Brazoria County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Brazoria County?

Public records in Brazoria County encompass a wide range of official documents maintained by various county departments and agencies pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 552, commonly known as the Texas Public Information Act. These records serve as the official documentation of government activities and transactions within the county jurisdiction. Brazoria County maintains the following categories of public records:

Property Records - Property deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments maintained by the Brazoria County Appraisal District and County Clerk's Office
Vital Records - Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees (with certain privacy restrictions)
Court Records - Civil, criminal, probate, and family court case files, judgments, and dockets from district and county courts
Tax Records - Property tax information, tax rolls, and payment histories maintained by the Brazoria County Tax Office
Voting and Election Records - Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
Business Records - Assumed name certificates (DBA), business licenses, and permits
Law Enforcement Records - Arrest records, incident reports, and jail records (with certain exemptions)
County Commissioner Records - Meeting minutes, resolutions, and ordinances
Land Records - Surveys, easements, and right-of-way documentation
Environmental Records - Environmental impact studies, permits, and compliance reports

These records are maintained in accordance with state retention schedules and are generally available for public inspection during regular business hours at the respective county offices or through designated online portals.

Is Brazoria County an Open Records County?

Brazoria County operates as an open records county in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the fundamental principle that all government information is presumed to be available to the public. According to § 552.021 of the Texas Government Code, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body.

The Brazoria County Commissioners Court has formally adopted policies that affirm the county's commitment to transparency and open government. These policies explicitly acknowledge that county records belong to the public and that citizens have the right to access information about governmental decisions and operations, except where specifically exempted by law.

As stated in the county's official records policy: "Brazoria County recognizes that public scrutiny is essential to maintaining an open and accountable government. The County shall make all reasonable efforts to provide prompt access to public information in accordance with state law."

The Texas Attorney General's Office provides oversight regarding open records compliance and issues opinions when disputes arise regarding whether specific information is subject to public disclosure. Brazoria County departments are required to respond to public information requests within 10 business days, either by providing the requested information or by seeking an Attorney General's opinion if they believe an exception applies.

How Do I Find Public Records in Brazoria County in 2025

Members of the public seeking access to Brazoria County records in 2025 may utilize several established methods to locate and obtain public information. The county has implemented a multi-channel approach to facilitate public access:

Online Access Portal - Brazoria County maintains a centralized records portal accessible through the county website. Users may search for and retrieve many common records without visiting county offices. The portal includes property records, court case information, and commissioner's court documents.
In-Person Requests - Individuals may visit the appropriate county department during regular business hours to request records in person. Staff members are available to assist with locating specific documents.
Written Requests - Formal public information requests may be submitted in writing to the appropriate county department. Pursuant to § 552.301 of the Texas Government Code, these requests must be responded to within 10 business days.
Department-Specific Resources:
- Property records: Available through the Brazoria County Appraisal District online database
- Court records: Accessible via the District Clerk's Office public terminals
- Tax information: Searchable through the Brazoria County Tax Office website
- Vital records: Requests processed through the County Clerk's Office
Third-Party Aggregators - Several commercial services compile and provide access to Brazoria County public records, though these may require subscription fees and may not contain the most current information.

For specialized or historical records, the Brazoria County Archives Department maintains collections dating back to the county's formation and provides research assistance by appointment. Researchers seeking extensive historical documentation are advised to contact this department directly to schedule research time.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Brazoria County?

Brazoria County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the fee schedule established under § 552.261 of the Texas Public Information Act and county ordinances. The fee structure is designed to recover the reasonable costs associated with document production while maintaining public accessibility. Current fee schedules for common record types include:

Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard letter or legal size documents
Certified Copies: $5.00 per document plus $0.10 per page
Oversize Documents: $0.50 per page for documents larger than 11x17 inches
Digital Media: $5.00 per CD/DVD containing electronic records
Maps and Plats: $10.00-$25.00 depending on size and complexity
Birth Certificates: $23.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy requested simultaneously
Death Certificates: $21.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy requested simultaneously
Marriage Licenses: $82.00 for issuance; $20.00 for certified copies
Court Records: $1.00 per page for certified copies of court documents
Personnel Costs: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring more than one hour of staff time to process

The county may waive fees when the cost of collecting the fee exceeds the amount of the fee, or when waiver serves the public interest. For requests exceeding $40.00 in estimated costs, the county may require a deposit before processing. Pursuant to § 552.275, the county may establish time limits for extensive requests requiring significant personnel time.

Requestors should note that specialized searches requiring programming or manipulation of data may incur additional charges based on actual labor costs. The county provides itemized cost estimates for requests exceeding $40.00 before proceeding with document production.

Does Brazoria County Have Free Public Records?

Brazoria County provides certain public records at no cost to requestors in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.267, which allows governmental bodies to waive or reduce charges when doing so is in the public interest. The following records are generally available without charge:

Online Property Search - The Brazoria County Appraisal District offers free online access to basic property information, ownership data, and appraisal values
Commissioner's Court Agendas and Minutes - Available at no cost through the county website
Election Results and Voter Information - Basic election data is provided free of charge through the Elections Department
Public Notices - Official county notices and announcements are freely accessible
Self-Service Terminal Access - Computer terminals at the County Clerk's Office and District Clerk's Office provide free on-site access to public records databases
County Budget Documents - Annual budgets and financial reports are available without charge
Small Records Requests - Requests requiring minimal staff time (less than 15 minutes) and fewer than 20 pages may be provided at no cost

Additionally, pursuant to § 552.267(a), the county waives fees for records requested by:

Indigent Individuals - Persons who submit an affidavit stating they are receiving government assistance or whose income is below federal poverty guidelines
Nonprofit Organizations - 501(c)(3) organizations engaged in activities related to public health, safety, or welfare
Educational Institutions - For records requested for educational or scholarly research purposes

The County Clerk's Office provides free access to publicly viewable records through self-service computer terminals located at:

Brazoria County Clerk's Office
111 E. Locust Street, Suite 200
Angleton, TX 77515
979-864-1355
Brazoria County Clerk

Who Can Request Public Records In Brazoria County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, specifically § 552.023, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request and receive public records from Brazoria County governmental bodies. The statute establishes a presumption of openness that applies equally to:

Individual Citizens - Any person may submit requests without demonstrating a "need to know" or stating a reason for seeking information
Media Representatives - Journalists and news organizations have the same rights of access as individual citizens
Business Entities - Corporations, partnerships, and other business organizations may request public information
Nonprofit Organizations - Charitable, educational, and advocacy groups have full access rights
Government Agencies - Other governmental bodies may request information through official channels
Non-U.S. Citizens - Foreign nationals have the same rights to public information as U.S. citizens

The law specifically prohibits the county from inquiring about the requestor's purpose or intended use of the information, except in limited circumstances where such information is relevant to determining whether an exception to disclosure applies. Requestors are not required to identify themselves, though providing contact information is necessary for the county to respond to the request.

Certain requestors have enhanced rights to specific information. For example, pursuant to § 552.023, individuals have a special right of access to information that relates to them specifically, even if that information would otherwise be protected from disclosure under the Act's exceptions.

The county may not discriminate among requestors and must treat all requests equally, regardless of the requestor's identity, except where specifically authorized by statute.

What Records Are Confidential In Brazoria County?

Brazoria County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exceptions established under the Texas Public Information Act and other applicable state and federal laws. Pursuant to § 552.101 through § 552.158 of the Texas Government Code, the following categories of records are generally not subject to public disclosure:

Personal Identifying Information - Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information are protected from disclosure
Medical and Mental Health Records - Health information is confidential under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Juvenile Records - Court and law enforcement records pertaining to minors receive heightened protection
Certain Personnel Information - Home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and family information of county employees and officials
Attorney-Client Communications - Legal advice and attorney work product prepared for the county
Ongoing Investigation Materials - Law enforcement records related to pending investigations
Critical Infrastructure Information - Details about security systems, emergency response plans, and infrastructure vulnerabilities
Economic Development Negotiations - Information that would give advantage to competitors or bidders
Certain Victim Information - Identifying details of crime victims, particularly in cases involving sexual assault or family violence
Adoption Records - Information related to adoptions is strictly confidential
Certain Property Tax Information - Home addresses of specific protected classes (judges, peace officers, etc.)
Library Records - Information revealing which materials have been accessed by specific patrons

The Texas Attorney General's Office issues formal opinions regarding the application of these exceptions when disputes arise. County officials must seek an Attorney General's opinion within 10 business days if they wish to withhold requested information based on these exceptions.

Requestors should note that even when records contain some confidential information, the county is required to redact only the confidential portions and release the remainder of the records when possible.

Brazoria County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Brazoria County Clerk's Office serves as the official recorder for the county, maintaining vital records, property documents, and other official filings. Members of the public seeking access to recorded documents may contact or visit the office at the following locations:

Brazoria County Clerk - Main Office
111 E. Locust Street, Suite 200
Angleton, TX 77515
Phone: 979-864-1355
Brazoria County Clerk

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

Brazoria County Clerk - Pearland Branch
2436 S. Grand Blvd
Pearland, TX 77581
Phone: 281-997-1570

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

Brazoria County Clerk - West Columbia Branch
451 N. Velasco, Suite 190
West Columbia, TX 77486
Phone: 979-345-3040

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

The Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to various documents including:

Property deeds and transfers
Mortgages and liens
Marriage licenses
Assumed name certificates (DBA)
Military discharge records (DD-214)
Commissioners Court records
Notary public registrations
Cattle brands and marks

Records dating back to 1836 are maintained by the office, with many recent documents available through the county's online portal. Research assistance is available for complex searches, though staff cannot provide legal advice regarding the content or effect of recorded documents.