About Terrebonne Parish
Terrebonne Parish (not Parish), Louisiana, is located in the southernmost portion of the state along the Gulf of Mexico, covering approximately 1,255 square miles of land and 828 square miles of water. The parish seat is Houma, situated approximately 55 miles southwest of New Orleans. As of the 2020 Census, Terrebonne Parish had a population of approximately 109,580 residents. The parish is unique for its extensive wetlands, bayous, and coastal marshes, making it a critical area for Louisiana's fishing and oil industries.
Terrebonne Parish is home to the Houma Nation, one of Louisiana's indigenous peoples, and boasts a rich Cajun and Creole cultural heritage. Major landmarks include the Intracoastal Waterway, Bayou Terrebonne Parish, and numerous wildlife management areas. The parish economy is driven by offshore oil and gas production, commercial fishing, shrimping, and increasingly ecotourism.
The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court is located at 301 Goode Street, Houma, LA 70360, and handles court records, marriage licenses, and certain property filings. Terrebonne Parish Assessor's Office, Houma, LA 70360, maintains property tax assessment records. The Houma area Parish Registrar of Conveyances Office, also at the Government Tower, records deeds, mortgages, and other property documents.
Houma area Parish faces significant environmental challenges from coastal erosion, land loss, and hurricane vulnerability, making it a focal point for coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the parish. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex, and processes arrests. It also maintains criminal records and offers various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the sheriff's office include the Narcotics Task Force and the Marine Division, which are crucial given the parish's extensive waterways.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Terrebonne Parish is provided by both the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Houma Police Department serves the city of Houma, focusing on urban law enforcement and community policing. The sheriff's office covers the broader unincorporated areas, coordinating with local police on major crimes and emergencies. This collaboration ensures full coverage and efficient response across the parish.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office (TPSO), located at 2295 Highway 311 in Schriever, LA 70395, is the primary law enforcement agency for the parish. Sheriff Tim Soignet leads the TPSO, which operates the Houma area Parish Criminal Justice Complex, the main detention facility housing adult inmates. The TPSO website (www.tpso.net) provides an online inmate search feature where the public can look up current detainees by name or booking number, view booking dates, charges, and bond information. The facility's phone number is for general inquiries.
- 44:1 et seq.), and citizens can request arrest reports by submitting written requests to the TPSO or respective police department.
- Booking photos and mugshots are typically available through the online inmate search portal on the TPSO website or by visiting the Criminal Justice Complex in person during business hours.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports, typically ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per page.
Within Houma area Parish, the Houma Police Department serves the parish seat at 3911 West Park Avenue, Houma, LA 70360, providing municipal law enforcement services. Smaller communities may rely primarily on parish sheriff's deputies. Arrest records in Houma area Parish are public records under Louisiana Public Records Law (La.
R.S. The Houma Nation Tribal Police may have limited jurisdiction over tribal matters, though most law enforcement is handled by TPSO and municipal departments.
For federal waters and offshore platforms, the U.S. Coast Guard maintains jurisdiction from their Houma station.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Terrebonne Parish cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the bureau, which includes a search of criminal history records. The parish also participates in the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS), offering updates on offender status to victims and the public.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Terrebonne Parish are maintained by Terrebonne Parish 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, either in person or through written requests. Under the Louisiana Public Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex is the primary detention facility for the parish. This facility handles the booking process for people arrested in the parish, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through the sheriff's office website, which provides a lookup tool for recent arrests. Visitation rules at the facility require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows Louisiana state law, allowing for the posting of bail through cash, property, or bail bondsmen, with details available at the facility.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Terrebonne Parish are taken and retained by the Terrebonne Parish 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 requested directly from the office. Louisiana does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request removal or redaction under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related arrest record.
Courts & Case Records
Terrebonne Parish is served by the 32nd Judicial District Court, Houma, LA 70360 (Government Tower, Room 102). Terrebonne Parish Court has general jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $50,000, felony criminal cases, juvenile matters, family law, and successions (probate). The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Case records are maintained by the Houma area Parish Clerk of Court at 301 Goode Street, Houma, LA 70360 The Clerk's office provides public access to court records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Online case lookup is available through the Clerk of Court's website, though full dockets may require in-person or written requests.
- The local community Parish also has City Court of Houma, located at 3911 West Park Avenue, Houma, LA 70360, with jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters under $50,000.
- Fees for copies are typically $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page for certified copies.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Terrebonne Parish are maintained by the Terrebonne Parish Registrar of Conveyances, Government Tower, Houma, LA 70360. The office can be reached at and maintains full records of all recorded documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, judgments, financing statements, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps. The Registrar's office provides public access to records during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- An online search portal is available through the parish website, allowing users to search property records by owner name, address, instrument type, or document number.
- Some records may be viewed free online, though certified copies require in-person or mail requests with fees.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard documents typically costing $100 for the first page and $25 for each additional page.
- The Assessor's website provides a free online property search tool where citizens can look up assessment values, millage rates, property characteristics, and ownership information by address or assessment number.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
Vital Records
Vital records for Terrebonne Parish are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are issued by the Louisiana State Vital Records Registry, located at 628 N 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Certified copies of birth certificates cost $15.00 and death certificates cost $7.00, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $5.00 each. Louisiana law (La. R.S. 40:31 through 40:79) governs vital records access and confidentiality.
- Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for additional fees.
- VitalChek offers online ordering at www.vitalchek.com for Louisiana vital records with additional service fees.
- The marriage license fee is $27.50, and there is no waiting period or blood test required.
- Certified copies of marriage records cost $5.00.
Birth records are restricted to the registrant (if 18+), parents, legal representatives, and direct descendants with proof of relationship. Death certificates are generally public records. Marriage licenses are issued by the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court at 301 Goode Street, Houma, LA 70360
Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo ID and social security numbers. The license is valid for 30 days from issuance. Divorce records (judgments of divorce) are maintained by the Houma area Parish Clerk of Court as part of civil court records.
Birth and death records less than 100 years old have restricted access, while older records become public genealogical resources. The Clerk of Court office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Applicants should bring government-issued photo identification and know the approximate date and location of the vital event.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Terrebonne Parish are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court, located at 301 Goode Street, Houma, LA 70360, handles Trade Name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations for businesses operating under assumed names. The filing fee is approximately $25.00, and registrations must be renewed every five years. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements are also filed with the Clerk of Court.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at www.sos.la.gov/BusinessServices, where users can look up registered businesses, view registration status, registered agents, and filing history.
For formal business entity formation (corporations, LLCs, partnerships), filings are made with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Corporations Division, in Baton Rouge. Terrebonne Parish occupational licenses are issued by the Terrebonne Parish Finance Department at 8026 Main Street, Houma, LA 70360. Businesses operating within Houma city limits may also require a City of Houma occupational license from Houma City Hall.
Professional licenses (contractors, plumbers, electricians, healthcare providers) are regulated by state licensing boards rather than parish offices. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors oversees construction-related licenses. Building permits and inspections are handled by the Terrebonne Parish Planning and Zoning Department, Houma, LA 70360
Commercial development projects require plan review and permits. The South Terrebonne-Lafourche Chamber of Commerce, phone, and the Houma-Terrebonne Parish Chamber of Commerce, phone, website www.houmachamber.com, provide business resources and networking opportunities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Terrebonne Parish are administered by Terrebonne Parish Registrar of Voters, Government Tower, Houma, LA 70360. The Registrar's office can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in Louisiana can be completed online through the Louisiana Secretary of State's GeauxVote system at www.GeauxVote.com, by mail using a registration application, or in person at the Registrar of Voters office. The voter registration deadline is 30 days before any election (20 days for online registration).
- Louisiana uses a closed primary system, so voters must register with a party to vote in that party's primary elections.
Polling place locations for Terrebonne Parish voters can be found on the GeauxVote website by entering your address, or by contacting the Registrar of Voters office. Sample ballots and precinct information are posted before each election. Public election records in Terrebonne Parish include voter registration rolls (excluding certain personal information under La.
R.S. 18:154), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate qualifying documents, and precinct-level election results. These records are available through the Registrar of Voters office and the Louisiana Secretary of State's website.
In the November 2024 general election, Houma area Parish voter turnout was approximately 58-62%, consistent with typical Louisiana turnout in presidential election years. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House midterm elections, potential U.S.
Senate races, and Louisiana state legislative elections, along with local parish offices. Early voting is available at designated locations approximately two weeks before election day, Monday through Saturday (except Sunday), from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Absentee voting by mail is permitted for Louisiana voters who will be absent from the parish during early voting and election day, are hospitalized, are incarcerated but not under a final felony conviction, are 65 or older, or are disabled.
Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Registrar of Voters office, with specific deadlines (typically 4-5 days before election day for mail ballots). Louisiana election law (La. R.S.
Title 18) ensures transparency in election administration, though some voter information is protected from public disclosure for privacy and security reasons.
Economy & Demographics
Terrebonne Parish's economy is heavily influenced by its coastal location and natural resources, with the oil and gas industry serving as the dominant economic driver. The parish is home to numerous offshore service companies, fabrication yards, and support facilities for Gulf of Mexico energy production. Major employers include Danos, Inc, Edison Chouest Offshore, Bollinger Shipyards, and numerous smaller marine and oilfield service companies.
- Census data, the median household income in Terrebonne Parish seat area Parish is approximately $48,000, below the national average but reflective of Louisiana's rural coastal parishes.
The commercial fishing industry, particularly shrimping and oyster harvesting, remains economically significant despite challenges from coastal erosion and environmental disasters. According to U.S. The poverty rate is approximately 18-20%, with economic disparities between coastal fishing communities and inland areas.
Healthcare is another major employment sector, with Terrebonne Parish seat area General Health System serving as one of the largest employers in the parish. The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly above Louisiana's state average, fluctuating with oil prices and hurricane impacts. Tourism and recreational fishing provide supplemental economic activity, with the parish's unique wetland ecosystems attracting ecotourists and sport fishermen.
Agriculture, particularly sugarcane farming on the northern prairie lands, contributes to the rural economy. Economic development efforts focus on diversification away from oil dependence, coastal restoration creating jobs, and supporting small business growth. The Port of Terrebonne Parish seat area handles commercial shipping and serves the offshore energy sector.
Major infrastructure projects include hurricane protection systems, coastal restoration, and elevated highway construction. The parish faces significant economic challenges from land loss, which threatens tax base, infrastructure, and traditional livelihoods.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Search Available | Property: Yes: Free Online Search (Assessor & Conveyances) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/VitalChek Required | Business: Yes: Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8/10, Terrebonne Parish provides strong digital access to most public records through parish and state portals, though vital records require state-level requests.