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Columbia County government offices are closed to the public through at least April 10.
Columbia County government offices are closed to the public through at least April 10, officials announced Wednesday afternoon.
As it continues to monitor the progress of COVID-19, the county will assess whether to extend the closures, according to a statement.
Internally, county offices will remain operational during normal business hours.
“We will provide services to the citizens of Columbia County during this unprecedented event and appreciate your patience during this effort to help protect our family and yours,” the statement reads.
Any residents who need assistance can contact the various offices at their respective phone numbers. Contact information is available at columbiacountyfla.com.
Residents are encouraged to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, which are published at cdc.gov.
The statement breaks down how various services will be affected.
At the Columbia County Tax Collector’s Office, lobbies are closed to the public but customers can process transactions in a number of ways: online at columbiataxcollector.com; by phone at 386-758-1077 or 386-758-1080; by mail; and via the drive-thru.
The Sheriff’s Office is open with additional limitations on access to facilities, including the county jail.
The Supervisor of Elections Office is “staffed and ready to assist voters” by phone at 386-758-1026. In-person services are available by appointment only.
The Lake City branch office is closed until April 10. The Fort White branch office will be closed until May 6.
The Clerk of Courts has suspended marriage ceremonies and passport applications.
Marriage licenses are still being issued, but only by appointment. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 386-754-7005.
The Florida Supreme Court has temporarily suspended jury selection proceedings, effective March 16 through April 17.
Parties to a case should contact their attorney or appear at their next regularly scheduled court event. They are asked to monitor the Clerk’s website for updates at columbiaclerk.com.
Many services offered through the clerk’s office are available online 24/7 — that includes paying traffic tickets, searching official records and paying fines and court costs.
Anyone with questions regarding the Clerk of Court and related functions can call 386-758-1342.
The Property Appraiser’s Office will be closed to the public through April 10. However, the office will be staffed and ready to assist county residents by phone at 386-758-1083.
The deadlines for all tax exemptions and agricultural classification applications have been extended.
The tangible personal property deadline has been extended until May 15. There will be no requirements for a written or oral request.
The Columbia County Health Department is open. Residents can call 386-758-1068 to schedule an appointment.
The Columbia County Environmental Health Department, located in the downtown Lake City courthouse annex, will continue functioning. Members of the public can call 386-758-1058.
The Florida Department of Health has a 24/7 COVID-19 information line — 866-779-6121.