Bulloch County Public Records /Bulloch County Property Records

Bulloch County Property Records

What Is Bulloch County Property Records

Property records in Bulloch County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and transactions throughout the county. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-1, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting the title to lands must be recorded in the office of the clerk of superior court of the county where the land is located.

The primary purposes of Bulloch County property records include:

Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
Providing public notice of property interests
Protecting property rights through official documentation
Facilitating property transactions and transfers
Supporting property tax assessment and collection
Enabling zoning and land use regulation enforcement

The Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court maintains the official property records for the county, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other documents affecting real property. These records form the foundation of the county's property system, ensuring transparency and legal certainty in real estate ownership and transactions.

Are Property Records Public Information In Bulloch County?

Property records in Bulloch County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens as established by Georgia law. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records. Additionally, Georgia's property recording statutes under O.C.G.A. § 44-2-1 specifically require that property records be maintained as public documents.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
Public records support property rights and prevent fraud

Any member of the public may access Bulloch County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the principle that property ownership information should be transparent and available to all citizens.

How To Search Property Records in Bulloch County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Bulloch County may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The following procedures outline the standard process for accessing these records:

In-Person Searches:

Visit the Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court's office during regular business hours.
Complete a records request form at the public counter.
Provide specific information about the property (address, owner name, or parcel number).
Staff will assist in locating the relevant records.
Pay applicable copy fees for any documents requested.

Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court
1 North Main Street
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 764-6916
Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court

Mail Requests:

Download and complete the records request form from the county website.
Include specific property information in your request.
Enclose the appropriate search and copy fees.
Mail the request to the Clerk of Superior Court's office.
Allow 5-10 business days for processing.

Online Searches:

The Bulloch County Tax Assessor's Office maintains a searchable database of property records that includes:

Navigate to the Bulloch County property records portal.
Select the desired search method (name, address, or parcel ID).
Enter the search criteria and submit the query.
Review the results and select specific properties for detailed information.
Download or print available documents as needed.

Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-61, the Clerk of Superior Court is required to maintain these records and make them available to the public in accordance with state law.

How To Find Property Records in Bulloch County Online?

Bulloch County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The county's commitment to digital accessibility allows residents and interested parties to conduct thorough property research without visiting county offices in person.

To find property records online, follow these steps:

Access the Bulloch County Tax Assessor's property search portal through the official county website.
Select from multiple search options:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Map reference number
- Subdivision name
Enter the relevant search criteria and submit your query.
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Property ownership information
- Property characteristics
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Recent sales data
Select specific properties to view detailed information.
Access available documents, maps, and property cards.

For more comprehensive title searches, the Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court offers access to recorded documents through their online records system. This system includes:

Deeds and property transfers
Mortgages and security deeds
Liens and encumbrances
Plats and surveys
Easements and restrictions

The zoning classification for properties can also be accessed through the Bulloch County Tax Assessor's online system, providing important information about permitted land uses and development regulations.

How To Look Up Bulloch County Property Records for Free?

Bulloch County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records, ensuring that essential property information remains accessible to all citizens regardless of financial resources. These free access points include both digital and in-person options.

Free Online Access:

The primary resource for free property record searches is the Bulloch County Tax Assessor's public access website, which offers:

Basic property information searches without registration or fees
Property ownership details
Assessment values and tax information
Property characteristics and improvements
Sales history and transaction dates
Zoning information and land use designations

Free In-Person Access:

Visit the Bulloch County Tax Assessor's Office during regular business hours:

Bulloch County Tax Assessor's Office
113 North Main Street, Suite 240
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 764-6120
Bulloch County Tax Assessor

Use the public access terminals available for self-service searches.
Request assistance from staff for locating specific records.
View records on-site at no charge (fees apply only for copies).

Public Library Access:

The Statesboro Regional Library also provides free public computer access where citizens can search the county's online property records:

Statesboro Regional Library
124 South Main Street
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 764-1341
Statesboro Regional Library

While viewing records is free, standard fees may apply for obtaining certified copies or extensive document reproduction as established by Georgia Code § 15-6-94, which authorizes clerks to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records.

What's Included in a Bulloch County Property Record?

Bulloch County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Clerk of Superior Court and the Tax Assessor's Office, in accordance with Georgia Code § 44-2-2.

Types of Property Records:

Real Property Records: Documents pertaining to land and permanently attached structures
Personal Property Records: Information on taxable business equipment, inventory, and other non-real estate assets

Detailed Information Included in Property Records:

Ownership Information:
- Current property owner(s) name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Tax map reference numbers
- Subdivision information, if applicable
Property Characteristics:
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and specifications
- Year built and construction details
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Building materials and quality classifications
- Special features and improvements
Financial Information:
- Current assessed value
- Market value estimates
- Purchase price history
- Mortgage information
- Tax assessment data
- Property tax appeal history
Legal Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Mortgages and security deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Plats and surveys
- Foreclosure notices
- Probate records affecting title
Land Use Information:
- Zoning classification
- Land use restrictions
- Building permits
- Variance approvals
- Environmental restrictions

These comprehensive records provide a complete history of property ownership, characteristics, and legal status, serving as the official public record of real estate in Bulloch County.

How Long Does Bulloch County Keep Property Records?

Bulloch County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives and Records Management Division, as mandated by Georgia Code § 50-18-99. These retention periods ensure the preservation of essential property information while managing county resources effectively.

Permanent Retention Records:

The following property records are maintained permanently by Bulloch County:

Deeds and property transfers
Mortgages and security deeds
Plats and surveys
Easements and rights-of-way
Restrictive covenants
Condominium declarations
Subdivision regulations
Original tax digests

Long-Term Retention Records (25+ Years):

Tax assessment records (25 years)
Property tax appeals documentation (25 years)
Zoning decisions and variances (permanent for approved, 25 years for denied)
Building permits for significant structures (25 years)
Environmental impact studies (25 years)

Medium-Term Retention Records (7-15 Years):

Building permits for minor structures (7 years after expiration)
Temporary easements (7 years after expiration)
Routine inspection reports (7 years)
Tax billing records (7 years)
Zoning compliance certificates (10 years)

Short-Term Retention Records (3-5 Years):

Routine correspondence regarding properties (3 years)
Public information requests for property records (3 years)
Temporary use permits (3 years after expiration)
Building inspection scheduling records (3 years)

The Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court and Tax Assessor's Office maintain these records in both physical and digital formats, with increasing emphasis on digital preservation for long-term accessibility. The county's records management program ensures compliance with state retention requirements while facilitating public access to historical property information.

How To Find Liens on Property In Bulloch County?

Locating liens on property in Bulloch County requires searching specific records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold, making their discovery an essential part of property research.

Types of Liens to Search For:

Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
Mechanic's liens (unpaid contractors)
Judgment liens (court-ordered debts)
HOA liens (homeowners association assessments)
Municipal liens (code violations, utility bills)
Federal tax liens (IRS claims)

Search Methods for Finding Liens:

Clerk of Superior Court Records:
- Visit the Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court's office
- Request a lien search for the specific property
- Provide the property owner's name and property description
- Review the General Execution Docket (GED) for judgment liens
- Check the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings

Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court
1 North Main Street
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 764-6916
Bulloch County Clerk of Superior Court

Tax Commissioner's Office:
- Contact the Bulloch County Tax Commissioner for tax lien information
- Provide the property address or parcel number
- Request a certificate of tax status showing any delinquencies

Bulloch County Tax Commissioner
113 North Main Street, Suite 100
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 764-6100
Bulloch County Tax Commissioner

Online Searches:
- Access the Clerk's online records system
- Search by property owner name
- Review recorded liens in the property records
- Check for lis pendens (pending lawsuits affecting title)
Title Company Services:
- Engage a professional title company for a comprehensive lien search
- Receive a detailed report of all recorded liens
- Obtain information about potential unrecorded liens

Under Georgia Code § 44-14-320, various types of liens must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court to be enforceable against subsequent purchasers, making the Clerk's records the primary source for lien information in Bulloch County.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Bulloch County?

The Property Owner Rule in Bulloch County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are established through a combination of state laws, county ordinances, and judicial precedents that collectively define the framework for property ownership.

Key Elements of the Property Owner Rule:

Recording Requirements: Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-1, all deeds, mortgages, and instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court to provide constructive notice to third parties. Unrecorded instruments remain binding between the parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers who record their interests without notice of prior unrecorded claims.
Property Tax Obligations: Property owners in Bulloch County are required to pay annual property taxes based on assessments conducted by the Bulloch County Tax Assessor. The tax rate is established by the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners, and property owners have the right to appeal their property valuations through the property value appeal process.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations: Property owners must comply with zoning classifications and land use regulations established by Bulloch County. These regulations dictate permissible uses, building requirements, setbacks, and other development standards. Property owners seeking to use their property in ways not permitted by current zoning may apply for variances or zoning changes through established procedures.
Adverse Possession: Under Georgia law, a person who openly, notoriously, and continuously occupies property under a claim of right for 20 years (or 7 years under color of title) may acquire ownership through adverse possession, subject to specific legal requirements and limitations.
Riparian Rights: Property owners with land adjacent to waterways in Bulloch County have certain riparian rights governing water access and use, subject to state regulations and environmental protections.
Easements and Right-of-Way: Property in Bulloch County may be subject to easements granting others specific limited rights to use portions of the property for designated purposes, such as utility access or ingress/egress. These easements must be properly recorded to be enforceable against subsequent owners.
Homestead Exemption: Qualified property owners may apply for homestead exemptions through the Tax Assessor's Office, potentially reducing their property tax obligations on their primary residence.

These property owner rules establish the legal framework governing real estate ownership in Bulloch County, defining both the rights and responsibilities associated with property ownership within the jurisdiction.

Lookup Property Records in Bulloch County

Bulloch County official website

Tax Commissioner property records

Property value appeal process information

Zoning determination resources