Franklin Fairbanks (June 18, 1828 – April 24, 1895) was an American businessman, natural scientist, collector, political figure, and one of the founders and first trustees of Rollins College.

Fairbanks was also an officer and director in a number of railroad, mining, manufacturing, banking, and telegraph businesses.

[citation needed] During the Civil War Fairbanks served on the staffs of Governors Hiland Hall and his father Erastus, with the rank of colonel, responsible for raising, equipping and training troops for the Union Army and dispatching them to the front lines.

[2] In addition, he supervised Fairbanks Scales' production of matériel for the war effort, including artillery harness irons and other horse tack.

[7] Fairbanks came to Winter Park, Florida, in 1881 with his friend and business associate, Charles Hosmer Morse, who was also from St. Johnsbury.