Bee County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Bee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking publicly available information related to public records in Bee County, Texas, may access a range of documents through official government channels and online platforms. BeeRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may include property records, court filings, and other government-maintained documents. The information available through such resources varies in completeness and currency, and users are encouraged to verify details directly with the issuing government office.
Record categories that may be accessible through official and public-facing sources include:
- Property deeds, liens, and mortgage records
- Civil and criminal court records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax assessment and appraisal records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning documents
Online Access: The Bee County official records search portal provides online access to property records and related documents maintained by the County Clerk's office. No registration is required to conduct a basic search. Users may search by name, document type, or recording date.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Bee County Clerk's Office, located at 105 W. Corpus Christi Street, Room 106, Beeville, TX 78102. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo identification and specify the records sought.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Bee County Clerk's Office at the address listed above. Requests should include the requestor's full name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Texas Government Code § 552.228, governmental bodies are required to respond to written requests promptly, and no later than ten business days after receipt.
Phone/Email: The Bee County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (361) 362-3245. Email inquiries may be directed through the county's official contact channels as listed on the county website.
What Are Public Records in Bee County?
Public records in Bee County are defined under Texas law as any information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body in connection with the transaction of official business. Under Texas Government Code § 552.002, public information includes written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained records in any physical form.
The following record types are maintained by Bee County government offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | County Clerk |
| Civil and criminal court records | District Clerk / County Clerk |
| Probate and family court records | County Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | County Clerk / Texas DSHS |
| Tax assessment records | Bee County Appraisal District |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk / City offices |
| Voting and election records | County Elections Administrator |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Judge's Office |
| Budget and financial documents | County Auditor |
| Law enforcement records | Bee County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning Department |
The Bee County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for the majority of official county records, including real property instruments and court filings.
Is Bee County an Open Records County?
Bee County operates in full compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, which mandates public access to government records. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, all governmental bodies in Texas are required to make public information available for inspection and copying upon request.
As stated by the Texas Attorney General's Office: "The Public Information Act gives the public the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer's agent may not ask why you want the information." This provision ensures that requestors in Bee County are not required to provide a reason or justification for seeking public records.
The Texas Attorney General's Open Government resources provide guidance to both governmental bodies and members of the public regarding rights and obligations under the Act. Bee County governmental bodies are subject to the same transparency requirements as all Texas counties, and no county-specific ordinance narrows the scope of access beyond what state law permits.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Bee County?
The current fee structure for public records in Bee County follows the standard schedule established by the Texas Office of the Attorney General and applicable state statutes.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white copies (letter/legal) | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copies (vital records, deeds) | $5.00–$30.00 per document (varies by type) |
| Electronic format (CD/DVD) | $1.00 per disc |
| Overhead charge (labor, materials) | Applicable for large requests exceeding 50 pages |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public may inspect records at no cost.
- Copy fees: Standard paper copies are assessed at $0.10 per page for black-and-white reproductions on letter or legal-size paper, per the Texas Administrative Code.
- Certification fees: Certified copies of vital records and recorded instruments carry fees set by the Texas Legislature and vary by document type.
- Electronic format fees: Charges for electronic media are assessed at cost.
- Fee waivers: Waiver of fees may be requested when the release of information is in the public interest and primarily benefits the general public rather than the requestor.
Accepted payment methods at the Bee County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance may vary; requestors are advised to confirm accepted payment methods prior to visiting.
Does Bee County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to all members of the public at Bee County government offices during regular business hours. Texas law does not permit governmental bodies to charge for the inspection of records, only for copies or other services.
Free access to Bee County records is available through the following official sources:
- Bee County Official Records Search: Property records, recorded instruments, and related documents are searchable at no cost through the county's online portal.
- Bee County Clerk's Office: In-person inspection of recorded documents, court filings, and other public records is available free of charge at the public counter.
- Bee County Appraisal District: Property appraisal and tax assessment data are accessible online at no cost.
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Certain vital records indexes are available for public inspection without charge.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while any person may review records at no cost, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Bee County?
Any person may request public records from Bee County governmental bodies, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Texas law does not restrict the right to request public information to residents of the state or county.
Key eligibility provisions under current law include:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents of Texas retain full rights to request public records from Bee County offices.
- Identification: Requestors are not required by law to provide identification to inspect public records, though identification may be requested for certain certified documents or restricted record types.
- Purpose: Governmental bodies in Texas are prohibited from inquiring as to the purpose of a public records request for standard public information.
- Restrictions by record type: Certain records, such as juvenile records, sealed court files, and records containing sensitive personal information, are subject to access restrictions regardless of the requestor's identity.
- Requesting personal records: Individuals seeking their own records (e.g., personal vital records, criminal history) may be required to provide proof of identity and, in some cases, a notarized authorization.
The Texas Attorney General's Office notes: "You do not have to give your name or explain why you want the information when making a public information request."
What Records Are Confidential in Bee County?
Certain categories of records maintained by Bee County governmental bodies are exempt from public disclosure under Texas law. Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158 enumerates specific categories of information that are excepted from required public disclosure.
Confidential and exempt records include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not subject to public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are confidential under Texas Family Code provisions.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active criminal investigations are exempt to the extent that disclosure would interfere with the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from disclosure.
- Medical records: Health information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Records pertaining to adoptions are sealed and accessible only under specific legal circumstances.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Certain employee records are exempt, with exceptions for information relating to public duties and compensation.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Confidential commercial or financial information submitted to a governmental body is protected.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Information that could compromise public safety or security infrastructure is withheld.
When a governmental body believes that requested information may be confidential, it is required to seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office within ten business days of receiving the request.
Bee County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Bee County Clerk's Office
105 W. Corpus Christi Street, Room 106
Beeville, TX 78102
(361) 362-3245
Bee County Clerk's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Bee County District Clerk's Office
105 W. Corpus Christi Street
Beeville, TX 78102
(361) 362-3247
Bee County District Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bee County Appraisal District
401 N. Washington Street
Beeville, TX 78102
(361) 358-1122
Bee County Appraisal District
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bee County Sheriff's Office
202 E. Corpus Christi Street
Beeville, TX 78102
(361) 362-3264
Bee County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Administrative); Dispatch available 24 hours.