How Do I File Probate in Duval County, Florida?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Clerk of Circuit Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
If you're handling probate yourself in Duval County, Florida, you can file at the Clerk of Circuit Court in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Filings here are routed through Probate Department and Beaches Branch. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Duval County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Clerk of Circuit Court is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Duval County Self-Filing Assessment.
Duval County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Original will deposited with the Clerk within 10 days of death
A will cannot be deposited before death. Within 10 days after the death, the original will should be deposited with the Clerk in the county where the decedent resided per F.S. 732.901.
Document Requirements
Certified death certificate required for Disposition of Personal Property
A certified death certificate is required for the Disposition of Personal Property procedure, available for estates of $6,000 or less.
Service Requirements
Statements of claim require an original plus one copy
A statement of claim hand-delivered or mailed to the Clerk must include the original and one copy and carry the standard header with the probate file number and decedent name; it may alternatively be e-filed.
In-Person Filing
The Clerk of Circuit Court is located at 501 W. Adams Street, Room 1260, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: 904-255-2000. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
What to Bring
To file at the Clerk of Circuit Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Clerk of Circuit Court website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Clerk of Circuit Court in Duval County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($395). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Duval County uses the standard Florida probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Florida permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The Clerk of Circuit Court staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the Florida self-filing assessment before deciding.
Yes. The Clerk of Circuit Court in Duval County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Clerk of Circuit Court
Duval County
501 W. Adams Street, Room 1260
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone:
904-255-2000Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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