Judicial Emergency Declared and City Issues Statement Following Fire at Historic Floyd County Courthouse
ROME, Ga. — A devastating fire that broke out Monday afternoon destroyed the Historic Floyd County Courthouse in downtown Rome, a landmark that had stood at the heart of the community for more than a century.
The fire was reported at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, March 23, according to Floyd County officials. By the time emergency crews arrived on the scene, flames had already spread throughout portions of the historic structure, which had been undergoing renovations at the time the fire began.
Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord confirmed that all employees inside the courthouse were safely evacuated as the fire spread through the building. Officials reported that no injuries occurred during the incident.
Firefighters with the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department responded quickly and worked for hours to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings in the busy downtown district. Law enforcement agencies closed multiple roads in the area and evacuated portions of Broad Street as a precaution while emergency crews battled the fire.
The courthouse, originally constructed in 1892, was considered one of Floyd County’s most significant historic landmarks. For generations, the building served as the center of local government and the judicial system.
Following the fire, Rome City Manager Sammy Rich issued a statement expressing the city’s support for Floyd County and acknowledging the profound loss to the community.
“The City of Rome extends its heartfelt support to Floyd County following the devastating loss of the historic Floyd County Courthouse, originally constructed in 1892,” Rich said.
“This tragedy represents more than the loss of a building—it is the loss of over a century of history, memory, and a landmark that has long stood at the heart of our community’s identity. For generations, the courthouse has served as a symbol of Floyd County’s heritage and civic life.”
Rich also expressed gratitude that no lives were lost during the incident.
“We are deeply grateful that there was no loss of life in this tragic event, even as we mourn the significant loss to our community’s historic fabric,” he said.
The city manager also praised the emergency responders who worked to contain the blaze.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters of the Rome-Floyd Fire Department, as well as the numerous partner agencies who responded swiftly and worked tirelessly under challenging conditions. Their professionalism, courage, and dedication are a testament to the strength and resilience of our community,” Rich said.
Later Monday evening, Floyd County officials issued an official Order Closing Courthouse and Declaration of Judicial Emergency due to the damage caused by the fire.
According to the order, the court determined that a judicial emergency exists in Floyd County after the catastrophic fire severely limited access to the courthouse and required officials to assess potential dangers posed by the remnants of the fire.
Officials said the emergency could substantially disrupt the normal functioning of the judicial system and limit the ability of citizens to access the courts or meet required legal deadlines.
As a result, the Floyd County Courthouse was ordered closed on Tuesday, March 24, with plans to reopen Wednesday, March 25, unless the emergency is extended by further order of the court.
All civil and criminal matters scheduled on court calendars have been continued until further notice.
Under the judicial emergency declaration, all court deadlines, time schedules, and filing requirements imposed by statutes, court rules, or administrative regulations in both civil and criminal cases have been suspended, tolled, or extended until March 25 unless the emergency order is extended.
Officials outlined procedures to ensure the public and legal community are notified of the closure. The Floyd County Sheriff or a designee was directed to post a copy of the notice on the courthouse doors, while the County Manager or designee was instructed to publish the order and any updates on the county’s website.
The Clerk of Court was also directed to notify the public of the closure in the same manner used for court cancellations and to distribute the order to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, judges and clerks of courts within the affected jurisdiction, and the clerks of the Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
For individuals requiring immediate judicial assistance in emergency situations, officials said they may contact the Office of the Chief Judge of Superior Court by calling 706-291-5121, by emailing Court Administrator Davlon Ezell at davlon.ezell@floydcountyga.org, or by contacting the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office at 706-291-4111.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Officials continue to urge the public to avoid the downtown Rome area as emergency crews and investigators continue their work at the site of the historic courthouse.
