Judicial Emergency Declared After Fire Damages Floyd County Courthouse

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. – Officials have declared a judicial emergency in Floyd County, Georgia following a catastrophic fire at the historic Floyd County Courthouse on the afternoon of March 23, 2026.

Authorities say the blaze caused significant visible damage to the courthouse, though it remains unclear whether any portion of the structure can be salvaged. Access to the building has been restricted as officials assess potential hazards left by the fire.

In an order issued Monday evening, the court determined that the damage substantially disrupts the normal functioning of the judicial system, limiting public access and the ability of litigants to meet court-related deadlines.

As a result, the courthouse will be closed on Tuesday, March 24, and is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, March 25, unless the emergency is extended.

All civil and criminal court proceedings have been continued until further notice. Additionally, all court deadlines, filing requirements, and time schedules in civil, criminal, and administrative matters have been suspended or extended through March 25.

Officials outlined procedures to notify the public, including posting closure notices at the courthouse and online, as well as notifying courts throughout the state, including the Supreme Court of Georgia and the Court of Appeals of Georgia.

Anyone requiring urgent court intervention has been directed to contact the Superior Court Chief Judge’s office or the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.

Multiple agencies, including local emergency management, fire, police, and E-911 services, responded to the incident. Officials have not yet released information on the cause of the fire.

The situation remains under evaluation as authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and determine next steps for court operations.