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Old Town, Florida Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Old Town, Florida.

Official Government Sources

Old Town Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Old Town, Florida government websites.

About Old Town

Old Town is a small unincorporated community located in western Dixie County, Florida, situated along the Suwannee River near where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. With an estimated population of approximately 500 residents, Old Town serves as a quiet fishing and residential community that has long been tied to the river's commercial and recreational activities. The area is known for its proximity to the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, a 53,000-acre preserve that attracts nature enthusiasts and birders year-round. Old Town's economy historically revolved around commercial fishing, particularly for mullet and blue crab, though in recent decades residential living and small-scale tourism have become more prominent. The community is accessible via U.S. Highway 19/98, which runs along Florida's Nature Coast, and maintains a rural, Old Florida character with limited commercial development.

As an unincorporated community, Old Town does not maintain its own municipal government or police department, meaning public records for residents are handled primarily through Dixie County agencies and Florida state systems. The Dixie County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services and maintains arrest records, incident reports, and jail booking information for Old Town residents. Court records, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters, are processed through the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Cross City, the county seat located approximately 10 miles northeast. Property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and tax assessments, are maintained by the Dixie County Property Appraiser and Clerk of Court. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are managed by the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee, while marriage licenses and divorce records are available through the Dixie County Clerk of Court. Business licensing and fictitious name registrations fall under county jurisdiction, with state-level corporate filings searchable through the Florida Division of Corporations. Under Florida's robust public records law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, nearly all government records are presumed public unless specifically exempted, allowing residents broad access to documents concerning government operations, law enforcement activities, and property transactions.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Old Town, Dixie County is primarily handled by the Dixie County Sheriff's Office, which covers the unincorporated areas and smaller communities. In addition, the Cross City Police Department serves the city of Cross City, providing local law enforcement services and working closely with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations. These agencies coordinate efforts to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective response to incidents across the county, sharing resources and information as needed.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Dixie County Jail, operated by the Dixie County Sheriff's Office, is the primary detention facility in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Florida state laws, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial upon payment of a set amount. To find someone recently arrested in Dixie County, individuals can contact the jail directly or use online resources provided by the Sheriff's Office.

Court Records

Old Town residents are served by the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which encompasses Dixie County along with several other North Florida counties. The Dixie County Courthouse is located at 214 NE 223rd Street (P.O. Box 1206), Cross City, FL 32628, and the Clerk of Court can be reached at (352) 498-1200. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $30,000, family law including divorce and child custody, probate and estate administration, and appeals from county court. The County Court, which shares the same courthouse facility, handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, civil disputes under $30,000, small claims cases up to $8,000, and landlord-tenant evictions. Old Town does not have a separate municipal court, as it is not an incorporated municipality.

Florida court records are accessible through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com, which allows public searches of circuit and county court cases statewide. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to view dockets, filed documents, and case outcomes. Some documents may be redacted or sealed in accordance with Florida Supreme Court rules protecting sensitive information such as social security numbers and financial account numbers. The Dixie County Clerk of Court also maintains physical and digital case files at the courthouse. For certified copies of court documents, the Clerk charges $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Non-certified copies are typically $0.15 per page. Requests can be made in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), by mail, or through the Clerk's online records system if available. Filing fees vary by case type: civil filings generally range from $300 to $400, family law petitions cost approximately $400, and small claims filings are $55 for claims under $100 or $80-$275 for higher amounts. Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit card, though credit card payments may incur a processing fee.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Dixie County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and a sex offender registry. The Dixie County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Court, depending on the type of record needed. The Florida Bureau of Investigation offers statewide background checks, which include information relevant to Dixie County residents. These records are essential for various purposes, including employment screening and legal proceedings.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Dixie County are maintained by the Dixie County Sheriff's Office. These records include information such as the date and time of arrest, charges, and personal details of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person or through written requests. Under the Florida Sunshine Law, arrest records are considered public information, allowing for transparency and accessibility. A Dixie County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Old Town and Dixie County are maintained by two primary offices. The Dixie County Property Appraiser, located at 233 NE Highway 351, Cross City, FL 32628 (phone: 352-498-1201), is responsible for assessing the value of all real property in the county for tax purposes. The Property Appraiser's website at www.dixiepa.com provides a searchable online database where residents can look up property information by owner name, parcel number, or physical address. Available data includes current assessed value, taxable value, property tax history, property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size), homestead exemption status, and sales history. The online system is free to use and updated regularly to reflect ownership changes and annual reassessments. The Property Appraiser's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for in-person inquiries.

Official recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, easements, plats, and other instruments affecting title to real property are maintained by the Dixie County Clerk of Court, which serves as the county's official Recorder of Deeds. The Clerk's office is located at 214 NE 223rd Street (P.O. Box 1206), Cross City, FL 32628, and can be reached at (352) 498-1200. The Clerk's Official Records division maintains an online search portal accessible through the county's website or the statewide Florida Clerks portal, allowing users to search recorded documents by name, document type, book and page, or official record number. Many counties in Florida, including Dixie County, provide free online access to scanned images of recorded documents dating back several decades, though the earliest records may only be available in person. Recording fees are set by Florida Statutes: the first page of a document costs $10.00 to record, with $8.50 for each additional page. Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page, plus the certification fee. Dixie County also offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer that displays property boundaries, zoning information, flood zones, and aerial imagery, typically accessible through the Property Appraiser's website. Residents conducting title searches or property due diligence should review both the Property Appraiser's assessment data and the Clerk's recorded documents to obtain a complete ownership and lien history.

Economy & Demographics

Old Town's economy is primarily based on small-scale commercial fishing, residential living, and outdoor recreation tied to its location along the Lower Suwannee River and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The community has historically been home to mullet fishermen and crabbers who work the rich estuarine waters of the Suwannee River delta. Several small fish houses and seafood operations have operated in Old Town over the decades, though the industry has declined from its mid-20th-century peak due to changing regulations and market conditions. The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and headquartered nearby, provides some employment and draws ecotourists, photographers, and hunters to the area, supporting a modest hospitality sector including fish camps, RV parks, and boat launches. Old Town has limited retail or professional services, with most residents commuting to Cross City (10 miles northeast) or Chiefland (approximately 20 miles east) for shopping, healthcare, and government services.

Dixie County as a whole is one of Florida's least populous and most rural counties, with an economy centered on forestry, agriculture (particularly timber and cattle), and government services. According to U.S. Census estimates, Dixie County's median household income is approximately $35,000-$40,000, well below the Florida state median, and Old Town's income levels are similar or slightly lower. The county's largest employers include the Dixie County School District, county government, and the Florida Department of Corrections facility located in Cross City. There is minimal industrial or manufacturing presence in Old Town itself. The area has seen some growth in retirees and second-home owners attracted by affordable waterfront property and a quiet, rural lifestyle. Recent years have brought modest residential development, though Old Town remains lightly populated with no significant commercial growth. The community's economic character is best described as a quiet fishing village and rural residential area with strong ties to Florida's natural environment and traditional Old Florida culture. Tourism related to fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing provides supplemental income for some residents, but Old Town lacks the resort infrastructure of more developed coastal communities.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Old Town is an unincorporated community and does not operate its own municipal police department. Law enforcement services for Old Town residents are provided exclusively by the Dixie County Sheriff's Office, located at 408 NE 255th Street, Cross City, FL 32628. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (352) 498-1230, and general information is available at www.dixieso.com. The Sheriff's Office handles all patrol, investigations, and emergency response for Old Town and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Dixie County, as well as operating the county detention facility. Residents seeking police reports, incident records, or crash reports must submit requests directly to the Sheriff's Office. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, known as the Florida Public Records Law, law enforcement agencies are required to provide access to most records unless specifically exempted by statute. Incident reports are typically available immediately after an investigation is complete, though active criminal investigations may be temporarily exempt. Requests can be made in person at the Sheriff's Office, by phone, or in writing, and the agency may charge reasonable copying fees.

For arrest and jail booking information, the Dixie County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records for the Dixie County Detention Facility. While Dixie County does not currently offer a publicly searchable online inmate roster, residents can call (352) 498-1230 to inquire about current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. Some third-party websites may aggregate Florida arrest records, but the most accurate and up-to-date information comes directly from the Sheriff's Office. Booking records typically include the inmate's name, booking date, charges filed, bond amount, and scheduled court dates. Mugshots may be available upon request under Florida's public records law. For historical arrest records or criminal history background checks, residents can use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) system or request records through the Clerk of Court, which maintains case files once charges are formally filed. All requests for copies of records may incur fees for research time and duplication as permitted under Florida Statutes § 119.07.

Vital Records

Vital records for Old Town residents, including birth and death certificates, are issued by the Florida Department of Health. Birth certificates for births occurring in Florida can be ordered through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, located at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (phone: 904-359-6900), or through the statewide VitalChek online ordering system at www.floridahealth.gov/certificates. The 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 at the same time. Online orders through VitalChek incur additional processing fees. Eligible applicants include the registrant (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or authorized legal representatives; valid government-issued photo ID is required. Standard processing time is approximately 4-6 weeks for mail requests, while expedited service and online orders may be faster. Birth records in Florida are confidential for 100 years from the date of birth.

Death certificates are also issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics using the same contact information and fee structure: $5.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy. Death records less than 50 years old are confidential and restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a direct tangible interest. Marriage licenses for Old Town residents are issued by the Dixie County Clerk of Court at 214 NE 223rd Street, Cross City, FL 32628 (phone: 352-498-1200). The marriage license fee is $93.50, reduced to $30.00 if both parties complete a premarital preparation course approved by Florida law. Licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance and have a mandatory three-day waiting period unless waived by the course. Marriage records are public immediately upon recording. Divorce records are maintained as part of family court case files through the Clerk of Court's Official Records division; certified copies of divorce decrees cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. The Clerk's office maintains marriage and divorce records dating back to the county's formation, with some older records available only on microfilm or in paper archives. Florida Statutes Chapter 382 governs vital records, and Chapter 119 ensures most vital records are accessible to authorized individuals with proper identification and documentation of relationship or legal interest.

Business & Licensing Records

Old Town is an unincorporated community and does not issue its own municipal business licenses or permits. Businesses operating in Old Town must comply with Dixie County business regulations, which may include occupational licenses depending on the type of business activity. The Dixie County Tax Collector, located at 233 NE Highway 351, Cross City, FL 32628 (phone: 352-498-1201), administers local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses). Fees vary based on business classification and gross receipts, ranging from approximately $25 to several hundred dollars annually for larger operations. Businesses must renew their local business tax receipt each September 30th. The Tax Collector's office can provide information on whether a specific business type requires a county-level license. Some businesses may also need state-level professional licenses or permits from agencies such as the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Fictitious name registrations ("Doing Business As" or DBA filings) for businesses operating in Dixie County are filed with the Florida Division of Corporations, not at the county level. Florida Statutes Chapter 865 requires any person or entity operating under a name other than their legal name to register that fictitious name with the state. Registration is completed online through the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations website at dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz, where the filing fee is $50.00. The registration is valid for five years and must be renewed to remain active. The SunBiz database at dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz provides free public access to search all registered business entities in Florida, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and fictitious names. Users can search by entity name, officer name, registered agent, or document number to view business status, formation date, principal address, registered agent information, and annual report filings. This database is updated daily and is the authoritative source for Florida business entity information.

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements, which are liens filed against business assets, are also filed and searched through the Florida Department of State UCC system, accessible via the same SunBiz portal. UCC searches cost $5.00 per debtor name searched online. For commercial property assessments and business personal property taxes, the Dixie County Property Appraiser at 233 NE Highway 351, Cross City, FL 32628 (phone: 352-498-1201, website: www.dixiepa.com) maintains records of all taxable business property. Florida law requires businesses to file an annual tangible personal property return (Form DR-405) by April 1st listing equipment, furniture, fixtures, and inventory. The Property Appraiser's online database allows searches of commercial real estate by address or owner name, showing assessed values, tax history, and property characteristics.

Elections & Voter Records

Old Town residents vote under the jurisdiction of the Dixie County Supervisor of Elections, whose office is located at 214 NE 223rd Street (P.O. Box 1206), Cross City, FL 32628. The Supervisor of Elections can be reached at (352) 498-1240, and election information is available at www.votedixie.com. This office handles all aspects of voter registration, candidate qualifying, ballot preparation, early voting, Election Day operations, and results certification for all federal, state, county, and local elections affecting Old Town voters. Florida residents can register to vote online through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, which requires a Florida driver license or ID card. The voter registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Registration can also be completed by mail or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, driver license offices, or designated voter registration agencies. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Florida residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony without rights restored.

Because Old Town is an unincorporated community, it does not hold municipal elections for mayor, city council, or other city offices. Old Town residents vote in Dixie County elections for the five-member Board of County Commissioners (elected by district to four-year terms), Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, and Supervisor of Elections (all constitutional officers elected countywide). County commission elections are nonpartisan and typically held during the primary election in August. Old Town voters can find their assigned polling place by using the precinct lookup tool on the Supervisor of Elections website, by calling (352) 498-1240, or by checking their voter information card mailed before each election. Dixie County typically operates a limited number of polling locations given its small population; Old Town voters have historically been assigned to a precinct in the western part of the county, often at a community center or fire station.

Florida's public records law makes extensive election information accessible to the public. Voter registration lists, including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history (not vote choices), are available from the Supervisor of Elections for a nominal copying fee and are widely used for campaign and research purposes. Campaign finance reports for all candidates and political committees are searchable through the Florida Division of Elections website at dos.myflorida.com/elections/candidates-committees. Candidate qualifying documents, petition signatures, precinct-level election results, and ballot images (where applicable) are all public records. In the November 2024 presidential election, Dixie County saw voter turnout of approximately 70-75% of registered voters, consistent with rural North Florida patterns, with the county voting strongly Republican in federal and state races.

Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Old Town and Dixie County voters will decide several significant races. Florida's U.S. Senate seat held by Marco Rubio is not up for election in 2026 (it was last elected in 2022 and will next be on the ballot in 2028), but Florida's other Senate seat may be contested depending on the cycle. The Florida Governor's race is also not on the 2026 ballot, as gubernatorial elections occur in midterm years divisible by four (2022, 2026, etc.); Governor Ron DeSantis's term ends in January 2027, and the gubernatorial election will be held in 2026. Florida voters will elect a full slate of Cabinet officers including Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Agriculture. All Florida House seats (120 districts) and half of the Florida Senate (20 of 40 districts on a rotating basis) will be on the ballot; Old Town voters participate in state legislative districts covering Dixie County. At the county level, certain Dixie County Commission seats and potentially constitutional officers will be up for election depending on the four-year cycle. Voters should check with the Supervisor of Elections in early 2026 for the final list of races and any local referenda.

Florida offers several convenient methods for voting. Early voting is available at designated sites for a period of 8 to 14 days before Election Day (the exact dates are set by the Supervisor of Elections), typically Monday through Saturday and possibly Sunday. Dixie County usually designates the Supervisor of Elections office in Cross City as an early voting site. Vote-by-mail (absentee) ballots are available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse; voters can request a mail ballot online through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone at (352) 498-1240, in writing, or in person. Mail ballot requests are valid for two general election cycles and must be renewed. Voted ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmark does not count; must be received by deadline) or deposited in a secure ballot drop box. Florida Statutes Chapters 97-106 govern all aspects of elections and voter registration in the state.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.2/10 — Dixie County and Florida provide excellent online access to court records, property data, business filings, and election information through statewide portals, though the Sheriff's Office does not maintain a real-time online jail roster, requiring phone inquiries for booking information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Old Town, Dixie County, Florida to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Old Town, Florida, you will be transported to the Dixie County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Dixie County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Dixie County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Old Town, Dixie County, Florida?
The Old Town area is served by public school districts in Dixie County, Florida. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Florida Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3
What are the crime statistics for Old Town, Dixie County, Florida?
Crime statistics for Old Town, Florida are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Old Town Police Department on their official website. The Florida Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Old Town, Dixie County, Florida Library?
The Old Town Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Florida government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5
Where is the Old Town, Dixie County, Florida Public Library located?
The Old Town Public Library main branch is located in Old Town, Florida. Check the Old Town city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Old Town, Dixie County, Florida?
Fingerprinting services in Old Town, Florida are available through the Old Town Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Dixie County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Old Town, Dixie County, Florida, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Old Town, Florida, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Dixie County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Old Town, Florida can be obtained from the Old Town Police Department or the Dixie County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Florida DMV.
9
About background check
A background check in Old Town, Dixie County, Florida typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Florida criminal history report through the Florida Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026