Taylor County

Taylor County is located in the Big Bend region of northwestern Florida, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and including approximately 1,042 square miles. Taylor County Seat is Perry, situated along US Highway 19/98, which is the primary thoroughfare through Taylor County. As of recent census estimates, Taylor County has a population of approximately 21,000 residents, making it one of Florida's smaller rural counties. Taylor County was established in 1856 and named after Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States and a hero of the Seminole Wars.

• The Fenholloway River runs through Taylor County, while the Gulf Coast provides access to remote natural areas including salt marshes and tidal flats popular with nature enthusiasts.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Taylor County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Taylor County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing Taylor County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach and crime prevention programs specific to Taylor County, aiming to enhance public safety and trust.

Police Departments

In addition to Taylor County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Taylor County is provided by the Perry Police Department, which serves the city of Perry. The Sheriff's Office covers the broader unincorporated areas, while the Perry Police Department focuses on maintaining safety and order within the city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout Taylor County. Joint operations and information sharing are common practices to effectively address criminal activities.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Taylor County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Taylor County, with headquarters located at 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a presence throughout Taylor County's unincorporated areas. The official website for Taylor County Sheriff's Office is accessible through Taylor County's main government portal. The agency operates Taylor County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.

• The facility typically provides inmate rosters with booking information, charges, and bond amounts.
• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written or verbal request to the Sheriff's Office records division, though agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time.
• Response times for records requests typically range from immediate for simple requests to several days for more complex research.
• Taylor County Sheriff's Office also provides civil process service, court security, and manages Taylor County's emergency management operations.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Taylor County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Taylor County Sheriff's Office, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, maintains these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's online portal, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Florida Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records and background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Taylor County are maintained by Taylor County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges filed, date of arrest, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, typically requiring a formal request and sometimes a small fee. Under the Florida Sunshine Law, these records are generally accessible to the public, for public access. Information on arrest records includes the nature of the offense, arresting officer, and court dates.

Jail & Inmate Records

Taylor County Jail, located in Perry, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Taylor County. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through Taylor County Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.

• The bond and bail process follows Florida state laws, allowing for the release of individuals under certain conditions while awaiting trial.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Taylor County are taken and retained by Taylor 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. Mugshots are often included in arrest records and may be available through third-party websites. Florida law allows for the removal of mugshots from certain websites under specific conditions, particularly if the charges are dropped or the individual is acquitted.

Taylor County is served by the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate, guardianship, and juvenile proceedings. Taylor County Courthouse is located at 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347, where the Clerk of Court maintains offices and records. The circuit court can be reached for Taylor County Court, a county-level court, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil disputes up to $30,000, small claims up to $8,000, and evictions.

• The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides online access to view dockets and filed documents for both circuit and county court cases, though some records may be confidential by statute or court order.
• Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk's office for a fee of $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.

Property and land records for Taylor County are maintained by Taylor County Clerk of Court, who is the ex-officio Clerk and Recorder. The Clerk's Recording Department, located at 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347, can be reached for The office maintains and records official documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, liens, judgment liens, mechanics liens, easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, subdivision plats, and other instruments required to be recorded under Florida law.

• Most records from recent decades are available for online viewing at no charge, though downloading or printing documents may require payment.
• Recording fees are established by Florida Statute 28.24 and typically cost $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page.
• Taylor County Tax Collector, located at 201 East Green Street, Perry, FL 32347, phone, handles property tax collection and provides online payment options.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Clerk's office for $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.

Vital records for Taylor County, Florida, are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 382 and are maintained at both Taylor County and state levels. Birth certificates for births occurring in Taylor County can be requested through Taylor County Health Department, which is a local issuing office for the Florida Department of Health. Taylor County Health Department is located at 201 East Green Street, Perry, FL 32347, and can be reached for Birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered at the same time.

• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is on file, while mail requests may take two to three weeks.
• Death certificates are also available through Taylor County Health Department for deaths occurring in Taylor County, with the same fee structure and identification requirements as birth certificates.
• Online ordering of birth and death certificates is available through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, at www.vitalchek.com, though additional convenience fees apply.
• Florida requires a $93.50 marriage license fee, reduced to $61.00 for couples who complete a premarital preparation course.
• Both parties to a vital record and certain family members, legal representatives, and individuals with court orders may request certified copies.

Business and licensing records in Taylor County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. Taylor County Clerk of Court, located at 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347, phone, maintains fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. Florida Statute 865.09 requires most businesses using fictitious names to register with Taylor County where the principal place of business is located.

• The registration fee is typically $50.00, and registrations must be renewed every five years.
• This free searchable database provides information on business entity names, registration dates, registered agents, principal addresses, officer names, and filing status.

Elections in Taylor County, Florida, are administered by Taylor County Supervisor of Elections, with offices located at 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. The Supervisor of Elections can be reached, and election information is available through Taylor County's official website and the Florida Division of Elections portal.

• Florida law requires voters to register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
• Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) are available to any registered voter in Taylor County who requests one, with requests accepted by mail, phone, email, fax, or in person, but not online.
• Vote-by-mail ballot requests are valid through the end of the calendar year of the second ensuing regularly scheduled general election.
• In the November 2024 general election, Taylor County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-72% of registered voters, consistent with turnout patterns in rural North Florida counties.
• Florida's closed primary system requires voters to be registered with a party to vote in that party's primary election, though all voters may participate in nonpartisan races and general elections.

Taylor County's economy is predominantly based on natural resource industries, manufacturing, and agriculture, with timber and forest products serving as the historical foundation of the local economy. The pulp and paper industry has been a major employer for decades, with industrial facilities processing pine timber from the extensive commercial forests that cover much of Taylor County. The Perry-Taylor County area has benefited from its strategic location along US Highway 19/98, which connects Taylor County to larger markets in Tallahassee and the Gulf Coast.

• According to recent economic data, Taylor County's median household income is estimated at approximately $42,000, below the Florida state average, reflecting the rural character and limited economic diversification.
• The unemployment rate in Taylor County has historically tracked slightly above state averages, though it fluctuates with seasonal employment in industries like timber harvesting and seafood processing.

Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10, Taylor County provides solid online access to property and court records, with state-level business searches available. Jail records require direct contact, and vital records access is primarily in-person.

Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Taylor County, Florida.