Franklin County is a county along the Gulf of Mexico in the panhandle of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,451, making it the third-least populous county in Florida. The county seat is Apalachicola. The county includes several large preserved areas and rivers and has been home to commercial timber and fishing industry. More recently it has become popular for tourism and retirement. It includes several rivers, state parks, and islands. History Franklin County was founded in 1832. It was named for Benjamin Franklin. The second largest town in Franklin County is Carrabelle, 25 miles east of Apalachicola on the Carrabelle River. Camp Gordon Johnston During World War II most of Franklin County was used by the U.S. Army for amphibious and jungle training, for which the beaches and islands were ideal. When the war ended and the military left, Lanark Village was established from the remaining officer's quarters. Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (47.9%) is water. Franklin County includes part of Tate's Hell State Forest. Bald Point State Park is nearby. The county's river's include the Carrabelle River and its tributaries the New River (Florida Panhandle) and Crooked River (Florida), visited by paddlers. The extreme eastern tip of the county is bordered by the Ochlockonee River. Adjacent counties Liberty County, Florida – north Wakulla County, Florida – northeast Gulf County, Florida – west (northern part of the county observes CDT/CST time) National protected areas Apalachicola National Forest (part) St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge (part) Barrier Islands Cape St. George Island Dog Island St. George Island St. Vincent Island Also, St. James Island, while part of the mainland, is technically an island, being separated from the rest of Franklin County by rivers and an estuary. Historic sites Crooked River Light Prospect Bluff Historic Sites Demographics As of the 2020 United States census, there were 12,451 people, 4,691 households, and 2,926 families residing in the county. As of the census of 2000, there were 11,057 people, 4,096 households, and 2,727 families residing in the county. The population density was 20 people per square mile (8/km2). There were 7,180 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 81.24% White, 16.32% Black or African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.20% Asian,