Find Personal History & Public Records

Terms & Conditions – Franklin County Property Appraiser

Welcome to the Terms & Conditions page for our Franklin County Property Appraiser informational website. By accessing, browsing, or using this site in any manner, you agree to be bound by the terms outlined below. These terms govern your use of our website, including all content, tools, resources, and services we provide. While we are an independently operated platform and not affiliated with the official Franklin County government, we strive to offer helpful public information for educational and reference purposes.

It’s important to note that we do not provide legal, financial, or professional advice. Please review these terms carefully to understand your rights, obligations, and limitations while using this site. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms & Conditions, we respectfully advise that you discontinue use of our platform.

Acceptance of Terms

This section outlines the foundational legal understanding between you—the user—and this informational resource website regarding the Franklin County Property Appraiser. By continuing to access or use our content, tools, and services, you agree to comply with the following Terms and Conditions in full. These terms establish a binding agreement, even if you are using the site solely for general informational purposes.

Agreement to Use

By accessing this website, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions. Whether you’re conducting property research, filing assistance, or simply browsing, your use of the site implies acceptance. If you do not accept or agree to any part of these terms, you must refrain from using the website and its associated resources.

This agreement applies to all users, including individuals, businesses, agents, or any parties accessing content for educational, research, or operational purposes.

Updates to Terms

We reserve the right to modify, update, or amend these Terms and Conditions at any time to reflect changes in our content, policies, or applicable laws. Updates may include revisions to service descriptions, privacy terms, or the addition of disclaimers relevant to new features or tools.

Changes take effect immediately upon being published on this page. While we strive to notify users of significant updates, it is your responsibility to periodically review this section to remain informed about the current terms governing your use of the website.

Continued Use Constitutes Acceptance

Your continued access to or use of the website after changes have been posted will be interpreted as your acceptance of those revisions. If you do not agree to the modified Terms and Conditions, your sole remedy is to discontinue use of the site and all related tools or services. We encourage all users to check this page regularly to ensure they are aware of the latest terms and their implications.

Website Usage Guidelines

To maintain the integrity, reliability, and user-friendly experience of this informational resource, we have established specific usage guidelines that all visitors must follow. These rules are designed to protect both the website’s functionality and the public’s trust in the information provided. Whether you’re researching a property, referencing public data, or seeking guidance on tax-related procedures in Franklin County, your use of this site must remain lawful, respectful, and consistent with the terms outlined below.

Permitted Uses

Users are welcome to:

  • Access public property data for personal or non-commercial informational purposes.
  • Reference guides related to property assessments, exemptions, GIS mapping tools, or tax estimation calculators.
  • Share links to publicly available pages (not internal tools) for educational, news, or community purposes.
  • Utilize the content to better understand Franklin County’s property appraisal and tax processes.

All permitted uses are limited to individual users who act in good faith and do not disrupt the function or intent of this website.

Prohibited Activities

To protect our content, servers, and community of users, the following actions are strictly forbidden:

No Unauthorized Data Scraping

You may not use bots, spiders, or automated scripts to extract large volumes of data, mine information, or replicate content without express written consent. This includes scraping of property records, tax data, or GIS resources for redistribution or resale.

No Commercial Use Without Permission

This site is not intended for commercial exploitation. Using content, tools, or search functions for marketing, lead generation, resale of data, or inclusion in commercial databases without prior authorization is strictly prohibited.

No Misrepresentation of Affiliation

You may not impersonate or falsely suggest association with the official Franklin County Property Appraiser’s office or any governmental agency. This includes using our resources or linking to them in a way that misleads the public into believing your content is official or endorsed.

User Responsibilities

As a user of this informational resource, you agree to:

  • Use the website only for lawful and ethical purposes.
  • Acknowledge that the site is privately operated and independent from Franklin County government.
  • Report any misuse, errors, or outdated content you may find.
  • Abide by these guidelines and respect the boundaries of this platform’s intended educational use.

Failure to comply with these website usage guidelines may result in restricted access or legal action depending on the severity of the violation.

Intellectual Property Rights

The content and design of this website, including articles, research, tools, and visual elements, are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. As a privately operated informational resource, we take the protection of our original work seriously and expect users to respect the terms surrounding content use, sharing, and attribution.

Ownership of Content

All text, graphics, logos, page layouts, downloadable guides, and educational materials published on this site are the intellectual property of the Franklin County Property Appraiser (Informational Resource) website unless otherwise stated. These assets are protected under U.S. copyright, trademark, and related laws. Unauthorized use of our proprietary material constitutes an infringement and may result in legal action.

Use of Website Materials

You may view and reference our content for personal, non-commercial, and educational purposes. However, reproduction, modification, or redistribution of any part of the website must follow the guidelines below.

Restrictions on Republishing

You may not copy, reproduce, or republish any substantial portion of the site’s content—including research-based articles, guides, tools, or design elements—without obtaining prior written consent. This includes reproducing text on forums, blogs, mailing lists, or other public or private platforms.

Attribution Requirements

If you quote or reference content from this website for educational or non-commercial purposes, clear and visible attribution must be given. Proper attribution includes a hyperlink to the original page and mention of “Franklin County Property Appraiser (Informational Resource)” as the source.

Unauthorized use or misrepresentation of our intellectual property undermines the integrity of this platform and may lead to access restrictions, removal requests, or legal enforcement.

Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers

The Franklin County Property Appraiser (Informational Resource) website is designed to provide general public information in a clear, educational, and easily accessible format. While we aim to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content published on our platform, we make no guarantees, expressed or implied, regarding the correctness, completeness, or suitability of the information for any particular purpose.

No Warranty on Accuracy or Completeness

This website is not operated by or affiliated with any government agency, including the official Franklin County Property Appraiser’s Office. Although we strive to keep the site up to date with the latest available public data and tax-related guidance, we provide all information “as is,” without warranty of any kind. Users should not rely solely on this content for financial, legal, or property decisions.

Use at Your Own Risk

By using this website, you acknowledge that any reliance on information provided herein is at your own discretion and risk. We are not responsible for any actions you may take based on our published resources. Always consult with official government offices or qualified professionals for matters requiring legal or tax-related advice.

Errors, Omissions & Outdated Information

Despite our best efforts, the website may contain typographical errors, inaccuracies, or outdated data. Property values, tax exemptions, and legal requirements can change frequently, and we encourage users to verify all facts through official Franklin County or Florida state resources. We are not liable for any losses or damages resulting from reliance on incomplete or erroneous content.

External Links Disclaimer

Our website may include links to third-party websites for additional resources, tools, or services. These links are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. We do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the accuracy, content, or privacy policies of any external sites. Users are advised to review those websites’ terms and use caution when navigating outside our domain.

User Accounts & Security (If Applicable)

While most of the Franklin County Property Appraiser (Informational Resource) website can be accessed without creating an account, certain features or tools may require user registration. If and when user accounts are enabled, we are committed to ensuring that your information remains secure and your access is protected. The following outlines user responsibilities and security guidelines when managing an account on our platform.

Account Responsibility

Users who create an account on this site are fully responsible for all activity that occurs under their account credentials. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update your account details promptly if they change. Misuse of account privileges, including impersonation or submission of false information, may result in the suspension or termination of access.

Protecting Your Login Credentials

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password. Do not share your login information with anyone, and ensure that access to your account is restricted to authorized use only. We recommend using strong, unique passwords and changing them periodically to enhance account security.

Unauthorized Access Reporting

If you suspect that your account has been accessed without your permission or if you notice unusual activity, you must notify us immediately. We take unauthorized access seriously and will take appropriate measures to protect your data, including temporarily disabling access or resetting credentials to prevent further breaches.

Data Collection & Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. While using the Franklin County Property Appraiser informational website, certain data may be collected to improve site functionality, provide relevant resources, and understand user behavior. This section outlines what information may be collected, how it’s used, and how we safeguard your privacy.

Information We May Collect

We may collect both personally identifiable information (such as name and email address if you use a contact form) and non-personal data (such as IP addresses, browser types, and referring pages). This information is gathered either directly when you voluntarily submit it or automatically through your interaction with the site.

Use of Cookies & Analytics

To enhance your experience, we use cookies and third-party analytics tools like Google Analytics. Cookies help us remember user preferences, while analytics provide insight into how visitors use the website — such as pages visited, time spent, and interaction patterns. You can control cookie behavior through your browser settings.

How We Handle Your Data

All collected data is stored securely and used only for purposes that align with improving user experience, providing accurate information, and maintaining website functionality. We do not sell, rent, or trade your information to third parties. Data is only shared with trusted services necessary for site operation and analytics.

Refer to Our Privacy Policy for Full Details

For comprehensive information about how your data is collected, used, stored, and protected, please refer to our Privacy Policy. That section offers more detailed insights, including your rights, data protection measures, opt-out options, and our compliance with applicable laws and best practices.

Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

To maintain consistency, fairness, and legal clarity in the use of our informational website, we’ve outlined the jurisdiction and dispute resolution framework that applies to all users. By accessing and using the Franklin County Property Appraiser website, you agree to abide by the laws outlined below in case of any legal matters or disputes.

Jurisdiction – State of Florida

This website and its Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising out of your use of the website shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Florida, and you consent to the jurisdiction of such courts.

Legal Remedies and Arbitration

In the event of a dispute related to these Terms or your use of the site, both parties agree to attempt an informal resolution first. If that fails, disputes may be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Arbitration will take place in Florida and will be conducted in English by a single arbitrator. The decision rendered shall be final and enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Waiver of Class Actions

To ensure individual dispute resolution, both parties expressly waive the right to bring any claims as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class or representative proceeding. Unless otherwise agreed, no arbitration or proceeding will be joined with another without the express consent of all parties involved.

Changes to Terms & Conditions

To ensure that our website remains aligned with applicable laws, technological advancements, and the evolving needs of our users, we reserve the full right to revise, amend, or modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. These modifications are designed to enhance transparency, maintain security, and improve your overall experience while using the site.

Right to Modify Terms

The Franklin County Property Appraiser website is a privately operated informational platform, and we reserve the right to modify these Terms & Conditions without advance notice. Changes may be made for various reasons, including:

  • Compliance with new laws, court rulings, or regulatory updates
  • Improvements to our website functionality, content, or user tools
  • Addressing security concerns or misuse of the platform
  • Clarifying legal language or user responsibilities

We may make minor or substantial changes, and such modifications will take effect as soon as they are published on this page unless stated otherwise.

Notification of Changes

While we may provide a prominent notice on the homepage or via a pop-up alert for major updates, it is not our obligation to send personal or direct notifications to individual users. Instead, the responsibility lies with each user to remain informed. We will always include the “Last Updated” date at the top or bottom of the Terms & Conditions page to reflect the most recent revision.

Users are encouraged to review this page regularly to stay current with any changes. Failure to read or acknowledge updates does not exempt a user from complying with the revised Terms & Conditions.

Your Responsibility to Stay Informed

By continuing to use the Franklin County Property Appraiser website after any changes have been made and posted, you are acknowledging and accepting the revised Terms & Conditions in full. This includes any modifications related to data usage, website behavior, third-party content, or liability limitations.

If at any time you disagree with the updated Terms & Conditions, your sole recourse is to discontinue all use of the website and its associated services. Continued access or use after changes are published constitutes binding acceptance of the revised terms.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or need further clarification regarding our Terms & Conditions, we welcome your inquiries. Transparency and clear communication are important to us, and we’re here to ensure you feel confident and informed while using this website.

Questions About These Terms

Whether you are unsure about a specific policy, need help understanding your rights as a user, or want to report a potential violation of these terms, our team is available to assist. We aim to provide prompt and helpful responses to all legitimate requests related to our legal terms, data use, and permitted site activities.

Contact Information

To reach us with questions about these Terms & Conditions, please use one of the following methods:

  • Email: info@franklincountypropertyappraiser.org
  • Phone: (850) 653-9236
  • Mailing Address:
    Franklin County Property Appraiser
    33 Market Street, Suite 101
    Apalachicola, FL 32320

For faster service, please include your name, contact details, and a clear explanation of your inquiry when reaching out.