Franklin County Health Department 2026: Services, Phone & Records
If you are searching for the Franklin County Health Department, the official local agency most Ohio residents mean is Franklin County Public Health, also called FCPH. The main office is at 280 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215, with general phone 614-525-3160.
This plain-English guide explains phone numbers, service boundaries, birth and death certificates, immunization records, vaccine clinics, public records, infectious disease reporting, food safety, restaurant complaints, septic and water quality, nuisances, mosquitoes, WIC routing, forms, permits and the official links you should use before calling, visiting, paying or sending private documents.
Quick answer: what Franklin County Public Health helps with
Franklin County Public Health is the local public health agency for most of Franklin County, Ohio outside the City of Columbus and the City of Worthington. Common services include vaccines, immunization records, infectious disease reporting, food safety inspections, food business plan review, public health nuisance complaints, mosquitoes, sewage and household sewage system failures, private water systems, plumbing and medical gas, animal bites, rabies tags, rats, lead, emergency preparedness, public records and community health programs.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare before calling | Senior-friendly tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin County Health Department phone number | FCPH contact page or 614-525-3160 | Your service topic, address or city, callback number, and whether it is urgent | Say your city first because Columbus and Worthington may route differently. |
| Birth or death certificate | Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics or Ohio Vital Statistics | Name, date, place, ID, copy type, relationship proof if required, payment method | Do not call FCPH main office first for certificates unless you need routing help. |
| Vaccines or immunization records | FCPH Vaccines page | Photo ID, insurance if any, prior shot records, vaccine needed, school/work form | FCPH also lists homebound vaccine help for COVID-19, flu and RSV. |
| Food safety, restaurant or food business | FCPH Food Safety | Business name, address, permit question, plan review details, complaint facts | Food Safety phone is 614-525-7462. |
| Septic, sewage failure or private water system | FCPH Water Quality | Property address, system type, failure details, photos if safe, contractor details | Failing HSTS complaints use 614-525-HSTS or 614-525-4787. |
| Public health nuisance | FCPH nuisance form or 614-525-3160 | Address, trash/rodent/sewage/building issue, dates, photos, callback details | FCPH says it cannot address mold complaints through this nuisance route. |
| Infectious disease reporting | IDRS reporting system | Disease, patient details required by law, lab result, provider contact, urgency level | Do not use the general fax for infectious disease reporting. |
| Public records request | FCPH Public Records portal | Specific record type, date range, program, address, subject, preferred contact method | Immunization record requests use the immunization record release form instead. |
Franklin County health services depend on jurisdiction. If your address is in Columbus or Worthington, start with Columbus Public Health or 311/614-645-3111 for many city health issues. If your address is in a township, village, or contracting suburb served by FCPH, use Franklin County Public Health.
Franklin County Health Department route finder: choose the right office before calling or visiting
Use this router for common searches like Franklin County Health Department phone number, Franklin County birth certificate, Franklin County death certificate, Franklin County vaccine clinic, Franklin County food inspection, Franklin County septic permit, Franklin County public records and Franklin County nuisance complaint.
Franklin County public health task router
Select your need and use the recommended official route.
Franklin County Public Health phone number, address, fax and email
The official Franklin County Public Health contact page lists 280 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215, phone 614-525-3160, fax 614-525-6672, and email fcph@franklincountyohio.gov. The general fax is not for infectious disease reporting.
614-525-3160
Use this for general FCPH routing, body art/pool complaint routing, nuisance routing and program connection.
280 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215. Ask before visiting because some services are by appointment, online, field-based or city-specific.
614-525-6672
This general fax is not for infectious disease reporting. Use IDRS reporting instructions for disease reports.
fcph@franklincountyohio.gov
Use general email for non-sensitive routing questions. Do not send private medical or ID documents by regular email.
Use a short call script
Say: “I am calling about [vaccines, food safety, nuisance complaint, septic, water quality, public records, disease reporting, birth certificate, death certificate or WIC]. My address or city is [city/address]. Is this Franklin County Public Health, Columbus Public Health, Worthington, or another office?”
Do not include Social Security numbers, medical records, vaccine cards, birth certificate images, death certificate images, payment cards or private complaint evidence in a regular email unless an official secure process tells you to do so.
Franklin County service area: FCPH versus Columbus Public Health versus Worthington
This is the section many users miss. Franklin County Public Health serves most of Franklin County, but not every public health question in the county goes to FCPH. The Ohio local health district directory says Franklin County Public Health serves most of Franklin County and that concerns in the cities of Columbus or Worthington should contact Columbus Public Health.
Most townships, villages and contracting suburbs
Use Franklin County Public Health for the areas and services under its jurisdiction, especially environmental health, vaccines, nuisance and water quality.
Open FCPHColumbus or Worthington issues
For many Columbus or Worthington issues, call Columbus Public Health or 311/614-645-3111 instead of FCPH.
Open Columbus Public HealthStart with the address
For restaurants, nuisance, sewage, rats, pools, food trucks and housing complaints, the address decides the correct jurisdiction.
ODH district pageIf the complaint location is in Columbus, use Columbus Public Health or 311. If the complaint location is in a Franklin County township or a suburb served by FCPH, use Franklin County Public Health. If you are not sure, provide the full street address when calling.
Franklin County Public Health map and before-you-visit checklist
The FCPH main office is at 280 East Broad Street in downtown Columbus. Some services may use appointment scheduling, Accela, field inspections, clinic locations or online forms. Call first if you are bringing paperwork, fees, plans, permits, private documents or certificate questions.
| Before you visit | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Confirm jurisdiction | Columbus or Worthington services may route to Columbus Public Health instead. |
| Confirm appointment or form requirement | Vaccines, permits, inspections, records and plan reviews may require specific steps. |
| Bring ID and records | Vaccines and record requests may require identification and previous immunization history. |
| Ask about payment method | Environmental health permits, plan review and records may involve fees or online payment systems. |
| Do not use general fax for disease reports | Infectious disease reporting has a separate fax and reporting system. |
Franklin County Health Department records: birth, death, immunization and public records
“Franklin County Health Department records” can mean several different things. Birth and death certificates are usually handled by Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics or Ohio Vital Statistics. Immunization records are handled through vaccine record release routes. Public records are handled through FCPH’s public records portal.
Birth and death certificates
Use Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics for Ohio birth and death certificate services and Ohio Vital Statistics for statewide records.
Open certificatesImmunization records
Use the FCPH vaccine record release route, and also check your doctor, school or place of employment.
Open vaccinesAgency records
Use FCPH Public Records for agency records. Do not use this for certificate orders or immunization record release.
Public recordsDo not send private ID documents, vaccine cards, medical records or certificates to an unofficial website. Use official city, county or state pages only for final submission.
Franklin County birth certificate: Ohio birth records and where to order
For a Franklin County birth certificate search, most users need Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics or the Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. Columbus Public Health says its Vital Statistics office issues certified copies of birth certificates for Ohio births from 1908 to present.
| Prepare | Why it matters | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Full name on the birth record | Needed to locate the correct Ohio birth certificate. | Using a married name or nickname instead of the birth record name. |
| Date and place of birth | Helps confirm the record and whether Ohio is the correct state. | Trying to order in Ohio when the birth happened in another state. |
| Photo ID and proof documents | Certified records may require identity verification or authorized requester status. | Submitting unreadable or expired ID. |
| Copy type and payment method | Certified copies are used for legal, ID, school, passport and benefits needs. | Ordering the wrong copy type for the receiving agency. |
Start with Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics
Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics lists birth and death certificate ordering options by mail, online, in person or phone. The certificate cost listed on the city page is $25 per certificate, but always confirm current fees before payment.
Use Ohio Vital Statistics when statewide routing is better
The Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains Ohio birth records from December 20, 1908. Use the state page if you need statewide instructions, forms, corrections or general vital records guidance.
Franklin County death certificate: Ohio death records, estate copies and local routing
For Franklin County death certificates, start with Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics or Ohio Vital Statistics. Death certificate needs often come from banks, estates, insurance, probate, pensions, property, funeral homes and benefits offices, so confirm the copy type before ordering multiple certificates.
Certified death certificate
Usually required for estate, bank, insurance, pension, property or legal transactions. Ask each agency what it accepts.
Correcting a Franklin County record
Columbus Public Health lists help with correcting birth and death certificates issued in Franklin County.
Ask the receiving agency before ordering
Ask whether the receiving office needs a certified copy, whether it accepts a copy, how many originals are required, and whether any special certificate version is needed.
Order only the number of certified death certificates you truly need after asking the bank, attorney, insurer and benefit office. Some agencies keep the certified copy; others only need to view it.
Franklin County vaccines, homebound vaccines and immunization records
Franklin County Public Health lists vaccine help at 614-525-3719 and shots@franklincountyohio.gov. The vaccine page says FCPH offers vaccination clinics, homebound vaccines for people unable to leave home for COVID-19, flu and RSV, and an immunization records request route.
| Clinic location | Listed schedule note | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin County Public Health, 280 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 | Open Monday to Thursday on the FCPH vaccine page | Appointment availability, parking entrance, vaccine type and documents |
| 3820 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43224 | 2nd Tuesday of every month; page notes no clinic in November | Current monthly schedule and appointment link |
| Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Rd, Dublin, OH 43017 | 1st Tuesday of every month | Appointment link, age eligibility and vaccine stock |
| 7370 Groveport Road, Groveport, OH 43125 | 3rd Tuesday of every month | Appointment link, vaccine type and timing |
Call or schedule through the vaccine page
Prepare photo ID, insurance if any, prior immunization records, school or work form, vaccine needed and any health condition that may affect vaccine timing.
Use the right route for immunization records
The FCPH vaccine page says users can make a request for immunization records and can also try their doctor’s office, school or place of employment for vaccine records.
If you or a family member cannot leave home for COVID-19, flu or RSV vaccination, ask FCPH about the homebound vaccine process. Have the person’s address, phone, age, vaccine need and mobility limitation ready.
Franklin County infectious disease reporting, outbreaks and IDRS
Franklin County Public Health investigates, detects and prevents reportable infectious diseases in the county while following state and federal rules. FCPH uses the Infectious Disease Reporting System, also called IDRS, for a combined reporting process for Franklin County and the City of Columbus.
idrs@franklincountyohio.gov
Use for infectious disease program contact when official reporting instructions allow it.
614-525-8890
Use the infectious disease fax, not the general agency fax, for disease reporting.
IDRSInfo.org
Use the reporting website listed by FCPH for reportable disease routing.
If someone has severe symptoms, trouble breathing, chest pain, signs of stroke, severe dehydration, poisoning, overdose, suicidal thoughts, uncontrolled bleeding or another emergency, call emergency services. Do not wait for a routine public health response.
Franklin County food safety: restaurants, food trucks, schools, daycares, permits and complaints
Franklin County Public Health Food Safety licenses and inspects businesses that sell food. The program lists restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, schools and daycares, hospitals and care facilities, food trucks and temporary food vendors at festivals.
614-525-7462
Use this for Food Safety questions, complaints, permits, inspections and business routing.
food@franklincountyohio.gov
Use this for non-urgent food safety program questions when official guidance allows email.
Accela and plan packet
New food businesses, changes of ownership and remodels may require plan review before operating.
| Food business need | Prepare first | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| New restaurant, store, school food service or daycare kitchen | Menu, floor plan, equipment list, plumbing plan, finishes, hand sinks, plan review application | Plan review should happen before construction or opening. |
| Mobile food business | Mobile unit details, menu, operating plan, commissary details and inspection appointment | The FCPH food page says mobile businesses must be inspected before operating. |
| Temporary food license | Event name, date, location, menu, equipment, food safety setup and license timing | The FCPH food page says there is a limit of 10 temporary licenses per year. |
| Food license renewal | License details, account access, payment method, current facility information | Food licenses expire March 1; renewal can begin February 1; late renewal may carry a 20% late fee. |
| Restaurant complaint | Business name, full address, date, time, food item, symptoms, photos or receipt if available | Food complaints use 614-525-7462 unless the location is in Columbus jurisdiction. |
Franklin County septic, HSTS, private water systems, wells and water quality
FCPH Water Quality reviews and approves permits for private water systems, including wells, cisterns, springs, ponds and hauled water storage tanks. The program also reviews, inspects and regulates sewage systems, including household sewage treatment systems, small flow and semi-public sewage systems.
waterquality@franklincountyohio.gov
Use for private water, well, septic and water quality routing when email is appropriate.
614-525-HSTS
Report a broken or failing household sewage treatment system at 614-525-4787 or failingHSTS@franklincountyohio.gov.
614-525-3909
The Water Quality page lists this call/text number for service provider, installer, hauler and related questions.
| Need | Prepare before calling | Best route |
|---|---|---|
| New or replacement private water system | Property address, parcel, water source type, contractor details, site plan if available | Water Quality permits/forms |
| Household sewage treatment system permit | Property address, system type, contractor, site/lot details, repair or replacement need | FCPH Water Quality and forms page |
| Failing septic or sewage discharge | Address, symptoms of failure, discharge location, photos if safe, dates, owner/occupant details | 614-525-4787 or failingHSTS@franklincountyohio.gov |
| Real estate inspection or water test | Property address, seller/buyer timeline, well or septic details, test needed | Water Quality program |
| Funding for HSTS replacement | Village/township location, income or eligibility details, system condition | Ask Water Quality about eligibility and available assistance |
For septic and water quality issues, the exact property address is the most important detail. Bring or provide the parcel, owner name if known, township or village, system type, and photos only if safe to take.
Franklin County public health complaints: food, nuisance, sewage, mosquitoes, smoking, pools and body art
Use the complaint route that matches the problem. Franklin County Public Health says if the complaint is about something in the City of Columbus jurisdiction, call 614-645-3111 or dial 311.
| Complaint type | Phone or route | Prepare this |
|---|---|---|
| Food safety or restaurant complaint | 614-525-7462 | Business name, address, date, time, food item, symptoms, receipt/photos |
| Body art, tattoo, body piercing, pools or spas | 614-525-3160 | Business/facility name, address, issue, dates and photos if safe |
| Environmental crimes, littering or illegal dumping | 614-871-5322 or itsacrime.org | Location, description, vehicle details if safe, photos if safe |
| Mosquitoes | 614-525-2483 or request for service | Address, standing water location, timing, neighborhood details |
| Sewage or HSTS failure | 614-525-4787 | Property address, discharge/failure details, dates, photos if safe |
| Smoking in a public place | 866-559-6446 or NoSmoke@odh.ohio.gov | Business name, address, date, time and details |
| Public health nuisance | 614-525-3160 or nuisance form | Address, trash, rodents, roaches, sewage or multi-unit health issue details |
A strong complaint includes a complete address, city, unit number if relevant, dates, times, business name, description, photos if safe, and your contact information. A vague complaint such as “bad smell near me” is harder to route.
Franklin County WIC and nutrition help: use the correct Ohio WIC clinic route
Many users search “Franklin County Health Department WIC,” but WIC may not route through the Franklin County Public Health main office. In Franklin County, Ohio WIC routing often involves Columbus Public Health or Ohio WIC clinic listings. Use the official WIC clinic search or the Ohio Department of Health WIC page before visiting.
Food, nutrition and breastfeeding support
WIC helps eligible pregnant people, infants and young children with nutrition support, healthy foods, breastfeeding help and referrals.
Ohio WICCheck the official clinic listing
Prepare ID, proof of address, income or eligibility details, pregnancy or child information, and appointment questions.
Franklin County WIC listingBefore visiting, ask whether the location is an administrative office or a clinic, whether appointments are required, what documents to bring, and whether the child must be present.
Franklin County Public Health public records request: agency records versus immunization records
Use the FCPH Public Records page for agency records. The same page explains that immunization record requests should use the Immunization Record Release Form instead of the public records request portal.
Make a narrow public records request
Include the program, record type, date range, address, facility, permit number, complaint type or topic. Narrow requests are easier to process than broad requests such as “send everything about Franklin County health.”
Use immunization record release for shot records
If you need your vaccine record, do not submit a regular public records request. Use the immunization record release route shown on FCPH’s vaccine and public records pages.
Public records are not the same as medical records, certificates, vaccine record release, or confidential disease investigation records. Use the official record route that matches your document.
Official Franklin County Public Health links used in this guide
Use these official pages for final details, current forms, payment, appointments, fees, complaint submission, certificate routing and official records. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is independent and does not process records, vaccines, permits, inspections or complaints.
People also search for Franklin County Health Department
These Google and Bing style search terms are included because they match common user intent for Franklin County Public Health in Ohio, certificates, vaccine records, food safety, inspections, septic, nuisance complaints and public records.
Franklin County Health Department phone number
Use 614-525-3160 for Franklin County Public Health general routing.
Phone detailsFranklin County Public Health Columbus Ohio
The main office is at 280 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
Map detailsFranklin County birth certificate
Use Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics or Ohio Vital Statistics for Ohio birth records.
Birth routeFranklin County death certificate
Start with Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics and confirm copy type before ordering.
Death routeFranklin County immunization records
Use the FCPH vaccine record release route and check doctor, school or employer records.
Shot recordsFranklin County food inspection
Use FCPH Food Safety for food business inspections, permits, complaints and plan review.
Food safetyFranklin County septic permit
Use Water Quality and forms/permits for HSTS, sewage systems and private water systems.
Septic guideFranklin County nuisance complaint
Use the complaint page for nuisance, rodents, trash, sewage, mosquitoes, smoking and food issues.
ComplaintsSafety, privacy and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It is not Franklin County Public Health, not Columbus Public Health, not the Ohio Department of Health, and not an official government website. Use this guide to understand routing, then use official pages for final action.
Do not send Social Security numbers, birth certificates, death certificates, vaccine cards, medical records, driver license photos, passports, payment cards, permit plans, food business documents, complaint evidence or health details to an independent guide page. Use only official secure routes.
Phone numbers, fees, forms, appointment rules, inspection requirements, record rules, vaccine clinic schedules, complaint routes and service boundaries can change. Confirm current details on the official FCPH, Columbus Public Health or Ohio Department of Health page before visiting, mailing documents or paying.
Franklin County Health Department FAQs
What is the Franklin County Health Department phone number?
The main Franklin County Public Health phone number is 614-525-3160. The main office is at 280 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
Is Franklin County Public Health the same as Columbus Public Health?
No. Franklin County Public Health serves most of Franklin County, while public health concerns in Columbus or Worthington may route to Columbus Public Health. For address-based complaints, provide the exact city and address first.
Where do I get a Franklin County birth certificate?
Start with Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics or Ohio Vital Statistics. Columbus Public Health lists birth and death certificate ordering by mail, online, in person and by phone. Prepare ID, record details and payment method.
Where do I get a Franklin County death certificate?
Use Columbus Public Health Vital Statistics or Ohio Vital Statistics. Before ordering, ask the bank, insurance company, attorney, pension office or court which certified copy it accepts.
Does Franklin County Public Health provide vaccines?
Yes. FCPH lists vaccine services at 614-525-3719 and shots@franklincountyohio.gov. The vaccine page lists multiple clinic locations and homebound vaccine help for COVID-19, flu and RSV.
How do I request Franklin County immunization records?
Use the FCPH immunization record release route listed through the vaccine page. FCPH also suggests trying your doctor’s office, school or place of employment for vaccine records.
How do I report a restaurant complaint in Franklin County?
For FCPH jurisdiction, Food Safety complaints use 614-525-7462. If the location is in Columbus jurisdiction, call 614-645-3111 or 311. Prepare the restaurant name, full address, date, time, food item and symptoms.
How do I report septic or sewage failure in Franklin County?
FCPH lists failing household sewage treatment system reports at 614-525-HSTS, which is 614-525-4787, or failingHSTS@franklincountyohio.gov. Prepare the exact property address and details of the failure.
How do I file a public health nuisance complaint?
Use the FCPH public health nuisance page or call 614-525-3160. Prepare the address, complaint type, dates, photos if safe and your contact information. FCPH says it cannot address mold complaints through its nuisance route.
How do I report infectious disease to Franklin County Public Health?
Use IDRS reporting instructions. FCPH lists infectious disease reporting fax 614-525-8890 and the reporting website IDRSInfo.org. Do not use the general FCPH fax for infectious disease reporting.
How do I request public records from Franklin County Public Health?
Use the FCPH Public Records page and request portal. Make the request specific with program, record type, date range, address, facility or subject. Immunization records use a separate immunization record release route.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official Franklin County Health Department website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. Official action should be completed through Franklin County Public Health, Columbus Public Health, Ohio Department of Health or another official public agency page.