All links go directly to official Biloxi, Mississippi government websites.
About Biloxi City Government
Government TypeCity Council
The governing body of Biloxi, Mississippi, is the Biloxi City Council, which consists of 7 seats. Each council member is elected by the residents of their respective wards for a term length of 4 years. The council is responsible for enacting local laws, approving budgets, and overseeing city operations.
About Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi is served by the Biloxi Police Department, which is key to maintaining law and order in the city. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office also provides law enforcement services in the region, ensuring full coverage for the community. For residents and interested parties seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or broader criminal history, the process typically begins with the local police records unit. Individuals can request these documents directly from the Biloxi Police Department, which maintains its own records. Individuals may contact the Harrison County Sheriff's Office for county-level records. For statewide criminal history, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) can be accessed, where the Mississippi State Police maintains a full repository of criminal records. The MBI offers an online portal where users can submit requests for background checks, making the process more accessible. Online lookup portals are also available through the Biloxi Police Department’s website, providing a convenient resource for people seeking specific information regarding arrests or criminal activities. The judicial proceedings within Biloxi are primarily handled by the Harrison County Circuit Court, which oversees most civil and criminal cases. To request court records, individuals have two options: they can either visit the courthouse in person and speak with the clerk of court or use the online electronic records portal established by the court. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents can turn to the Harrison County Clerk-Recorder’s Office or access Mississippi vital records through the Mississippi State Department of Health. Property records are also maintained at the county level, with the county assessor and recorder providing access to this information in person and online. The Mississippi Public Records Act allows individuals to file general public records requests, which typically receive responses within 5 to 10 business days. This framework of services ensures that citizens of Biloxi have the necessary resources to access important public documents, further promoting transparency and community engagement.
Biloxi, Mississippi Public Records & Government Resources
Mississippi Department of Corrections 723 N. President Street Jackson, MS 39202 (601) 359-5600
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across Harrison County operates through a coordinated network of agencies. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office works alongside municipal departments in Gulfport, Biloxi, and Long Beach, with each city police force handling duties within its own boundaries. The Biloxi Police Department manages local enforcement, while coordination with neighboring departments ensures a unified response to major crimes and emergencies. This collaborative approach strengthens the county's ability to maintain public safety and respond effectively when incidents cross jurisdictional lines.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Harrison County Adult Detention Center is the primary jail facility where individuals arrested throughout Harrison County undergo booking and processing. Those detained remain at the facility until they post bail or appear before a judge. An online inmate lookup service allows the public to search for information on current detainees, while visitation requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to facility guidelines.
Arrest Records
The Harrison County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records that document each incident's circumstances, including charges filed, dates, and locations. These records offer a view of arrests, capturing personal information, the arresting agency, and specific charges. Residents and attorneys seeking copies can request them directly from the Sheriff's Office under provisions of the Mississippi Public Records Act. Each arrest record provides detailed documentation that serves both legal proceedings and public transparency.
Court Records
Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi centers its judicial operations at the Harrison County Courthouse within city limits. The facility houses Circuit Court, Chancery Court, and Justice Court, where residents access court records, file legal documents, and attend proceedings. The Biloxi Municipal Court handles city-level cases separately, offering a local venue for municipal matters and making sure of justice administration remains accessible to the community.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Harrison County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Mississippi Public Records Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Public Records Access
The City of Biloxi operates a public records system that opens municipal information to residents and interested parties. City council meeting minutes, zoning and planning documents, and various administrative records remain available through this system. The Mississippi State Department of Health supplements local resources by offering criminal history record checks and maintaining a public records depository for background information requests.
Vital Records
The City of Biloxi's Vital Records department is responsible for maintaining and managing important documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. Residents can access these records through the city's official website or by contacting the appropriate department. The Vital Records section ensures the preservation and accessibility of these essential documents for the community.
Business & Licensing Records
The business community in Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi benefits from economic development initiatives and municipal support systems. The city's website details business licenses, permitting requirements, and essential information for those establishing or expanding operations locally. The Office of the City Administrator coordinates various municipal departments that help with business growth and development, helping entrepreneurs and established companies navigate the regulatory environment.
Economy & Demographics
Biloxi's economy is heavily influenced by its thriving tourism industry, which capitalizes on the city's coastal location and rich cultural heritage. The city's white sand beaches, world-class casinos, and historic attractions draw visitors from around the world, contributing to a local economy. The city's diverse industries, including healthcare, education, and technology, provide employment opportunities and support the overall economic vitality of Biloxi and the surrounding region.
Elections & Voter Records
The Harrison County Election Commission serves Biloxi voters from offices at the Harrison County Courthouse, 1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 (phone: 228-865-4182, website: https://www.co.harrison.ms.us/election-commission/). The Commission manages voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots, poll worker coordination, and official election results for all city residents. Mississippi voters can register online through the Secretary of State's website at https://www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/pages/default.aspx, or submit paper applications to the Commission.
Registration closes 30 days before any election, requiring a Mississippi driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. Municipal elections for mayor and city council follow a ward system, with the next citywide elections scheduled for June 2025 when Mississippi holds municipal contests statewide in odd-numbered years. The city's seven council wards each elect one member, while the mayor runs citywide. Candidate qualifying details and local ballot measures come from the Biloxi City Clerk's office at 228-435-6247 and through area media. Residents locate their assigned polling place using the Mississippi Polling Place Locator at https://www.sos.ms.gov/pollingplace/ by entering their address, or by contacting the Election Commission. State law requires acceptable photo identification at the polls: Mississippi driver's license, U.S. Passport, government employee ID, Mississippi voter ID card, student ID from accredited Mississippi institutions, U.S. Military ID, tribal ID, or concealed carry permit. Harrison County reported approximately 45,000 votes cast from roughly 115,000 registered voters in the November 2024 presidential election, representing approximately 39% turnout, with results posted on the Secretary of State's election results page. The November 3, 2026 general election will bring contests for one U.S. Senate seat (Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith's seat is up in 2026), all four U.S. House seats (the city falls in District 4), all 52 Mississippi State Senate seats, all 122 Mississippi House of Representatives seats, and various county offices including County Supervisors, Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector, and potentially Sheriff depending on term schedules. Absentee voting requires an approved excuse: age 65 or older, temporary or permanent disability, required to work on election day, active military or their spouse and dependents, temporarily living outside the county, or conscientious objector to in-person voting. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Election Commission or online at the Secretary of State's website, with applications due by the Saturday before Election Day and voted ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within five business days. Mississippi maintains public access to voter registration lists available for purchase for political purposes, campaign finance reports through the Secretary of State's Campaign Finance Division searchable at https://www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/campaign-finance, candidate qualifying information, precinct-level results, and poll worker lists, all accessible through the Secretary of State or the Election Commission under state public records laws.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Harrison County and Mississippi provide excellent online access to most public records, with statewide court search, property databases, online vital records ordering, and election information, though some land documents still require in-person or paid access for certified copies
Frequently Asked Questions
1What are the school district and education performance data for Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi?
Public schools in Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Harrison County school administration or the Mississippi Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2What are the crime statistics for Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi?
Crime data for Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Biloxi police department or the Harrison County Sheriff's Office.
3What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi Library?
The Biloxi Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Harrison County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
4Where is the Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi Public Library located?
The Biloxi Public Library serves residents of Biloxi and the surrounding Harrison County area in Mississippi. Contact the library directly or visit the Harrison County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
5Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi?
Fingerprinting services for Biloxi, Mississippi residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Harrison County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Biloxi Police Department or the Harrison County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Mississippi Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Mississippi State Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Harrison County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
7How do I register to vote in Biloxi, Mississippi?
To register to vote in Biloxi, Mississippi, residents can register online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Harrison County elections office. Mississippi requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Mississippi Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Biloxi, contact the Harrison County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8How do I look up property records in Biloxi, Mississippi?
Property records for Biloxi, Mississippi are maintained by the Harrison County Assessor's Office and the Harrison County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Harrison County, including parcels in Biloxi. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Harrison County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Mississippi counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Harrison County offices at the county courthouse. The Harrison County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9How do I get a birth or death certificate in Biloxi, Mississippi?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Biloxi, Mississippi residents are available through both county and state offices. The Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records, located in Jackson, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Mississippi. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Harrison County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Harrison County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10How do I find business license records in Biloxi, Mississippi?
Business licensing for Biloxi, Mississippi operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Biloxi town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Biloxi limits. Harrison County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Mississippi businesses must register with the Mississippi Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Mississippi licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Biloxi, contact the Biloxi clerk's office and the Harrison County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Harrison County, Mississippi
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: