About Franklin County
Franklin County is located in the panhandle region of Northwest Florida along the Gulf of Mexico, known as "The Forgotten Coast" due to its pristine, undeveloped shoreline. Franklin County Seat is Apalachicola, a historic maritime town situated at 1 Bay Avenue, Apalachicola, FL 32320. Franklin County includes approximately 544 square miles of land and 499 square miles of water, making it one of Florida's smallest counties by population with roughly 12,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
Franklin County is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Liberty County to the north, Wakulla County to the east, and Gulf County to the west. Major landmarks include St. George Island, Dog Island, Apalachicola National Forest portions, and the historic Apalachicola River.
Franklin County is renowned for its oyster industry, which produces over 90% of Florida's oyster harvest, and its well-preserved Victorian architecture in downtown Apalachicola. Franklin County Clerk of Court is located at 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, FL 32320, and is the official records keeper for Franklin County. Franklin County Property Appraiser's office at 47 Avenue F, Apalachicola, FL 32320, handles property assessments and maintains property records.
Franklin County Tax Collector operates from 66 2nd Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320. Franklin County was established in 1832 and named after Benjamin Franklin. What makes Franklin County unique is its combination of maritime heritage, pristine coastal ecosystems, historic preservation, and its identity as one of Florida's last undiscovered coastal destinations.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Franklin County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Franklin County. It manages Franklin County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in community policing and crime prevention programs, making sure of the safety and security of residents. Notable divisions within the Sheriff's Office include the patrol division, criminal investigations, and a dedicated narcotics unit that addresses drug-related crimes in Franklin County.
Police Departments
In addition to Franklin County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Franklin County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Apalachicola Police Department and the Carrabelle Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. The agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Franklin County. This collaboration enhances public safety and resource sharing among law enforcement entities.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Franklin County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 270 State Road 65, Eastpoint, FL 32328, is the primary law enforcement agency for Franklin County. Sheriff A.J. Smith leads the department, which provides patrol services, criminal investigations, and operates Franklin County Detention Facility. The Sheriff's Office can be reached, and their official website is franklincountysheriff.com.
- The detention facility processes all arrestees in Franklin County and maintains booking records.
- Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, known as the Florida Public Records Law, arrest records are generally public information and can be requested from the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Citizens can submit public records requests in writing or in person to Franklin County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documents.
- The Sheriff's Office maintains records dating back several decades, though older records may require additional processing time.
To look up inmates currently housed in Franklin County jail, citizens can visit the Sheriff's Office website and access the inmate roster, which typically includes booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Municipal police departments operate in the incorporated municipalities within Franklin County, including the Apalachicola Police Department at 1 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FL 32320, and the Carrabelle Police Department serving the City of Carrabelle. Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in arrest records and are accessible through the Sheriff's Office, though some information may be redacted if it involves active investigations or juvenile offenders.
No tribal police agencies operate within Franklin County, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides specialized enforcement for marine and wildlife violations common in this coastal county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Franklin County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and a sex offender registry. Franklin County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under Florida's open records laws. Background checks can be conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Franklin County are maintained by Franklin County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal written requests, adhering to the Florida Sunshine Law, which ensures public access to government records. A Franklin County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the alleged offense, and the arresting officer's report. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to access these records, for public access in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
Franklin County Jail, located in Apalachicola, is the primary detention facility for Franklin County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process follows Florida state guidelines, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial upon payment of bail set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Franklin County are taken and retained by Franklin 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 by request. Florida does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related criminal record. The availability of mugshots online handles public access to information about recent arrests in Franklin County.
Courts & Case Records
Franklin County is served by the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $30,000, family law matters, probate, and juvenile cases. Franklin County Courthouse is located at 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320, and can be reached for The Clerk of the Circuit Court, Michele Maxwell, maintains all court records and is the court administrator. Case lookups are available through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Second Judicial Circuit's case search at circuit2.org.
- County Court, also housed at 33 Market Street, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $30,000, traffic violations, and small claims up to $8,000.
- Franklin County does not have separate municipal courts; all judicial matters are processed through the Circuit and County Court system.
- The Clerk of Court provides public access terminals at the courthouse for in-person searches at no charge.
Court records in Florida are governed by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which establishes public access to court proceedings and records with limited exceptions for confidential matters such as sealed cases, certain family law documents, and juvenile records. Online case searches through the Florida Courts system are free for basic information, though certified copies require fees ranging from $1.50 per page for standard copies to $2.00 per page for certified documents, plus a $10 certification fee. The Clerk's office also maintains historical records, probate files, marriage licenses, and official county records.
Electronic filing is mandatory for attorneys in most case types, and the public can access e-filed documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Court calendars, including trial schedules and hearing dockets, are available on the Second Judicial Circuit website.
Property & Public Records
Franklin County Clerk of Court, located at 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, FL 32320, is the official recorder of deeds and maintains all real property records for Franklin County. The office can be reached, and their website is franklinclerk.com. Available records include warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, liens (including mechanics liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), easements, right-of-way documents, condominium declarations, plat maps, subdivision plans, and uniform commercial code (UCC) filings.
- There is no fee to search online, but printing or obtaining certified copies requires payment.
- Their online database provides free searches by owner name, parcel ID, or address, displaying current and historical assessment data, sales history, building characteristics, and aerial photography.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page.
- The Tax Collector's office at 66 2nd Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320 handles property tax payments and provides tax certificate information.
The Clerk's Official Records Division indexes all recorded instruments by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Franklin County offers online access to recorded documents through the Official Records Search on the Clerk's website, where users can search and view scanned images of documents typically dating back to the 1980s, with some historical records also digitized. Franklin County Property Appraiser's office at 47 Avenue F, Apalachicola, FL 32320, phone, website franklinpa.com, maintains property tax records, ownership information, assessed values, exemption data, and parcel maps.
The Property Appraiser also maintains a GIS mapping system showing parcel boundaries, flood zones, and zoning districts. All property records are public under Florida Statute 119.07.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Franklin County, Florida are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Franklin County, located at 139 12th Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320, phone. However, the primary vital records repository is the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Marriage license fees are $93.50 for couples without the course or $61.00 for those who complete it.
- Certified copies of marriage licenses cost $1.50 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the Florida Department of Health's VitalChek service at floridahealth.gov/certificates, though convenience fees apply.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or tangible interest in the record as required by Florida Statute 382.008. Marriage licenses are issued by Franklin County Clerk of Court at 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, FL 32320, phone. Florida law requires a three-day waiting period after obtaining a marriage license unless applicants complete a premarital preparation course (Florida Statute 741.0305).
Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records (dissolution of marriage) are maintained by the Clerk of Court as court records. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access limited to family members and legal representatives under Florida Statute 382.008(6).
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Franklin County operates through multiple agencies depending on business type and activity. Franklin County Clerk of Court at 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, FL 32320, maintains fictitious name registrations (DBA - "Doing Business As") as required by Florida Statute 865.09. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a fictitious name registration with Franklin County Clerk, costing approximately $50.00.
- This free online system provides access to corporate documents, registered agent information, and annual reports.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and development orders are processed by Franklin County Planning and Building Department at 34 Forbes Street, Suite 1, Apalachicola, FL 32320, phone.
- The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, located at 99 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320, website apalachicolabay.org, provides business support services and economic development information for Franklin County.
Franklin County Tax Collector at 66 2nd Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320, issues local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) required for most businesses operating in Franklin County. For state-level business entity formation and registration, the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, maintains the full Sunbiz database at dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz, where anyyou can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered business entities operating in Florida. Professional licenses for regulated occupations (contractors, real estate agents, healthcare providers, etc.) are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Sales tax permits are obtained through the Florida Department of Revenue.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Franklin County, Florida are administered by Franklin County Supervisor of Elections, located at 47 Avenue F, Apalachicola, FL 32320. The office can be reached, and the official website is franklinvotes.gov. The current Supervisor of Elections is Ida Elliott. Voter registration in Franklin County can be completed online through the Florida Division of Elections at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, at any Florida driver license office, or by mailing a completed Florida Voter Registration Application.
- In the 2024 general election, Franklin County reported approximately 58-62% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with typical participation rates for this rural coastal county.
- Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) can be requested online through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, in writing, or in person.
- Requests are valid through the end of the calendar year for the general election cycle.
The registration deadline is 29 days before any election as mandated by Florida law. Florida residents must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, legal residents of Florida and Franklin County, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated or have had voting rights restored if previously convicted of a felony.
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. Franklin County typically operates 6-8 polling locations on Election Day across its communities including Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, and St. George Island.
Election records that are public under Florida Statute 97.0585 and Chapter 119 include voter registration lists (excluding Social Security numbers and dates of birth), campaign finance reports filed with Franklin County, candidate qualifying documents, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. Individual ballot choices are confidential. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate midterm elections, Florida state legislative races, and county offices including Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections. Mail ballots are sent beginning approximately 40 days before the election and must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted; postmarks do not extend this deadline. Early voting is typically offered at the Supervisor of Elections office and other designated locations for 10-14 days before Election Day.
Franklin County demonstrates good election transparency with publicly accessible voter rolls, online election results reporting by precinct, campaign finance disclosure for local candidates, and responsive public records practices under Florida's Sunshine Law.
Economy & Demographics
Franklin County's economy is predominantly centered on maritime industries, tourism, and natural resource harvesting. The oyster industry has historically been the economic cornerstone, with Apalachicola Bay producing over 90% of Florida's wild oyster harvest and 10% of the nation's supply at peak production, though the industry has faced significant challenges in recent years due to declining oyster populations. Commercial fishing, shrimping, and crabbing remain important economic activities.
- The median household income in Franklin County is approximately $38,000-$42,000, significantly below the Florida state average, reflecting Franklin County's rural character and reliance on seasonal industries.
Tourism has grown substantially as a major economic sector, with visitors drawn to St. George Island's beaches, Apalachicola's historic district, sport fishing, and eco-tourism opportunities. Major employers include Franklin County School District, Franklin County government, the seafood processing industry, retail establishments along the coast, and hospitality businesses including hotels, restaurants, and vacation rental management companies.
The healthcare sector is represented by Weems Memorial Hospital in Apalachicola. The unemployment rate in Franklin County typically ranges from 3-5% but shows seasonal variation due to tourism and fishing cycles. There are no major corporate headquarters or large manufacturing facilities in Franklin County; the economy remains decidedly small-scale and locally oriented.
Economic development efforts focus on sustainable tourism, environmental preservation compatible with economic activity, infrastructure improvements including broadband internet expansion, and support for the seafood industry's recovery. Franklin County Tourist Development Council promotes economic growth through destination marketing. Franklin County's strategic location along the Gulf Coast and its undeveloped character present both economic opportunities and challenges in balancing growth with environmental and cultural preservation.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Access | Overall Score: 8/10, Franklin County provides strong digital access to property records, court information, and election data, though some services require in-person visits to the small county seat.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Franklin County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Franklin County, Florida.