About Pierce County
Pierce County is located in southeastern Georgia, including approximately 343 square miles of coastal plain terrain characterized by pine forests, agricultural lands, and the winding Satilla River. Pierce County seat is Blackshear, a city of approximately 20,000 residents that is the governmental and commercial hub. Pierce County was created in 1857 from portions of Appling and Ware counties and named in honor of President Franklin Pierce. As of the 2020 Census, Pierce County population stands at approximately 19,716 residents. Pierce County is home to several notable landmarks including General Coffee State Park, named for a planter and US Congressman, which offers camping, fishing, and access to the Seventeen Mile River. The Satilla River provides exceptional recreational opportunities and is considered one of Georgia's most pristine blackwater rivers. Pierce County's economy traditionally centered on agriculture, timber, and naval stores production. Pierce County government operates through a five-member Board of Commissioners. Key county offices include Pierce County Clerk of Superior Court located at 302 Nichols Street, Blackshear, GA 31516; Pierce County Tax Assessor's Office at the same address; and Pierce County Probate Court which handles vital records and estate matters. Pierce County maintains a blend of rural character with growing residential development, particularly along the US Highway 84 corridor.
- Pierce County is home to several notable landmarks including General Coffee State Park, named for a planter and US Congressman, which offers camping, fishing, and access to the Seventeen Mile River.
- The Satilla River provides exceptional recreational opportunities and is considered one of Georgia's most pristine blackwater rivers.
Court Records & Case Information
Pierce County Georgia Court is located at 1000 South Wayne Street, Blackshear, GA 31516. It is a Superior Court that handles civil and criminal cases. It also handles probate, juvenile, and magistrate court cases. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Pierce County Georgia is located in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit of Georgia. The court jurisdiction includes the cities of Blackshear, Patterson, and Offerman. The address of the Pierce County Courthouse is 100 Courthouse Drive, Blackshear, GA 31516.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Agencies have three business days to respond to requests and may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the arresting agency, though policies vary regarding online publication.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Georgia allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on this process can be obtained from the jail administration.
Courts & Case Records
- Pierce County Magistrate Court handles civil claims up to $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, county ordinance violations, and issues arrest and search warrants.
- The office charges $0.50 per page for standard copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies.
- Interested parties should contact the specific court directly to inquire about online case search availability and associated fees for record retrieval.
Property & Public Records
- Recording fees are established by state law, with standard deed recording costing $27.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, though fees vary by document type.
- The Clerk's office provides document indexing by grantor (seller), grantee (buyer), and property location.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- Property tax records are maintained by Pierce County Tax Assessor's Office at 302 Nichols Street, Blackshear, GA 31516 (phone: 912-449-2013).
- Pierce County Tax Commissioner, located at 302 Nichols Street (phone: 912-449-2020), collects property taxes and maintains tax payment records.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Birth certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates are also $25.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate to one business day, while mail requests may take 7-14 business days.
- Online orders typically take 5-7 business days for processing and delivery.