public records florida overview and common questions

What counts as a public record?

Florida’s Sunshine Law presumes government records are open: emails, budgets, meeting minutes, databases, photos, and more. Some information is exempt or confidential, including Social Security numbers, medical details, ongoing criminal investigations, juvenile records, and trade secrets. Agencies must cite the statute for any redaction.

How to make a request

Anyone may request records-no reason required. You can ask in writing or orally; being specific about dates, names, and formats helps. Agencies may charge reasonable copy or extensive-use fees and should provide a cost estimate. Response times must be reasonable and prompt under law, though complex requests can take longer.

Where to look online

Check county clerks for court dockets, property appraisers for parcels, and state portals for contracts and meetings. For criminal history, see FDLE. Not everything is online; older files may require archive retrieval.

Tips and FAQs

• Costs: Ask for electronic copies to minimize fees.
• Redactions: Request the statutory basis if text is blacked out.
• Appeals: Escalate to a supervisor or seek Attorney General mediation.
• Inspection: You can inspect in person before paying for copies.
• Privacy: Some officials and victims have address protections.