About Dale County
Dale County is located in the southeastern corner of Alabama, bordered by Henry County to the north, Coffee County to the west, Houston County to the south, and the state of Florida to the east. Dale County Seat is Ozark, a city strategically positioned along the Chattahoochee River and U.S. Highway 231. Dale County was established on December 22, 1824, and named in honor of General Samuel Dale, a distinguished hero of the Creek War and early Alabama pioneer.
Dale County includes approximately 561 square miles and serves a population of approximately 49,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Major municipalities include Ozark, the largest city and county seat, as well as Daleville, Ariton, Clayhatchee, Grimes, Level Plains, Midland City, Napier Field, Newton, Pinckard, and Skipperville. Dale County's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly peanut farming and cotton production, but has diversified significantly due to the presence of Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), the U.S.
Army's primary aviation training installation. Dale County Courthouse in Ozark houses critical county offices including Dale County Probate Office at 100 Court Square, Ozark, AL 36360, Dale County Revenue Commissioner, and Dale County Clerk's Office. Dale County Recorder of Deeds maintains property records, while Dale County Tax Assessor handles property valuations.
Notable landmarks include Dale County Courthouse, Lake Tholocco, and numerous Civil War historical sites. Dale County's unique position adjacent to Fort Novosel shapes its demographics, economy, and community character, creating a blend of traditional Southern agricultural heritage and modern military influence.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Dale County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Dale County. The office is tasked with patrolling these areas, managing Dale County Jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach programs and has specialized divisions such as a narcotics unit and a K-9 unit to address specific law enforcement needs within Dale County. The current sheriff leads efforts to enhance public safety and community relations through various initiatives and partnerships.
Police Departments
In addition to Dale County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Dale County, including the Ozark Police Department, Daleville Police Department, and Level Plains Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes, and collaborating with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations. These agencies work together to ensure full coverage and effective response to criminal activities across Dale County, coordinating efforts for large-scale incidents and community safety initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Dale County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Dale County and operates Dale County Jail. Located at 202 North Andrews Avenue, Ozark, AL 36360, the Sheriff's Office can be reached for The current sheriff oversees patrol operations, criminal investigations, civil process service, and detention operations throughout Dale County's 561 square miles. Dale County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences of one year or less.
- Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, the Alabama Public Records Law, arrest records are generally considered public information and may be requested from the arresting agency.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though some agencies charge nominal fees for copies.
- Processing times for records requests vary but most agencies respond within 7-10 business days.
- Dale County Sheriff's Office maintains an online arrest log that is periodically updated, though full searches may require in-person or written requests.
Citizens can search for current inmates through Dale County Sheriff's Office website or by calling the detention facility directly during business hours. Booking information typically includes the inmate's name, charges, bond amount, and booking date. Municipal law enforcement agencies operate within incorporated cities: the Ozark Police Department serves Dale County Seat, the Daleville Police Department provides law enforcement for Daleville (which hosts Fort Novosel's main gate), and smaller departments serve other municipalities including Midland City and Ariton.
Fort Novosel maintains its own military police force with jurisdiction on the installation, working cooperatively with county and municipal agencies on matters involving both military and civilian jurisdictions.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Dale County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Dale County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the Circuit Clerk's Office, which may involve submitting formal requests or using online portals.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dale County are maintained by Dale County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include details such as the individual's name, charges, and arrest date. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly or through formal written requests. The Alabama Open Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to information. Arrest records provide critical information for legal proceedings and background checks.
Jail & Inmate Records
Dale County Jail, also known as Dale County Detention Center, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Dale County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, and inmates can be searched through an online inmate lookup system provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Alabama allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office or online databases.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Dale County are taken and retained by Dale County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or third-party databases. While Alabama does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking removal of their mugshots from online platforms may need to pursue legal avenues or contact the hosting site directly. Mugshots serve as an important tool for law enforcement and the public in identifying individuals involved in criminal activities.
Courts & Case Records
Dale County's judicial system operates under Alabama's unified court structure. Dale County Circuit Court, located at 100 Court Square, Ozark, AL 36360, holds jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court can be reached for Dale County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $10,000, small claims, preliminary hearings, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance violations.
- Dale County Circuit Clerk maintains the official record of all circuit court proceedings and provides case search services.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Requesters must provide case numbers or party names for efficient searches.
Dale County Probate Court, also located in the courthouse at 100 Court Square, maintains jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, mental health commitments, adoption proceedings, and marriage licenses. The Probate Judge can be reached for Court records in Dale County are governed by Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and Rule 4 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, which establish public access rights to most court documents unless sealed by court order. Walk-in visitors may search case records in person at the Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Alabama's Administrative Office of Courts operates Alacourt.com, a statewide online case search system that provides access to Dale County court records for a subscription fee of approximately $25 per month or pay-per-view options. Some sensitive records, including juvenile cases, adoption files, and certain mental health proceedings, are confidential under Alabama law and not available to the general public without court order.
Property & Public Records
Dale County Probate Office is the County Recorder and maintains all real property records for Dale County. Located at 100 Court Square, Ozark, AL 36360, the Probate Office can be reached for The office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (including mechanics liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, subdivision plans, releases, assignments, and other instruments affecting real property titles. Alabama follows a race-notice recording statute, making proper recording essential for priority.
- Dale County Probate Office provides public access to recorded documents during regular business hours, and staff can assist with manual searches of the grantor-grantee index.
- Document copies typically cost $1.00 per page, with certified copies requiring an additional certification fee of approximately $5.00.
- Recording fees vary based on document type and page count, generally starting at $11.00 for the first page.
- While Dale County does not currently offer a full free online property record search portal, the Revenue Commissioner provides property tax payment information online.
Dale County Revenue Commissioner's Office, located at 100 Court Square, Ozark, AL 36360, phone, administers property tax assessments and collections. Property owners can research tax information, payment history, and current assessments through the Revenue Commissioner's office. Dale County Geographic Information System (GIS) may offer parcel mapping capabilities, though availability varies.
For complete title searches, most users employ professional title companies or abstractor services. The Alabama Department of Revenue maintains statewide property tax data that may supplement county records. Researchers seeking historical property records should visit the Probate Office in person, as older documents may not be digitized.
Vital Records
Vital records for Dale County, Alabama are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are primarily handled by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, located at 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104. Under Alabama Code § 22-9A-1 et seq, the Vital Records Act governs access to these records. Birth certificates in Alabama are restricted to the registrant (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and legal representatives.
- Certified copies cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- The fee is $74.00 and couples must complete the Alabama Marriage Certificate form with notarized signatures.
- Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $1.00 per page plus certification fees.
- Requesters should provide the case number or names of both parties and approximate divorce date.
Death certificates are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, and persons with a direct and tangible interest. The Alabama Public Health Online Vital Records system (vitalchek.com) allows expedited online ordering with credit card payment, though additional convenience fees apply and processing may take 7-10 business days plus shipping. Marriage licenses in Dale County are issued exclusively by Dale County Probate Office at 100 Court Square, Ozark, AL 36360, phone.
As of August 29, 2019, Alabama transitioned to a marriage certificate system rather than traditional marriage licenses, eliminating the requirement for ceremony witnesses and officiants. There is no waiting period and no blood test requirement. Divorce decrees are maintained by Dale County Circuit Clerk's Office at the same courthouse address, as divorce cases are filed in Circuit Court.
Historical vital records prior to statewide registration (beginning 1908 for deaths and 1908-1925 for births depending on county) may be incomplete or housed in county archives.
Business & Licensing
Business registration and licensing in Dale County involves multiple governmental levels depending on business type and location. The Alabama Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains the official registry of business entities including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and registered trade names operating in Alabama. The online Alabama Business Entity Search portal at arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/corpname.mbr provides free public access to entity information including formation date, status, registered agent, and principal address.
- Business owners must file formation documents with the Secretary of State and pay applicable fees: $200 for LLCs, $200 for corporations.
- The filing fee is approximately $10.00 and filings must be renewed every five years.
- License fees vary by business type and location.
- The Southeast Alabama Chamber of Commerce, serving Dale County, provides business resources and networking opportunities, though it is not a governmental licensing body.
Dale County Probate Office at 100 Court Square, Ozark, AL 36360, phone, handles business name filings (doing-business-as or DBA registrations) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under assumed names within Dale County. Alabama Code § 8-20-1 requires businesses using fictitious names to file with Dale County probate judge where the business operates. Dale County municipalities issue local business licenses for businesses operating within city limits: the City of Ozark Business License Office handles licensing for Ozark, while Daleville and other incorporated municipalities maintain separate licensing systems.
The Alabama Department of Revenue administers sales tax permits (Business Privilege Tax/Seller's Use Tax) required for businesses selling tangible goods. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by state boards rather than county offices. Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are handled by Dale County Building Inspector and county planning departments or municipal building departments within city limits.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Dale County, Alabama are administered by Dale County Board of Registrars and Dale County Probate Office, located at 100 Court Square, Ozark, AL 36360. The Probate Judge is the chief election official for Dale County. Voter registration information can be obtained by calling. Alabama voters may register online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration, in person at the Board of Registrars office, at driver license offices, or by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form.
- In the November 2024 general election, Dale County voter turnout was approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with Alabama's rural county averages in presidential election years.
- Citizens may request copies of election records, precinct tallies, and voter turnout statistics through public records requests to the Probate Office.
Alabama law requires voter registration applications to be submitted at least 15 days before an election. Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, Alabama residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not disqualified due to felony conviction or mental incapacity as determined by law.
Alabama requires valid photo identification to vote, including Alabama driver's licenses, photo voter ID cards, government employee IDs, military IDs, or U.S. Passports. Free photo voter ID cards are available from county Board of Registrars offices.
Dale County voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Alabama Secretary of State's My Voter Page at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov or by contacting the Probate Office. Dale County operates multiple polling locations distributed across precincts in Ozark, Daleville, Ariton, Midland City, and rural areas. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on election day.
Public election records in Dale County include voter registration lists (with redactions for protected voters), precinct-level election results, candidate qualifying documents, and campaign finance reports filed with county officials for local races. The Alabama Secretary of State maintains statewide candidate filings and campaign finance records. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House races (Alabama's 2nd Congressional District represents Dale County), contested statewide constitutional offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and seats in the Alabama Legislature. Absentee voting in Alabama is available to voters who meet specific criteria under Alabama Code § 17-11-3, including voters who will be absent from Dale County on election day, those with physical illness or infirmity, voters over age 65, appointed election officers working outside their home precinct, and students or military personnel outside Dale County. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Dale County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Office, with completed ballots returned by mail or in person before polls close on election day.
Alabama does not offer no-excuse absentee voting. Election transparency in Dale County is governed by Alabama Code § 17-17-1 et seq, which requires preservation of election records and public access to results.
Economy & Demographics
Dale County's economy is fundamentally shaped by Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), the U.S. Army's premier aviation training center and one of the largest employers in southeastern Alabama. Fort Novosel employs approximately 3,500 military personnel and over 4,000 civilian employees, creating substantial economic impact through payroll, contracts, and indirect spending. The installation's mission includes training Army aviators, aircraft maintenance personnel, and unmanned aircraft operators, generating demand for housing, services, and support industries throughout Dale County.
Beyond the military presence, agriculture remains economically significant with peanuts, cotton, corn, soybeans, and cattle production comprising major agricultural outputs. Dale County lies within Alabama's primary peanut-growing region, contributing to the state's position as a leading peanut producer. The median household income in Dale County is estimated at approximately $48,000, below the Alabama state median, reflecting Dale County's mix of military families, agricultural workers, and service sector employees.
Manufacturing has expanded with several industrial facilities locating in or near Ozark and Daleville, taking advantage of transportation access via U.S. Highway 231 and proximity to Dothan and Enterprise. The retail and service sectors serve both civilian populations and military families, with commercial development concentrated along the Highway 231 corridor.
Healthcare services provided by Dale Medical Center in Ozark represent another significant employment sector. Unemployment rates in Dale County typically track slightly above state averages, fluctuating between 3.5% and 5.5% depending on economic conditions. The Enterprise-Ozark micropolitan statistical area, which includes Dale County, has pursued economic diversification initiatives to reduce dependence on military and agricultural sectors.
Tourism contributes modestly to the economy through outdoor recreation at Lake Tholocco and historical sites. Dale County Economic Development Authority works to attract new industries and retain existing businesses through workforce development and infrastructure improvements.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Alacourt subscription) | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Primary | Vital Records: Limited: State Office or In-Person | Business: Yes: Online (State Registry) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10 — Dale County provides adequate public records access with some digital options, but many requests require in-person visits or phone contact to county offices in Ozark.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Dale County
Explore public records for 15 cities and communities in Dale County, Alabama.