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Jackson County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Jackson County?

Public records in Jackson County, Mississippi, are defined under state law as any document, paper, letter, map, book, photograph, film, sound recording, magnetic or other tape, electronic data-processing record, artifact, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business. This definition is established under Mississippi Code § 25-61-3, which governs the Public Records Act statewide and applies to all county agencies and offices within Jackson County.

Members of the public may access a broad range of record types maintained by various Jackson County offices, including:

Is Jackson County an Open Records County?

Jackson County fully complies with Mississippi's statewide open records framework, which mandates public access to government documents. Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, all public records are declared to be public property, and any person shall have the right to inspect, copy, or mechanically reproduce any and all public records. This provision establishes a strong presumption of openness, placing the burden on the government agency to justify any denial of access.

Mississippi's Public Records Act further requires that agencies respond to records requests within seven working days of receipt. The law also operates in conjunction with the Mississippi Open Meetings Act, § 25-41-1, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and that minutes be maintained and made available upon request. Jackson County agencies are bound by both statutes and are required to maintain written policies governing public records access. The county does not currently maintain a separate county-specific public records ordinance beyond what is required under state law.

How to Find Public Records in Jackson County in 2026

Members of the public may obtain public records in Jackson County through several official channels. The following steps outline the standard process:

  1. Identify the custodial office. Determine which Jackson County department or elected official maintains the record being sought. Property records are held by the Chancery Clerk, court records by the Circuit Clerk, and law enforcement records by the Sheriff's Office.
  2. Submit a written request. Although Mississippi law does not require requests to be in writing, submitting a written request is strongly recommended to create a clear record. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by email to the relevant office.
  3. Use online portals where available. The Jackson County official website provides access to certain records and department contact information. Property records may be searched through the Chancery Clerk's online database.
  4. Visit the office in person. Members of the public may inspect records during regular business hours at the relevant county office without prior appointment in most cases.
  5. Allow the statutory response period. Agencies have up to seven working days to respond to a records request under Mississippi law.
  6. Request certified copies if needed. Certified copies of vital records, deeds, and court documents are available for an additional fee from the respective custodial office.

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

Current fees for public records in Jackson County are governed by Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of searching, reviewing, and duplicating records. Standard fees applicable to most Jackson County offices include:

  • Paper copies: Typically $0.25 to $1.00 per page, depending on the office and document type
  • Certified copies: Fees vary by record type; deed certifications through the Chancery Clerk are generally $1.00 per page plus a certification fee
  • Vital records (birth/death certificates): Fees are set by the Mississippi State Department of Health and are currently $17.00 for the first certified copy
  • Electronic records: Fees for electronic reproduction are assessed at actual cost
  • Search fees: Some offices assess a per-hour research fee for requests requiring extensive staff time

Accepted payment methods vary by office but generally include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency. Fees for court records are set separately under Mississippi court rules and may differ from administrative records fees.

Does Jackson County Have Free Public Records?

Free inspection of public records is available to all members of the public under Mississippi law, which guarantees the right to inspect records without charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. The following free resources are currently available:

  • In-person inspection at any Jackson County office during regular business hours, at no cost
  • Jackson County property records may be searched at no cost through the Chancery Clerk's online portal at the Jackson County official website
  • Board of Supervisors meeting minutes and agendas are posted publicly on the Jackson County Board of Supervisors page
  • Mississippi inmate and corrections records may be searched at no cost through the Mississippi Department of Corrections, which provides a public offender search tool
  • Court case information may be reviewed in person at the Circuit or Chancery Clerk's office without charge

Who Can Request Public Records in Jackson County?

Any person, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose, is entitled to request public records in Jackson County under Mississippi's Public Records Act. The statute does not restrict access to residents of the state or county, nor does it require requestors to provide identification or explain the reason for their request in most circumstances.

Key eligibility provisions include:

  • No residency requirement — Non-residents of Mississippi and Jackson County retain full rights to request public records
  • No identification required — Requestors are generally not required to present identification to inspect public records
  • No purpose required — Agencies may not condition access on the requestor's stated purpose for most record types
  • Restrictions for sensitive records — Certain record categories, such as juvenile records, sealed court files, and records containing personal identifying information, are subject to access restrictions regardless of who is requesting them
  • Requesting your own records — Individuals seeking their own records, such as personal criminal history or vital records, may be required to provide proof of identity to receive certified copies

Attorneys, journalists, researchers, and members of the general public are all treated equally under the Public Records Act with respect to standard government documents.

What Records Are Confidential in Jackson County?

Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Mississippi law. Mississippi Code § 25-61-11 establishes the primary exemptions applicable to public records statewide, and these exemptions apply to all Jackson County agencies. Records currently exempt from mandatory disclosure include:

  • Sealed court records — Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection
  • Juvenile records — Records pertaining to minors involved in youth court proceedings are confidential under Mississippi youth court statutes
  • Ongoing criminal investigation records — Law enforcement records compiled in connection with active investigations are exempt to the extent disclosure would harm the investigation
  • Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from otherwise public documents
  • Medical records — Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • Adoption records — Sealed by statute and accessible only through court order
  • Child welfare and protective services records — Maintained as confidential by the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
  • Personnel records — Employee records are generally exempt, with limited exceptions for salary information of public employees
  • Trade secrets and proprietary business information — Submitted to government agencies under confidentiality agreements
  • Security plans and critical infrastructure details — Exempt to protect public safety

Where a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the custodial agency is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder of the document.

Jackson County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

In Mississippi, the functions of a county recorder are divided between the Chancery Clerk, who maintains land and probate records, and the Circuit Clerk, who maintains court and election records. Both offices serve as primary custodians of public records in Jackson County.

Jackson County Chancery Clerk 3104 Magnolia Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567 (228) 769-3124 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Jackson County Chancery Clerk

Jackson County Circuit Clerk 3104 Magnolia Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567 (228) 769-3040 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Jackson County Circuit Clerk

Jackson County Sheriff's Office 6012 Highway 63 South, Moss Point, MS 39563 (228) 769-3063 Jackson County Sheriff's Office

Jackson County Tax Assessor 3104 Magnolia Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567 (228) 769-3070 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Jackson County Tax Assessor

Mississippi State Department of Health – Vital Records 571 Stadium Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 (601) 576-7960 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Mississippi State Department of Health

Lookup Public Records in Jackson County