Fourth Judicial Circuit · M.D. Fla., Jacksonville Division
Local counsel in Duval County.
Jacksonville sits far enough north that flying in for a motion calendar rarely pencils out. Whether your matter is in the Fourth Judicial Circuit or in federal court, the admission mechanics differ — and in state court both of them need a Florida lawyer to press “file.”
Do I need local counsel in Duval County?
Yes for state court. A case in the Fourth Judicial Circuit or the Duval County Court is a Florida state case, so Rule 2.510(a) applies in full: a verified motion, a Florida Bar member associated as attorney of record, $250 to The Florida Bar and $100 to the clerk. For federal purposes Duval County sits in the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division — which does not require local counsel at all.
Fourth Judicial Circuit — state
Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division — federal
What I cover in Duval County
Admission
I sign and file the verified motion in the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
Hearings
Motion calendar, special-set hearings, case management and status conferences in Jacksonville — without a flight from your city.
Filings
Portal formatting, service under Rule 2.516, deadline computation under Rule 2.514, and division-specific practices.
Duval County questions
Do I need local counsel in Duval County?
Yes for state court. A case in the Fourth Judicial Circuit or the Duval County Court is a Florida state case, so Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.510(a) applies in full: a verified motion, a Florida Bar member associated as attorney of record, $250 to The Florida Bar and $100 to the clerk.
For federal cases, Duval County sits in the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division. That district does not require local counsel — I will tell you so rather than take an engagement you do not need.
Which judicial circuit is Duval County in?
Duval County is in the Fourth Judicial Circuit — which also covers Clay and Nassau Counties. The Fourth Circuit covers Duval, Clay and Nassau Counties.
Who files the pro hac vice motion in Duval County?
Local counsel does, in state court. Until The Florida Bar issues your pro hac vice number, every document — including the motion that would admit you — must be e-filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal by the Florida attorney designated in the motion.
Can you cover a hearing in Jacksonville?
Yes — motion calendar, special-set hearings, case management and status conferences, depositions, and second chair at trial, quoted per appearance. Travel outside Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade is identified separately in the quote rather than buried in the rate.
A Duval County matter?
Send the case number and the next hearing date. Conflicts run first, a quote in writing, an answer within one business day.
Retain local counsel in Duval County
Case number, parties, and the next hearing date.