About Bradford County
Bradford County, Florida is a rural county located in North Central Florida, situated approximately 45 miles southwest of Jacksonville and 40 miles northeast of Gainesville. Bradford County Seat and largest county is Starke, located at 945 North Temple Avenue. Bradford County was established in 1858 and named after Captain Richard Bradford, a Confederate officer killed during the Civil War. Bradford County includes approximately 293 square miles with a population of around 28,000 residents according to recent estimates.
The New River, a tributary of the Santa Fe River, flows through Bradford County providing scenic natural beauty. Bradford County is home to several significant facilities including the Reception and Medical Center, a major state prison facility, and the Florida State Prison, which have substantial economic impact on Bradford County. Bradford County's scene features rolling hills, pine forests, extensive agricultural lands, and numerous lakes including Sampson Lake and Lake Butler.
Bradford County Courthouse is located at 945 North Temple Avenue in Starke. Bradford County Property Appraiser maintains offices at 945 North Temple Avenue, while Bradford County Tax Collector operates from the same complex. Bradford County is known for its annual Bradford County Fair, strawberry farming heritage, and small-town character.
Major highways include US Highway 301 running north-south through Starke and State Road 100 running east-west. Bradford County's history includes significant timber and turpentine industries in the early 20th century, and agriculture remains an important economic sector today.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Bradford County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across Bradford County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas of Bradford County, operates Bradford County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and has specialized divisions such as narcotics and investigations to address specific criminal activities within Bradford County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Bradford County is primarily managed by Bradford County Sheriff's Office, which covers the unincorporated areas. The Starke Police Department serves the city of Starke, while the Lawtey Police Department and Brooker Police Department serve their respective municipalities. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure full coverage and public safety across Bradford County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Bradford County Sheriff's Office, located at 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 (phone: 904-966-6161), is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including detention operations. Sheriff Gordon Smith leads the agency which handles patrol, investigations, court security, and jail operations. Bradford County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same address, provides inmate lookup services through the agency's website at bradfordsheriff.org where current detainees can be searched by name or booking number.
- The Starke Police Department at 830 Edwards Road, Starke, FL 32091 (phone: 904-964-5350) provides municipal law enforcement services within the city limits of Starke, Bradford County Seat.
- Under Florida Statutes Chapter 119 (Florida Public Records Law), arrest records and booking information are considered public records and must be made available upon request unless specifically exempted.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting written requests to Bradford County Sheriff's Office Records Division, though some records may require payment of copying fees not exceeding statutory limits.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available through the jail's online roster or by specific public records request.
- The Sheriff's Office processes most public records requests within a reasonable timeframe as required by Florida law.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Bradford County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Bradford County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Courts maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Florida Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for more detailed investigations and background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bradford County are maintained by Bradford County Sheriff's Office. Residents and legal representatives can request these records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, adhering to the guidelines set by the Florida Sunshine Law. A typical arrest record in Bradford County includes the individual's personal information, charges, arresting officer's details, and the circumstances of the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
Bradford County Jail, located in Starke, is the primary detention facility for Bradford County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmates can be searched through Bradford County's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific, requiring appointments and adherence to a schedule. The bond process follows Florida's legal guidelines, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through licensed agents.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Bradford County are taken and retained by Bradford County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request in compliance with the Florida Sunshine Law. Florida does have laws regarding the removal of mugshots from third-party websites, but these do not apply to official records maintained by the Sheriff's Office.
Courts & Case Records
Bradford County is served by the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, with Bradford County Courthouse located at 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 (phone: 904-966-6280). The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate proceedings, and appeals from county court. Bradford County Court, also located in Bradford County Courthouse, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $30,000, traffic violations, and small claims matters up to $8,000.
- Bradford County Clerk of Court, Ray Norman, maintains all court records and provides public access at the courthouse.
- Online case searches are available through the clerk's website at bradfordclerk.com, though detailed documents may require in-person requests or certified copies with associated fees.
- Florida Statutes Section 28.24 governs clerk fees, with standard copies typically costing $1.00 per page and certified copies requiring additional certification fees of approximately $2.00 per document.
The Honorable Circuit Judges rotate through Bradford County as part of the multi-county Eighth Judicial Circuit which includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties. Court records can be searched through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Eighth Judicial Circuit's case search system. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 governs public access to court records, requiring most records to be publicly accessible while protecting certain confidential information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, and information about minors.
Traffic court is held regularly at Bradford County Courthouse for citations issued throughout Bradford County.
Property & Public Records
Bradford County Clerk of Court, Ray Norman, is the official custodian of land records and maintains the recording office at 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 (phone: 904-966-6280). The Clerk's Official Records Division records and maintains deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, judgments, lis pendens, easements, covenants, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property in Bradford County. Recording fees are established by Florida Statutes Section 28.24, with the first page of most documents costing $10.00 and each additional page $8.50.
- Bradford County Property Appraiser, Carey Baker, maintains offices at 945 North Temple Avenue (phone: 904-368-3200) and provides property assessment information, ownership records, parcel maps, and tax assessment data.
- Sellars, located at 945 North Temple Avenue (phone: 904-966-6280), collects property taxes and maintains tax payment records.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Clerk's office for statutory fees, typically $2.00 for certification plus $1.00 per page for copies.
Bradford County Clerk provides an online Official Records search system accessible through bradfordclerk.com where users can search recorded documents by name, document type, book and page, or official record number at no charge, though printing or certified copies require fees. The Property Appraiser's website at bcpao.us offers a full online property search tool with GIS mapping capabilities, aerial photography, property characteristics, building information, and sales history completely free to the public. Bradford County Tax Collector, Lila M.
Marriage licenses are also issued by the Clerk of Court at the same location.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Bradford County are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Bradford County, located at 1801 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 (phone: 904-964-7732), though certified copies must be obtained through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or through the state's online ordering system. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 382, birth certificates are confidential for 100 years and death certificates for 50 years, with access limited to family members, legal representatives, and individuals with tangible interest.
- Certified birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record when ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for additional fees.
- The state vital records office, Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics, can be reached at 877-397-1721 and offers online ordering through VitalChek for expedited service with additional processing fees.
Applications require valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Bradford County Clerk of Court at 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 (phone: 904-966-6280) with a fee of $86.00, reduced to $61.00 for couples who complete a premarital preparation course. Florida has no waiting period if both parties are Florida residents and have completed the course; otherwise, there is a three-day waiting period.
Marriage records become public immediately upon recording. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of circuit court case files and are generally public records unless sealed by court order.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and regulation in Bradford County involves multiple governmental entities depending on the type of business activity. Bradford County Development Authority promotes economic development and can provide information about local business requirements. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As filings) are filed with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, searchable online at dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz, rather than at Bradford County level under Florida law.
- Bradford County Chamber of Commerce, located in Starke, provides resources for businesses and maintains information about the local business community, though it is not a governmental licensing agency.
The Florida Department of State maintains the full business entity database including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and fictitious names, all searchable free of charge. Business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) are issued by Bradford County Tax Collector's office at 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 (phone: 904-966-6280) for businesses operating in unincorporated areas of Bradford County. The City of Starke issues separate business tax receipts for businesses within city limits, administered through City Hall at 209 North Thompson Street, Starke, FL 32091.
Professional licenses for regulated occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, and real estate agents are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, not at Bradford County level. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Bradford County Building Department and Planning and Zoning Department at the County Administration Building, 945 North Temple Avenue. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Florida Department of Revenue, not county offices.
Agricultural businesses may require additional permits from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Bradford County are administered by Bradford County Supervisor of Elections, Terry Vaughan, with offices located at 945 North Temple Avenue, Suite 100, Starke, FL 32091 (phone: 904-966-6266, website: bradfordvotes.com). Voter registration in Bradford County is available online through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, by mail using a Florida Voter Registration Application, or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office. Florida law requires voters to register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) are available to any registered voter in Florida without requiring an excuse.
- Voters can request mail ballots online through the Supervisor's website, by phone, in writing, or in person, and requests are valid through the end of the calendar year of the second subsequent general election.
- Citizens can request election records by contacting the Supervisor of Elections office, with most information available for inspection or copying at statutory rates.
Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, Florida residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony without restoration of civil rights. Voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Supervisor of Elections website and using the precinct finder tool, or by calling the elections office.
Bradford County typically operates approximately 10-12 polling locations on election day throughout Bradford County in Starke, Lawtey, Hampton, and other communities. Early voting is offered at designated locations in the weeks preceding major elections, typically at the Supervisor of Elections office and other county facilities. Public election records include voter registration lists (with some information redacted for confidentiality), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate qualifying documents, precinct-level election results, and historical election data.
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 97 and 98, most election records are public and available for inspection, though some personal voter information is exempt from disclosure. Bradford County voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 68%, reflecting strong participation typical of presidential election years in Florida rural counties. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Florida Governor and Cabinet positions, all Florida House seats, and half of Florida Senate seats, plus local county offices.
Economy & Demographics
Bradford County's economy is characterized by a mix of government employment, agriculture, retail trade, and correctional facilities which serve as major economic anchors. The Florida Department of Corrections operates several major facilities in Bradford County including Florida State Prison, Reception and Medical Center, and New River Correctional Institution, collectively employing over 2,000 people and representing the largest employment sector in Bradford County.
- The median household income in Bradford County is approximately $41,000, below the Florida state average, reflecting the rural character and lower cost of living.
- Bradford County's strategic location between Jacksonville and Gainesville provides some commuter employment, though job opportunities within Bradford County itself are more limited.
These institutions provide stable government employment and have significant economic multiplier effects throughout Bradford County. Agriculture remains an important economic sector with strawberry production, timber, cattle ranching, and row crop farming contributing substantially to the local economy. Bradford County unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above the state average, fluctuating between 4% and 6% in recent years depending on seasonal agricultural employment.
Retail trade is concentrated primarily in Starke along US Highway 301, with national chain stores, local businesses, and automotive dealerships serving county residents and travelers. Bradford County School District is another significant employer providing educational services and employment for teachers, administrators, and support staff. Healthcare services are provided by facilities including Bradford Health Services and various medical practices.
Economic development initiatives focus on attracting light manufacturing, distribution facilities that can use the transportation corridor along US 301, and supporting existing agricultural operations. Bradford County Development Authority works to recruit new businesses and support expansion of existing employers. Tourism plays a modest role with outdoor recreation at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center (located partially in Bradford County), fishing, and historical sites attracting some visitors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search with GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Bradford County provides strong digital access to property records, court case searches, and jail information, with excellent GIS mapping tools and election data readily available online.