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Broome County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Broome County?

Public records in Broome County are defined under the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law § 87, as any information kept, filed, produced, or reproduced by, with, or for a government agency, regardless of physical form. These records document the transactions, activities, and functions of Broome County government agencies and are generally accessible to the public.

Broome County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, family court, and surrogate court records are maintained by the Broome County Clerk's Office. These include judgments, liens, and court filings dating back to 1946.

  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, easements, liens, and property transfers are recorded and maintained by the County Clerk. Historical land records dating back to the county's formation are available.

  • Vital Records: Birth certificates (from 1880-present), death certificates (from 1880-present), marriage licenses (from 1908-present), and divorce decrees are maintained by various offices:

    • Birth and death certificates: Broome County Health Department
    • Marriage licenses: Town or City Clerk where the license was issued
    • Divorce records: County Clerk's Office

  • Business Records: DBA (Doing Business As) certificates, business certificates, and professional licenses are filed with the County Clerk's Office.

  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps are maintained by the Broome County Real Property Tax Service.

  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports are maintained by the Broome County Board of Elections.

  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of county legislative sessions, board meetings, and public hearings are maintained by the Broome County Legislature and respective departments.

  • Budget and Financial Documents: Annual budgets, financial reports, and expenditure records are maintained by the Broome County Office of Management and Budget.

  • Law Enforcement Records: Certain police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports are maintained by the Broome County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, subject to privacy restrictions.

  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and planning documents are maintained by the Broome County Planning Department and local municipal offices.

The Broome County Records Management Department serves as the central repository for many inactive county records and coordinates records retention across departments in accordance with New York State Archives retention schedules.

Is Broome County an Open Records County?

Broome County fully adheres to New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), as established under Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90. This comprehensive legislation guarantees public access to government records while protecting personal privacy and other essential interests.

The foundational principle of FOIL is articulated in § 84, which states: "The legislature hereby finds that a free society is maintained when government is responsive and responsible to the public, and when the public is aware of governmental actions." This declaration underscores New York's commitment to governmental transparency.

Broome County has implemented specific procedures to facilitate public access to records in compliance with state law. The county maintains a dedicated FOIL request system through which members of the public may submit requests for county records. Each county department has designated a Records Access Officer responsible for processing these requests in accordance with statutory timeframes.

Under current law, Broome County must respond to FOIL requests within five business days, either by providing the requested records, denying access with written explanation, or acknowledging receipt with an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied.

The county also complies with New York State's Open Meetings Law (Public Officers Law Article 7), which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public, that notice of meetings be provided, and that minutes be taken and made available.

Broome County has demonstrated its commitment to transparency by making many records available online through its official county website and specialized portals such as the Geographic Information System (GIS), which provides public access to property records, tax maps, and related geographic data.

How to Find Public Records in Broome County in 2026

Members of the public seeking access to Broome County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they require. The county provides multiple access points for record retrieval:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's digital platforms:

    • The Broome County Clerk's Office maintains an online database of land records, court documents, and business filings.
    • The Broome County GIS Portal provides access to property information, tax maps, and assessment data.
    • The county's main website offers access to meeting minutes, budgets, and departmental reports.

  2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to inspect or request copies of records:

    • For court and land records: Visit the County Clerk's Office at the Broome County Courthouse.
    • For property tax information: Visit the Real Property Tax Service.
    • For vital records: Visit the Health Department or appropriate Town/City Clerk.

  3. FOIL Requests: For records not readily available, individuals may submit a formal FOIL request:

    • Complete the county's FOIL Request Form
    • Submit the form to the specific department that maintains the desired records
    • Provide a reasonable description of the records sought
    • Include contact information for response

  4. Mail or Email Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate department:

    • Include a clear description of the records requested
    • Provide return contact information
    • Specify preferred format (paper copies, digital files, inspection only)

  5. Specialized Databases: Certain records are accessible through dedicated systems:

When submitting requests, individuals should be as specific as possible about the records they seek, including relevant dates, names, and document types. This specificity helps expedite the retrieval process and ensures accurate fulfillment of requests.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Broome County?

Broome County assesses fees for public records in accordance with New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying or reproducing records. The current fee structure for Broome County public records is as follows:

Standard Copy Fees:

  • Paper copies (up to 9" x 14"): $0.25 per page
  • Large format documents (maps, plans): $5.00 per sheet
  • Digital copies provided on CD/DVD: $10.00 per disc
  • Digital copies via email: No charge (when feasible)

Specialized Record Fees:

  • Certified copies of vital records:
    • Birth certificates: $10.00 per copy
    • Death certificates: $10.00 per copy
    • Marriage certificates: $10.00 per copy
  • County Clerk document fees:
    • Deed recordings: $40.00 base fee plus $5.00 per page
    • Mortgage recordings: Variable based on mortgage amount
    • Business certificate filings: $25.00
    • Certified copies of court records: $8.00 per document
  • GIS/Tax Map products:
    • Standard tax maps: $5.00 per section
    • Custom GIS data: Fees vary based on complexity and staff time

The Broome County Clerk's Office and other departments accept payment by cash, check, money order, and major credit cards for most transactions. Some online services may require credit card payment exclusively.

It is important to note that under FOIL, agencies may not charge for the inspection of records, locating records, or administrative costs associated with fulfilling requests. Fees are limited to the actual cost of reproduction.

Fee waivers may be granted when disclosure of the requested records primarily benefits the general public, though such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis. Government agencies and certain non-profit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees for specific record types.

Does Broome County Have Free Public Records?

Broome County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost to requestors. Under New York's Freedom of Information Law, the inspection of records is always free of charge, though reproduction costs may apply if copies are requested.

The following free public record resources are currently available:

  • In-Person Inspection: Any member of the public may visit county offices during regular business hours to inspect public records without charge. This includes:

    • Court records at the County Clerk's Office
    • Property records at the Real Property Tax Service
    • Meeting minutes at the County Legislature Office
    • Budget documents at the Office of Management and Budget

  • Online Resources: Broome County maintains several free online databases:

  • Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at several county facilities for public use in searching electronic records:

    • County Clerk's Office provides terminals for searching land and court records
    • Public libraries throughout the county offer access to certain county databases
    • The Real Property Tax Service offers terminals for tax and assessment research

  • Public Notices and Announcements: Legal notices, public hearing schedules, and official announcements are published on the county website and in designated newspapers at no cost to the public.

While many records are available without charge, requestors should be aware that extensive searches, large volume requests, or specialized formats may incur fees as outlined in the county's fee schedule. Additionally, certified copies of vital records and official documents always carry statutory fees that cannot be waived.

Who Can Request Public Records in Broome County?

Under New York Public Officers Law § 89(1), any person has the right to request and receive public records maintained by Broome County government agencies. This broad eligibility extends to:

  • New York State residents
  • Out-of-state residents
  • Foreign nationals
  • Business entities
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Media representatives
  • Government agencies
  • Incarcerated individuals

Requestors are not required to provide identification or state their purpose for requesting records in most circumstances. The law specifically states that an agency "shall not deny a request on the basis that the request is voluminous or that locating or reviewing the requested records or providing the requested copies is burdensome."

However, certain limitations and special provisions apply to specific record types:

  • Vital Records: Birth and death certificates are restricted to qualified individuals with a direct relationship to the subject or those who demonstrate a lawful right to the record. Requestors must provide identification and documentation of their relationship or legal interest.

  • Medical Records: Access to medical information is restricted under HIPAA and state privacy laws. Patients may access their own records, but third-party requests require authorization.

  • Law Enforcement Records: While arrest records are generally public, investigative materials may be restricted. Victims of crimes have special access rights to certain records under Executive Law § 646.

  • Juvenile Records: These are confidential under Family Court Act provisions and generally not accessible to the public.

  • Commercial Use: While commercial entities may request public records, Public Officers Law § 89(2)(b) prohibits using lists of names for solicitation or fund-raising purposes.

When requesting records pertaining to oneself, individuals may be required to provide identification to verify their identity. This is particularly relevant for records containing personal information protected under privacy provisions.

Broome County processes all requests without discrimination based on the requestor's identity or purpose, except where specifically authorized by law. The county's Records Access Officers evaluate each request based solely on the nature of the records sought and applicable exemptions.

What Records Are Confidential in Broome County?

While Broome County strives for transparency, certain records are exempt from disclosure under New York Public Officers Law § 87(2). These exemptions protect privacy, safety, and other essential interests. The following categories of records are generally confidential:

  • Personal Privacy Information: Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Medical and health records
    • Personal financial information
    • Employment, medical, or credit histories
    • Home addresses and telephone numbers of public employees

  • Law Enforcement Records: Materials that would:

    • Interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings
    • Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
    • Identify a confidential source or disclose confidential information
    • Reveal criminal investigative techniques or procedures
    • Endanger the life or safety of any person

  • Juvenile Records: Family Court Act § 166 protects records related to:

    • Juvenile delinquency proceedings
    • Person in Need of Supervision (PINS) cases
    • Child protective proceedings
    • Adoption records

  • Inter/Intra-Agency Materials: Deliberative documents including:

    • Draft policies and recommendations
    • Opinions exchanged within or between agencies
    • Pre-decisional memoranda

  • Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about:

    • Computer access codes and security measures
    • Infrastructure vulnerabilities
    • Public safety and security plans

  • Trade Secrets: Information that would:

    • Cause substantial injury to the competitive position of a commercial enterprise
    • Reveal trade secrets or proprietary business information

  • Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Legal advice and communications between county attorneys and officials

  • Educational Records: Student records protected under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

  • Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order, including:

    • Certain criminal records following dismissal or acquittal
    • Youthful offender adjudications
    • Sealed matrimonial records

  • Records Specifically Exempted by Statute: Any records that other federal or state laws designate as confidential

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Broome County will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder when reasonably possible. Each FOIL denial includes the specific statutory basis for withholding records and information about the appeal process.

Broome County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Broome County Clerk's Office
Broome County Courthouse
92 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2451
County Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Records Management Department
Broome County Office Building
60 Hawley Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2187
Records Management

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Real Property Tax Service
Broome County Office Building
60 Hawley Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2169
Real Property Tax Service

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Broome County Health Department - Vital Records
225 Front Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
(607) 778-2674
Health Department

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Broome County Board of Elections
Government Plaza
60 Hawley Street, 2nd Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 778-2172
Board of Elections

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Extended hours during election periods
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Lookup Public Records in Broome County

County Clerk records and land documents

Property records, tax maps, and GIS data

Records management and archival documents

County government departments and services

Freedom of Information Law requests

Incarceration and offender records

State Police and law enforcement records

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