Pierce County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Pierce County in 2026
PierceCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Pierce County, Georgia. Members of the public seeking court filings, property documents, vital records, or other official documents may find relevant data through this resource. The information presented reflects what is available through official government channels, and completeness of any individual record set may vary depending on the originating agency and the nature of the request.
Record categories that may be accessible through official sources include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court filings)
- Property records (deeds, liens, mortgages, and tax assessments)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates)
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement records (where permitted by law)
- Land use and zoning documents
Records in Pierce County may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
Members of the public may access certain court records through the Georgia Courts e-access portal, which allows users to search case information after creating an account with the designated provider. The Pierce County Superior Court and associated judicial offices maintain records that may be partially accessible through this statewide system. Property and tax records may be available through the Pierce County Tax Assessor's online portal.
In-Person Requests:
Individuals seeking records in person may visit the Pierce County Clerk of Superior Court or the applicable court division. The Pierce County judicial offices are located at the county courthouse in Blackshear, Georgia. Requestors should present a written or verbal description of the records sought and be prepared to pay applicable fees at the time of inspection or copying.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests should be directed to the appropriate custodial office and must include the requestor's name, a description of the records sought, and a preferred method of response. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies are required to respond to open records requests within three business days.
Phone/Email:
The Pierce County Clerk of Superior Court may be reached by telephone at (912) 449-2020. Requestors are encouraged to call in advance to confirm record availability and office hours before visiting in person.
What Are Public Records in Pierce County?
Public records in Pierce County are defined under Georgia's Open Records Act as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer-based or generated information, or similar material prepared and maintained or received in the performance of a service or function by or on behalf of a public agency. The following record types are maintained by various county offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Clerk of Superior Court |
| Probate and estate records | Probate Court |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Clerk of Superior Court |
| Tax assessments | Tax Assessor's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death) | Georgia Department of Public Health |
| Marriage and divorce records | Clerk of Superior Court / Probate Court |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk / City offices |
| Voting and election records | Pierce County Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Board of Commissioners |
| Law enforcement records | Pierce County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Zoning Department |
The Pierce County Superior Court serves as the primary repository for many civil, criminal, and real property records filed within the county. Vital records originating in Georgia are also maintained at the state level by the Georgia Department of Public Health's Vital Records office.
Is Pierce County an Open Records County?
Pierce County operates in full compliance with Georgia's statewide open records framework. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., all public agencies in the state — including county offices, courts, and boards — are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. The Act applies to all records maintained by or on behalf of a public agency, regardless of the medium in which they are stored.
As stated in the Georgia Attorney General's guidance on open records: "The Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's intent that public records shall be open to the public as a matter of public policy." This principle governs how Pierce County agencies respond to records requests and establishes the presumption that records are open unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
The county does not maintain a separate local open records ordinance that supersedes state law. All requests are processed in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act, and agencies are required to acknowledge requests within three business days and either produce the records or cite the applicable exemption.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Pierce County?
The fee structure for public records in Pierce County is governed by state law and the policies of the individual custodial office. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c), agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and production of records, but may not charge for inspection alone.
Current standard fees applicable to most Pierce County offices include:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copies (court records) | Varies by document type |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of production |
| Search and retrieval (staff time) | Actual cost after first 15 minutes |
| Certification fee | Set by individual office |
- Inspection fees: No charge for in-person inspection of public records.
- Copy fees: Paper copies are charged at the actual cost of reproduction, with a standard rate of $0.10 per page at many county offices.
- Certification fees: Certified copies of court documents carry additional fees set by the Clerk of Superior Court.
- Electronic format fees: Agencies may charge the actual cost of producing records in electronic format.
- Fee waivers: Agencies retain discretion to waive fees in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest.
Accepted payment methods vary by office but typically include cash, money order, and personal check. Requestors should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request.
Does Pierce County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Pierce County government offices during regular business hours. Georgia law does not permit agencies to charge a fee for the inspection of records; fees apply only when copies are requested. Members of the public may review documents in person at the applicable office at no cost.
Free online access to certain records is available through the following official resources:
- The Georgia Courts e-access system provides searchable case information for registered users, with some basic case data available without charge.
- The Pierce County Tax Assessor's office provides online access to property assessment data at no cost.
- The Georgia Secretary of State's office offers free online searches of business entity registrations and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while any person may inspect public records without charge, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above. Certain records — such as voter registration information provided to candidates and political parties — may be subject to specific statutory fee provisions.
Who Can Request Public Records in Pierce County?
Any person may request public records in Pierce County, Georgia. The Georgia Open Records Act does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to be Georgia residents, and agencies may not require a requestor to explain the reason for the request as a condition of access.
Specific eligibility considerations include:
- Identification: Agencies may ask for identification but cannot deny access solely because a requestor declines to provide it, except in limited circumstances involving specific record types.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state a purpose for most public records requests.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Pierce County and Georgia retain full rights to request public records under state law.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking records about themselves may be entitled to access records that are otherwise restricted to the subject of the record, such as certain law enforcement or personnel records.
- Restricted record types: Some records — including juvenile court records, sealed court files, and certain law enforcement investigative materials — carry access restrictions regardless of who is requesting them.
What Records Are Confidential in Pierce County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Georgia law. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72 enumerates the specific exemptions applicable to public agencies statewide, including those in Pierce County. Records that are currently exempt from disclosure include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Georgia law.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled in connection with an active investigation are exempt until the investigation is closed or prosecution is complete.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from otherwise public documents.
- Medical records: Records protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and state medical privacy laws are not subject to disclosure.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare records: Records maintained by child protective services agencies are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for records relating to job performance or disciplinary actions resulting in termination.
- Trade secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to a government agency in confidence is exempt from disclosure.
- Security and infrastructure plans: Documents detailing security systems, emergency response plans, or critical infrastructure vulnerabilities are withheld from public access.
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the custodial agency is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder of the document.
Pierce County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The primary offices responsible for maintaining public records in Pierce County, Georgia are listed below with complete contact information.
Pierce County Clerk of Superior Court
312 Nichols Street, Suite 3
Blackshear, GA 31516
Phone: (912) 449-2020
Pierce County Superior Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Pierce County Probate Court
312 Nichols Street
Blackshear, GA 31516
Phone: (912) 449-2026
Pierce County Courts
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Pierce County Tax Assessor's Office
312 Nichols Street
Blackshear, GA 31516
Phone: (912) 449-2025
Pierce County Government
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Pierce County Sheriff's Office
4065 U.S. Highway 84 West
Blackshear, GA 31516
Phone: (912) 449-2040
Pierce County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Open 24 hours for emergency services; administrative records requests are processed Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
As noted in the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority's guidance, "The Clerk of Superior Court is the official custodian of all real property records, civil and criminal court filings, and related documents filed within the county." Requestors seeking records from multiple departments should contact each office individually to confirm availability and applicable fees.