Limestone County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Limestone County?

Public records in Limestone County are defined according to the Alabama Open Records Act § 36-12-40, which states that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." These records encompass a wide range of documents created, received, or maintained by government agencies in the course of official business.

The following types of public records are available in Limestone County:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases are maintained by the Limestone County Circuit Clerk's office, which serves as the official record keeper for all court proceedings in the District and Circuit Courts.
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments are maintained by the Limestone County Probate Office and the Revenue Commissioner's Office. Property tax assessment records can be accessed through the Alabama Department of Revenue.
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. While marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Office, birth and death certificates are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations are typically maintained by the Limestone County Probate Office and the Revenue Commissioner.
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax delinquent properties can be searched through the Alabama Department of Revenue.
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results are maintained by the Limestone County Board of Registrars and the Probate Judge's office.
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of county commission meetings, board meetings, and other public bodies are maintained by the respective agencies.
Budget and Financial Documents: County financial records, budgets, and expenditure reports are maintained by the Limestone County Commission.
Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted by law) are maintained by the Limestone County Sheriff's Office and local police departments.
Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning and zoning documents are maintained by the Limestone County Planning Department.

Each type of record is maintained by specific county offices, with the Limestone County Circuit Clerk serving as the primary custodian for court-related documents and the Probate Judge's office handling many of the property and business records.

Is Limestone County an Open Records County?

Limestone County adheres to the Alabama Open Records Act § 36-12-40, which establishes the public's right to access government records. This statute explicitly states that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."

The Alabama Supreme Court has interpreted this law to mean that public records must be made available to citizens for inspection and copying during regular business hours, subject only to reasonable rules and regulations. In Stone v. Consolidated Publishing Co., 404 So. 2d 678 (Ala. 1981), the court established that the statute "is to be construed in favor of the public" and that any exceptions should be narrowly interpreted.

Limestone County government agencies comply with the state's open meetings law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law" (Alabama Code § 36-25A-1), which requires that meetings of governmental bodies be open to the public. This commitment to transparency extends to the records produced during these meetings.

The Alabama Secretary of State's office provides guidance on public records requests that applies to all counties, including Limestone. Their policy states that "reasonable limitations will be set to avoid work disruption, preserve record integrity, and prevent the loss, damage, or destruction of official records."

While Limestone County follows state law regarding public records access, specific procedures for requesting records may vary by department. The county does not currently have a unified public records ordinance that differs from state requirements.

How to Find Public Records in Limestone County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Limestone County may follow these steps to access various types of public information:

Identify the appropriate office that maintains the records you seek:
- Court records: Contact the Limestone County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Property records: Visit the Limestone County Probate Office
- Vital records: Contact the Limestone County Health Department for guidance
- Tax records: Visit the Limestone County Revenue Commissioner's Office
Submit a formal request using one of these methods:
- In person: Visit the appropriate office during regular business hours
- By mail: Send a written request to the specific department
- Online: Some records may be available through department websites
- By email: Contact the records custodian via email (when available)
Provide specific information about the records you seek:
- For court cases: Include case numbers, party names, and approximate dates
- For property records: Provide property addresses, parcel numbers, or owner names
- For vital records: Supply names, dates, and your relationship to the person
Pay applicable fees as required by the specific department:
- Cash, check, or money order are typically accepted for in-person requests
- Credit card payments may be available for online requests
- Some offices may require payment before processing requests
Receive your records through the method specified by the agency:
- In-person pickup
- Mail delivery
- Email (for digital records where available)
- Online access (for certain record types)

For court records, the Thirty-Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama provides access to case information. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains records for all court proceedings held in the District and Circuit Courts.

Property assessment records can be accessed through the Alabama Department of Revenue's county offices portal, which provides information about Limestone County property records.

For driver's license records and related information, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains an office in Limestone County.

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

The cost to obtain public records in Limestone County varies by record type and the department that maintains them. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for the production of public records. These fees are designed to cover the actual cost of providing the records, not to generate revenue.

Current standard fees for common record types include:

Court Records:
- Case file copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees
- Complete case files: Variable based on page count
Property Records:
- Deed copies: $1.00-$3.00 per page
- Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
- Property record searches: $5.00-$15.00 per name/parcel
Vital Records:
- Birth certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, as established by the Alabama Department of Public Health
- Death certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $6.00 for each additional copy
- Marriage licenses: $70.00 to issue; $15.00 for certified copies
Business Records:
- Business license copies: $5.00 per document
- Fictitious name registration copies: $5.00 per document
Tax Records:
- Tax statement copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified tax documents: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs

Accepted payment methods typically include:

Cash (in-person requests only)
Personal checks (made payable to the specific department)
Money orders
Credit/debit cards (for some departments and online services)

Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, agencies may waive fees when the request is made by another government entity or when the disclosure primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, some records may be available for free inspection during normal business hours, though copying fees will still apply if physical copies are requested.

Large or complex requests may incur additional fees for extensive staff time or special processing. Requestors will typically be notified of estimated costs before records are produced if fees will exceed standard amounts.

Does Limestone County Have Free Public Records?

Limestone County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost, in accordance with Alabama's open records laws. While many records require payment for copies or certified documents, the following free access options are currently available:

In-person inspection of non-confidential public records is available at no charge during regular business hours at the respective government offices. This right is established under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which guarantees citizens the right to inspect public records without charge.
Online access to certain records is provided free of charge through various county and state websites:
- The Limestone County Circuit Court provides basic case information through their online portal
- Property tax and assessment information can be viewed through the Alabama Department of Revenue website
- Tax delinquent properties can be searched online at no cost
Public terminals are available at some county offices for searching electronic records without charge. These terminals are typically located in:
- The Circuit Clerk's office for court records
- The Probate Judge's office for property records
- The Revenue Commissioner's office for tax records
County Commission meeting minutes and other public meeting documents are typically available for review at no cost, either in person or through the county's website.
Voter registration status can be verified at no cost through the Alabama Secretary of State's website.

While inspection is free, standard fees apply when requesting physical copies, certified documents, or when staff assistance is required for extensive searches. Additionally, some specialized databases or comprehensive searches may still carry fees even when accessed electronically.

Members of the public should note that while inspection is free, they may be required to complete a records request form and show identification when accessing certain types of records, particularly those containing sensitive information.

Who Can Request Public Records in Limestone County?

Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." This provision establishes broad eligibility for accessing public records in Limestone County.

The following individuals may request public records:

Any Alabama resident
Non-residents of Alabama (though some agencies may prioritize requests from state residents)
Representatives of businesses, organizations, or media outlets
Attorneys or legal representatives
Government agencies and officials

When requesting public records in Limestone County, requestors should be aware of the following requirements:

Identification: Some offices may require presentation of a valid photo ID to process certain record requests, particularly for sensitive records like vital statistics or court documents.
Purpose statement: For most general public records, requestors are not required to state their purpose or reason for seeking the information. However, pursuant to Alabama Code § 22-9A-21, requests for vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) may require the requestor to demonstrate a legitimate interest or direct relationship.
Request format: While verbal requests are accepted for some records, written requests are often preferred and may be required for complex or voluminous record requests. Many departments provide standard request forms.
Special considerations for certain records: Some records have specific eligibility requirements:
- Criminal history information: May require fingerprinting and specific authorization
- Adoption records: Access is typically restricted to parties directly involved
- Juvenile court records: Generally confidential with limited access
Requesting your own records vs. others' records: When requesting records about yourself, you may need to provide additional identification. When requesting records about others, access may be limited based on privacy laws and the type of record requested.

The Alabama Attorney General has opined that the right to access public records extends to all citizens, regardless of their purpose, subject only to statutory exceptions and reasonable rules for implementation (Opinion of the Attorney General, No. 2007-067).

What Records Are Confidential in Limestone County?

Certain records in Limestone County are exempt from public disclosure under various state and federal laws. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, while the general rule favors disclosure, specific exemptions exist to protect privacy, security, and other important interests.

The following categories of records are generally considered confidential and not available for public inspection:

Juvenile records: Court proceedings involving minors are confidential under Alabama Code § 12-15-133, which states that "all juvenile court records shall be confidential and shall not be open to public inspection."
Sealed court records: Cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not available to the public.
Ongoing investigation records: Documents related to pending criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure under Alabama law enforcement investigative privilege.
Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other sensitive personal information are protected under various privacy laws, including Alabama Code § 41-13-7.
Medical records: Health information is protected under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Alabama medical privacy laws.
Adoption records: These are sealed under Alabama Code § 26-10A-31, which states that "all adoption records shall be sealed and confidential."
Child welfare/protective services records: Information maintained by the Department of Human Resources regarding child abuse investigations is confidential under Alabama Code § 26-14-8.
Personnel records: While basic employment information is public, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information in employee files are generally protected from disclosure.
Trade secrets/proprietary business information: Confidential commercial or financial information submitted to government agencies is protected under Alabama Code § 8-27-2.
Security plans and infrastructure details: Information that could compromise public safety or security is exempt from disclosure.
Attorney-client privileged communications: Legal advice and strategy documents between government agencies and their attorneys are protected.
Educational records: Student records are protected under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Alabama courts apply a balancing test when determining whether certain records should be disclosed, weighing the public's right to know against privacy interests and other protected values. In Stone v. Consolidated Publishing Co., 404 So. 2d 678 (Ala. 1981), the Alabama Supreme Court established that records may be withheld if disclosure would cause undue harm to individuals or hamper governmental functions.

When a record contains both public and confidential information, agencies typically redact the confidential portions and release the remainder of the document.

Limestone County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Limestone County Probate Office
100 South Clinton Street, Suite E
Athens, AL 35611
Phone: (256) 233-6427
Limestone County Probate Office

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and federal holidays

Limestone County Circuit Clerk's Office
200 Washington Street West
Athens, AL 35611
Phone: (256) 216-3865
Limestone County Circuit Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and federal holidays

Limestone County Revenue Commissioner's Office
100 South Clinton Street, Suite A
Athens, AL 35611
Phone: (256) 233-6430
Limestone County Revenue Commissioner

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and federal holidays

Limestone County Health Department
20371 Clyde Mabry Drive
Athens, AL 35611
Phone: (256) 232-3200
Limestone County Health Department

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

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - Limestone County Office
100 South Clinton Street (Limestone County Courthouse Annex)
Athens, AL 35611
Phone: (256) 233-6450
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and federal holidays