In response to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, Chief Judge Mark Mahon issued Administrative Order 2020-09 on March 25 restricting access to the Duval County Courthouse until April 10.
The general public will not be allowed to enter the courthouse unless their name is listed on the court docket or they are an attorney representing the person on the docket.
People may enter if their safety is at risk and they need an emergency injunction and in the clerk's or presiding judge's discretion must be present at the courthouse to conduct essential business.
People who meet the criteria will be cleared through a COVID-19 screening process and must have a photo ID to enter.
In addition, the order suspends all future tax deed sales until further notice. Additionally, as noted in the order, the clerk’s office is suspending in-person transactions for most civil departments and implementing a drop-box system. The affected departments include recording, foreclosure, circuit civil, small claims, juvenile, family law (including the domestic relations department) and probate.
The clerk’s office encourages customers to submit filings online or through the mail. If a customer needs to personally submit filings, a drop box is in the lobby of the Recording Department on the first floor of the courthouse.
For details, including links to required recording transmittal and civil cover sheets, visit duvalclerk.com/status.
The state Supreme Court has issued Administrative Order 20-17 suspending all jury trials through April 17.
No jurors who received a summons for any date before April 17 need to report for jury service.
If you have a jury summons for a date after April 17, continue to check the juror hotline at (904) 255-2212 or visit duvalclerk.com/jury for future updates.
The full text of the Mahon's order is at duvalclerk.com/status.
The site is updated frequently with new information about operating procedures.