Running a Duval County lien search before you buy or invest in Jacksonville can save you from inheriting someone else’s debt. Here is where Duval County property records live, how to check a property yourself, and where a do-it-yourself search falls short.
How Do I Check for Liens in Duval County? Quick Answer
Deeds, mortgages, liens and judgments in Duval County are recorded by the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court and can be searched in the Clerk’s Official Records by owner name. Owner, parcel and value information is kept by the Duval County Property Appraiser, and tax status by the Tax Collector. Duval County court cases can be searched in the Clerk’s CORE case portal. A basic name search can miss liens filed under name variations, municipal and utility balances, association dues and errors in the chain of title, which is why a title company runs a full title and lien search before closing.
Where Duval County Property Records Live
- Clerk of the Circuit Court (Official Records): deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, judgments and lis pendens.
- Property Appraiser: owner of record, parcel ID, legal description, value and exemptions.
- Tax Collector: property tax bills, delinquencies and tax certificates.
- Clerk CORE portal: civil, foreclosure and probate court cases.
How to Do a Duval County Lien Search Yourself
- Confirm the exact owner name and parcel ID with the Property Appraiser.
- Search the Clerk’s Official Records under every name variation: middle initials, maiden names, trusts and LLCs.
- Look for liens, judgments, unreleased mortgages and lis pendens.
- Check the Tax Collector for unpaid taxes and outstanding tax certificates.
- Ask the HOA or condo association for an estoppel certificate showing balances.
Liens That Commonly Delay Jacksonville Closings
- Unreleased mortgages and HELOCs
- Money judgments and IRS or state tax liens
- Contractor and construction liens
- Code enforcement fines and municipal liens
- HOA and condo association liens
- Unpaid property taxes
A title search and owner’s title insurance protect you from liens a public search misses. We also order municipal lien searches and estoppel letters so balances are paid at closing. Related: how to check for liens on a property in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Duval County lien search free?
Searching the Clerk’s Official Records online is generally free; certified copies have a fee.
Do liens stay with the property when it sells?
Many do, including property tax, code enforcement and association liens, which is why they are paid at closing.
Is a deed search the same as a title search?
No. A title search reviews the full chain of title, liens, judgments and other matters, and is the basis for title insurance.
Closing in Jacksonville?
Title Company of Florida handles title searches, title insurance and closings in Jacksonville. Close at our Jacksonville office at 9428 Baymeadows Rd, Suite 140, with a mobile notary, by remote online notarization, or by mail.
Learn more about our Jacksonville title company services.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. County procedures, deadlines and websites can change; confirm with the office named. Title Company of Florida is a Florida licensed title agency (License #G324751).
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Affiliated business disclosure: Realty ONE Group Elevate is owned by Tanya Cosmini. Title Company of Florida is owned by her husband, Sam Gorniak, and Rental Property Partners is owned within the same family. Because of these family relationships, the owners may benefit when you use more than one of these companies. You are not required to use any of them and are free to choose other providers.