Official Records & Research, 904-255-2025 |
| You are recording an original deed. | Review the recording checklist, Florida execution requirements, fees and transmittal sheet before signing or mailing. | Duval Clerk Recording Department |
| You only know the property address. | Use the Property Appraiser first to find owner, parcel and legal-description clues, then search Clerk records. | Duval County Property Appraiser |
| Your question is about property taxes due. | Use the Tax Collector property-tax page or call the Tax Department. | Duval County Tax Collector |
| Your document contains protected personal information. | Review the Clerk’s redaction and public-information page before filing or requesting internet removal. | Duval Clerk Public Information / Recording Department |
Duval County Recorder FAQs
Is there a separate Duval County Recorder office?
No. In Florida, the Clerk of the Circuit Court acts as the county recorder for instruments authorized or required to be recorded. In Duval County, recorder tasks are handled by the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court through the Recording Department and Official Records & Research.
How do I search Duval County deeds online?
Use the Duval Clerk’s Official Records online portal. Search by party name, record date, document type, book/page or instrument reference where the portal provides those fields. If you only know the street address, use the Duval County Property Appraiser first to find owner and parcel clues.
How far back do Duval County online Official Records go?
The Duval Clerk says the Official Records online portal can be used to search and view Official Records recorded in Duval County since 1988. For documents recorded before 1988, contact Official Records staff for assistance.
Where do I request a certified deed copy in Duval County?
Certified Official Records copies can be ordered through eCertify for eligible records since 1988, or requested through Official Records & Research. In-person and mailed requests use Room 1253 at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
What is the phone number for Duval County recording questions?
The Duval Clerk lists the Recording Department phone as 904-255-2000. Official Records & Research copy and older-record questions use 904-255-2025.
What are basic Duval County recording fees?
The Duval Clerk’s recording page lists $10 for the first page of a document, $8.50 for each additional page per document, and $1 for each indexed name after the fourth. Other taxes, special fees, copies, certifications, vendor charges or postage may also apply.
Can I record a copy of a deed in Duval County?
No. The Duval Clerk’s recording instructions say copies cannot be recorded. Original documents are required for recording.
Can I eRecord a deed in Duval County?
Some documents may be submitted through approved eRecording vendors. Duval Clerk lists direct submitters such as CSC eRecording Systems, eRecording Partners Network, Hopdox and Simplifile, but also lists document types that cannot be processed through eRecording. Check the Clerk’s current recording page before submitting.
Does the Duval Clerk handle homestead exemption?
No. The Duval Clerk’s recording page directs homestead exemption questions to the Property Appraiser’s Office. Use the Duval County Property Appraiser for homestead, exemptions, assessed value and property-record-card questions.
Is this website the official Duval County Recorder website?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. It is not the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Duval County Property Appraiser, Duval County Tax Collector, City of Jacksonville or any Florida government office.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Duval County Property Appraiser, Duval County Tax Collector, City of Jacksonville, Florida Clerks, Florida Legislature, or any Florida government office.
Official Records search results, copy fees, recording fees, eRecording availability, document acceptance, redaction rules, office hours and public-access rules can change. Verify current instructions directly with the responsible official office before mailing originals, recording documents, relying on title information, or paying fees.
Public property and recorder records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any other regulated consumer-reporting purpose. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.