Officials in Rome say there is still significant uncertainty surrounding the future of the historic Floyd County Courthouse following a massive fire that tore through the landmark.

The fire broke out on the afternoon of March 23, 2026, engulfing the 134-year-old courthouse in downtown Rome. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours as flames consumed much of the structure, eventually leaving the building severely damaged and largely destroyed.

Authorities say everyone inside the building was safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, but the damage to the historic structure is extensive.

Officials have since begun assessing whether any part of the courthouse can be saved, though early indications suggest much of the building, including its iconic tower, may be a total loss.

The courthouse, originally built in 1892, had been undergoing renovations at the time of the fire. Investigators are still working to determine the cause, but safety concerns have limited access to the structure during the early stages of the investigation.

County leaders say the focus now is on relocating essential services that were housed inside the courthouse, including the tax commissioner, tax assessor, and tag office, while also determining next steps for recovery.

The loss of the courthouse has been described as a major blow to the community, with officials noting the building represented more than a century of history and served as a central landmark in downtown Rome