Franklin County Florida Property Records Search Guide

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Official Franklin County Property Record Resources

Franklin County, Florida maintains public property records through several government offices. Property owners, buyers, and title professionals can access deeds, liens, and ownership information through the following official channels.

Franklin County Clerk of Court – Official Records

The Franklin County Clerk of Court serves as the custodian of all official property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents.

Official Website: https://www.franklincountyclerk.com/

Online Property Record Search

Franklin County offers online access to recorded documents through their Official Records Search portal. Users can search by:

• Document type
• Book and page number
• Recording date
• Grantor/grantee name
• Legal description

The online system provides access to scanned images of recorded documents dating back several years.

Franklin County Property Appraiser

The Franklin County Property Appraiser maintains assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics.

Official Website: https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=1016&LayerID=20598&PageTypeID=4&PageID=9245

Property Search Features

The Property Appraiser’s database allows searches by:

• Owner name
• Parcel identification number
• Property address
• Map and parcel number

Records include property valuations, exemptions, ownership history, and parcel maps.

Franklin County Tax Collector

The Franklin County Tax Collector provides information about property taxes, outstanding balances, and tax certificates.

Official Website: https://www.franklincountytaxcollector.com/

Tax records help identify potential tax liens and payment histories associated with properties.

How to Conduct a Property Title Search in Franklin County

Step 1: Identify the Property

Obtain the complete property address or parcel identification number. This information ensures accurate search results.

Step 2: Search Official Records

Visit the Clerk of Court’s official records database to locate recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens. Search using the property owner’s name or legal description.

Step 3: Review Property Appraiser Records

Cross-reference ownership information and verify property details through the Property Appraiser’s online portal.

Step 4: Check for Outstanding Liens

Search for:

• Mortgage liens
• Tax liens
• Mechanic’s liens
• Judgment liens
• HOA liens

Step 5: Verify Tax Status

Review current and past-due property taxes through the Tax Collector’s website to identify any tax-related encumbrances.

Understanding Franklin County Recording Requirements

Florida law requires most property-related documents to be recorded with the Clerk of Court to establish public notice and priority. Recorded documents include:

• Warranty deeds
• Quitclaim deeds
• Mortgages and satisfaction of mortgages
• Liens and lien releases
• Easements
• Lis pendens notices

Professional Title Search Services

While public records are accessible online, comprehensive title searches often require professional expertise. U.S. Title Records (https://www.ustitlerecords.com/) provides professional title search services for Franklin County properties, offering:

• Complete chain of title examination
• Lien and encumbrance searches
• Document retrieval services
• Title commitment preparation
• Expertise in Florida title requirements

Professional title companies examine historical records, identify potential title defects, and provide title insurance protection.

Franklin County Recording Fees and Costs

Recording fees vary based on document type and page count. The Clerk of Court charges:

• Standard recording fees for deeds and mortgages
• Additional fees for documents exceeding standard page counts
• Documentary stamp taxes as required by Florida law

Contact the Clerk of Court’s office directly for current fee schedules.

In-Person Property Record Access

Physical records are available at:

Franklin County Clerk of Court
33 Market Street, Suite 203
Apalachicola, FL 32320
Phone: (850) 653-8861

Office hours typically run Monday through Friday. Call ahead to confirm hours and document availability.

Florida Public Records Law

Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law ensures broad public access to property records. Most documents recorded with the Clerk of Court are public records available for inspection and copying.

Common Property Record Issues in Franklin County

Breaks in Chain of Title

Historical gaps in recorded deeds can complicate ownership verification. Professional title searches help identify and resolve these issues.

Unreleased Liens

Satisfied mortgages and liens sometimes remain on record due to missing satisfaction documents. Title professionals work to obtain proper releases.

Boundary Disputes

Survey discrepancies may appear when comparing legal descriptions across multiple documents.

Why Property Record Searches Matter

Thorough property record searches protect buyers and lenders by:

• Confirming legal ownership
• Identifying outstanding debts and liens
• Revealing easements and restrictions
• Ensuring marketable title
• Preventing future legal disputes

Additional Franklin County Resources

Franklin County Government: https://www.franklincountyflorida.com/

The county’s main website provides links to all county departments and additional public records resources.

Conclusion

Franklin County provides multiple access points for property records through its Clerk of Court, Property Appraiser, and Tax Collector offices. While basic searches can be conducted online, complex transactions benefit from professional title search services like those offered by U.S. Title Records to ensure comprehensive due diligence and title protection.