About Houston County
Houston County is located in the southeastern corner of Alabama, bordered by Florida to the south and Georgia to the east. Houston County was established on February 9, 1903, from parts of Dale, Geneva, and Henry counties, and was named in honor of Sam Houston, the famous Texas statesman and soldier. Houston County Seat is Dothan, which is also the largest city in Houston County and is the commercial and cultural hub of the Wiregrass area.
Houston County covers approximately 580 square miles and has a population of over 107,000 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in southeastern Alabama. Houston County is known for its agricultural heritage, particularly peanut farming, with Dothan earning the nickname "Peanut Capital of the World." Major landmarks include the Wiregrass Museum of Art, Landmark Park (a living history museum), and the annual National Peanut Festival. Houston County Courthouse is located at 462 North Oates Street in Dothan, housing the Circuit Clerk's office and Probate Court.
Houston County Revenue Commissioner's office, responsible for property tax assessments and collection, operates from 462 North Oates Street. Houston County Recorder (Judge of Probate) maintains vital records and land records at the same courthouse location. Houston County's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and military operations at Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker).
Houston County's strategic location near the intersection of major highways has made it an important distribution and logistics center for the Southeast.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Houston County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Houston County. The office is tasked with patrolling these areas, managing Houston County Jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is known for its community engagement programs and efforts to enhance public safety through various initiatives. The office also has specialized divisions, including a criminal investigations division and a narcotics unit, which focus on specific types of crime within Houston County.
Police Departments
Houston County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Houston County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Dothan Police Department, Ashford Police Department, and Cottonwood Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while city police departments manage public safety within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and investigations, making sure of a coordinated approach to law enforcement across Houston County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Houston County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Donald Valenza, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Houston County. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 1109 South Oates Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301, and can be reached for The official website is www.houstoncountysheriff.org, where citizens can find information about law enforcement services, programs, and community resources. Houston County Jail, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to Houston County Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in booking records and may be available through direct request to the detention facility or through the online inmate search system.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
- The Sheriff's Office also maintains records of warrants, incident reports, and accident reports, which can be requested in person or in writing according to Alabama public records statutes.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can search for current inmates by name or booking number, view booking dates, charges, and bond information. Municipal law enforcement agencies within Houston County include the Dothan Police Department (serving Houston County Seat), the Ashford Police Department, the Columbia Police Department, the Cottonwood Police Department, and the Gordon Police Department. Under Alabama's public records law, specifically the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), arrest records are generally considered public information.
Some third-party websites aggregate booking photos from Houston County, though the most reliable source remains the official Sheriff's Office records.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Houston County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Houston 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 background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which offers full reports on an individual's criminal history.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about registered offenders in their area.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Houston County are maintained by Houston County Sheriff's Office. These records include details about the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, adhering to procedures outlined by the Alabama Public Records Law. A Houston County arrest record typically contains the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The public has the right to access these records, although certain restrictions may apply based on the nature of the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
Houston County Jail, located in Dothan, is the primary detention facility for Houston County. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through Houston County Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that visitors must follow.
- The bond and bail process in Alabama allows for the release of inmates under certain conditions, and information about posting bail can be obtained from the jail administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Houston County are taken and retained by Houston 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. While Alabama does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances. The availability of mugshots online varies, and some third-party websites may also provide access to these images.
Courts & Case Records
Houston County's court system operates through several divisions housed primarily in Houston County Judicial Building at 462 North Oates Street in Dothan. Houston County Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, and appeals from lower courts. Circuit Court records can be accessed through Houston County Circuit Clerk's office at the same address, phone.
- Houston County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $6,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- The Alabama Judicial System's online portal, Alacourt.com, provides statewide case search capability for a fee of $25 for a 24-hour access pass or $50 for 50 searches.
- In-person records searches at the Circuit Clerk's office are typically free for inspection, though certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
Houston County Probate Court, overseen by the Judge of Probate, has jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, adoptions, mental health commitments, and issues marriage licenses. The Probate Court is located at 462 North Oates Street, phone. Houston County also has several Municipal Courts in cities including Dothan, which handle city ordinance violations and traffic matters within their respective jurisdictions.
Court records in Alabama are governed by Alabama Code § 12-21-3, which establishes that court records are generally public unless specifically exempted by law or sealed by court order. Users can search criminal, civil, and traffic cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The Clerk's office maintains indexes of all court filings, judgments, liens, and case dispositions dating back to Houston County's founding in 1903.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Houston County are maintained by Houston County Probate Office, which serves as Houston County's recording authority, located at 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303, phone. The Probate Judge is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivision plats, uniform commercial code (UCC) filings, military discharges, and other instruments affecting real property. The office maintains grantor/grantee indexes and a full tract index system.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- Property owners can pay taxes online through the Revenue Commissioner's portal using credit cards or electronic checks for a convenience fee.
Houston County offers online access to land records through a subscription service available on the Probate Office website, allowing users to search and view recorded documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, satisfactions, assignments, and lis pendens notices. The recording fee structure follows Alabama state law, with deed recordings typically costing $11.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, plus transfer tax of $1.00 per $1,000 of property value (50 cents to the state and 50 cents to Houston County). Property tax records and assessments are managed by Houston County Revenue Commissioner's office at 462 North Oates Street, phone.
The Revenue Commissioner maintains current and historical property tax information, parcel identification numbers, assessed values, exemptions, and payment histories. Houston County provides a free online property search tool through the Revenue Commissioner's website where taxpayers can look up property by owner name, parcel number, or address to view assessment information, tax amounts, and payment status. Houston County also offers a GIS mapping system that displays parcel boundaries, ownership information, zoning designations, and aerial photography.
Vital Records
Vital records for Houston County, Alabama, are managed by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are maintained by Houston County Health Department, located at 1825 Honeysuckle Road, Dothan, AL 36305, phone. However, Alabama law (Code of Alabama § 22-9A-1 et seq.) designates the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics as the state registrar for all vital records. Birth certificates for events occurring in Houston County from 1903 forward can be requested from the state office at P.O.
- Certified copies of birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests and same-day for in-person visits to the state office.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be ordered from the state vital records office or through Houston County health department.
- As of August 2019, Alabama eliminated ceremonial marriages and now issues a marriage certificate upon completion of a notarized form and payment of a $74.00 fee.
- The Alabama Department of Public Health offers online ordering of vital records through VitalChek.com for an additional processing fee, with expedited shipping available for urgent requests.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Houston County are accessible through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For business entity formation and registration, the Alabama Secretary of State's Business Services Division is the primary authority. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at www.sos.alabama.gov where users can look up corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities doing business in Alabama.
- The database includes entity names, registration dates, registered agents, principal addresses, and status (active, dissolved, withdrawn).
Business name registrations (DBAs or "doing business as" names) for sole proprietorships and partnerships can be filed with Houston County Probate Office at 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, phone, with a filing fee of approximately $30.00. These trade name registrations are public record and indexed in the Probate Court's records. Local business licenses and permits are primarily handled through municipal governments within Houston County.
The City of Dothan requires business licenses for most commercial operations within city limits, administered by the City of Dothan Business License Department at P.O. Box 2128, Dothan, AL 36302, phone. Sales tax permits are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue, and professional licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare professionals, etc.) are regulated by respective state licensing boards.
Building permits and certificates of occupancy for construction projects in unincorporated Houston County are handled by Houston County Building Inspection Department, phone, while municipalities maintain their own building inspection divisions. Zoning information and land use permits are available through Houston County Planning Commission. The Wiregrass Chamber of Commerce, located at 3720 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36303, phone, website www.wiregrass.org, provides business resources and maintains a directory of member businesses, though membership is voluntary and not all businesses are listed.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Houston County, Alabama, are administered by Houston County Board of Registrars and Houston County Probate Office. The Probate Judge is the chief election official for Houston County. Houston County election office is located at 462 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303, phone. Voter registration in Houston County can be completed in person at the Probate Office, by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration.
- Alabama law requires voters to register at least 15 days before an election.
- Houston County has approximately 70,000 registered voters distributed across multiple precincts throughout Houston County.
- Absentee ballots in Houston County are requested through written application to Houston County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Office.
- Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Thursday before the election for regular processing, though emergency provisions exist for medical emergencies.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, residents of Alabama and Houston County, at least 18 years old by election day, and not disqualified by felony conviction or mental incapacity as determined by a court. Voters can find their assigned polling location by contacting Houston County Probate Office or by using the "My Voter Information" tool on the Secretary of State's website, which displays polling locations, sample ballots, and registration status.
In the November 2024 general election, Houston County recorded approximately 63% voter turnout, which was consistent with statewide participation rates. Election records that are public in Alabama include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under Alabama Code § 17-4-30), precinct-level election results, candidate qualifying documents, and campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate midterm elections, Alabama state constitutional officers, state legislative seats, and various county offices including Houston County Commission seats, Revenue Commissioner, and judicial positions. Applications can be downloaded from the Secretary of State's website or obtained in person. Alabama allows absentee voting for various reasons including being out of Houston County on election day, illness, physical disability, working a required shift, or being a caregiver.
Alabama election transparency is governed by the Alabama Open Records Act and specific election statutes that mandate public access to election results, voter registration statistics, and campaign finance filings, all of which are accessible through the Secretary of State's office or county election officials upon request.
Economy & Demographics
Houston County's economy is diverse and anchored by several key sectors that have evolved from Houston County's agricultural roots. Agriculture remains significant, particularly peanut farming, with Houston County consistently ranking among the top peanut-producing counties in the United States. The National Peanut Festival, held annually in Dothan, celebrates this agricultural heritage and generates substantial tourism revenue. Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), located partially in Houston County, is the primary U.S.
- The median household income in Houston County is approximately $53,000, slightly above the Alabama state average.
Army installation for aviation training and serves as Houston County's largest employer with over 8,000 military and civilian personnel.The healthcare sector is another major employer, led by Southeast Health Medical Center (over 3,000 employees) and various medical practices throughout Houston County. Manufacturing has expanded significantly, with companies such as General Electric Aviation, which produces turbine engine components, and Michelin Tire, operating facilities in the Dothan area. Retail trade benefits from Dothan's position as a regional shopping hub serving southeastern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle, with major retail concentrations along Ross Clark Circle.
Houston County's unemployment rate typically tracks close to the state average, ranging between 2.5% and 3.5% in recent years. Distribution and logistics have grown due to Houston County's location at the intersection of U.S. Highways 231, 431, and 84, and State Route 210.
Recent economic development initiatives have focused on attracting advanced manufacturing, aviation-related industries to leverage proximity to Fort Novosel, and technology companies. The Wiregrass Economic Development Corporation actively recruits new businesses and supports expansion of existing industries, offering incentives and workforce development programs in partnership with Wallace Community College Dothan and other educational institutions.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (via Alacourt) | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State Office or In-Person | Business: Yes: Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 8/10 — Houston County provides good digital access to most public records with online search capabilities for court cases, property records, and inmate information, though some vital records require in-person or state-level requests.