Bulloch County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Bulloch County?

Public records in Bulloch County are defined according to the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, which states that all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer-based or generated information, or similar material prepared and maintained or received in the course of the operation of a public office or agency are considered public records. These records are maintained by various county departments and are generally accessible to the public upon request.

Bulloch County maintains the following types of public records:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property assessments
• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information, tax assessments, and tax maps
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Commission meetings and other public boards
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
• Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest logs (with certain restrictions)
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

The Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records, property records, and notary commissions. Vital records are primarily maintained by the Bulloch County Probate Court. Tax records are maintained by the Bulloch County Tax Commissioner's Office, while voting records are kept by the Bulloch County Board of Elections and Registration.

Is Bulloch County an Open Records County?

Bulloch County adheres to the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this law, all public records are presumed to be open and available for inspection by any person at a reasonable time and place, unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Act specifically states: "The General Assembly finds and declares that the strong public policy of this state is in favor of open government; that open government is essential to a free, open, and democratic society; and that public access to public records should be encouraged to foster confidence in government and so that the public can evaluate the expenditure of public funds and the efficient and proper functioning of its institutions."

Bulloch County complies with the state's sunshine laws, including the Georgia Open Meetings Act § 50-14-1 et seq., which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public. The county maintains an official records policy that outlines procedures for requesting public records in accordance with state law.

County departments are required to respond to open records requests within three business days, as mandated by state law. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the county must provide a written timeline for when the records will be available.

How to Find Public Records in Bulloch County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Bulloch County may utilize several methods to access information. The county provides multiple avenues for obtaining public records:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. Court records can be accessed through the Georgia Courts E-Access portal, which provides electronic access to court documents.

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records in person. For example:

   • Court records: Visit the Clerk of Superior Court
   • Property records: Visit the Clerk of Superior Court or Tax Assessor's Office
   • Vital records: Visit the Probate Court

3. Written Requests: Submit a written open records request to the specific department that maintains the desired records. The county provides an official Open Records Request form that can be submitted via email, mail, or in person.

4. Property Records Search: The county maintains a property records database through the Tax Assessor's Office where property information, assessments, and tax records can be searched.

5. Vital Records: Birth and death certificates can be ordered through the Georgia Department of Public Health's ROVER system, while marriage licenses and divorce decrees are available through the Probate Court and Clerk of Superior Court, respectively.

When making a request, individuals should provide specific information about the records sought, including names, dates, case numbers, or property addresses when applicable. This specificity helps county staff locate the requested information efficiently.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Bulloch County?

Bulloch County charges fees for public records in accordance with Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71(c), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. The current fee structure includes:

• Copying Fees: $0.10 per page for standard letter/legal size documents
• Certified Copies: $2.50 per certification (additional to copy fees)
• Search and Retrieval: $15.00 per hour after the first quarter hour (which is free)
• Electronic Records: Actual cost of the media on which records are produced (CD, DVD, USB drive)
• Specialized Documents: Maps, plats, and oversized documents have varying fees based on size and complexity

Specific record types have statutorily set fees:

• Birth Certificates: $25.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
• Death Certificates: $25.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
• Marriage Licenses: $56.00 for issuance, $10.00 for certified copies
• Deed Recordings: $9.00 for the first page, $2.00 for each additional page

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee) at most county offices. Some departments may have limited payment options.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent persons or when the records request is determined to be in the public interest. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the custodian of records.

Does Bulloch County Have Free Public Records?

Bulloch County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71(b), which states that agencies shall "provide reasonable access to records during normal business hours." While copying fees may apply, the public has the right to inspect records without charge.

The following free public record resources are available:

• In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect records at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office. Advance notice may be required for voluminous records or those in storage.

• Online Resources: Several free online resources provide access to public records:

  • Bulloch County Property Records - Free access to property information, tax assessments, and maps
  • Bulloch County Commission Meeting Minutes - Free access to agendas and minutes
  • Bulloch County Budget Documents - Free access to annual budgets and financial reports
  • Statesboro Municipal Court Records - Free access to municipal court information for the county seat

• Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Clerk of Superior Court's office and the public library for searching certain public records at no cost.

• Public Notices: Legal notices, zoning changes, and other public announcements are published in the legal organ newspaper and are available for public review at no cost.

Who Can Request Public Records in Bulloch County?

Under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70(b), "all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This means that any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Bulloch County.

Key points regarding eligibility to request records include:

• No Residency Requirement: Requestors do not need to be residents of Bulloch County or Georgia to request public records.

• Identification Requirements: While basic contact information may be requested for communication purposes, requestors generally do not need to provide identification to access most public records. However, certain sensitive records may require verification of identity or legal interest.

• Purpose Disclosure: Under § 50-18-71(d), requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request, except for requests for records with commercially valuable information.

• Requesting Personal Records: Individuals requesting their own records (such as birth certificates or marriage licenses) must provide proper identification to verify their identity.

• Requesting Records of Others: Certain records, such as vital records, have restrictions on who may access them. For example, birth certificates less than 100 years old are generally only available to the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a legitimate legal interest.

• Business Entities: Corporations, organizations, and other legal entities may request public records through authorized representatives.

The county may not deny access to records based on the requestor's intended use of the records, except in specific cases outlined in state law where commercial use restrictions apply.

What Records Are Confidential in Bulloch County?

Certain records in Bulloch County are exempt from public disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-72, which provides specific exemptions to protect privacy, security, and other important interests. These confidential records include:

• Medical Records: Personal health information protected under HIPAA and state law
• Social Security Numbers and Personal Financial Information: Protected to prevent identity theft
• Juvenile Court Records: Generally confidential except in specific circumstances outlined in § 15-11-700
• Ongoing Criminal Investigations: Records that would compromise active law enforcement investigations
• Grand Jury Proceedings: Records of grand jury deliberations and testimony
• Adoption Records: Sealed by court order to protect privacy of all parties
• Child Abuse Records: Information maintained by child protective services
• Certain Personnel Records: Performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information of public employees
• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product
• Trade Secrets and Proprietary Information: Confidential business information submitted to government agencies
• Security Plans: Records that would compromise public safety or security infrastructure
• Records Specifically Exempted by Law: Any records protected by other state or federal statutes

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact the confidential portions and provide the remainder of the record, as required by § 50-18-72(b).

The county applies a balancing test in certain cases where disclosure may constitute an invasion of personal privacy. In these instances, the public interest in disclosure is weighed against the individual's privacy interest, as established by the Georgia Supreme Court.

Bulloch County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court
1 North Main Street, Room 201
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 764-9017
Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Bulloch County Probate Court
1 North Main Street, Room 104
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 764-6380
Bulloch County Probate Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Bulloch County Tax Commissioner's Office
1 North Main Street, Room 100
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 764-6285
Bulloch County Tax Commissioner

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Bulloch County Board of Elections and Registration
113 North Main Street, Suite 201
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 764-6502
Bulloch County Elections

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Bulloch County

E-Access to Court Records

City of Statesboro Municipal Records

Georgia Vital Records ROVER System