Florida has one of the broadest public records laws in the country. Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, records made or received by government agencies in the course of official business are generally open for inspection and copying.
Who can request
Anyone can make a request. In general you do not need to be a Florida resident, explain why you want the records, or put the request in writing, although a written request creates a useful record.
How to make a request
- Identify the agency that keeps the record, such as a county clerk, property appraiser or city building department
- Describe the records as specifically as you can: names, addresses, folio or case numbers, and date ranges
- Ask for the format you need, and whether certified copies are required
- Keep a log of each request and the agency's response
Fees and timing
Agencies may charge for copies and, for extensive requests, for the labor involved. The law requires a response within a reasonable time, which varies with the size of the request.
Exemptions
Some records or parts of records are exempt or confidential under state or federal law, such as certain personal, medical and investigative information. Agencies redact or withhold those portions and should cite the exemption.
Many records, such as property ownership, recorded documents, corporate filings and court dockets, are also searchable online, which is often the fastest place to start.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
