About Bee County
Bee County is located in the Coastal Bend region of South Texas, approximately 60 miles northwest of Corpus Christi. Established in 1857 and named after Barnard E. Bee Sr, a Texas statesman and Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas, Bee County includes approximately 880 square miles. Bee County Seat is Beeville, which is the economic and governmental hub of Bee County. According to recent estimates, Bee County has a population of approximately 31,000 residents.
Bee County is characterized by gently rolling prairies, mesquite trees, and agricultural lands that have supported ranching and farming for generations. Bee County is home to Naval Air Station Chase Field, a major economic driver and training facility for naval aviators. Bee County Courthouse, a historic structure in downtown Beeville, houses several key government offices.
Bee County Clerk's office is located at 105 West Corpus Christi Street, Beeville, TX 78102, and maintains official records including property records, court documents, and vital statistics. Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, also located in the courthouse complex, handles property tax assessments and collections. Bee County District Clerk maintains district court records.
Major landmarks include the historic Beeville downtown district, Bee County Museum showcasing regional history, and Medio Creek which runs through Bee County. Bee County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, hay production, and oil and gas extraction, with the military presence adding significant economic stability.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Bee County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of Bee County. This office oversees the operation of Bee County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the office include patrol, investigations, and a dedicated unit for handling narcotics-related offenses.
Police Departments
Bee County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Bee County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Beeville Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency within the city of Beeville, handling local policing duties. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Bee County. Each department operates within its jurisdiction but collaborates on investigations and emergency responses when necessary.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Bee County Sheriff's Office, located at 105 West Corpus Christi Street, Beeville, TX 78102, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Bee County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at beecountysheriff.com where citizens can access information about law enforcement services. Bee County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Inmate information and jail rosters can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly for The roster typically includes inmate names, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- Within Bee County, the Beeville Police Department provides law enforcement services within the city limits of Beeville and can be reached for The Pettus Police Department serves the small community of Pettus.
- Requests should be made in writing and directed to the custodian of records at each agency.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public information in Texas and are often available through the jail's online inmate search system or by submitting a formal public information request.
- Response times for records requests vary but agencies must respond promptly under state law, typically within ten business days.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Bee County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Bee County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible for background checks under Texas law. The Texas Department of Public Safety provides additional resources for residents seeking full background checks. The Texas Bureau of Investigation offers services for verifying criminal history, so that Bee County residents have access to necessary information for employment and other legal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bee County are maintained by Bee County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys under the Texas Public Information Act. A typical arrest record in Bee County includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the offense, and the arresting agency. To request these records, individuals may contact the Sheriff's Office directly, following state laws regarding public information access.
Jail & Inmate Records
Bee County Jail, located in Beeville, is the primary detention facility for Bee County. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through Bee County Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with set hours and guidelines that must be followed.
- The bond and bail process in Texas allows for the release of inmates under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Bee County are taken and retained by Bee County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be searched through the Sheriff's Office website or by direct request. Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may seek legal counsel for potential removal if the circumstances allow. The availability of mugshots may vary, and the Sheriff's Office provides guidance on accessing these records.
Courts & Case Records
Bee County operates several courts with varying jurisdictions. The 156th District Court serves Bee County with jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, divorce and family law cases, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts. Bee County Court is located at 105 West Corpus Christi Street, Beeville, TX 78102, and the District Clerk's office can be reached for Bee County Court at Law handles Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, probate matters, and appeals from Justice of the Peace and municipal courts.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $1 per page plus an additional certification fee of $5.
- Requestors should provide case numbers, party names, or case filing dates to help with searches.
Bee County Clerk maintains County Court records for Bee County has multiple Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1 through 4) with jurisdiction over small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors including traffic citations, evictions, and truancy cases. Justice Courts also conduct inquests and issue search and arrest warrants. Municipal Court in Beeville handles city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Court records in Bee County are accessible under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a governing court records access. Case searches can be conducted in person at the District Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some courts may offer limited online case lookup through the Texas Judicial Branch website portal.
Non-certified copies are generally 25 cents per page.
Property & Public Records
Bee County Clerk's office, located at 105 West Corpus Christi Street, Beeville, TX 78102, is the official repository for land and property records in Bee County. Bee County Clerk can be reached at and maintains records including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, releases and assignments, mechanic's and materialman's liens, tax liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way documents, and plat maps.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
The office indexes these documents by grantor, grantee, and legal description, creating a full chain of title for all real property in Bee County. Real property records dating back to Bee County's founding in 1857 are available for public inspection. Searches can be conducted in person during regular business hours, and staff can assist with locating specific documents.
While Bee County does not currently offer a full online property records search portal, some records may be accessible through third-party subscription services. Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector's office maintains property tax records, appraisal values, tax payment histories, and ownership information for tax purposes. This office can be reached for Bee County Appraisal District, an independent entity located at 200 North Washington Street, Beeville, TX 78102, conducts property valuations and maintains appraisal records.
Their website at beecad.org may offer online property search capabilities including ownership information, appraised values, exemptions, and property characteristics. Citizens can view property maps and parcel information which aids in property research and boundary determinations.
Vital Records
Vital records for Bee County, Texas are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are considered confidential records in Texas with restricted access. Birth certificates for events occurring in Bee County can be requested from Bee County Clerk's office at 105 West Corpus Christi Street, Beeville, TX 78102, phone, for births registered locally. However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the central repository for all Texas vital records and is often the most reliable source.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for a certified copy when ordered from the state, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $23 each.
- Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Death certificates cost $21 for a certified copy from the state.
- The marriage license fee in Texas is typically $60-$82, but couples who complete a premarital education course can receive a reduced fee and extended license validity.
- Online ordering for Texas vital records is available through the state's official vendor portal, though processing fees apply.
Requestors must prove direct and tangible interest under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, which means only family members, legal representatives, or persons with a documented legal interest may obtain certified copies. Acceptable identification includes a driver's license or state ID. Marriage licenses are issued by Bee County Clerk's office and require both applicants to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers.
Marriage records, once recorded, become public information. Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk's office in the case files of the divorce proceedings. Informational (non-certified) copies of marriage records may be available to the general public.
Same-day service may be available for an additional expedite fee of $5-$10 when requesting in person from the state office in Austin.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration records in Bee County are maintained by several agencies depending on the business type and activity. Bee County Clerk's office at 105 West Corpus Christi Street, Beeville, TX 78102, handles Assumed Name Certificate filings (DBA - Doing Business As) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. These filings cost approximately $16-$25 and must be renewed every ten years under Texas Business and Commerce Code Section 71.051. Bee County Clerk maintains an index of assumed names searchable by business name or owner name.
- This database includes entity formation documents, registered agents, principal office addresses, and filing history.
For full business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the online SOSDirect portal at direct.sos.state.tx.us where the public can search business entity records free of charge. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts handles sales tax permits and franchise tax accounts, which can be researched through their website. Professional and occupational licenses in Texas are typically issued by state-level licensing boards rather than county offices.
The City of Beeville issues local business permits and occupational licenses for businesses operating within city limits; inquiries should be directed to Beeville City Hall for Building permits, construction permits, and zoning information for unincorporated areas are handled by Bee County Building and Development Department. The Beeville-Bee County Chamber of Commerce, located at 311 North Washington Street, Bee Countyville, TX 78102, can be reached at and maintains a website at Bee Countyvillechamber.org providing information about local businesses, economic development initiatives, and business resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Bee County, Texas are administered by Bee County Elections Administrator, an office that may operate under the County Clerk or as a separate appointed position depending on Bee County's governance structure. Bee County Clerk's office at 105 West Corpus Christi Street, Beeville, TX 78102, can be reached for voter registration and election information.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location by using the Texas Secretary of State's voter lookup tool at teamrv.sos.state.tx.us.
- In the November 2024 general election, Bee County voter turnout was approximately 50-58% of registered voters, consistent with typical South Texas turnout patterns in presidential election years.
Voter registration in Texas can be completed by submitting a voter registration application available online at the Texas Secretary of State website at sos.texas.gov or by requesting a paper application from the County Clerk's office. The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days before any election. Texas does not offer online voter registration; applications must be submitted by mail or in person with an original signature.
Polling locations in Bee County for Election Day are designated throughout Bee County including locations in Beeville, Pettus, and other communities. Early voting is conducted at designated locations typically at Bee County Courthouse or nearby facilities for approximately two weeks before Election Day. Public election records in Texas include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted under election code provisions), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and election night tabulation records.
These records are available under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) and Texas Election Code Chapter 1.012. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include races for the U.S. House of Representatives (Bee County is located in Congressional District 27), statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other executive offices, plus Texas House and Senate seats, and potentially county and local positions.
Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are restricted to specific categories of voters: those 65 years or older, voters who will be absent from Bee County during the early voting period and on Election Day, voters who are sick or disabled, or voters confined in jail. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Bee County Early Voting Clerk and are available on the Texas Secretary of State website. Applications for annual mail ballot status (for those 65 and older or disabled) can be submitted once per calendar year.
Texas requires identification for voting, and acceptable forms of photo ID include a Texas driver's license, Texas election identification certificate, Texas personal ID card, Texas handgun license, U.S. Military ID card, U.S. Passport, or U.S.
Citizenship certificate with photo.
Economy & Demographics
Bee County's economy is diversified across several key sectors with agriculture, energy, government, and healthcare serving as primary drivers. Naval Air Station Chase Field represents Bee County's largest employer and economic anchor, providing approximately 1,500 direct jobs and generating substantial indirect economic activity through contracts and spending by military personnel and their families. The base conducts intermediate and primary flight training for student naval aviators and has been operational since World War II.
- The median household income in Bee County is approximately $45,000-$52,000, below the Texas state average, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges facing Bee County.
- Bee County's location along major transportation corridors connecting Corpus Christi to San Antonio provides strategic advantages for logistics and distribution activities.
Agriculture remains fundamental to Bee County's economic identity, with cattle ranching, hay production, and hunting leases generating significant revenue. Bee County contains thousands of acres of agricultural land supporting cow-calf operations and stocker cattle production. Oil and gas extraction continues to contribute to the local economy, with numerous wells operating throughout Bee County as part of the South Texas energy corridor.
Healthcare services centered around Christus Spohn Hospital Beeville provide employment for several hundred residents and serve the broader region. Retail trade, concentrated in Beeville along Highway 59 and Highway 181, serves local residents and travelers passing through Bee County. The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly above state averages, ranging from 5-7% depending on economic conditions.
Major employers beyond the naval base include the Beeville Independent School District, county and city governments, and healthcare facilities. Economic development efforts focus on leveraging the military presence, expanding healthcare services, promoting tourism related to hunting and outdoor recreation, and supporting agricultural businesses.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Limited Online | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/State Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 6/10 — Bee County provides basic public records access with in-person services at the courthouse being the most reliable method. Online access is limited compared to larger Texas counties, though state-level portals fill some gaps.