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1. Where is the 911 addressing coordinator located?

The addressing coordinator is in the Charlton County Permitting Office. This office is located in the County Annex Building on Kingsland Drive. To reach the addressing coordinator, please call 912-496-3826.

2. Is there a fee to have an addressed assigned?

There is a $30.00 fee to have an address assigned in Charlton County. To reach the addressing coordinator, please call 912-496-3826.

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1. When does the Airport Authority meet?

The Airport Authority meetings are open to the public and are conducted the fourth Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the County Annex building, 68 Kingsland Drive, Folkston, GA 31537-2872

2. Who is the airport manager?

Al Crace is the airport manager and can be reached during normal business hours at 912-496-2549. For emergencies, contact the local Sheriff’s Department at 912-496-7321.

3. Do you have an FBO?

No services are offered at this time.

4. Where is your office located?

The Airport Authority does not maintain regular business hours. The board is a non-compensated appointed group. The county administrator is appointed by the board to serve as the airport manager and is available in the Charlton County Commissioners Office. All correspondence are directed through this office, that address is 68 Kingsland Drive, Suite B, Folkston, GA 31537-2872. The Airport manager can also be reached by phone at 912-496-2549.

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1. How do I appeal my assessment?

Upon receipt of an assessment notice the property owner has 45 days to file an appeal. The appeal must be filed in writhing. Late appeals are invalid.

The basis for an appeal are: Value, Uniformity, Taxability, Exemption Denied, Breach of Covenant or Denial of Covenant. You may appeal to the Board of Equalization or * Arbitration: to arbitration without an appeal to the superior court. (valuation is the only grounds that my be appealed to arbitration.) or *Hearing Officer: for a parcel of nonhomestead property with a FMV in excess of $1 million, to a hearing officer with appeal to superior court (value and uniformity only) or *SC: Directly to Superior Court (requires consent of BOA) (any/all grounds) *Additional Cost /Fees may apply

APPEALS PROCESS

When you file an appeal, the Board of Assessors/Property Appraisers reviews the property and determines whether a change in the valuation is warranted. If no change is made the property owner is then sent a notice that no change has been made and the appeal will then go to the next level of appeal process, which is, the Board of Equalization. Its specific function is to hear unresolved appeals from taxpayers. After hearing both the assessors and the property owners position, the Board of Equalization renders a decision on the valuation.

If either side disagrees with the decision of the Board of Equalization, the property owner or the assessor may proceed to the next level of appeal, Charlton County Superior Court.

However, if a change is made to the property value or exemption a 30 day notice is mailed to the property owner. The property owner must file in writing an appeal if they still disagree with the decision of the Board of Assessors and the appeal process will continue as stated above.

All appeals concerning real property, personal property or manufactured homes are received by the Assessors Office.

O.C.G.A. 48-5-311

2. How is my property value determined?

Property tax is an ad valorem tax based upon the value of property, both real and personal. Real property is defined as land and generally anything that is erected, growing, or affixed to the land. Personal property is boats, airplanes, business inventory, and any equipment, furniture, and fixtures needed to run a business.

Property taxes are charged against the owner of the property of January 1st, and against the property itself if the owner is not known. Property tax returns are to be filed between January 1st and April 1st with the county assessor's office.

FAIR MARKET VALUE
The Assessors are charged with establishing the fair market value of the taxable real and personal properties in Charlton County. Fair market value means "the amount a knowledgeable buyer would pay for the property and a willing seller would accept for the property at an arm's length, bona fide sale."
The Board of Assessors does not create property values. Assessors and appraisers merely interpret what is happening in the market place. The appraised value is simply the estimate of what the property is worth.

APPRAISAL PROCEDURES
The Assessors use standard approaches in setting the value on all real and personal property. There are three approaches to value:

• COST APPROACH: The cost approach uses actual replacement cost of the building, less general depreciation, plus the value of the land.

• MARKET APPROACH: The market approach involves analyzing sales of similar properties to predict the likely selling price of unsold properties.

• INCOME APPROACH: The income approach is used for income-producing properties. It involves capitalizing the net income to arrive at a probable selling price for the property.

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS
There are special assessment programs available to taxpayers. These special programs include:

PREFERENTIAL AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY
Bona fide agricultural property can be assessed at 75 percent of the assessment of other property. This means that this type of property is assessed at 30 percent of fair market value rather than 40 percent. Property that qualifies for this special assessment must be maintained in its current use for a period of ten years.
CONSERVATION USE PROPERTY
Bona fide agricultural property can be assessed at its current use value rather than the fair market value. Property that qualifies for this special assessment must be maintained in a current use for a period of ten years.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE PROPERTY
Property can be assessed at its current use value rather than the fair market value when such property is maintained in its natural condition and meets the requirements set by the Department of Natural Resources. Property that qualifies for this special assessment must be maintained in a current use for a period of ten years.
RESIDENTIAL TRANSITIONAL PROPERTY
Property can be assessed at its current use value, rather than fair market value, when it is used for residential purposes but located in an area that is changing to, or being developed for, a use other than residential.
TIMBER
Standing timber is not taxed until sold or harvested, at which time it is taxed based upon 100 percent of its fair market value. There are three types of sales and harvests that are taxable:
• lump sum sales where the timber is sold at a specific price regardless of volume
• unit price sales where the timber is sold or harvested based on a specific price per volume
• owner harvests where a land owner harvests his own timber and sells it by volume.

EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, AND FIXTURES
Equipment, machinery, and fixtures are assessed at 40 percent of fair market value. The tax assessor may value the equipment, machinery, and fixtures of a going business to reflect the fair market value of the business as a whole. When no ready market exists for the sale of equipment, machinery, and fixtures, a fair market value may be determined by resorting to any reasonable, relevant, and useful information available. This information may include, but is not limited to, the original cost of the property, depreciation or obsolescence, and any increase in value by reason of inflation. Other determining factors include:
• existing zoning of property
• existing use of property
• existing covenant or restrictions in deed dedicating the property to a particular use
• any other important factors.

Assessors have access to any public records in order to discover such information.

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1. What documents do I need to have with me when I apply for my license?

You will need to have your drivers license, state license (if required), food & service permit (if required) and your Georgia Sales Tax Number.

2. Is the owner of each business the only person who can apply for the business license?

The owner of any business should be the person to apply for a business license; however, the appropriate forms may be picked up by anyone and then returned.

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1. How do I become a chamber member?

To become a chamber member, you must fill out the membership application and return it with your annual investment.  For a fillable .pdf application, click here.

Chamber Master Application

2. How much does it cost to join the chamber?

See the Membership Investment Schedule. The investment will vary based on your type of membership. Membership Investment Schedule

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1. Who are our Judges?

SUPERIOR COURT

Chief Judge Dwayne Gillis
101 S. Peterson Ave
Douglas, Georgia 31533
912-384-0587

Judge Mike DeVane
800 Church Street Suite B-202
Waycross, GA 31501
912-287-4330

Judge Jeff Kight
312 Nichols Street
Blackshear, GA 31516
912-449-2220

STATE COURT

Judge J. Kelly Brooks
3794 Main Street
Folkston, GA 31537

JUVENILE COURT

3794 Main Street
Folkston, GA 31537
912-496-2567

2. What types of land records are in the Clerk of Court's office and how do I locate them?

the most common types of land records are warranty deeds, security deeds, quit claims deeds, cancellations, tax liens, foreclosure deeds, deeds of trust, administrators' deeds, executor's deeds, cemetery deeds, assignments, bond, easements, modification agreements, power of attorney and revocations of power of attorney. To locate land records it is helpful to have the buyer's name (GRANTEE), the seller's name (GRANTOR) and the date of the transaction, especially the year. With this information, check the real estate indices which are located in the deed room in the Superior Court Clerk's office. Copies may be made for $.50 per page and may be certified for an additional fee.

3. How much are filling fees?

Filing fees are set by state statue and may be obtained by contacting the clerk's office.

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1. What is the GED test?

The GED test consists of five sub-tests. An individual passing the five sub-tests demonstrates a level of learning that is comparable to that of a traditional high school graduate. Most questions on the GED test are multiple-choice, and there is one essay. The five sub-tests are:

• Language Arts, Writing: 120 minutes, 50 questions, one essay 


• Mathematics: 90 minutes, 50 questions. Part 1 has 25 questions and test-takers are allowed to use the calculator provided by the testing center. Part 2 has 25 questions, but the calculator is not allowed. 


• Science: 80 minutes, 50 questions 


• Social Studies: 70 minutes, 50 questions 


• Language Arts, Reading: 65 minutes, 40 questions

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1. How do I report a case for investigation?

Call or email the Code Enforcement Officer.

2. Where can I dispose of trash that is not yard debris?

You may take these items to Chesser Island Landfill on South Hwy 121.

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1. What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

Wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

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1. How do I register to vote?

You have a couple of different options available to you.
1. You can come by the office located at 1520 Third St, Ste C, in Folkston and complete an application.
2. You can click on the link provided on this website or the Secretary of State website, sos.ga.gov, for a Voter Registration Application, complete the application and mail it along with a copy of your driver's license or state issued identification.

2. Do I need my precinct/voter card to be able to vote?

NO, you only need a driver's license or state issued ID. If you do no have either of these, there is a brochure attached to the Elections and Voter Registration page that has the acceptable proof of ID required.

3. Where do I go to vote?

There are a couple of ways to find this information.
1. There is a link for the My Voter Page attached to the Elections and Voter Registration page where you can find all of your information.
2. You can look on the front of the precint/voter card you received in the mail for your voting location.
3. You can call the local Office of Elections and Registration.

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1. What are the evacuation routes in Charlton County?

You may evacuate Charlton County by traveling North on Highways US1 or Highway 301.

2. What is a wild fire?

Any large fire that burns timber and brush and encompasses several acres of property with multiply property owners.

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1. Where do I go to pick up a police report?

You can pick up an accident incident report at Folkston City Hall, located at 541 First Street.

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1. Can I get on the internet at the public library?

Yes, the library has several computers that are available. They may be of use on a first come, first served basis. The computers are shut down 30 minutes prior to close.

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. Does the Probate Judge perform marriages?

No, you will have to contact a minister in Charlton County to ask them to perform the marriage. It is also not sufficient for a Notary Public to perform a marriage in the State of Georgia either.  If you use a minister here, there is a fee that will range from $40 to $60 payable to the minister. If you use your own minister, you would need to provide the minister’s credentials.

2. What forms of identification do I need to apply for a marriage license?

To obtain a marriage license the persons that will be getting married need to bring their driver’s license or government-issued ID and in the case of someone who has been previously married a copy of the divorce papers or death certificate. The cost of the license is $56 and the certified copy is $20 for a total cost of $76.

3. How much will it cost me for a marriage license?

The cost of the marriage license is $56.00 and a certified copy is $20 for a total cost of $76. It will take about approximately one hour to process a marriage license. Please make sure that you come to the Probate/Magistrate office by 3:30 p.m.

If you use one of the local ministers, there is a fee ranging from $40 to $60 payable to the minister. If you use your own minister, you would need to provide the minister's credentials.

4. How old do I have to be to get married?

You must be 18 years of age or older with or without parental consent. 

5. Are you required to have a blood test?

No blood test is needed in the State of Georgia. The law on blood testing for marriage license changed on July 1, 2003.

6. Do I have to bring a witness?

No, this is not required in the state of Georgia.

7. How do I get a certified copy of my marriage license?

There is a $10 fee for a copy. If you come to the Probate Court, you will need cash or money order and if requested by mail, you will need to send a money order. The information needed is the groom's name, the bride's name before the marriage, and the date of the marriage. We ask that you include a phone number and a self addressed stamped envelope with the mailed request.

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1. Can you buy a pre-owned mobile home and move it into Charlton County?

You may move a pre-owned mobile home within the county or from outside the county after it has been inspected by a Charlton County Building Inspector and has been approved.

2. Can I move and set up a mobile home myself?

No. It is Georgia state law that a mobile home can only be set up by an installer registered and licensed by the State of Georgia. There are no exceptions to this rule.

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1. How do I probate a will?

You can contact the Probate Judge at 912-496-2230 for more information.

2. How do I apply for a weapons carry permit?

You must be 21 years of age. Come into the Probate / Magistrate office with a valid ID and fill out the application. This process includes a background check and having fingerprints taken at the Charlton County Sheriff’s Office. The cost for a permit is $78.25. The license is good for five years. Renewal permits are $30 and you do not have to be finger printed.

3. How long does it take to receive my weapons carry permit?

When the person applying for a weapons carry permit comes into the Probate Office, he or she will need to allow around one hour of time to apply and have fingerprints taken. Once everything is submitted, it takes on about three weeks for the permit to be returned. A renewal only takes about ten business days.

4. How do I get a copy of my Birth Certificate?

When you come in the Probate Office, you will be asked to fill out a form requesting a certified copy of one. Birth Certificates are only given to the requestor if it is for yourself, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, or legal guardian of a child. Must bring in Drivers License or valid I.D. Cost is $25 and $5 for each additional copy on the same person. You are able to get a copy of your Birth Certificate if you were born anywhere in the State of Georgia.

5. How do I get a copy of a Death Certificate?

When you come in the Probate Office, you will be asked to fill out a form requesting a certified copy of one. Must bring Drivers License or valid I.D. Cost is $25 and $5 for each additional copy on the same person. You are able to get a copy of the Death Certificate if they were deceased in the State of Georgia.

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1. What are the fees for registering a vehicle in GA?

The title fee is $18, the license plate fee is $20, and the ad valorem taxes are based on the value of the vehicle.

2. Do you accept postmarks as the date taxes are paid with no late fee?

We do accept the postmark on all property tax payments and vehicle renewals.

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1. How many trains come through Folkston a day?

Between 50 and 60 trains come through Folkston a day. The Tropicana juice train and six Amtrak trains pass through daily.