Georgiana Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Georgiana, Alabama government websites.

About Georgiana

Georgiana is a small town in Butler County, Alabama, located in the south-central part of the state approximately 60 miles south of Montgomery. Founded in 1868 and incorporated in 1901, Georgiana has a population of roughly 1,700 residents. The town is perhaps best known as the birthplace of country music legend Hank Williams, who was born here on September 17, 1923. The Hank Williams Boyhood Home and Museum, located at 127 Rose Street, serves as a major landmark and tourist attraction, preserving the legacy of one of America's most influential musicians.
Georgiana's economy has historically centered on agriculture, timber, and small manufacturing, with the town serving as a rural community hub in southern Butler County along U.S. Highway 31. Public records for Georgiana residents are maintained through a combination of city, county, and state agencies. The Georgiana Town Hall, located at 109 Stallworth Street, handles municipal records including city ordinances, business licenses, and utility records. The Georgiana Police Department maintains local law enforcement records and incident reports. However, most comprehensive public records—including property deeds, court filings, vital records, and voter registration—are managed by Butler County agencies headquartered in Greenville, the county seat located about 15 miles northwest of Georgiana. Alabama's public records law, codified primarily in the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public records from state and local government agencies, with certain exemptions for sensitive information such as ongoing criminal investigations and personal privacy matters.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Butler County is provided by the Butler County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Greenville and Georgiana. The Greenville Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Greenville, focusing on local crime prevention and community policing. The Georgiana Police Department serves the city of Georgiana, working closely with the sheriff's office on major crimes and regional issues. These agencies coordinate efforts to address crime trends and ensure public safety across the county, sharing resources and information as needed.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Butler County Jail, located in Greenville, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and regulations to ensure security and order.
The bond and bail process follows Alabama state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions. Recently arrested individuals can be located through the jail's online inmate search tool or by contacting the facility directly.

Court Records

Georgiana residents are served by several court jurisdictions in Butler County. The Georgiana Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations issued within town limits, and misdemeanor offenses. Municipal court proceedings are held at Georgiana Town Hall, 109 Stallworth Street, Georgiana, AL 36033. For county and state-level cases, the Butler County Circuit Court and Butler County District Court are located at the Butler County Courthouse, 700 Court Square, Greenville, AL 36037 (Circuit Court phone: 334-382-3512; District Court phone: 334-382-3513).
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law matters, probate issues, and appeals from lower courts. The District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $10,000, small claims disputes up to $6,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Alabama provides online court record access through Alacourt.com, the state's official public court records portal, which allows searches by name, case number, or citation number for cases filed in Butler County and throughout Alabama. However, access to Alacourt requires a subscription fee for most users, though basic information may be available. Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office (334-382-3512) at the courthouse; typical fees include $1.00 per page for copies and an additional certification fee of approximately $5.00 per document. Probate records are maintained by the Butler County Probate Court at the same courthouse location (phone: 334-382-3515).

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Butler County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. The Butler County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which compiles statewide criminal history information. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about registered offenders in their area.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Butler County are maintained by the Butler County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, adhering to the procedures outlined under the Alabama Open Records Act. A Butler County arrest record typically contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Georgiana and Butler County are maintained by county offices in Greenville. The Butler County Revenue Commissioner's Office, which functions as the tax assessor, is located at 700 Court Square, Suite 6, Greenville, AL 36037 (phone: 334-382-3525). The Revenue Commissioner maintains property tax assessment records, including parcel identification numbers, property owner names, mailing addresses, assessed values, property characteristics, and tax payment history.
Property records can be searched online through the Alabama Department of Revenue's online portal, though some counties maintain separate databases—Butler County property information may require contacting the Revenue Commissioner's office directly for the most current online access options. The Butler County Probate Court serves as the recording office for deeds and other land records, located at 700 Court Square, Greenville, AL 36037 (phone: 334-382-3515). The Probate Judge's office records and maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivision plats, rights-of-way, and other instruments affecting real property. In Alabama, the Probate Court historically has handled deed recording functions. Property searches can be conducted by property address, owner name, or parcel number. Some Alabama counties offer online access to recorded documents through subscription services, though availability varies by county and Butler County residents should contact the Probate Court directly to determine current online access options. Recording fees typically include a base fee plus per-page charges. Butler County may also provide a GIS (Geographic Information System) parcel viewer for visual property searches, though availability should be confirmed with county offices.

Economy & Demographics

Georgiana's economy remains rooted in its agricultural heritage and small-town character, with forestry, farming, and related industries forming the economic foundation. Major employers in the Georgiana area include the Butler County Board of Education, which operates Georgiana School serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and local government entities including the Town of Georgiana and Butler County agencies. The timber industry plays a significant role in the regional economy, with several sawmills and timber-related businesses operating in southern Butler County.
Agriculture remains important, with cattle farming, row crops, and timber production dominating rural land use around Georgiana. Small retail businesses, automotive services, and convenience stores along U.S. Highway 31 provide local employment and services to residents. The median household income in Georgiana is estimated at approximately $25,000-$30,000, significantly below the Alabama state median, reflecting the town's rural character and limited industrial base. Tourism related to the Hank Williams legacy provides modest economic activity, particularly during the annual Hank Williams Festival held each June. Georgiana's economy faces challenges common to small rural Alabama towns, including population decline, limited job opportunities for younger residents, and competition from larger regional centers like Montgomery and Greenville. Recent economic development efforts have focused on maintaining existing businesses, improving infrastructure along Highway 31, and leveraging historical tourism. The town's economy is closely tied to broader Butler County economic conditions, with residents often commuting to Greenville, Montgomery, or even the Alabama Gulf Coast for employment opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Georgiana Police Department, headquartered at 109 Stallworth Street, Georgiana, AL 36033 (phone: 334-376-9830), provides primary law enforcement services within the town limits. Citizens can request police reports and incident records by visiting the department in person during business hours or by submitting written requests. The department maintains records of arrests, accident reports, and incident documentation pursuant to Alabama public records laws. For areas outside Georgiana's town limits, the Butler County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement coverage. The Sheriff's Office is located at 819 Forest Avenue, Greenville, AL 36037 (phone: 334-382-6521), and maintains jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of Butler County as well as providing support to municipal police departments. The Sheriff's Office website (www.butlercountyso.com) provides general information about services and contact details. Arrest records and jail bookings for Butler County can be searched through the Butler County Detention Facility inmate roster, accessible online through the Sheriff's Office website. The online inmate search typically displays current inmates' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and booking photographs. Under Alabama's public records law, specifically the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40 et seq.), citizens have the right to request and inspect public records including arrest reports, incident logs, and booking information. Requests should be made in writing to the custodian of records at the relevant agency, and agencies may charge reasonable copying fees not to exceed $0.50 per page for standard documents.

Vital Records

Vital records for Georgiana residents are primarily managed at the state level with some county involvement. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Alabama are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, located at The RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104 (phone: 334-206-5418). Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies.
Certified copies can be ordered online through VitalChek.com, Alabama's authorized vital records vendor, though additional processing fees apply for online orders. Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and faster for online orders with expedited shipping. Birth records in Alabama are confidential for 125 years from the date of birth, and only authorized individuals (the person named on the certificate if of legal age, parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives) may obtain certified copies with proper identification. Death certificates are similarly restricted to immediate family members and those with legal interest. Marriage licenses in Butler County are issued by the Butler County Probate Court, 700 Court Square, Greenville, AL 36037 (phone: 334-382-3515). Alabama recently changed its marriage law; as of August 29, 2019, Alabama no longer issues marriage licenses in the traditional sense but instead records affidavits of marriage. The fee for recording a marriage affidavit is approximately $70-$80 in Butler County. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Butler County Circuit Court (334-382-3512) where the divorce was filed. Historical vital records dating back to the early 1900s are maintained by the state, with some early records available through county probate offices.

Business & Licensing Records

Business licensing and registration for Georgiana involves multiple levels of government. The Town of Georgiana requires business licenses for most commercial operations conducted within town limits. Business license applications and renewals are handled through Georgiana Town Hall, 109 Stallworth Street, Georgiana, AL 36033 (phone: 334-376-2466). License fees vary based on business type and gross receipts, and licenses typically must be renewed annually by January 1st. Businesses should contact Town Hall directly for current fee schedules and application requirements.
Butler County may also require county business licenses for businesses operating in unincorporated areas or county-wide. Fictitious business name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) in Alabama are filed with the Probate Court in the county where the business operates; for Georgiana businesses, this is the Butler County Probate Court, 700 Court Square, Greenville, AL 36037 (phone: 334-382-3515). DBA registration fees are approximately $50, and registrations must be renewed periodically. Alabama corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other formal business entities are registered with the Alabama Secretary of State. The Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains a free online business entity search at https://arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/corpname.mbr/input, where users can search by entity name to find incorporation status, registered agent information, principal office address, and filing history. Business entity formation documents can also be filed online through the Secretary of State's website. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements and lien searches in Alabama are filed with and searchable through the Alabama Secretary of State's UCC Division. Commercial property owners can search property tax assessments through the Butler County Revenue Commissioner's Office (334-382-3525) to determine assessed values and tax obligations for business property located in Georgiana or elsewhere in Butler County.

Elections & Voter Records

Georgiana voters and election administration are served by the Butler County Probate Office, which functions as the county's election authority. The Butler County Probate Judge's office is located at 700 Court Square, Greenville, AL 36037 (phone: 334-382-3515). Alabama voter registration can be completed online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at https://www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration/voterRegistration.action. Voters must register at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Valid identification is required when voting in person, including Alabama driver's license, valid photo ID, valid U.S. passport, employee ID from federal, state, or local government, valid student or employee ID from a public or private college or university in Alabama, valid U.S. military ID, or a valid tribal ID. Georgiana holds municipal elections for mayor and town council positions; these elections typically occur during the regular August municipal election cycle in Alabama, with the most recent municipal elections held in August 2024 and the next scheduled for August 2028. Town council members serve four-year staggered terms. Georgiana residents can find their assigned polling location by contacting the Butler County Probate Office or by using the polling place lookup tool on the Alabama Secretary of State's website at https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview. In the November 2024 presidential election, Butler County saw voter turnout of approximately 50-55% of registered voters, consistent with rural Alabama counties, with strong support for Republican candidates. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Georgiana and Butler County voters will decide several key races: Alabama will elect a Governor (as 2026 is a gubernatorial election year with Kay Ivey's current term expiring), all seven U.S. House seats (Georgiana is in Alabama's 2nd Congressional District), statewide constitutional officers including Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State, Alabama State Senate and House of Representatives seats (Georgiana is in State Senate District 28 and State House District 86), and Butler County offices including County Commission seats, Sheriff, Revenue Commissioner, and Probate Judge depending on term schedules. Alabama voters can request absentee ballots through written application to the Butler County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Office; applications must include the voter's name, address, reason for absentee voting (Alabama requires a statutory excuse such as absence from county, illness, work requirements, or age 65+), and signature. Absentee ballot applications are available on the Secretary of State's website. Election records that are public in Alabama include voter registration lists (available for purchase by campaigns and political parties), campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State's Ethics Commission, candidate qualifying information, and precinct-level election results published by the Secretary of State after certification.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ⚠️ Paid Subscription Portal (Alacourt) | Property: ⚠️ Partial Online (assessor data available, recorder access varies) | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online (Sheriff roster available, police records require in-person request) | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering Available (through VitalChek with fees) | Business: ✅ Free State Database (Secretary of State business search free online) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results (Secretary of State portal functional) | Overall: 6.5/10 — Butler County provides moderate public records accessibility with state-level databases compensating for limited local online portals, though court records require paid subscription access and many county records still necessitate in-person visits to Greenville offices

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Georgiana, Butler County, Alabama to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Georgiana, Alabama, you will be transported to the Butler County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Butler County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Butler County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Georgiana area is served by public school districts in Butler County, Alabama. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Alabama Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Georgiana, Alabama are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Georgiana Police Department on their official website. The Alabama Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Georgiana Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Alabama government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Georgiana Public Library main branch is located in Georgiana, Alabama. Check the Georgiana city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Georgiana, Alabama are available through the Georgiana Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Butler County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Georgiana, Alabama, contact the Alabama Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Butler County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Georgiana, Alabama can be obtained from the Georgiana Police Department or the Butler County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Alabama Open Meetings Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Alabama DMV.
A background check in Georgiana, Butler County, Alabama typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Alabama criminal history report through the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.