About Franklin County
Franklin County, Kentucky, is a compact yet historically significant county located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region of central Kentucky. Franklin County seat is Frankfort, which is the state capital of Kentucky, giving Franklin County a unique political and administrative importance. Established in 1795 from portions of Woodford, Mercer, and Shelby counties, Franklin County was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin County includes approximately 211 square miles, making it one of the smaller counties in Kentucky by land area. According to recent U.S. Census estimates, Franklin County has a population of approximately 51,000 residents. The Kentucky River runs through Franklin County, providing scenic beauty and historical transportation routes that were crucial to early settlement and commerce. Major landmarks include the Kentucky State Capitol building, completed in 1910 and featuring beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture, the Old State Capitol, the Kentucky History Center, Buffalo Trace Distillery (one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States), and the Frankfort Cemetery where Daniel Boone is buried. Franklin County Clerk's office is located at 100 Public Square, Frankfort, KY 40601, and handles vital records, marriage licenses, and local government documentation. Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) office, responsible for property assessments, operates at 100 Public Square as well. Franklin County Recorder functions are performed through the County Clerk's office, maintaining deeds, mortgages, and land transaction records. What makes Franklin County unique is its dual role as both a small county and the seat of state government, creating a concentration of political activity, historical preservation, and bourbon heritage that draws visitors and researchers from across the nation.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Arrest records in Franklin County are public records under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884), which mandates that public agencies provide access to non-exempt records upon request.
- Many arrest records and booking information, including mugshots, are available through the jail's online inmate search portal.
- Kentucky law requires agencies to respond to open records requests within five business days.
- Franklin County Detention Center booking log is updated regularly and provides public access to recent arrests, charges, and booking photographs.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Franklin County, KY are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Background Checks - Kentucky Court of Justice.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Franklin County, KY are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Franklin County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at Kentucky Offender Search - Kentucky Department of Corrections - Offender Online .
- Sheriff's Office: Franklin County Sheriff | Franklin County.
- The bond and bail process allows release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
- Clair Street, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $5,000, small claims, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and juvenile matters.
- Court records in Franklin County can be searched through the Kentucky Court of Justice's online case lookup system called CourtNet, accessible at courts.ky.gov.
- CourtNet provides free access to case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, hearing schedules, and case dispositions for both civil and criminal matters.
- However, detailed documents may require in-person requests or payment of fees.
- Clair Street, maintains official court records and charges fees for certified copies: typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $6 certification fee.
Property & Public Records
- Recording fees vary by document type and page count, typically starting at $34 for the first page and $5 for each additional page for most deeds.
- Certified copies are required for legal proceedings and typically cost an additional $6 certification fee beyond copying charges.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time is typically immediate if applying in person at the County Clerk's office during business hours.
- The fee for a certified death certificate is $6 through the County Clerk's office.
- Kentucky law requires both applicants to appear in person, present valid identification, and pay a license fee of $35.50.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- This database is updated regularly and includes corporations, LLCs, and other registered entities doing business in Kentucky.