About Tallapoosa County
Tallapoosa County is located in east-central Alabama, bordered by the Georgia state line to the east. Established on December 18, 1832, Tallapoosa County was named after the Tallapoosa River, which flows through Tallapoosa County. Tallapoosa County Seat is Dadeville, situated along the shores of Lake Martin, one of Alabama's largest man-made lakes and a major recreational destination. Tallapoosa County includes approximately 717 square miles and has a population of around 41,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
Tallapoosa County includes the incorporated cities of Alexander City, Camp Hill, Dadeville, and New Site. Lake Martin, created by the construction of Martin Dam on the local community River by Alabama Power in the 1920s, is Tallapoosa County's most prominent landmark and drives significant tourism and recreational activity. Tallapoosa County is part of the historic Creek Nation territory and played a role in early Alabama frontier settlement.
Key county offices include Tallapoosa County Probate Office located at 125 North Broadnax Street in Dadeville, which handles land records and vital records; Tallapoosa County Revenue Commissioner's Office at the same address, responsible for property tax collection; and Tallapoosa County Courthouse, also in Dadeville. Alexander City serves as Tallapoosa County's economic hub with its industrial base, while Dadeville functions as the governmental center. Tallapoosa County features a mix of rural agricultural land, forested areas, and lakefront development, making it distinctive for both its natural resources and recreational opportunities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Tallapoosa County. The office is tasked with patrolling these areas, managing Tallapoosa County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also runs various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education. The office includes specialized divisions such as the narcotics unit and the K-9 unit, which are integral to its operations.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Tallapoosa County is provided by both Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Alexander City Police Department and the Dadeville Police Department are the primary city law enforcement agencies. These departments handle policing within their respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area. Coordination between these agencies is essential for addressing major crimes and making sure of public safety throughout Tallapoosa County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, is headquartered in Dadeville at 135 North Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 35015. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates Tallapoosa County Jail, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate information and jail rosters can typically be accessed by contacting the jail directly or through the Sheriff's Office during business hours. The detention facility provides booking information including names, charges, booking dates, and bond amounts for current inmates.
- Requests should be made in writing to the custodian of records at each respective agency.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records in Alabama and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the Sheriff's Office or jail administration.
- Processing times and copying fees may apply.
- The Sheriff's Office also handles civil process service, warrant execution, and patrol operations in unincorporated areas of Tallapoosa County.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Alexander City Police Department, serving Tallapoosa County's largest city, and the Dadeville Police Department, which patrols Tallapoosa County Seat. Camp Hill also maintains a small police presence. Under Alabama's public records law, specifically the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), citizens have the right to request arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs from law enforcement agencies.
Some third-party websites aggregate Alabama booking information, but official records should be verified through Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Tallapoosa County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation offers services to Tallapoosa residents seeking detailed background information for employment or personal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Tallapoosa County are maintained by Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and any court dates. Under the Alabama Open Records Act, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Tallapoosa County Jail, also known as Tallapoosa County Detention Center, is where individuals arrested in Tallapoosa County are booked and held. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, with scheduled times and regulations that must be adhered to.
- The bond and bail process follows Alabama state guidelines, enabling the release of detainees pending trial once the appropriate bond is posted.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Tallapoosa County are taken and retained by Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are often available through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. The availability of mugshots may vary, and some may be accessible through third-party websites. Alabama does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals seeking removal may need to pursue legal avenues if they believe their rights are being infringed.
Courts & Case Records
Tallapoosa County's judicial system includes the Circuit Court and District Court, both located at Tallapoosa County Courthouse, 125 North Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 35015. Tallapoosa County Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorces, child custody matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court phone number is. Tallapoosa County District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $10,000, small claims, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Alabama law provides public access to most court records under Alabama Code § 12-21-26.1, which presumes court records are open unless specifically exempted by law or court order.
- Fees for copying court documents are typically $0.50 per page for standard copies and vary for certified copies.
District Court can be reached for Tallapoosa County Probate Court, also at the courthouse (phone: 256-825-4268), handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and issues marriage licenses. Municipal courts in Alexander City and Dadeville handle city ordinance violations and traffic matters within city limits. Case records can be searched in person at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Some records may be restricted, including sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family law proceedings. The Alabama Judicial System's online portal, AlaFile, provides electronic filing capabilities and limited case search functions for participating courts, though full searches typically require in-person or written requests to the Circuit Clerk's office in Dadeville.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Tallapoosa County are maintained by Tallapoosa County Probate Office, which is the recording office for deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, and other land-related documents. The Probate Office is located at 125 North Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 35015, and can be reached for Recording fees vary based on document type and page count, typically starting around $15 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
The office maintains an index of recorded instruments dating back to Tallapoosa County's founding, with older records preserved in bound volumes and more recent filings available in electronic format. Property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, subdivision plats, and military discharges are available for public inspection during regular office hours. For property tax information and assessed values, Tallapoosa County Revenue Commissioner's Office at 125 North Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 35015 (phone: 256-825-4250) maintains parcel records, tax assessments, and payment histories.
The Revenue Commissioner's website may offer online property tax payment options and basic parcel information searches. Some Alabama counties participate in online land record systems, and interested parties should contact the Probate Office directly to inquire about digital access options. Tallapoosa County may maintain a Geographic Information System (GIS) with parcel mapping available through Tallapoosa County website or Revenue Commissioner's office, showing property boundaries, ownership, and tax information.
All recorded documents become part of the permanent public record and can be searched by grantor/grantee name, book and page number, or legal description.
Vital Records
Vital records for Tallapoosa County residents are handled through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, located at 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1140, Montgomery, AL 36104. For recent vital records (within the last year), applications can also be submitted through Tallapoosa County Probate Office in Dadeville. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates are $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and may be faster for in-person applications with proper identification.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Tallapoosa County Probate Office at 125 North Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 35015 (phone: 256-825-4268).
- The fee is approximately $70-$82.
- Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at Tallapoosa County Courthouse and must be requested through that office.
Only eligible parties may obtain certified copies, including the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Alabama transitioned to a new marriage certificate system in August 2019, eliminating the traditional ceremony requirement and implementing a recording system for marriage certificates.
Alabama Code Title 22, Chapter 9A governs vital records administration and specifies confidentiality protections and authorized access. Online vital records ordering may be available through VitalChek or the Alabama Department of Public Health website for eligible applicants, with additional service fees applying. Expedited processing options may be available for urgent needs.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Tallapoosa County are maintained at multiple government levels. Tallapoosa County Probate Office handles trade name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) for businesses operating under assumed names. These filings cost approximately $10 and must be renewed periodically. The Probate Office is located at 125 North Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 35015 (phone: 256-825-4268).
- The Secretary of State maintains an online business entity database at sos.alabama.gov where the public can search for registered businesses, view formation documents, registered agents, and filing history at no charge.
- The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce (website: alexandercitychamber.com) provides business resources, networking, and economic information for the Alexander City area.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and limited partnerships, businesses must register with the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services Division. Business privilege licenses (often called business licenses) are typically required at both county and municipal levels. Businesses operating in Alexander City, Dadeville, or other incorporated areas must obtain licenses from those respective city halls.
County-level business licenses are administered through Tallapoosa County government offices. Sales tax permits are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue and can be applied for online through the My Alabama Taxes system. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, health professionals, etc.) are regulated by respective Alabama state licensing boards.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by county planning and development offices or municipal building departments for properties within city limits. Tallapoosa County Economic Development Authority works to attract and support business growth in Tallapoosa County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Tallapoosa County are administered by Tallapoosa County Probate Office, which is the voter registration and elections office. The office is located at 125 North Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 35015, and can be reached for Voter registration is available in person at the Probate Office, by mail, or online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at AlabamaVotes.gov. Alabama requires voters to register at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the Alabama Votes website or by contacting the Probate Office.
- In the November 2024 general election, Tallapoosa County voter turnout was approximately 60-65% of registered voters, consistent with rural Alabama county patterns in presidential election years.
Tallapoosa County operates multiple polling locations across Tallapoosa County on election day, typically open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time. Public election records include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), precinct-level election results, candidate qualifying documents, and campaign finance reports filed with county officials for local races. Statewide and federal campaign finance disclosures are maintained by the Alabama Secretary of State's office.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races if applicable, and Alabama state offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and state legislative seats.
Absentee ballot applications for Tallapoosa County voters must be submitted to Tallapoosa County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Office. Alabama allows absentee voting for specific reasons including being out of Tallapoosa County on election day, illness, physical disability, working a required shift, or being a member of the armed forces or accompanying family member. Absentee ballot applications should be submitted well in advance of election day, and completed ballots must be received by the close of polls on election day or postmarked by election day and received within specific statutory deadlines.
Under Alabama's public records law, citizens may request copies of election records, polling place information, and precinct results through written requests to the Probate Office, with standard copying fees applicable.
Economy & Demographics
Tallapoosa County's economy is diversified across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, tourism, and agriculture. Alexander City is the primary economic center and is home to several major employers including Russell Lands, a significant real estate development and management company focused on Lake Martin properties. The healthcare sector is represented by Russell Medical Centers, one of Tallapoosa County's largest employers. Manufacturing has historically played a crucial role, with textile operations and diversified industrial facilities providing employment.
- The median household income in Tallapoosa County is estimated at approximately $45,000-$50,000, which is below the Alabama state average but reflects the rural character of much of Tallapoosa County.
- Recent years have seen growth in lakefront residential development and retirement communities attracted by Tallapoosa County's natural amenities and lower cost of living compared to metropolitan areas.
Lake Martin and its 750 miles of shoreline drive substantial tourism and recreation-based economic activity, supporting marinas, restaurants, vacation rentals, retail establishments, and service businesses. Russell Marine, one of the country's largest boat dealerships, operates at Lake Martin and contributes significantly to the local economy. Tallapoosa County's agricultural sector includes timber production, cattle operations, and row crop farming.
Unemployment rates in Tallapoosa County generally track with state averages, typically ranging from 3-5% depending on economic conditions. Economic development efforts focus on leveraging the lake's recreational appeal, improving infrastructure, and attracting light manufacturing and distribution operations. Tallapoosa County benefits from proximity to Interstate 85, which passes through the southern portion of Tallapoosa County, providing transportation access to Atlanta and Montgomery.
Alabama Power's Martin Dam and associated infrastructure represent significant capital investment in Tallapoosa County.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Overall Score: 5/10 — Tallapoosa County provides traditional access to public records primarily through in-person visits and telephone inquiries, with limited digital infrastructure for online searches. State-level resources provide stronger online access for business entities.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Tallapoosa County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Tallapoosa County, Alabama.