Bureau Of Records Tallahassee Florida Phone Number – Official Contact Info

Bureau of Records Tallahassee Florida phone number 850‑245‑6600 connects callers directly to the Archives & Records Management Bureau, the official state repository for public documents in Florida’s capital. Located in Suite 102 of the historic 500 South Bronough Street building, just two blocks east of the Florida State Capitol, this bureau serves as the central hub for accessing municipal minutes, land-record abstracts, and a digital microfilm collection dating back to 1821. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., staffed by three trained records specialists who assist with document retrieval, certification, and genealogy research. Certified copies of official records cost $12 per page, and in-person requests receive immediate attention, while email inquiries are answered within three business days. This bureau follows strict federal archival standards and is the primary contact for legal, historical, and personal record needs in Tallahassee.

Primary Contact for State Archives and Public Records

The Archives & Records Management Bureau at 850‑245‑6600 is the main access point for anyone needing official state documents in Tallahassee. Whether you’re a researcher tracing family history, a lawyer requiring certified court filings, or a journalist investigating government actions, this bureau holds the keys to decades of public records. The facility houses over 200 years of digitized microfilm, including early homestead claims, census data, and city council minutes. Staff members are trained to help with complex searches and can guide users through both physical and digital archives. The bureau also offers preservation services and maintains climate-controlled storage to ensure long-term document integrity. All services comply with Florida’s public records law, guaranteeing transparency and timely access.

Operating Hours, Location, and Service Details

The bureau is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on weekends and state holidays. It is located at 500 South Bronough Street, Suite 102, in a government building near the Capitol complex. Visitors should park in the adjacent public lot and check in at the front desk. The team of three records specialists handles walk-in requests, phone calls, and scheduled appointments. For certified documents, payment is required at the time of service—cash, check, or credit card are accepted. Genealogy researchers can request searches of early homestead files and census records, which may take up to 48 hours if not immediately available. Email requests sent to the general inbox are processed within three business days. The phone line 850‑245‑6600 routes callers to the appropriate desk based on menu options.

Types of Records Available and Access Procedures

The bureau maintains a wide range of public records, including municipal meeting minutes, land deeds, property abstracts, birth and death registrations (pre-1927), and legislative journals. Digital microfilm readers allow on-site viewing of historical documents, and staff can print copies for a fee. Certified copies—required for legal proceedings—are stamped and signed by an authorized officer. Researchers must provide specific details such as names, dates, or document numbers to speed up retrieval. For bulk or complex requests, advance notice is recommended. The bureau does not handle recent vital records (after 1927); those are managed by the Florida Department of Health. All records are stored in compliance with National Archives standards, ensuring authenticity and chain of custody.

Related State Agencies and Their Contact Numbers

Several other state bureaus in Tallahassee manage specialized records and offer additional services. The State Records Center at 4319 Shelfer Road provides climate-controlled vaults and a digitization lab processing up to 1,200 pages daily. Its main line is 850‑245‑6750. For election-related filings, the Bureau of Election Records uses 850‑245‑6240, and the Division of Voter Registration Services can be reached at 850‑245‑6295. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) handles driver and vehicle records via 850‑617‑3711 for IFTA/IRP audits. The Division of Licensing under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services can be contacted at (850) 245‑5691. Each agency follows federal and state archival guidelines and provides certified copies for legal use.

Police and Criminal Records Access

The Tallahassee Police Department Records Unit, located at 234 East 7th Avenue, manages accident reports, incident logs, and arrest records. The unit operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and can be reached at 850‑891‑4221. Certified copies are available within 48 hours for criminal justice purposes. Online request forms are accessible through the Talgov portal, requiring a case number, date of occurrence, and valid photo ID. The department also maintains a digital repository of traffic collision data for research use. Requests must include a written description of the desired record and can be mailed to the headquarters address. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.

Online Portals and Digital Request Systems

Many record requests can now be submitted online through official state portals. The Florida Department of State’s secure portal allows electronic inquiries to the State Records Center and Archives. The FLHSMV offers crash report requests via FloridaCrashPortal.gov, where users input crash date, location, and vehicle identification number. The Division of Elections accepts email requests at electionsrecords@dos.myflorida.gov and provides downloadable forms for campaign finance and candidate filings. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare uses a patient portal for medical record releases, accessible after identity verification. These digital systems reduce wait times and improve accuracy, though certified copies still require official processing and fees.

Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times

Most agencies charge fees for document retrieval and certification. The Archives & Records Management Bureau charges $12 per page for certified copies. The Police Records Unit may apply a $25 surcharge for expedited service. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or credit card at the time of service. Mail-in requests must include a check or money order. Processing times vary: in-person requests are handled immediately, email responses take up to three business days, and mailed documents may take 7–10 days. Bulk or historical searches could require additional time. All fees support maintenance, digitization, and staff training to ensure continued public access.

Genealogy and Historical Research Support

The bureau is a key resource for genealogists and historians studying Florida’s early settlement. Its collection includes homestead applications, census rolls from the 19th century, and land grant records. Staff assist with locating ancestors, verifying property ownership, and tracing migration patterns. Researchers can schedule appointments for extended searches or use on-site microfilm readers. The digital archive is continually expanding, with new scans added monthly. While the bureau does not conduct private research for hire, it provides tools and guidance for self-service exploration. Collaboration with university libraries and historical societies enhances access to rare materials.

Legal Compliance and Record Authenticity

All records issued by the bureau meet legal standards for authenticity and admissibility in court. Certified copies bear an official seal and signature, confirming their validity. The bureau adheres to the Florida Public Records Act and federal guidelines from the National Archives. Chain of custody is maintained for all documents, and digital files are encrypted to prevent tampering. Staff undergo annual training on privacy laws, including HIPAA for medical records and FOIA for federal requests. This ensures that every record released is accurate, complete, and legally defensible.

Contact Information Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about how to access records, what fees apply, and which agency to contact. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on real user needs and official procedures.

How do I request a certified copy of a land deed from the Archives & Records Management Bureau?

To request a certified copy of a land deed, call 850‑245‑6600 during business hours or visit the bureau in person at 500 South Bronough Street, Suite 102. You’ll need to provide the property address, parcel number, or owner’s name and approximate date of the transaction. Staff will locate the record in the land-record abstracts or microfilm collection. Certified copies cost $12 per page and are stamped with an official seal. Payment is due at the time of service. If you’re mailing a request, include a check and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes 3–5 business days for mail-in requests. In-person visits receive immediate assistance. The bureau only certifies documents it holds; newer deeds may be with the Leon County Clerk.

Can I get arrest records from the Tallahassee Police Department online?

Yes, recent arrest reports are available online through the Florida State Records portal at florida.staterecords.org/leon/tallahassee. You can search by name, date, or case number. For physical copies, call 850‑891‑4221 or mail a written request to 234 East 7th Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32303. Include the arrestee’s full name, date of arrest, and incident location. Online downloads are free for recent reports; mailed copies may incur a fee. Certified copies for legal use require in-person pickup or notarized mail requests. The department processes requests within 10 business days, with expedited service for $25. All requests must comply with Florida’s public records law and privacy regulations.

What is the difference between the Archives & Records Management Bureau and the State Records Center?

The Archives & Records Management Bureau focuses on historical and municipal records, such as city minutes, early census data, and land abstracts, dating back to 1821. It serves researchers, genealogists, and legal professionals needing certified historical documents. The State Records Center, located at 4319 Shelfer Road, manages active state agency records, including legislative journals, gubernatorial proclamations, and vital statistics. It features a digitization lab and climate-controlled vaults for long-term preservation. While both fall under the Florida Department of State, the Archives Bureau handles public access and certification, whereas the Records Center supports internal agency storage and digitization. For most public requests, start with the Archives Bureau at 850‑245‑6600.

How long does it take to receive records by mail from the Bureau of Election Records?

Mail requests to the Bureau of Election Records typically take 7–10 business days to process. Send your request to Mail Station 9A, Tallahassee, FL 32399‑0250, including the specific document type, candidate name, election date, or filing period. Call 850‑245‑6240 to confirm receipt. Email requests to electionsrecords@dos.myflorida.gov are faster, often answered within 48 hours. Certified copies for legal use require a notarized request form. The bureau does not charge for standard campaign finance reports but may apply fees for large or complex requests. Always include a return address and phone number. For urgent needs, visit the office in person during business hours.

Are medical records available through the state archives?

No, medical records are not held by the state archives. They are managed by individual healthcare providers, such as Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. To request medical records, contact the hospital’s Medical Records Department at 850‑431‑5454 or visit 1300 Miccosukee Road. Requests must include patient consent and valid ID. Records are retained for at least seven years under HIPAA rules. The state archives only hold historical vital records prior to 1927, such as early birth and death certificates. For modern health data, always contact the treating facility directly. The Archives Bureau can assist with genealogical research using old census or hospital logs, but not current patient files.

What should I do if I can’t find the record I need?

If a record isn’t available at the Archives & Records Management Bureau, staff will help identify the correct agency. For example, recent vital records go to the Florida Department of Health, vehicle records to FLHSMV, and court files to the Leon County Clerk. Use the phone menu at 850‑245‑6600 to reach specialized desks. You can also email the general inquiry address or visit the Florida Department of State’s website for a full directory. Many records are now digitized and searchable online. If your request involves multiple jurisdictions, the bureau may coordinate with other offices. Always provide as much detail as possible—names, dates, locations—to improve search accuracy.

Is there a fee to search for records, even if I don’t get a copy?

No, there is no charge for searching or inquiring about records. The $12 fee applies only when you request a certified copy. Staff will tell you if a document exists and its location before any payment is required. This ensures transparency and prevents unnecessary costs. However, extensive research involving multiple files or historical cross-referencing may require an appointment or limited staff assistance due to workload. Genealogy searches are free during walk-in hours, but printing or certification incurs standard fees. Always ask for a cost estimate before proceeding with large requests.

Official website: https://www.dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/records-management/state-records-center/ Phone: 850‑245‑6600 Visiting hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Address: 500 South Bronough Street, Suite 102, Tallahassee, FL 32399