How to File a Public Records Request in Florida
Florida's Public Records Law, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes and reinforced by Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, establishes one of the broadest public records access frameworks in the nation. The law declares that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person — no residency requirement, no stated purpose required. Every agency custodian must acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith. Florida sets no rigid statutory deadline, requiring instead that agencies respond within a 'reasonable' time based on the scope and complexity of each request. The burden falls on the agency to justify any withholding of records by citing a specific statutory exemption.
The Florida Public Records Law
- Statutory Citation
- Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (§§ 119.01 through 119.15)
- Response Deadline
- reasonable time
- Fee Provisions
- Under Florida Statute § 119.07(4), agencies may charge up to 15 cents per one-sided copy for documents no larger than 14 inches by 8½ inches, and up to 5 cents additional for two-sided copies. Certified copies may be charged at up to $1.00 per page. For requests requiring extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance, agencies may charge a special service fee based on the actual cost of labor and overhead. Agencies must notify requesters of anticipated costs before proceeding.
- Key Exemptions
- Florida law contains hundreds of statutory exemptions under § 119.071 and related statutes. Major categories include: active criminal intelligence and investigative records; personal identifying information for law enforcement officers, judges, and certain other public employees; medical and mental health records; attorney-client privileged communications; certain bid documents prior to opening; home addresses and personal information for victims of certain crimes; and security system plans. When an exemption applies to part of a record, the custodian must redact only that portion and release the remainder.
- Appeal Process
- Florida's Public Records Law has no formal administrative appeal mechanism. If a request is denied or unreasonably delayed, the requester may contact the Florida Attorney General's Office, which offers informal mediation assistance. The primary enforcement route is a civil action filed in circuit court. Under Florida Statute § 119.12, if the court finds the agency unlawfully refused access and the requester provided written notice to the custodian at least 5 business days before filing suit, the court shall award reasonable attorney fees and costs against the agency. A knowing violation of Chapter 119 is a first-degree misdemeanor under § 119.10.
- Ombudsman
- Florida does not have a designated public records ombudsman. The Florida Attorney General's Office provides informal guidance and mediation assistance for public records disputes through its Government-in-the-Sunshine resources.
City FOIA Guides in Florida
Select a city below for a detailed guide on how to file a public records request with that municipality.
Need Help with Public Records in Florida?
If you're dealing with missing records or unresponsive agencies in Florida, Project Paper Trail can help you follow the paper trail on development approvals.
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