Flounders became a JP for Shropshire. In 1813 he was one of three gentlemen nominated for appointment as High Sheriff of Shropshire but he declined on the grounds he lived permanently in Yarm and would therefore be living up to 180 miles away from Shrewsbury where the courts would be held. He appealed against similar nominations for similar reasons in 1814, 1820 and 1836.
Flounders became a JP for Shropshire, a position that required him to be present in Shrewsbury for court proceedings. However, he was unable to fulfill this requirement due to his permanent residence in Yarm, leading him to decline the nomination for High Sheriff in 1813.