Beaufort County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Beaufort County?

Public records in Beaufort County are defined according to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under § 30-4-20(c), which states that public records include "all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, or other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body."

The Beaufort County Government maintains numerous types of public records that are accessible to citizens. These records include:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, family court, and probate court records maintained by the Beaufort County Clerk of Court
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property assessments maintained by the Register of Deeds
Vital Records: Birth certificates (limited access), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Council, boards, and commissions proceedings
Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest logs (with certain restrictions)
Land Use and Zoning Records: Zoning maps, land use permits, and planning documents

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments. For example, property records are maintained by the Register of Deeds office, while court records are under the jurisdiction of the Clerk of Court. Geographic information and mapping data are available through the county's Public Mapping Site.

Is Beaufort County an Open Records County?

Beaufort County adheres to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as codified in Title 30, Chapter 4 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Under § 30-4-15, the General Assembly has declared that "it is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that citizens shall be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity."

The statute explicitly states in § 30-4-30(a) that "any person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body, except as otherwise provided by § 30-4-40, in accordance with reasonable rules concerning time and place of access." This provision establishes the fundamental right of public access to government records in Beaufort County.

Beaufort County has implemented policies to ensure compliance with state sunshine laws, including providing public notice of meetings and maintaining transparency in government operations. The county follows the state's requirements for responding to FOIA requests, which generally must be fulfilled within 10 business days for records less than 24 months old, and 20 business days for older records.

The county's commitment to transparency is reflected in its online resources, which provide access to many public records through the Beaufort County Government website. This includes access to meeting agendas, minutes, and various departmental records.

How to Find Public Records in Beaufort County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Beaufort County may follow these procedures to obtain the information they need:

Identify the Appropriate Department: Determine which county department maintains the records you seek. Different types of records are held by different offices:
- Property records: Register of Deeds
- Court records: Clerk of Court
- Tax records: Treasurer's Office
- Vital records: Health Department or Probate Court
Submit a FOIA Request: For records not readily available online, submit a written FOIA request to the appropriate department. Requests should include:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific description of the records sought
- Preferred format for receiving the records
- Date range of records (if applicable)
Online Access Options: Many records are available through online portals:
- Property records can be searched through the Beaufort County Register of Deeds online search system
- GIS and mapping information is accessible through the county's Public Mapping Site
- Court records may be searched through the South Carolina Judicial Department's public index
In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office during business hours to request records in person. Staff can assist with locating specific documents.
Historical Records: For historical records, contact the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, which maintains state, county, and municipal records dating back to colonial times.

The county is required to respond to FOIA requests within statutory timeframes: 10 business days for records less than 24 months old and 20 business days for older records, pursuant to § 30-4-30(C) of the South Carolina Code.

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

Beaufort County assesses fees for public records in accordance with § 30-4-30(B) of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which permits public bodies to establish and collect reasonable fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records.

Current standard fees for public records in Beaufort County include:

Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
Certified Copies: $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
Search and Retrieval: $20.00 per hour after the first hour (first hour is typically free)
Electronic Records: Actual cost of media (USB drive, CD, etc.)
Large Format Documents (maps, plats): $3.00 to $10.00 depending on size

Specific departments may have different fee structures:

Register of Deeds: $10.00 for the first page of recorded documents, $5.00 for each additional page
Clerk of Court: $5.00 for court record copies, additional fees for certified copies
GIS/Mapping: Specialized fees for custom maps and data exports

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards at most offices. Some online services may require credit card payment.

The county may waive fees if the request is determined to be in the public interest or if the requestor demonstrates financial hardship. Additionally, pursuant to § 30-4-30(B), "documents may be furnished when appropriate without charge or at a reduced charge where the agency determines that waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest."

Does Beaufort County Have Free Public Records?

Beaufort County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with South Carolina law. Under § 30-4-30(A) of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, "any person has a right to inspect... any public record of a public body" during normal business hours, subject to reasonable rules concerning time and place of access.

The following records are available for free inspection:

In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect most public records at no charge during regular business hours at the appropriate county office. This includes property records, court files, meeting minutes, and other non-exempt documents.
Online Resources: Several free online resources are provided by Beaufort County:
- The Beaufort County Register of Deeds offers free online searching of property records
- The Public Mapping Site provides free access to GIS data, property information, and maps
- County Council meeting agendas and minutes are freely available on the county website
- Budget documents and financial reports can be accessed at no cost
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at various county offices for public use in searching electronic records at no charge.

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History also provides free access to certain historical records related to Beaufort County through their online research portal.

While inspection is free, fees may still apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive search and retrieval services as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Who Can Request Public Records in Beaufort County?

Under South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act, specifically § 30-4-30(A), "any person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body" subject to certain exemptions. This broad eligibility extends to all individuals regardless of citizenship or residency status.

Key points regarding eligibility to request public records in Beaufort County include:

No Residency Requirement: Requestors need not be residents of Beaufort County or South Carolina to obtain public records.
Identification Requirements: While basic contact information is required for processing requests, formal identification is generally not required for most public records. However, certain sensitive records may require verification of identity, particularly when:
- Requesting vital records (birth, death certificates)
- Seeking records that contain personal identifying information
- Requesting law enforcement records
Purpose Statement: In most cases, requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request. The South Carolina FOIA specifically states in § 30-4-30(a) that "the public body may not require the party to disclose the purpose of the request."
Special Considerations for Specific Records:
- Vital Records: Access to birth certificates is restricted to the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a demonstrable legal interest.
- Criminal History Records: Complete criminal history information from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division may require specific authorization.
- Voter Registration Records: While available to the public, certain personal information may be redacted.
Commercial Use: Records may be requested for commercial purposes, though some specialized data may have specific use restrictions or licensing requirements.

Representatives of organizations, businesses, media outlets, and government agencies have the same rights to access public records as individual citizens.

What Records Are Confidential in Beaufort County?

Certain records in Beaufort County are exempt from public disclosure in accordance with § 30-4-40 of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. These exemptions protect privacy, security, and other important interests while balancing the public's right to information.

Records that are generally confidential or have restricted access include:

Personal Privacy Information:
- Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information
- Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
- Personal identifying information in personnel records
- Income tax returns and financial information of individuals
Law Enforcement Records:
- Active criminal investigation records that would harm the investigation if released
- Information that would endanger the life or physical safety of any individual
- Identity of confidential informants
- Juvenile criminal records (with limited exceptions)
Legal and Administrative Records:
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Documents subject to attorney work product doctrine
- Records related to proposed contractual arrangements and proposed sale/purchase of property until execution
- Draft documents and working papers used in developing policy until a final decision is reached
Security-Related Information:
- Infrastructure security plans and vulnerability assessments
- Security measures and response protocols
- Information that would jeopardize public safety
Other Protected Records:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Adoption records (access restricted by specific statutes)
- Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
- Certain economic development records during negotiation phases

The county applies a balancing test in some cases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests or potential harm from release. Under § 30-4-40, information may be redacted from documents where only portions are exempt, allowing for partial disclosure of records.

Confidentiality determinations are made in accordance with state law, and denials of access may be appealed through administrative or judicial processes as provided in § 30-4-100 of the South Carolina Code.

Beaufort County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Beaufort County Register of Deeds
100 Ribaut Road, Room 107
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-2555
Beaufort County Register of Deeds

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

Bluffton Satellite Office
4819 Bluffton Parkway
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 255-2555

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

Beaufort County Clerk of Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5050
Beaufort County Clerk of Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and court holidays

Hilton Head Island Satellite Office
539 William Hilton Parkway
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 255-5050

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and court holidays

Lookup Public Records in Beaufort County

Beaufort County Government

Beaufort County Register of Deeds Public Search

Beaufort County Clerk of Court

Beaufort County Public Mapping Site

South Carolina Department of Archives and History

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

South Carolina Public Records Laws