County offices and departments will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

County Administrative and Building Department offices (located at 248 US Highway 98) will be closed to public access on Friday, January 2, 2026, due to renovation construction.  The public is encouraged to contact the office by email (permits@franklincountyflorida.gov or zoning@franklincountyflorida.gov) or use the CitizenServe portal for permits or inspection requests. These offices will reopen on Monday, January 5th.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Update: September 29, 2025

Big Bend Transit (BBT) is pleased to share that registered passengers in Franklin County ride free on our local services.
In addition, we are offering the following free regional trips:

• Tuesdays: Walmart shopping trips in Crawfordville
• Thursdays:  Trips to Tallahassee

To help connect eligible residents, please share our Passenger Applications, Ride Brochures, and Rider Guides with potential passengers through your offices, partner agencies, and other community locations.

How to Register
Residents who have not yet registered can contact our office to obtain an application or access materials online. Paper copies are available upon request.

Materials for Distribution (attached/available upon request):

• Passenger Application
• Ride Brochure
• Rider Guide

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in improving mobility for Franklin County. If you require bulk copies or have questions about scheduling, eligibility, or coordination, please don’t hesitate to let us know—BBT is ready to assist.

Big Bend Transit, Inc.

P.O. Box 1721

Tallahassee,  FL  32302

850-574-6266 Ext. 101

850-574-1531 Fax

smitchell@bigbendtransit.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Transportation Now Available in Gulf and Franklin Counties
Big Bend Transit Offers Rides for Medical, Work, School, Shopping, and More – Apply Today!

GULF & FRANKLIN COUNTIES, FL – Big Bend Transit (BBT) is excited to announce the launch of free weekday transportation for eligible residents in Gulf and Franklin Counties through Florida’s Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Program.

This program offers free rides Monday through Friday to help residents get to:

• Doctor appointments
• Jobs and interviews
• School or training programs
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and more

Services are available at no cost once your TD application is approved. Residents may qualify for this free transportation service if they are:

• Age 60 or older
• Have a low income (based on federal poverty guidelines)
• Have a disability or health condition preventing you from driving
• Do not own or have access to a vehicle
• Cannot afford to travel by other means

“This program is for people who need transportation help but don’t have it,” said Shawn Mitchell, General Manager of Big Bend Transit. “We want seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities to know that reliable, free transportation is now available — and we’ll help you apply.”

To get started, call your county’s transit line to request an application. A staff member will guide you through the eligibility process, help you fill out your paperwork, and schedule your rides once approved.

• Gulf County: (850) 229-6550
• Franklin County: (850) 229-6550

Big Bend Transit is hiring drivers and dispatchers in both counties. If you’re community minded and looking for meaningful work, apply today and become part of a mission that matters.

In addition, Big Bend Transit has been a valuable partner for the RideOn program by offering both transit solutions and extended coverage for the Emergency Ride Home (ERH) service available in the areas they serve. To qualify for the ERH, sign up and begin logging your commute trips here: www.rideontogether.org.

Franklin County is aware of scam emails being sent out requesting payment for Planning and Zoning permits. The scammer appears to be gaining the information from the P&Z Agendas and includes accurate information that was obtained from the Franklin County application. The email looks official and is asking for payment to be made via wire transfer. Franklin County will NEVER require you to wire your permit payment.

Also, please note that all correspondence from the Franklin County Planning and Zoning department will come from zoning@franklincountyflorida.gov or permits@franklincountyflorida.gov.

If you have received an email pertaining to your pending application that looks suspicious or if you have any questions, please call the Planning and Zoning office at 850-653-9783.

NEW ANNOUCEMENT: 

Click on the document below to view or download the “Agreement For Exchange Of Real Property” between Duke Energy Florida, LLC and Franklin County.

SPM181325082607570