Franklin County court records are the official files from every legal case filed in this small Florida panhandle county. The Clerk of Court in Apalachicola keeps these files.
Most of the records are open to the public under Florida state law. You can search them online through the county’s records portal or visit the courthouse in person.
Franklin County sits along the Gulf Coast. The population is about 12,000 people. The county seat is Apalachicola. The county is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which also includes Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties.
What Are Franklin County Court Records
Franklin County court records are the written files that show what happened in cases filed in the local court system. Each case has its own file. The file holds the complaint, motions, orders, judgments, and the docket sheet. The docket sheet is a list of every action taken in the case.
These records come from many types of cases. Civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, small claims, and appellate cases all generate records. The Clerk of Court stores all of them. The clerk also makes them open to the public.
Florida state law controls who can see court records. The main law is Florida Statute Chapter 119. This law gives the public the right to see government records. Court records fall under this law. The clerk must provide copies to anyone who asks.
Some records stay closed by law. Sealed cases, juvenile cases, and mental health records are not public. A judge can also seal a record in special cases. The clerk removes sensitive data like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and dates of birth before showing records to the public.
Franklin County Clerk of Court Office
The Franklin County Clerk of Court runs the records office for the entire county. The current clerk is Marcia M. Johnson. She was elected to the office. She manages the day-to-day work of storing court files, accepting new filings, and providing copies to the public.
The clerk’s office sits inside the Franklin County Courthouse in Apalachicola. The street address is 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320. The office phone number is (850) 653-8861. The official website is franklincountyfloridaclerk.com.
The office handles many duties. These duties include filing new cases, keeping old case files, making copies of records, running the online records system, and collecting court fees and fines. The clerk also swears in witnesses and issues marriage licenses.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Franklin County Clerk of Court |
| Current Clerk | Marcia M. Johnson |
| Phone Number | (850) 653-8861 |
| Website | franklincountyfloridaclerk.com |
| Address | 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320 |
| Judicial Circuit | 2nd Judicial Circuit |
| Office Hours | Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET |
How to Search Franklin County Court Records Online
You can search Franklin County court records online through the CiviTek Florida portal. The web address is civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/18/. This portal covers all case types in the county. The basic search is free for anyone to use.
To start a search, pick a search type from the menu. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date range. Then type in the name or number and hit search. The system will show matching cases from the database.
The search results show key facts about each case. These facts include the case number, party names, case type, filing date, and current status. You can click on a case to see more details, like court dates and the names of the lawyers involved.
Some cases have full documents online. You can view these as PDF files. Other cases only show basic case data. For full documents, you may need to visit the clerk’s office in Apalachicola. You may also need to send a written request by mail with the proper fees.
Franklin County is a small county. The total number of cases in the system is small. This makes it easier to search the database. Older cases filed before the current digital system may not be in the online portal yet. You may need to call the clerk for those.
Franklin County Court Case Search by Name
Searching by name is the most common way to look for a court record. You need the full legal name of a person or business. The search system checks all case types, including civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases.
Start at the CiviTek Florida portal. Pick “Name” as the search type. Type the last name first, then the first name. You can also use partial names to widen your search. Wildcard searches use an asterisk or percent sign in many search systems.
The system may show many cases with the same name. Look at the case type, filing date, and party role to pick the right one. The party role tells you if the person was the plaintiff, defendant, witness, or another role in the case.
Florida law protects some personal data. Dates of birth get redacted in public records. Social Security numbers also get removed. You will not see this data in the search results. The clerk removes this data before making records public.
Franklin County Case Number Search
Each court case in Franklin County gets a unique case number. This number lets you pull up the exact case file. The number has a specific format that shows the year, court type, and case sequence.
Case numbers in Franklin County follow this pattern: YY-CaseType-Number. For example, a 2024 civil case might be 24-CA-000123. The year comes first, then the case type code, then a sequence number. Case type codes include CA for civil, CF for criminal felony, and TR for traffic.
To search by case number, go to the CiviTek portal. Pick “Case Number” as the search type. Type the full number with dashes or spaces removed. The system will show that exact case file with all related documents.
If you do not know the case number, you can call the clerk’s office. Staff can look up the number for you. You will need to give the names of the parties and the year of the case. The clerk charges a $2.00 search fee per name per year for this service.
Types of Court Cases Filed in Franklin County
Franklin County handles many types of court cases. Each case type has its own records and follows its own rules. Here are the main case types you can search in the county system.
Civil Case Records
Civil cases cover disputes between people or businesses. These cases do not involve criminal charges. Common civil cases include contract disputes, property fights, personal injury claims, and insurance disagreements. Civil case records in Franklin County go through the circuit court for larger claims and through county court for smaller claims.
Cases with claims over $50,000 must be filed in circuit court. Cases with claims of $50,000 or less can go through county court. Civil case records include the complaint, the answer, motions, evidence filings, and the final judgment. These records stay public unless a judge seals them.
Criminal Case Records
Criminal cases involve charges brought by the state against a person. The State of Florida is listed as the plaintiff. The person charged is the defendant. Both felony and misdemeanor cases are public records in Franklin County.
Felony cases go through the circuit court. Misdemeanor cases go through the county court. Both types of criminal records show up in the online search system. Criminal case records include the charging document, plea, verdict, and sentence. Some criminal records get sealed after the case ends. Expunged records are removed from public view by court order.
Family Court Records
Family court cases deal with family matters. Common case types include divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, and domestic violence. These cases go through the circuit court in Franklin County.
Family case records are mostly public. Some details may be sealed to protect children. Adoption records stay closed by law. Divorce records show the final judgment, which covers property division, custody, and support. Custody records can be sensitive and may have parts sealed by a judge’s order.
Probate Court Records
Probate cases deal with the estates of people who have passed away. These cases also cover guardianships and mental health matters. Probate cases go through the circuit court. The Franklin County Clerk handles all probate filings.
Probate records include the will, the petition, and the order admitting the will to probate. They also show the inventory of assets and the final distribution. Some probate records get sealed. Mental health cases are usually sealed by law. Guardianship records may be open or sealed based on the judge’s order.
Traffic Court Records
Traffic cases cover most driving violations. These include speeding tickets, running red lights, careless driving, and driving with a suspended license. Traffic cases go through the county court in Franklin County.
Traffic records show the citation, the plea, and the outcome. They also show any fines paid or points added to the driver’s license. Most traffic records stay public. Some traffic cases involve criminal charges. For example, a DUI charge is a criminal case. These criminal traffic cases follow the same rules as other criminal cases.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims cases handle civil disputes with smaller dollar amounts. In Florida, small claims court covers cases with claims up to $8,000. These cases go through the county court. The process is simpler than regular civil court.
Small claims records include the statement of claim, the response, and the court’s decision. These records stay public like other civil records. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, and small contract issues. The clerk keeps these records in the same system as other case types.
Appellate Court Records
Appellate cases happen when a party asks a higher court to review a lower court decision. Franklin County cases can be appealed to the Florida District Court of Appeal. They can also go to the Florida Supreme Court in rare cases involving major legal questions.
Appellate records are not held by the Franklin County Clerk. The appellate court keeps these records in a separate system. The main system for Florida appellate records is the ACIS portal at acis.flcourts.gov. You can search by case number, party name, or lower court case number. The system is free to use.
Franklin County Courthouse Case Records
You can look at Franklin County court records in person at the courthouse. The clerk’s office has public computers for records searches. Staff can help you locate the records you need and make copies.
The courthouse sits at 33 Market Street in Apalachicola. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. The office closes for state holidays. Bring a photo ID with you. Tell the clerk what records you want. Pay for copies at the rates set by Florida law.
Staff can also tell you about records that are not yet in the online system. Some older cases are still in paper format. The clerk can pull these files for you during business hours. Plan to spend some time if you need many records.
Franklin County Court Filings and Document Search
New court filings go through the Florida E-Filing Portal. The web address is myflcourtaccess.com. Most new cases must be filed electronically. Lawyers are required to use e-filing. Some self-represented parties can file paper documents at the clerk’s office.
You can search for documents in filed cases through the CiviTek portal. Some documents are viewable online as PDF files. Other documents need a trip to the clerk’s office or a written request by mail.
The clerk accepts written requests for copies of documents. Send your request to the clerk’s office in Apalachicola. Include the case number, the document name, your contact details, and a check for the fees. Mail requests take one to two weeks to process. In-person requests are usually handled the same day.
Call the clerk at (850) 653-8861 for fee estimates before sending a request. The clerk can also tell you if the document is in the online system. This can save you time and postage costs.
Franklin County Court Record Lookup Fees
The Franklin County Clerk charges fees set by Florida state law. These fees pay for copying, certifying, and searching records. The fees are the same across all Florida counties.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.00 |
| Search fee (per name, per year) | $2.00 |
| Federal stamp (per document) | $0.50 |
| Postage (for mail requests) | Actual cost |
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s office. Mail requests must use a check or money order. Online payments for traffic tickets and some other services are handled through the MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com.
Certified copies work as legal proof. They show the court’s seal and the clerk’s signature. You may need certified copies for name changes, real estate deals, immigration paperwork, or other legal matters. The clerk can make certified copies in person or by mail.
Sealed Court Records in Franklin County
Some court records in Franklin County are sealed. Sealed records are not open to the public. Only the parties in the case and their lawyers can see them. A judge must order a record sealed. The clerk cannot open a sealed record without a court order.
Common sealed records include juvenile cases, mental health cases, and certain family cases. Some criminal cases also get sealed after the defendant completes the sentence. Expunged records are removed from the system completely.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 controls which records can be sealed. The rule lists types of cases that can be sealed. It also sets the process for asking to seal a record. The judge reviews each request on a case-by-case basis.
If you want to open a sealed record, you must file a written request with the court. A judge will review your request and make a decision. The party who asked for the seal will be told about your request. The judge considers public interest, privacy, and the reasons for the seal when making a decision.
Historical Court Records in Franklin County
Franklin County has court records going back many decades. Older records are kept in storage at the courthouse. Some old records have been digitized and put in the online system. Many have not been digitized yet.
To get older records, call the clerk’s office first. Staff can tell you if the record has been digitized or if you need to come in person. Some very old records may be in paper format only. The clerk can pull these files for you.
The Florida State Archives also holds some historical Franklin County records. These records cover cases from many years ago. You can search the archive catalog online at fpc.myflorida.com. Researchers and genealogists often look for old court records. Land dispute records, probate records, and old criminal cases are common research subjects.
Older records may have different formats and handwriting. The clerk’s office staff can help you read old documents. Some records may be in poor condition due to age. Handle old records with care to avoid damage.
Official Contact for Franklin County Court Records
The Franklin County Clerk of Court is the main contact for all court records in the county. You can reach the office by phone, mail, email, or in person. The office handles all record requests and answers questions about court files.
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. The office closes on state and federal holidays. The office is in the Franklin County Courthouse at 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320.
For questions, call (850) 653-8861. The office email is on the clerk’s website at franklincountyfloridaclerk.com. You can also use the contact form on the website to send a message. The clerk responds to messages within a few business days.
Official website: franklincountyfloridaclerk.com
Phone: (850) 653-8861
Address: 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET
Email: Available through the official website contact form
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin County Court Records
Below are answers to common questions people ask about Franklin County court records. These answers cover record searches, fees, sealed records, and other topics. The answers reflect current Florida law and clerk’s office practices as of 2026. Court rules and fees can change, so always check with the clerk’s office for the most current details before making a request.
1. How do I look up a court record in Franklin County, Florida?
You can look up a Franklin County court record online through the CiviTek Florida portal at civitekflorida.com. The portal covers civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases filed in the county. Search by name or case number for free. You can also visit the clerk’s office in Apalachicola at 33 Market Street. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Staff at the office can help you locate records and make copies. For mail requests, send a written request with the case details, your contact details, and a check or money order for the fees. The mailing address is 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320. You can also call the clerk at (850) 653-8861 to ask if a record exists before visiting in person.
2. Are Franklin County court records free to view?
Yes, basic court record searches are free in Franklin County. You can search the online CiviTek portal at no cost. Viewing case data like party names, case types, filing dates, and current status is free. The clerk charges only for copies and certifications. Plain copies of documents cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document. Search fees are $2.00 per name per year when staff performs the search. The clerk collects these fees under Florida law. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the office. Mail requests must use a check or money order. Some online services, like traffic ticket payments, have separate fees set by the state.
3. Can I see sealed court records in Franklin County?
No, sealed court records are not open to the public in Franklin County. Sealed records include juvenile cases, mental health cases, and cases a judge has ordered sealed for specific reasons. Only the parties in the case and their lawyers can see sealed records. To open a sealed record, you must file a written request with the court. A judge will review the request and decide. The party who asked for the seal will be told about your request. The judge considers public interest, privacy, and the reasons for the seal. Expunged records are removed from the system and cannot be opened by a judge. They are destroyed after a set period under Florida law.
4. How long does it take to get a court record by mail in Franklin County?
Mail requests for Franklin County court records take one to two weeks to process under normal conditions. The clerk’s office handles mail requests in the order they arrive. You can speed up the process by including the full case number, the exact documents you need, your contact details, and a check for the exact fees. Call the clerk at (850) 653-8861 before sending a mail request. Staff can tell you the exact fees and confirm the record exists in the system. In-person requests are usually handled the same day you visit the office. For urgent requests, visiting the clerk’s office is the fastest option. The office is open Monday through Friday during business hours.
5. Can I see old court records from the 1900s in Franklin County?
Yes, older Franklin County court records are still kept by the clerk’s office. Some old records have been digitized and added to the online portal. Many older records are only in paper format and stored at the courthouse. To get very old records, call the clerk’s office first. Staff can tell you if the record is in the online system or if you need to come in person. The Florida State Archives also holds some historical Franklin County records going back to the 1800s. You can search the archive catalog online at fpc.myflorida.com. Land dispute records, probate records, and old criminal cases are common research subjects for genealogists and historians. Some old records may be damaged due to age, so handle them with care.
6. What is the difference between the 2nd Judicial Circuit and Franklin County court?
The 2nd Judicial Circuit is the larger court region that covers six Florida counties. These counties are Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla. Circuit court handles serious cases like felonies, family law, probate, and civil cases with claims over $50,000. Franklin County court is a county-level court. County court handles smaller cases like misdemeanors, small claims, traffic tickets, and civil cases with claims of $50,000 or less. Both courts use the same clerk’s office in Apalachicola. The clerk keeps all records from both court levels in one unified system. The circuit court sits in each county seat, and the same judge may travel between counties in the circuit to hear cases.
7. How do I pay a traffic ticket in Franklin County?
You can pay a Franklin County traffic ticket online, by mail, or in person. The online payment portal is at myfloridacounty.com. You can pay with a credit card or debit card. There is a small convenience fee for online payments. By mail, send your payment to the clerk’s office at 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320. Include a copy of your citation and a check or money order for the exact amount. Do not send cash through the mail. In person, visit the clerk’s office during business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Pay the fine before the due date shown on your citation to avoid extra fees, a suspended license, or a warrant for your arrest. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the clerk about a payment plan.