Madison County

Madison County, Florida is located in the Big Bend region of North Florida, bordered by Georgia to the north. Madison County seat is Madison, which is the primary population and commercial center. Established in 1827 and named after President James Madison, Madison County includes approximately 716 square miles of primarily rural scene. With a population of approximately 18,000 residents according to recent estimates, Madison County maintains its agricultural heritage while adapting to modern economic demands. The Withlacoochee River forms part of Madison County's eastern boundary, and Madison County is characterized by rolling hills, pine forests, and productive farmland. Notable landmarks include the historic Madison County Courthouse, built in 1914 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Four Freedoms Park. Madison County is home to several preserved historic structures in the downtown Madison area, reflecting Madison County's antebellum and early 20th-century architecture. Madison County Clerk of Court is located at 125 SW Range Avenue, Madison, FL 32340, and handles official court records, marriage licenses, and various public documents. Madison County Property Appraiser's office, responsible for assessment of real and tangible personal property, is situated at 229 SW Pinckney Street, Madison, FL 32340. Madison County Tax Collector manages property tax collection and motor vehicle registration. What makes Madison County unique is its blend of Old Florida character, rich African American heritage including historic churches and communities, proximity to both Tallahassee and Valdosta, Georgia, and its continued reliance on timber, agriculture, and small-town values while acting as a bedroom community for regional employment centers.

• Notable landmarks include the historic Madison County Courthouse, built in 1914 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Four Freedoms Park.

The Madison County Courthouse serves Madison County and is located at 1 Courthouse Square. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Florida online court portal.

Madison County, Florida is located in the Florida Panhandle and is part of the Third Judicial Circuit. The county court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. The county court also has jurisdiction over small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and other civil matters. The county court is located in Madison, FL.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office, though reasonable fees may apply for copies and research time.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records in Florida and may be obtained through direct requests to the Sheriff's Office or jail.
• Processing times for record requests vary depending on the complexity and volume of the request.
• All law enforcement records requests should cite Florida Statute 119.07 and be as specific as possible regarding dates, names, and case numbers to expedite processing.

• Madison County Court, also located at the courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $30,000, traffic violations, and county ordinance violations.
• The Third Judicial Circuit provides online case search capabilities through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and Madison County's official records database.
• Requests for bulk records or extensive research may incur additional costs.
• The Clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone, and payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit cards with applicable convenience fees.

• Florida Statutes Chapter 28 governs the Clerk's recording duties and fee structure.
• Recording fees are established by Florida Statute 28.24 and typically include $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page of a document.
• Madison County Clerk provides an online Official Records Search system accessible through Madison County's website, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or instrument number.
• Many documents can be viewed and printed at no charge for informational purposes, though certified copies require the statutory fees.
• This free online tool provides access to property cards, aerial photography, sales history, exemption status, and assessed values.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates are public record in Florida and can be obtained by any requester.
• The fee structure matches birth certificates at $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy when ordered together.
• Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day if the record is readily available; mail requests generally take 2-4 weeks.
• The marriage license fee is $86.00, reduced to $61.00 if both parties complete a premarital preparation course.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The Division's website at dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz provides free online searching of all registered Florida business entities, including officers, registered agents, annual report status, and document images.
• All businesses operating in Madison County are required to obtain a local business tax receipt annually, with fees varying by business classification.