About Union County
Union County, Florida is one of the smallest counties in the state by both population and land area, located in north-central Florida along the Florida-Georgia border. Established in 1921 from portions of Bradford County, Union County includes approximately 245 square miles and has a population of around 15,000 residents. Union County Seat is Lake Butler, which also is the largest county in Union County. Union County is characterized by its rural character, significant correctional facility presence, and pine forests that dominate the scene.
Union County is home to several state correctional institutions, including Florida State Prison and Union Correctional Institution, which are major employers in Union County. Lake Butler is situated along U.S. Highway 301, a major north-south corridor through Florida.
Union County Courthouse is located at 55 West Main Street in Lake Butler, housing the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. The Property Appraiser's Office and Tax Collector operate separately to handle property assessments and collections. Union County's economy has historically been tied to agriculture, forestry, and the correctional system.
Notable natural features include the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park nearby in Baker County, commemorating Florida's largest Civil War battle. Union County remains one of Florida's most rural counties, with vast stretches of timberland and agricultural operations defining its character and economy.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across Union County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, maintaining public safety, and enforcing laws. It also operates Union County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public education. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a K-9 unit.
Police Departments
In addition to Union County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Union County is supported by the Lake Butler Police Department, which serves the city of Lake Butler. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas and collaborates with the Lake Butler Police Department on major crimes and investigations. These agencies coordinate efforts to ensure full coverage and public safety throughout Union County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Union County, Florida is primarily provided by Union County Sheriff's Office, located at 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a basic web presence through Union County website. The agency is responsible for patrol operations, criminal investigations, court security, and operation of Union County Detention Facility. Inmate information and jail roster lookups for Union County Detention Facility can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at or visiting the facility in person.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available as public records and can be requested through the detention facility or Sheriff's Office records division.
- There is no standardized online arrest or mugshot database maintained by Union County, so requests typically require direct contact with law enforcement agencies.
- Processing fees for copies may apply based on Florida Statute 119.07, which allows for actual costs of duplication.
The detention center houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. The City of Lake Butler maintains its own police department for municipal law enforcement within city limits, handling traffic enforcement and local ordinance violations. Arrest records in Union County are public records under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, the Florida Public Records Law.
Citizens may request arrest reports, booking records, and incident reports by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office, though certain ongoing investigation records may be temporarily exempt. Florida Statute 119.011 defines public records broadly to include photographs and electronic records made or received in connection with official business.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Union County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Union County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Sheriff's Office or the Florida Bureau of Investigation. The sex offender registry is accessible to the public, providing information on registered offenders residing in Union County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by Union County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office, either in person or through written requests. The Florida Sunshine Law governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access. Arrest records typically include the arresting agency, charges, and court dates.
Jail & Inmate Records
Union County Jail, operated by Union County Sheriff's Office, is the primary detention facility in Union County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals, and information about inmates can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. The jail allows visitation, with specific rules and schedules that must be adhered to by visitors. Inmates may be released on bond or bail, which is set according to Florida law. To find someone recently arrested in Union County, individuals can contact the Sheriff's Office directly or use their online resources.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Union County are taken and retained by Union 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. Florida law allows for the removal of mugshots from certain websites under specific conditions, but they generally remain part of the public record. The Sheriff's Office may provide online search tools for locating mugshots of individuals processed through Union County jail.
Courts & Case Records
Union County is served by the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which covers Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties. Union County Courthouse is located at 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054, and can be reached for The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate proceedings, and juvenile cases.
- County Court, also housed in Union County Courthouse, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $8,000, and civil matters up to $30,000.
- Court records can be searched through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Eighth Judicial Circuit's online case search system, though some records require in-person requests at the Clerk's office.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee per document as established by Florida Statute 28.24.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller maintains all court records and is the official record keeper for both Circuit and County Court proceedings. Public access to court records is governed by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which guarantee public access while protecting certain confidential information such as social security numbers, bank account information, and sealed records. Online access to some case information is available free of charge through the clerk's website, though detailed documents may require payment or in-person retrieval.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Union County, Florida are maintained by Union County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, serving as the official recorder of deeds, located at 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054, phone. The Clerk's office is the official repository for recorded documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, liens, lis pendens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Clerk's office for statutory fees of $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus $2.00 for certification.
- All recording fees are established by Florida Statute 28.24, with standard document recording costing $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page.
These records are public under Florida Statute 28.222 and Chapter 119, and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Union County Property Appraiser, located at 55 West Main Street, Suite 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054, phone, maintains property assessment records, ownership information, and determines taxable values for all real and tangible personal property in Union County. The Property Appraiser's website provides an online property search tool allowing users to search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view current ownership, assessed values, exemptions, property characteristics, and sales history free of charge.
Union County Tax Collector, phone, handles the collection of property taxes and maintains payment records. Union County offers a GIS mapping system through the Property Appraiser's office providing aerial imagery and parcel boundary information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County, Florida residents are maintained at both Union County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Union County can be requested from the Florida Department of Health in Union County, located at 1370 SW 6th Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054, phone. However, certified copies of birth certificates for events occurring since 1917 and death certificates since 1877 are officially issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, which is the state vital records office.
- Birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is $93.50, reduced to $61.00 for couples who complete a premarital preparation course.
- Divorce records (dissolution of marriage) are maintained by the Clerk of Court as court records and can be requested from the same office.
- Online ordering of birth and death certificates is available through VitalChek at www.floridahealth.gov/certificates, though service fees apply.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Union County, Florida are handled through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Union County Clerk of the Circuit Court, located at 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054, phone, maintains filings for fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA) as required by Florida Statute 865.09. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the Clerk's office.
- This searchable online system provides access to corporate filings, annual reports, registered agent information, and business status.
- Union County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides business support and networking opportunities for local enterprises.
Official business entity formation documents, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business structures, are filed with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and can be searched free of charge through the Sunbiz.org website, Florida's official business entity database. Local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) are administered by Union County Tax Collector's office, phone, and are required for most businesses operating in unincorporated Union County. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Union County Building Department and Planning and Zoning Division, located at Union County administration building.
Professional licenses for regulated occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, and healthcare professionals are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, not at Union County level. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Florida Department of Revenue, and employer identification numbers come from the Internal Revenue Service.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, Florida are administered by Union County Supervisor of Elections, located at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The office can be reached, and maintains election information through Union County website. Voter registration in Union County is available to U.S. Citizens who are at least 18 years old, legal residents of Florida and Union County, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony without restoration of voting rights.
- Florida offers online voter registration through RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, the official state voter registration portal.
- Residents can also register in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, driver license offices, or by mail using a Florida Voter Registration Application.
- Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) are available to any registered voter in Union County without requiring an excuse.
- Voters can request a mail ballot through the Supervisor of Elections office by phone, in writing, or online through Union County elections website, with requests accepted up to 10 days before the election.
The registration deadline in Florida is 29 days before any election. Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Supervisor of Elections office or using the voter lookup tool on the Florida Division of Elections website at dos.myflorida.com/elections. Union County typically operates 4-5 polling locations on Election Day, with exact locations published prior to each election.
Election records that are public under Florida law include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate qualifying documents, and precinct-level election results. Florida Statute 97.0585 and Chapter 106 govern public access to election records. In the November 2024 general election, Union County reported a voter turnout of approximately 68-72%, which is typical for this rural county in presidential election years.
The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm races along with Florida state offices including Governor, Cabinet positions, state legislative seats, and various county offices. Florida Statute 101.62 governs vote-by-mail procedures.
Early voting is offered at designated locations for 8-14 days before each election, with hours and locations set by the Supervisor of Elections and published in advance. Transparency in Union County elections is supported by public access to voter lists, campaign finance databases through the Florida Division of Elections, and detailed election results broken down by precinct and method of voting.
Economy & Demographics
Union County, Florida's economy is dominated by the correctional industry, agriculture, and forestry, reflecting its rural character and sparse population. The largest employers in Union County are the state correctional institutions, particularly Florida State Prison, Union Correctional Institution, and Reception and Medical Center, which collectively employ over 2,000 workers and constitute the economic backbone of Union County. These facilities house death row inmates and provide significant employment for residents of Union County and surrounding areas.
- Median household income in Union County is estimated at approximately $38,000 to $42,000, significantly below the Florida state median, reflecting the rural economy and limited diversification.
Agriculture remains an important economic sector, with cattle ranching, timber production, and row crop farming representing traditional livelihoods. Union County's extensive pine forests support a timber industry that includes both large commercial operations and smaller family-owned timberlands. The unemployment rate in Union County typically runs slightly higher than the state average, though the correctional facilities provide stable government employment.
Retail and service businesses in Lake Butler serve the local population and correctional employees. There is minimal manufacturing or technology sector presence in Union County. Economic development efforts focus on maintaining the agricultural base, supporting small businesses along the Highway 301 corridor, and using Union County's proximity to Gainesville and Jacksonville for potential commuter workforce development.
Union County lacks significant tourism infrastructure despite its natural resources, though hunting leases on private timberland provide some supplementary income to landowners. Property values remain among the lowest in Florida, making Union County an affordable place to live but limiting the property tax base for public services.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via Circuit Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10, Union County provides good online access to property and court records, though arrest logs and vital records require direct contact.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Union County, Florida.