Access Franklin County Civil Court Records
Franklin County civil court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Apalachicola. The 2nd Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Franklin County, and the clerk's office provides public access to court files online and at the courthouse.
Franklin County Quick Facts
Franklin County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Franklin County is Marcia Johnson. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Franklin County is one of the smallest counties in Florida with about 12,000 residents. The clerk's office handles all case types from a single location on Market Street in Apalachicola. Staff file new cases, store documents, and provide copies of civil filings.
The Franklin County Clerk website has information about court services and records. The clerk handles civil, criminal, traffic, and family law cases. Because the county is small, most court business goes through one office. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records.
The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours for civil court record requests.
| Clerk | Marcia Johnson |
|---|---|
| Address | 33 Market St, Ste 203 Apalachicola, FL 32320 |
| Phone | (850) 653-8861 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | franklinclerk.com |
How to Search Franklin County Civil Court Records
You can search civil court records in Franklin County online or in person. The Franklin County online court records search (OCRS) provides public access to court case information. This tool gives anonymous access under Florida Administrative Order AOSC 16-107. You do not need to create an account for basic searches.
Online information is not intended as an authoritative public record or legal document. It has no legal force or effect. For official copies, visit the clerk's office. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and are valid for court use. Plain copies cost less but do not carry certification.
You can also search civil court records in person at 33 Market St, Suite 203 in Apalachicola. Staff can look up cases and make copies for you. Bring your ID when you visit. Franklin County is a small county, so the office typically has short wait times for in-person requests.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Franklin County civil court records. This statewide tool connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases through the portal at any time. It is free to register. The portal has more than 770,000 users and handles over 30 million documents per year across the state.
Civil Court Structure in Franklin County
Franklin County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. Civil cases in Franklin County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.
Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court in Franklin County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Evictions and landlord-tenant cases go to County Court as well.
The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for all counties. If you need help figuring out which court handles your case, call the clerk at (850) 653-8861.
Official Records in Franklin County
The Clerk of Court in Franklin County also keeps official records separate from court case files. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Official records help when you need to find civil judgments recorded against property. The clerk maintains both the court records index and the official records index.
Online records are not official legal documents. For certified copies of civil court records in Franklin County, you must get them from the clerk's office. The clerk follows state rules on what can appear online. Sealed records and confidential files are not available through the public search.
The Find a Clerk directory on the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website lists contact info for all 67 county clerks. Use it to reach the Franklin County clerk or any other clerk in the state.
Confidential Information in Franklin County Civil Court Records
Some details in civil court records are kept private. Under Florida law, social security numbers and bank account or credit card numbers must not appear in public court files. If these numbers show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to redact them. There is no fee for this in Franklin County.
Parties and attorneys who file civil court papers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags any confidential data so the clerk can keep it out of public view. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other personal details in civil court records.
Self-Help Resources in Franklin County
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through interview questions and fills out court forms for you. More than 20 forms are available for small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Franklin County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply.
The E-Filing Portal support desk is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time at (850) 577-4609. Training videos show how to set up an account and submit documents. The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for common civil case types.
Public Records Access in Franklin County
Florida has broad public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Franklin County. You do not need to be a party in a case. You can ask to see any public civil court file. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time.
Some limits exist. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Social security numbers and bank account numbers stay confidential. But most civil court files in Franklin County are open to the public. For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 33 Market St, Suite 203 in Apalachicola. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more.
Cities in Franklin County
Franklin County includes Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, and other small communities. All civil court cases go through the Franklin County Clerk of Court. Apalachicola is the county seat and the only location for filing and looking up civil court records.
None of the cities in Franklin County meet the population threshold for a separate city page. All residents use the Franklin County clerk's office in Apalachicola for civil court matters.
Nearby Counties
These counties are also in the 2nd Judicial Circuit with Franklin County. If you are not sure which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place.