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How to Find Public Records in Leelanau County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents, court filings, property data, and other official materials may access a broad range of publicly available information through Leelanau County's official offices and online portals. LeelanauRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may relate to records maintained by Leelanau County, Michigan, though the completeness and currency of any third-party compilation cannot be guaranteed. Requestors may find records across the following categories:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and assessment records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning documents
Records may be accessed through official court resources, county clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
- The Leelanau County property search portal allows members of the public to query parcel data, ownership information, and assessment records without registration.
- Court case information is available statewide through the MiCOURT case search system, which provides access to circuit, district, and probate court records subject to applicable legal restrictions.
- The Leelanau County Register of Deeds maintains an online index of recorded land documents.
- Criminal history information may be queried through the Leelanau County Prosecutor's criminal records search tool.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Leelanau County Government Center to inspect records at the relevant department counter. Requestors should identify the record type sought, provide sufficient identifying information (such as a party name, parcel number, or case number), and complete any required request form. Staff will direct requestors to the appropriate custodial office.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests must identify the record with reasonable specificity, include the requestor's name and return address, and be directed to the custodial office. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.235, a public body must respond within five business days of receiving a written request, with a possible extension of up to ten additional business days.
Phone/Email:
- Leelanau County Clerk: (231) 256-9824
- Leelanau County Register of Deeds: (231) 256-9682
- Leelanau County Courts: (231) 256-8824
What Are Public Records in Leelanau County?
Public records in Leelanau County are defined by Michigan state law as any writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.232, a "public record" encompasses documents, photographs, maps, magnetic or optical disks, and other recorded information regardless of physical form or characteristic.
The following record types are currently maintained by Leelanau County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records | Leelanau County Courts |
| Property deeds, mortgages, and liens | Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | County Clerk |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk / Township Offices |
| Property tax and assessment records | County Equalization / Treasurer |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Clerk / Board of Commissioners |
| Law enforcement records | Leelanau County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning Department |
Is Leelanau County an Open Records County?
Leelanau County fully complies with Michigan's statewide open records framework, which mandates public access to government documents held by all public bodies within the state. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, all county departments, boards, and agencies are required to disclose public records upon receipt of a lawful written request, subject only to enumerated statutory exemptions.
As stated in the Act, "a public body shall make its public records available for inspection and copying." This obligation extends to Leelanau County's elected offices, administrative departments, and judicial support functions. The county does not maintain a separate local open records ordinance; state law governs all disclosure obligations uniformly.
Michigan's Open Meetings Act, MCL § 15.261 et seq., further requires that deliberations and decisions of public bodies occur in open session, with meeting minutes made available to the public. Leelanau County's Board of Commissioners posts agendas and minutes in accordance with this requirement.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Leelanau County?
The standard fee structure for public records in Leelanau County is governed by Michigan FOIA and the individual policies of each custodial office. Current fees applicable to most requests are as follows:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.10 per page (standard) |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
| Electronic copies | Labor and media costs may apply |
| Search/labor fees | Charged when search exceeds a threshold |
| Inspection (no copies) | No charge |
Under MCL § 15.234, a public body may charge a fee that does not exceed the actual cost of providing the copy, and labor costs for search and retrieval may be charged only when the total fee exceeds $50.00. The first $20.00 of any fee must be waived for individuals who demonstrate indigency or whose primary purpose is to disseminate information to the public.
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Individual offices may also accept credit or debit cards; requestors should confirm accepted methods with the specific department prior to submitting payment.
Fee waivers are available upon written request when the requestor demonstrates that disclosure is in the public interest and that the individual is unable to pay.
Does Leelanau County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Leelanau County offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may review documents in person without incurring any charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Several online resources provide free access to specific record categories at no cost:
- The Leelanau County property search tool provides free online access to parcel ownership, assessment, and tax data.
- The MiCOURT case search portal offers free online access to court case index information for circuit, district, and probate courts statewide.
- The Leelanau County Prosecutor's office provides a free online tool for searching criminal case records within the county.
- The Register of Deeds online index allows free searching of recorded land document indexes.
Free inspection differs from free copies: while viewing records at a public counter carries no charge, obtaining paper or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Leelanau County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Leelanau County. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to be Michigan residents, and they are not required to explain why they are seeking a record.
Key eligibility provisions under current law include:
- Identification: Requestors are not required to provide identification for most public records requests, though identification may be required for certain sensitive record types or when accessing restricted terminals.
- Purpose: A requestor's purpose for seeking records is not a lawful basis for denial under Michigan FOIA.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Leelanau County and of Michigan retain full rights to request public records.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking records about themselves may be entitled to expedited processing or fee waivers in certain circumstances, particularly for records held by law enforcement agencies.
Certain record categories—such as juvenile records, adoption files, and sealed court documents—carry access restrictions that apply regardless of the requestor's identity or purpose.
What Records Are Confidential in Leelanau County?
Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. Michigan FOIA enumerates specific categories of exempt information, and additional restrictions arise under federal law and court orders. As stated by the MiCOURT system, "Michigan and federal law preclude disclosure of certain information" maintained in court records. The following categories are currently exempt from mandatory disclosure:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records (subject to limited exceptions)
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and financial account data
- Medical and mental health records (protected under HIPAA and state law)
- Adoption records
- Child protective services and child welfare records
- Personnel records, except as specifically authorized by statute
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, vulnerability assessments, and critical infrastructure details
MCL § 15.243 sets forth the full list of statutory exemptions under Michigan FOIA. When a public body withholds a record, it must provide a written explanation identifying the specific exemption relied upon and must disclose any non-exempt portions of a partially exempt document.
Leelanau County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Leelanau County Register of Deeds
8527 E. Government Center Dr., Suite 101
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 256-9682
Leelanau County Register of Deeds
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Leelanau County Clerk
8527 E. Government Center Dr.
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 256-9824
Leelanau County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Leelanau County Courts
8527 E. Government Center Dr.
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 256-8824
Leelanau County Courts
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Leelanau County Sheriff's Office
8527 E. Government Center Dr.
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 256-8800
Leelanau County Sheriff
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM