How to File a Public Records Request in Ohio
The Ohio Public Records Act, codified at Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, establishes the fundamental principle that government records are 'the people's records' and that public officials are merely trustees of those records on the public's behalf. The law applies to all 'public offices,' including state agencies, counties, cities, villages, townships, and school districts. Any person may request public records without identifying themselves or stating a reason. Agencies must make records available for inspection promptly and provide copies within a reasonable period of time — there is no fixed statutory deadline. When a request is denied, the burden of proof falls on the public office to demonstrate that a specific statutory exemption applies. Ohio does not have a state-level public records ombudsman, but requesters may seek enforcement through the Ohio Court of Claims or a mandamus action in court.
The Ohio Public Records Act
- Statutory Citation
- Ohio Revised Code § 149.43
- Response Deadline
- 0 calendar days
- Fee Provisions
- Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public offices may charge for the actual cost of reproducing records, including paper, toner, and mailing costs, but may not charge for staff labor involved in retrieving and copying standard records. Prepayment of copy costs may be required. There is no statutory fee waiver provision for most requesters. Law enforcement agencies may charge up to $75 per hour (capped at $750 total) for preparing video records. As a practical matter, many offices do not charge fees for small numbers of pages.
- Key Exemptions
- Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1) contains more than 50 specific exemptions, and the Ohio Revised Code contains over 400 additional statutory provisions that restrict disclosure. Major categories include: law enforcement investigatory records, medical records, attorney-client privileged communications, personnel records relating to personal information, trial preparation records, social security numbers and personal financial information, certain residential address information for public safety workers, and records sealed by court order. Any withholding must cite the specific legal authority.
- Appeal Process
- Ohio's Public Records Act is a 'self-help' statute — there is no administrative appeal process. A requester denied access has two options: (1) file a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims under ORC § 2743.75, paying a $25 filing fee, after which the agency has three business days to cure the alleged violation and the court issues a binding decision within 45 days; or (2) file a mandamus action in the Court of Common Pleas, Court of Appeals, or Ohio Supreme Court. Courts may award attorney fees and statutory damages of $100 per business day (up to $1,000) to prevailing requesters.
- Ombudsman
- Ohio does not have a public records ombudsman. The Ohio Attorney General publishes the Ohio Sunshine Laws Manual and provides training resources, but does not directly intervene in individual records disputes on behalf of requesters.
City FOIA Guides in Ohio
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 Ohio?
If you're dealing with missing records or unresponsive agencies in Ohio, Project Paper Trail can help you follow the paper trail on development approvals.
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