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Spalding County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Spalding County?

Public records in Spalding County encompass all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer-based or generated information, data, data fields, or similar material prepared, maintained, or received by an agency or by a private person or entity in the performance of a service or function for or on behalf of an agency. This definition is established under the Georgia Open Records Act O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which governs public access to government records throughout the state.

Spalding County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

  • Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family court proceedings)
  • Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, tax assessments)
  • Vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees)
  • Business records (licenses, permits, fictitious business names)
  • Tax records (property tax information, assessment records)
  • Voting and election records (voter registration, election results)
  • Meeting minutes and agendas (County Commission, boards, committees)
  • Budget and financial documents (annual budgets, expenditure reports)
  • Law enforcement records (arrest logs, incident reports where permitted by law)
  • Land use and zoning records (planning documents, zoning maps)

The Spalding County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the primary custodian for many county records, particularly court and property records. Other records are maintained by specific departments:

Spalding County Clerk of Superior Court
132 E Solomon Street
Griffin, GA 30223
770-467-4330
Spalding County Clerk of Superior Court

Vital records are maintained by the Spalding County Health Department, while tax records are available through the Spalding County Tax Commissioner's Office.

Is Spalding County an Open Records County?

Spalding County fully complies with the Georgia Open Records Act O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this law, all public records are presumed open for inspection by any person at a reasonable time and place, unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Act 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."

Spalding County has adopted specific procedures for handling public records requests in accordance with state law. The county maintains an Open Records Request Policy that outlines the process for submitting and responding to requests.

Additionally, Spalding County complies with Georgia's Open Meetings Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1 et seq., which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and that adequate notice be provided.

How to Find Public Records in Spalding County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Spalding County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

  1. Submit a formal open records request to the appropriate department:

    • Complete the county's Open Records Request Form
    • Submit the form to the specific department that maintains the records
    • Provide a clear description of the records sought

  2. Visit the appropriate county office in person:

    • Court records: Spalding County Courthouse, 132 E Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223
    • Property records: Clerk of Superior Court, 132 E Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223
    • Tax records: Tax Commissioner's Office, 132 E Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

  3. Access online resources:

  4. Contact the County Clerk's office for assistance:

    • Call 770-467-4330 during business hours
    • Email the records request coordinator at the appropriate department

The county currently aims to respond to all records requests within three business days, as required by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(1)(A), though some complex requests may require additional time.

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

Spalding County assesses fees for public records in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records. The current fee structure includes:

  • Standard copying fees: $0.10 per page for letter or legal-sized documents
  • Administrative search and retrieval fees: $15.00 per hour (first quarter hour is free)
  • Specialized document reproduction: Actual cost of reproduction
  • Electronic records: Cost of the media (CD, DVD, USB drive) if provided by the county

Additional fees may apply for specialized records:

  • Certified copies of vital records: $25.00 per certificate
  • Certified court documents: $2.50 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
  • Maps and plats: $5.00 to $10.00 depending on size
  • Complete case files: Variable based on volume and complexity

Spalding County accepts the following payment methods:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Check or money order
  • Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fee)

Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(d), the county may require prepayment if the estimated cost exceeds $25.00. Fee waivers may be available for requests that primarily benefit the public, though these are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Does Spalding County Have Free Public Records?

Spalding County provides free inspection of public records during regular business hours, as required by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b). Members of the public may examine records without charge, though fees apply for copies or extensive searches as outlined above.

The following records are currently available at no cost:

Additionally, the Spalding County Law Library provides free public access to legal resources, including Georgia statutes and case law, during regular business hours.

Who Can Request Public Records in Spalding County?

Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70(b), "all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying by any person." Accordingly, Spalding County permits any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status, to request and receive public records. Requestors are not required to:

  • Provide identification (except for certain restricted records)
  • State the purpose of their request
  • Be a Georgia resident
  • Have a direct interest in the records

However, specific record types may have additional requirements:

  • Vital records (birth, death certificates): Only the person named in the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a direct and tangible interest may obtain copies, per O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26
  • Criminal history information: Complete access may be restricted to law enforcement agencies and authorized entities
  • Adoption records: Access is limited to parties to the adoption or by court order
  • Medical examiner reports: May require demonstration of legitimate interest

Government agencies, media organizations, researchers, and businesses have the same rights of access as individual citizens, though commercial use of records may be subject to additional restrictions in some cases.

What Records Are Confidential in Spalding County?

While Spalding County maintains a presumption of openness for public records, certain information is exempt from disclosure under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72. These exemptions include:

  • Medical and veterinary records containing personal information
  • Personal information such as Social Security numbers, mother's birth name, credit card information, bank account information, insurance or medical information
  • Sealed court records and records under protective order
  • Juvenile court records, except as provided in O.C.G.A. § 15-11-79
  • Records of law enforcement investigations in pending cases
  • Motor vehicle accident reports (personal information)
  • Trade secrets and proprietary business information
  • Records that would compromise security, including emergency response plans
  • Attorney-client privileged information and attorney work product
  • Records of historic property programs (archaeological site locations)
  • Records containing information about public utility plans or arrangements
  • Records that would reveal the location of certain species of plants or animals

Additionally, the following records have restricted access:

  • Personnel records (limited disclosure of salary information is permitted)
  • Tax information and returns
  • Adoption records
  • Records pertaining to child abuse investigations
  • Library patron records

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Spalding County will redact the exempt portions and provide the remainder, as required by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(b).

Spalding County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Spalding County Clerk of Superior Court
132 E Solomon Street
Griffin, GA 30223
770-467-4330
Spalding County Clerk of Superior Court

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

The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the county recorder and maintains real estate records, including deeds, liens, plats, and security instruments. The office also maintains court records for Superior Court, State Court, and Juvenile Court proceedings.

Additional offices maintaining public records:

Spalding County Probate Court
132 E Solomon Street
Griffin, GA 30223
770-467-4340
Spalding County Probate Court

Spalding County Tax Commissioner
132 E Solomon Street
Griffin, GA 30223
770-467-4320
Spalding County Tax Commissioner

Spalding County Health Department
1007 Memorial Drive
Griffin, GA 30224
770-467-4740
Spalding County Health Department

Lookup Public Records in Spalding County

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