Accessing Public Records in Rome, Georgia
Rome public records are available through city and county offices in Floyd County. The city of Rome serves as the county seat and maintains records for its 38,747 residents. You can request documents from the city clerk, police department, and Floyd County Superior Court. The Georgia Open Records Act ensures access to government documents for all citizens.
Rome Quick Facts
Rome City Public Records
The City of Rome maintains many types of public records. You can find city council minutes, ordinances, and resolutions through the city clerk. The clerk serves as the Open Records Officer for the city. Requests for Rome city records go through the clerk's office at City Hall.
City departments create records each day. The police department keeps incident reports and accident records. The building department has permits and inspection reports. The planning department maintains zoning maps and site plans. All of these are public records in Rome unless exempt by law.
You can submit requests to Rome by mail, email, or in person. The city website at romega.gov has contact details. Written requests work best for complex record searches. Include your name and contact info so the city can reach you.
Floyd County Records in Rome
As the Floyd County seat, Rome hosts the county government offices. The Floyd County Superior Court Clerk keeps court records. This includes civil cases, criminal filings, and property deeds. You can search these records at the courthouse on West 4th Avenue.
The Floyd County Probate Court handles vital records. Birth and death certificates are available through this office. Marriage licenses and probate records are also kept here. The Probate Court is on East 4th Avenue near the Superior Court.
Property records in Rome are maintained by the Floyd County Tax Assessor. You can search property values, ownership history, and tax records. The assessor's office provides online access to basic property data. Detailed records may require a formal request under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70.
How to Request Public Records in Rome
Start by finding the right office for your records. City records go to the city clerk. Court records go to the Superior Court Clerk. Vital records go to Probate Court. Using the correct office speeds up your request in Rome.
Write a clear request with specific details. Include dates, names, or case numbers if you have them. Broad requests take longer to fill. The agency may ask you to narrow the scope. Under Georgia law, agencies must respond within three business days.
The Floyd County Clerk of Superior Court accepts requests by mail and in person. The office is at 101 West 4th Avenue, Suite 200, Rome, GA 30161. Phone inquiries can be made at (706) 291-5190. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Online Resources for Rome Records
Many Rome records are online. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority runs databases for court and property records. You can search real estate records and UCC filings at gsccca.org. This covers Floyd County and all other Georgia counties.
The GSCCCA FANS system alerts you to new filings. Register your property and get email notices about liens or deeds. This free service helps prevent fraud. It is useful for Rome property owners who want to track their land records.
Business records are at the Secretary of State website. You can search corporations and professional licenses. The site is free to use. Rome business owners can verify their status or look up other companies.
Fees for Public Records in Rome
Agencies in Rome follow state fee rules. Paper copies cost ten cents per page. This is the standard rate across Georgia. Electronic records cost only the media fee. CDs or USB drives are charged at actual cost.
Search time has special rules. The first fifteen minutes are free. After that, you pay the hourly rate of the lowest-paid worker who can do the search. This keeps costs fair for requesters. If your request will cost over $500, the agency may ask for a deposit.
Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Court-certified documents have set fees set by state law. Vital records from Probate Court have their own fee schedule. Call ahead to learn current rates before you request records in Rome.
Exemptions to Public Records in Rome
Not all records are public. Georgia law lists fifty types of exempt records. These include medical files and certain law enforcement records. Personal data like social security numbers are protected. Trade secrets and attorney-client communications are also exempt.
If an agency denies your request, they must cite the law. They must point to the specific exemption in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72. You have the right to appeal a denial. The court can order release if the exemption does not apply.
Some police records in Rome are exempt during active investigations. Once a case closes, more records become public. You can ask the Rome Police Department about their process. The department follows state law on law enforcement exemptions.
Floyd County Public Records
Rome is the county seat of Floyd County. Many records for Rome residents are held at the county level. The Superior Court, Probate Court, and Tax Assessor all maintain public records. For more on county resources, visit the Floyd County public records page.