Duval County Florida DUI records are public court files that show driving under the influence charges filed in Jacksonville and other parts of the county. These records list arrests, charges, court dates, plea deals, and final outcomes.
Anyone can look up these records for free using the county clerk website or paid state databases. This page covers how to search records by name, by case number, and through Florida state systems. It also explains what each record field means and how to fix common errors.
What DUI Records Contain in Duval County
A Duval County DUI record holds specific data about one driving under the influence case. Each record connects to a court docket and a driver license file. You will see the defendant’s full legal name, date of birth, and the arresting agency. You will also see the arrest date, the charge level, and the final court outcome. The record shows whether the person pleaded guilty, was found guilty at trial, or had the case dropped.
Personal Identification Fields
Personal fields in a DUI record include the full legal name, date of birth, race, sex, and a state identification number. These fields help tell two people apart when they share the same name. Officers write these details into arrest reports and court papers. The clerk office stores this data in the case file and the online docket. Always check the date of birth when you match a search result to a person you know.
Charge Details and Statute References
Each DUI charge lists the Florida Statute number that the person is accused of breaking. Most DUI charges in Duval County fall under Florida Statute 316.193, which covers driving under the influence. Some records also list Florida Statute 322.2615 for administrative license actions. The charge level shows whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. The record may also list prior DUI convictions within five years. This affects the penalty range under state law.
Court Outcome and Disposition
The disposition is the final result of a DUI case in court. Common dispositions include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, deferred adjudication, or nolle prosequi. Some cases end with the defendant completing a diversion program. Each disposition has a date that shows when the judge signed the final order. The disposition field tells you whether the person still has an active sentence or supervision. Insurance companies and employers often check this field.
How Court Files Store DUI Cases
Duval County court files are stored by the Clerk of Court in both paper and digital form. The clerk assigns each case a unique number and a division code. The division code shows whether the case is a misdemeanor, felony, or traffic offense. Files stay in the clerk system even after the case closes. Older paper files may need a separate request to view.
Clerk of Court Records Division
The Duval County Clerk of Court runs the main records system for all DUI cases filed in the county. Their main website is duvalclerk.com. This site gives you a public records search, court calendars, and case status checks. You can pay fines and request copies through this site. For deeper file access, the clerk office also runs core.duvalclerk.com, which is the court case lookup portal. Both sites pull data from the same court database.
This screenshot shows the main page where you start a public DUI records search in Duval County.
This image shows the direct URL path used to access DUI case lookups in the county system.
Duval County Courthouse Filing System
The Duval County courthouse in Jacksonville holds the physical case folders for DUI charges. Files are sorted by case number and stored in the clerk vault. Some files from past years have been scanned into the online system. You can ask the clerk to view original paper documents by appointment. The clerk phone line for public records is (904) 255-1828. Call this number to confirm file location before visiting in person.
This image shows the Duval County Court Records page used for DUI case lookups.
Search by Name Through County Records
A name search is the most common way to look up a DUI record in Duval County. You can run this search on the clerk website at no cost. The search takes a full legal name and a date range to narrow down matches. You will get back a list of cases tied to that name. Each result shows the case number, filing date, charge, and current status.
Steps for a Name-Based Search
A name search works best when you know the legal first and last name of the person. Add a middle initial or date of birth if you have them. Use a date range that covers the year the arrest may have happened. Avoid using nicknames, since the clerk system stores the legal name from court papers.
- Go to duvalclerk.com and click on the public records search link.
- Type the full legal name into the search box.
- Add a date of birth or middle initial to filter results.
- Pick the DUI charge from the list of matching cases.
- Write down the case number for follow-up requests.
Problems With Common Names
Common names like John Smith or Maria Garcia return many false matches in the clerk system. You need extra details to pick the right person. A date of birth is the strongest filter. A middle name, street address, or arrest date can also help. If you still see too many results, switch to a case number search instead.
This image shows the public records page used for name-based DUI searches.
Search by Case Number
A case number search returns one exact record with no name confusion. The case number is on every court paper tied to the DUI case. The clerk gives each new case a unique number the day it is filed. This number stays the same from filing through final disposition. You can use this number to pull the full docket entry list.
Where Case Numbers Come From
Case numbers start with a two-letter county code, followed by a year and a six-digit sequence. The county code for Duval County is DU. The year shows when the case was filed. The sequence number is assigned in order. For example, a case filed in 2024 might look like DU2024000123. Some felony cases use CF instead of DU. Knowing this format helps you read older case numbers too.
Case Number Format in Duval County
The format may vary based on the case type. Misdemeanor DUI cases use DU followed by the year. Felony DUI cases use CF followed by the year. Traffic-only DUI cases may use TR instead. The clerk website accepts all three formats in the search box. Always include the full number with no dashes or spaces for the best results.
Florida Statewide DUI Search Tools
State search tools cover DUI records across all Florida counties. They help when you need a full Florida DUI history, not just Duval County data. State systems also carry driver license actions tied to DUI arrests. You can use these tools to confirm what the county clerk already shows.
FLHSMV Driver Record Check
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles runs the FLHSMV system. Their website is flhsmv.gov. You can buy a certified 3-year or 7-year driver record. A driver record shows DUI convictions, license suspensions, and points. It does not show arrests that did not lead to conviction. You will need the driver’s license number or full name and date of birth to run this check.
Court Clerk Connect Portal
The Florida Court Clerk Connect portal lets you search DUI cases across most counties at once. This portal pulls data from each county clerk system. Duval County DUI cases appear in this portal within a few days of filing. The portal is good for statewide background checks. It does not replace the county clerk site for deep file access.
DUI Charge Levels in Florida
Florida law sets different charge levels for DUI based on prior offenses and harm caused. Each charge level has its own record format and penalty range. The clerk system marks the charge level on every DUI file. Knowing the charge level helps you read the record correctly.
First DUI Misdemeanor
A first DUI with no prior record and no crash is a misdemeanor. The BAC limit at the time of arrest was 0.08 or higher. Penalties include fines, probation, DUI school, and license suspension. The clerk records this as a first offense DUI misdemeanor.
Second DUI Within 5 Years
A second DUI within five years of a prior DUI conviction raises the charge level. Penalties include higher fines, longer license suspension, and possible jail time. The clerk record shows both the new charge and the prior conviction. This is still a misdemeanor in most cases unless other factors apply.
Felony DUI Cases
A DUI becomes a felony under several conditions. A third DUI within 10 years is a felony. A fourth or later DUI is a felony. A DUI that causes serious injury or death is a felony. Felony DUI records stay on file longer than misdemeanor records. They also show up on more background checks.
| Charge Level | Florida Statute | Typical Record Marker |
|---|---|---|
| First DUI Misdemeanor | 316.193(1) | DU + year code |
| Second DUI Misdemeanor | 316.193(2) | DU + year code |
| Third DUI Felony | 316.193(3) | CF + year code |
| DUI Causing Serious Injury | 316.193(3)(c) | CF + year code |
| DUI Manslaughter | 316.193(3)(b) | CF + year code |
Administrative License Actions
A DUI arrest triggers two separate actions in Florida. The court handles the criminal case. The DHSMV handles the driver’s license. Both actions create records. The license record often shows up faster than the court record.
10-Day Review Window
After a DUI arrest, the driver has 10 days to request a review hearing with the DHSMV. This is a separate process from the criminal court case. The driver can fight the license suspension at this hearing. The DHSMV keeps a record of whether a review was requested and the result. This record shows up on a state driver history check.
License Suspension Records
The DHSMV can suspend a driver’s license for a DUI refusal or a high BAC reading. The suspension period depends on prior DUI history. A first refusal carries a one-year suspension. A high BAC of 0.15 or higher carries a six-month suspension on a first offense. These records stay on the driver history file for decades.
Requesting Certified Copies of DUI Records
A regular printout from the clerk website is enough for most personal checks. Some uses need a certified copy with a court seal. Certified copies cost more and take longer to get. You can request them online, by mail, or in person.
Online Request Steps
The Duval County clerk website lets you order certified copies online. You pay by credit card. The clerk office mails the certified copy to your address. Processing time is about three to five business days. You will get a tracking number once the order ships.
In-Person Request Steps
You can visit the clerk office at the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville. Bring a photo ID and the case number. Tell the clerk you need a certified copy of the DUI case file. Pay the fee at the counter. You may get the copy the same day for simple files. Larger files take longer to copy.
| Record Type | Fee (Approximate) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular printout | $0.10 per page | Immediate (online) |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page + $2.00 cert fee | 3-5 business days |
| Full case file | $0.50 per page + cert fee | 5-10 business days |
Expungement and Record Sealing
A DUI conviction cannot be expunged in Florida under most conditions. An arrest that did not lead to a conviction may qualify. Florida law sets tight rules on who can seal or expunge a DUI record. You should check the rules before you apply.
Who Can Seal a DUI Record
You can seal a DUI arrest record only if the case was dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a not guilty verdict. A withhold of adjudication still counts as a conviction for DUI sealing. You must also have no other convictions on your record. A prior DUI disqualifies most sealing requests. The clerk office will review your full record before approving.
How to Apply for Expungement
The first step is to get a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Then you file a petition with the Duval County clerk. The court sets a hearing date. The state attorney may object. The judge makes the final call. Most sealing petitions take 90 to 180 days from filing to final order.
Common Errors in DUI Record Searches
Search errors lead to wrong person matches, missed cases, or incomplete data. Knowing the common errors saves time. Most errors come from using the wrong database or skipping key details.
Wrong County Database
A DUI arrest in Duval County must be searched in the Duval County clerk system. A case filed in Clay County will not show up in Duval records. Statewide portals pull from all counties but may lag behind by days. Always confirm the county of arrest before you search.
Mixed Up Personal Details
Name typos and wrong dates of birth are the top causes of failed searches. Make sure the name matches the court papers exactly. Check the spelling of the last name. Watch for hyphenated last names too. If you skip the date of birth, the system may return too many results to scan.
Official Contact Details for Duval County
The Duval County Clerk of Court handles all DUI record requests. The main office is at 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The public records phone number is (904) 255-1828. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main website is duvalclerk.com. The case lookup portal is core.duvalclerk.com. The state DHSMV website is flhsmv.gov for driver record checks. Use these contacts to confirm office hours and any fee changes before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions people ask most about Duval County DUI records. These cover search steps, costs, eligibility, and state law links. Each answer gives you the basic facts to move forward with your search.
How long does a DUI record stay on file in Duval County?
A DUI conviction stays on your Florida record for life unless a court orders it sealed or expunged. Florida law does not allow most DUI convictions to be sealed. An arrest that did not lead to conviction may be sealed after a waiting period. The clerk office keeps the physical case file for at least 10 years after the case closes. Digital docket entries stay online for longer. State driver records show DUI convictions for at least 75 years under current FLHSMV rules. The only legal way to shorten this period is through a court-ordered sealing or expungement.
Can I view someone else’s DUI record without their consent?
Yes, most DUI court records are public in Florida. You can view case dockets, charges, and final outcomes without consent. Some sealed records are not public. Driver history reports from FLHSMV need the driver’s license number or full name and date of birth. You can buy a third-party driver record only with proper consent under federal law. Many employers, landlords, and insurance companies run these checks during background screening.
What is the BAC limit for DUI in Florida?
The legal BAC limit for adult drivers in Florida is 0.08. A BAC of 0.15 or higher raises the penalty level for a first DUI. Commercial drivers have a lower limit of 0.04. Drivers under 21 have a limit of 0.02. The clerk record lists the BAC reading from the arrest report if one was taken. Refusal to take a breath test triggers an automatic license suspension under Florida’s implied consent law.
How do I fix a mistake on my DUI record?
You can ask the clerk office to correct any factual error in your DUI record. You must show proof, such as a court order or arrest report. Common mistakes include wrong date of birth, misspelled name, or wrong charge level. The clerk will update the docket entry once the proof is accepted. Driver record errors go through the DHSMV. Most corrections take 30 to 60 days to show up on all systems.
Does a DUI show up on a background check in Florida?
Yes, a DUI conviction shows up on most Florida background checks. It shows on county clerk searches, state court searches, and FLHSMV driver record checks. A DUI arrest with no conviction may also show up on public record searches. Sealed or expunged records do not show up on standard background checks. Federal background checks may also pull these records for certain job types.
How much does it cost to get a DUI record in Duval County?
A regular online docket printout costs about $0.10 per page. A certified copy costs about $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. A full case file copy may cost more based on page count. FLHSMV driver records cost a few dollars for a 3-year check and more for a 7-year check. Court fees may change each year based on state law.
Can I get a DUI record removed from the FLHSMV system?
No, a DUI conviction stays on your FLHSMV driver record for life. You cannot remove it. An arrest without conviction may be removed if the court seals or expunges the record. You must get a court order first. Then you send the order to the DHSMV to update the driver record file. This usually takes 30 to 90 days to process.
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