Franklin County felony records are court files that show every felony case handled in the county court system. These files are open to the public under Florida law.
They include charges, court dates, pleas, trial notes, and final outcomes. You can look them up online, in person, by mail, or by phone. The Clerk of Court office in Apalachicola keeps and shares all of these records. This page covers how to search, request, read, and clear felony records in Franklin County, Florida.
What Franklin County Felony Records Include
A felony is a serious crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. Every felony case in Franklin County creates a public file. These files start when police arrest someone for a felony charge. The file grows as the case moves through the court system. Each document in the file becomes part of the official court record. The records stay open unless a judge orders them sealed or expunged.
Who Files Felony Cases in Franklin County
The State Attorney’s Office files felony charges in Franklin County. Law enforcement agencies such as the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol send arrest reports to the State Attorney. The State Attorney reviews the reports and decides whether to file formal charges. Once charges are filed, the Clerk of Court assigns a case number. This number stays with the case from the first court date to the final judgment.
What the Records Show
Felony case files contain many types of documents. Each document helps people understand the full case. The records show the name of the defendant, the case number, the charges, and the law enforcement agency involved. The files also show court dates, plea deals, motions filed by lawyers, trial transcripts, and final sentences. Probation terms, fines, and restitution orders also appear in the file. Anyone who views the file can see how the case moved through court step by step.
Why Felony Records Stay Open
Florida law treats court records as public property. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives the public the right to see most government records. Felony case files fall under this rule. The reason is to keep the court system open and fair. Public access lets people check the outcome of cases, run background checks, and confirm facts for legal reasons. A judge can seal a file in rare cases where privacy or safety is at risk.
Where Franklin County Felony Records Are Stored
All felony records for Franklin County sit with the Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for the county court system. The office stores paper files, microfilm, and digital scans. The office is open to the public during business hours. You can also use the online portal to search files from home at any time of day.
Franklin County Clerk of Court Office
The Franklin County Clerk of Court Office manages all court records for the county. The office scans every new filing into the digital system. Staff members also pull older paper files from climate-controlled storage when people request them. The Clerk handles civil cases, family court cases, traffic cases, and criminal cases. Felony records are one of the most requested file types at the office.
Office Address, Phone Number, and Website
The Franklin County Clerk of Court Office sits in the county courthouse in Apalachicola, Florida. Apalachicola serves as the county seat for Franklin County. The office phone number is (850) 653-8861. The official website is https://www.franklinclerk.org/. The website lists current fees, available forms, and search tools. You can also download forms before visiting the office in person.
Office Hours and Visit Times
The Clerk of Court office is open Monday through Friday. The office opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The office closes on state and federal holidays. You can walk in during office hours to request records at the front counter. Phone calls are also answered during the same hours. Calling ahead helps the staff pull files before you arrive.
Map of the Franklin County Courthouse
The Franklin County Courthouse sits at 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320. The building is on the waterfront in downtown Apalachicola. Free public parking is available near the courthouse. Visitors can enter through the main doors on Market Street. The Clerk of Court office is on the first floor of the building.
How to Search Franklin County Felony Records Online
The fastest way to find a Franklin County felony case is the online portal. The portal lets you search from your phone or computer. You do not need an account to use the basic search tool. The system covers most cases filed in recent years. Older paper-only files may require a phone or in-person request.
Search by Name
You can search the online portal using the defendant’s full legal name. Type the last name first, then add the first name. You can also add a middle name or date of birth to narrow the results. The system shows all matching cases with the defendant’s name, the case number, and the charges. Click on a case to see the full court record.
Search by Case Number
If you already have a case number, type it into the case number search box. The case number format in Florida usually starts with a two-letter county code, followed by the year and a sequence number. For Franklin County, the code is “13” for criminal cases. A case number may look like 13-2024-CF-000123. A direct case number search gives the exact file you need.
Search by Court Date
The online portal also lets you search by court date. Pick a date range, and the system shows every case on the docket for that period. This option helps lawyers, journalists, and people who want to watch court hearings. You can see the hearing time, the courtroom, and the judge assigned to the case.
Search the Official Online Portal
The Franklin County Clerk of Court runs the official records search tool on the county website. The portal links to the statewide Florida court records system. The system covers most criminal, civil, traffic, and family cases in the county. Visit https://www.franklinclerk.org/ and click on the records search link to start.
How to Request Franklin County Felony Records in Person
Some records are not yet on the online portal. Older paper files and certified copies require a visit to the courthouse. Walk-in requests are processed at the public counter. The clerk staff helps you fill out the request form and pulls the file from storage. You can pay fees by cash, check, or credit card at the counter.
Steps for a Walk-In Request
Walk-in requests follow a simple set of steps at the public counter. The clerk staff guides you through each step. Most requests take less than thirty minutes to process if the file is in active storage.
- Walk into the Clerk of Court office on the first floor of the courthouse.
- Sign in at the front desk and tell the clerk what you need.
- Provide the defendant’s name, date of birth, or case number.
- Pay the copy fee or certified copy fee at the counter.
- Wait for the clerk to pull the file from active or remote storage.
- Review the file at the public viewing area or take copies with you.
Documents to Bring
You do not need to bring proof of who you are to view public records in Florida. You only need to bring key facts that help the clerk find the right file. The more facts you bring, the faster the search goes. Helpful facts include the defendant’s full name, date of birth, the year of the case, and the case number if you have it.
Fees for Copies and Certified Records
The Clerk of Court charges a fee for copies and certified copies. The fees follow the rates set by Florida law. A regular photocopy costs less than a certified copy. A certified copy bears the official court seal and is accepted by courts, government agencies, and employers. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card.
| Record Type | Fee | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Copy | $1.00 per page | Personal reference |
| Certified Copy | $2.00 per page (or more per certificate) | Court filings, employment, immigration |
| Document Search Fee | $2.00 per name per year | Files not found on the online portal |
| Online Portal Access | Free for basic search | Quick lookups from home |
How to Request Franklin County Felony Records by Mail or Phone
You do not need to drive to Apalachicola to get a felony record. The Clerk of Court accepts mail requests and phone requests. Mail requests work well for certified copies. Phone requests work for quick questions about case status. Email requests go through the general clerk email on the official website.
Requesting by Phone
Call the Clerk of Court office at (850) 653-8861 during business hours. The staff can check the status of a case, confirm court dates, and tell you the next hearing. Phone requests for certified copies may require a follow-up mail request with payment. The phone line gets busy on Monday mornings, so call later in the week for shorter wait times.
Requesting by Mail
Mail requests require a written letter, a money order or check for the fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail the request to the Franklin County Clerk of Court, 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320. Include the defendant’s full name, date of birth, the year of the case, and the case number. The clerk mails the copies back to you within seven to ten business days.
Requesting by Email
You can email the Clerk of Court through the contact form on the official website. Email requests work for simple questions and status checks. Email is not the best choice for certified copies because the clerk needs a signed request and payment before sending official records. The clerk office email appears on the contact page of https://www.franklinclerk.org/.
Florida Statewide Felony Search Options
Some searches need to go beyond Franklin County. People charged in Franklin County may have cases in other counties or other states. Florida offers statewide search tools that cover all sixty-seven counties. These tools cost a small fee and return results from every Florida court system.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history search. The FDLE search covers arrests, charges, and dispositions from every Florida county. The fee is $24.00 per name search. You need the person’s full legal name and date of birth to run a search. Results arrive by email within minutes. The search is accepted by employers, licensing boards, and government agencies. Visit https://web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default to start a search.
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
The Florida Department of Corrections runs a free inmate and offender search. This tool shows people who are in state prison, on probation, or on parole. The search uses the inmate’s last name or Department of Corrections number. The tool shows the offense, sentence length, release date, and current location. Visit http://www.dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx to search.
Florida Court Clerk Portal
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers group runs a statewide portal. The portal links to the online records system of every county clerk in Florida. You can search criminal cases, civil cases, and traffic cases through the portal. The portal is free for basic search. Visit https://www.myfloridacounty.com/ to access the statewide portal.
What Each Felony Case File Contains
A felony case file can run from a few pages to several boxes of paper. Each document in the file plays a role in the case. The Clerk of Court keeps the original file in storage and adds new documents as the case moves forward. Anyone can read the file unless a judge seals it.
Arrest Reports
Arrest reports are the first documents in the file. The arresting officer writes the report at the time of the arrest. The report lists the date, time, and location of the arrest. It also lists the charges, the officer’s name, and a short summary of what happened. The arrest report becomes part of the public record after the State Attorney files charges.
Charging Documents
The State Attorney files formal charging documents to start the case. The main document is called an Information. The Information lists each felony charge and the Florida statute the defendant is accused of breaking. The clerk stamps the Information with the case number and adds it to the file.
Court Orders and Judgments
Judges sign orders and judgments that shape the case. Orders cover motions, evidence rulings, plea deals, and trial outcomes. The final judgment shows whether the defendant was found guilty or not guilty. The judgment also shows the sentence for each charge. Every signed order becomes part of the file and the public record.
Sentencing and Probation Records
Sentencing records show the final penalty for each charge. The sentence can include prison time, probation, fines, restitution, and court costs. Probation records show the rules the defendant must follow. Violations of probation are also filed in the same case file. Each document adds to the full story of the case.
Sealed and Expunged Franklin County Felony Records
Some felony records can be sealed or expunged. Sealing means the record is hidden from most public searches. Expunging means the record is destroyed in some ways but kept by law enforcement agencies. The State Attorney’s Office and the Clerk of Court both play a role in the process.
What Sealing Does
Sealing a felony record takes the file out of public view. Most employers, landlords, and background check services cannot see the record. Law enforcement agencies, the courts, and certain government agencies can still see the sealed record. The clerk removes the file from the online portal after the judge signs the sealing order.
What Expunging Does
Expunging a felony record destroys the physical file held by the clerk. The clerk keeps a small notation that the record was expunged. Law enforcement agencies, the State Attorney, and the FBI keep a copy of the record for limited use. Most public searches will not show an expunged record.
Who Qualifies for Seal or Expunge
Not every felony case qualifies for seal or expunge. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement lists the charges that do not qualify. Most violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children cannot be sealed or expunged. The defendant must also meet waiting periods and other rules. A criminal defense lawyer can help with the paperwork and court hearing. Visit https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/seal-and-expunge-process for the full list of rules.
Florida Public Records Law and Felony Files
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the state public records law. The law gives the public the right to see most government records. The law lists a small number of records that are exempt from public view. The Florida Supreme Court and the Florida Legislature update the list of exemptions every year.
What Chapter 119 Says
Chapter 119 says that all records made or received by a public agency are open to the public. The clerk, the courts, the sheriff, the State Attorney, and other government offices must follow this law. A person can request records in person, by mail, by phone, or by email. The agency must respond to the request within a reasonable time.
Records That Are Exempt from Public View
Some records are exempt from public view under Florida law. Exempt records include active police investigation files, juvenile criminal records, certain personal identifying information, sealed court records, and expunged records. Grand jury records and certain informant records are also exempt. Each exemption has a specific Florida statute that explains the rule.
Neighboring County Court Records
Criminal cases can span more than one county. A defendant from Franklin County may also have a case in a neighboring county. The clerk in each county keeps separate files. You may need to check several counties to get the full picture of a person’s record.
Gulf County Court Records
Gulf County sits west of Franklin County. The Gulf County Clerk of Court holds felony case files for crimes committed in Gulf County. The Gulf County seat is Port St. Joe. You can search Gulf County records through the Gulf County Clerk website or in person at the Gulf County Courthouse.
Liberty County Court Records
Liberty County sits north of Franklin County. The Liberty County Clerk of Court holds felony case files for crimes committed in Liberty County. The Liberty County seat is Bristol. The Liberty County Courthouse keeps paper and digital records going back many years. You can search Liberty County records online or in person.
Wakulla County Court Records
Wakulla County sits east of Franklin County. The Wakulla County Clerk of Court holds felony case files for crimes committed in Wakulla County. The Wakulla County seat is Crawfordville. The Wakulla County Clerk runs an online search portal that covers most recent cases. Older paper files are stored at the Wakulla County Courthouse.
Common Uses of Franklin County Felony Records
People search felony records for many reasons. Most searches fall into four common categories. Each use has its own rules about what to do with the information.
Employment Background Checks
Florida law lets employers run criminal background checks on job applicants. Many jobs require a clean record for licensure or employment. Schools, healthcare employers, and government agencies often require a full background check. The FDLE statewide search is the most common tool for employment background checks.
Tenant Screening
Landlords often run criminal background checks on rental applicants. A felony conviction does not automatically bar someone from renting. Landlords look at the type of felony, how long ago it happened, and what the rental rules say. Florida law limits how landlords can use criminal records in housing decisions.
Personal Research
People search their own records to confirm accuracy. People also search family members, old friends, or neighbors. Personal research is a permitted use of public records. The information must be used in a way that follows the law and respects privacy.
Legal Cases
Lawyers search felony records as part of their case work. Defense lawyers check the records of witnesses and co-defendants. Civil lawyers check records when a felony case is part of a larger lawsuit. Journalists also use felony records to report on the court system.
Franklin County Felony Records FAQs
This FAQ section answers common questions about Franklin County felony records. Each answer covers one question in plain language. Use this section to confirm facts before you request records or run a search. The answers here match Florida law and current clerk office rules.
How do I look up a Franklin County felony case by name for free?
You can look up a Franklin County felony case by name for free through the Clerk of Court online portal. The portal is on the official website at https://www.franklinclerk.org/. Type the defendant’s last name, then the first name, into the search box. You can also add a date of birth to narrow the results. The system shows matching cases with the case number, the charges, and the next court date. You do not need an account to use the basic search tool.
What is the cost of a certified copy of a Franklin County felony record?
A certified copy of a Franklin County felony record costs $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 per document certification fee. The clerk charges additional fees for document searches if the file is not in active storage. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card. A certified copy bears the official court seal and is accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. Regular photocopies cost $1.00 per page but do not carry the official seal.
Can I view Franklin County felony records from a phone or tablet?
Yes, the Franklin County Clerk of Court online portal works on phones and tablets. The website is mobile friendly and adjusts to smaller screens. You can search by name, case number, or court date from any device with an internet connection. Older files that are not on the portal still require a phone call or visit to the courthouse. The clerk office phone number is (850) 653-8861.
Are juvenile felony records in Franklin County open to the public?
No, juvenile felony records in Franklin County are not open to the public. Florida law treats juvenile records as confidential. Only the courts, the State Attorney, defense lawyers, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and law enforcement agencies can view juvenile records. Parents and legal guardians can also request access to their child’s record. The Clerk of Court cannot release juvenile records to the public without a court order.
How long does the Clerk of Court keep Franklin County felony files?
The Clerk of Court keeps Franklin County felony files permanently for felony convictions. Files for cases that were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict are kept for a set number of years based on the offense. Older files are stored in digital form or on microfilm. The clerk office can pull files from remote storage for a small search fee. Contact the clerk at (850) 653-8861 to ask about a specific file.
What is the difference between a sealed and an expunged Franklin County felony record?
A sealed felony record is hidden from public searches but still kept on file at the clerk office and law enforcement agencies. An expunged felony record is destroyed by the clerk office but kept by the FBI, the FDLE, and the State Attorney for limited use. Both sealed and expunged records require a court order. Most violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children cannot be sealed or expunged under Florida law. The process takes several months from filing to final order.
Where can I check if someone is in Florida state prison for a Franklin County felony?
You can check the Florida Department of Corrections online inmate search to see if someone is in state prison for a Franklin County felony. The search is free and runs at http://www.dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx. Type the inmate’s last name or DOC number into the search box. The results show the offense, sentence length, current prison location, and release date. The DOC search only covers people in state prison, not county jails or federal prison.