Saint Francois County

Saint Francois County is located in the eastern part of Missouri, approximately 60 miles south of St. Louis in the Lead Belt region of the state. Saint Francois County seat is Farmington, a city of approximately 67,000 residents that is the commercial and governmental hub of Saint Francois County. Saint Francois County was established in 1821, making it one of Missouri's original counties, and was named after the St. Francis River. Saint Francois County includes approximately 452 square miles and has a total population of around 67,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Major landmarks include the St. Francois State Park, known for its scenic beauty and Coonville Creek with the historic Mooner's Hollow, and Elephant Rocks State Park, featuring giant granite boulders that resemble a train of circus elephants. Saint Francois County has a rich mining heritage, as it sits atop one of the world's richest lead deposits, with several active mining operations continuing today. Saint Francois County Recorder of Deeds office is located at 1 North Washington Street in Farmington and maintains land records and property documents. Saint Francois County Clerk's office, also at 1 North Washington Street, handles vital records, marriage licenses, and election administration. Saint Francois County Assessor's office at the same address is responsible for property tax assessments and maintains detailed parcel records. Saint Francois County is served by U.S. Highway 67, providing direct access to the St. Louis metropolitan area, and is crossed by several state highways including Routes 32, 221, and 144.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Saint Francois County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Saint Francois County. This office oversees Saint Francois County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to public safety and works closely with local communities to address crime-related issues.

Police Departments

In addition to Saint Francois County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments serve Saint Francois County, including the Farmington Police Department, Park Hills Police Department, and Bonne Terre Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives, making sure of full coverage and public safety throughout Saint Francois County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Saint Francois County Sheriff's Office, located at 150 North Washington Street in Farmington, Missouri 63640, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Saint Francois County and operates Saint Francois County jail and detention facility.

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of incident reports and arrest records.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Saint Francois County, MO 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 St. Francois County, Missouri Criminal Records | StFrancoisRecords.us.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Saint Francois County, MO 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 Saint Francois 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 St. Francois County, Missouri Inmate Search | StFrancoisRecords.us.
• Sheriff's Office: St. Francois County Sheriff – Saint Francois County.
• The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.

Saint Francois County is served by the 24th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri, with the courthouse located at 1 North Washington Street in Farmington, Missouri 63640. The Circuit Court handles all civil, criminal, juvenile, probate, and domestic relations cases and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains all court records and case files for Saint Francois County.

• Associate Circuit Court divisions within the 24th Judicial Circuit handle small claims cases (disputes under $5,000), minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
• Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office with fees typically ranging from $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
• The Circuit Clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone, and some documents may be available through the online Case.net portal, though certified copies must be obtained directly from the clerk.

Saint Francois County Recorder of Deeds office, located at 1 North Washington Street, Suite 212, Farmington, Missouri 63640, maintains all land and property records for Saint Francois County and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Recorder's office preserves and provides public access to deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, releases, liens (including mechanics liens, tax liens, and judgment liens), easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property titles in Saint Francois County. Missouri law requires that documents affecting real property be recorded in Saint Francois County where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers.

• The online system provides digital images of recorded documents dating back multiple decades, and basic searches are available free of charge.

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Saint Francois County are available through both Saint Francois County Health Center at 2118 Doubet Road, Farmington, Missouri 63640, phone, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City. Birth certificates cost $15.00 for a certified copy, and death certificates cost $13.00 for a certified copy when requested from Saint Francois County health center. The state vital records office charges $15.00 for birth certificates and $13.00 for death certificates when ordered through their office.

• Processing time is typically 1-2 weeks for requests submitted by mail and same-day or next-day for in-person requests if the record is readily available.
• Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Missouri law.
• Eligible requesters include the subject of the record (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, and certain family members.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $51.00 with a three-day waiting period unless waived by completion of premarital counseling.
• Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the Recorder's office for approximately $15.00.

Business licensing and registration in Saint Francois County involves multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) and certain local business licenses are processed through Saint Francois County Clerk's office at 1 North Washington Street, Farmington, Missouri 63640

• The Secretary of State's business entity search provides information on entity names, registration dates, registered agents, principal office addresses, and current status.
• Businesses operating in Saint Francois County must register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for sales tax permits if selling tangible personal property or taxable services.

Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Saint Francois County, Missouri.