Your Comprehensive Guide to Florida Public Records
Florida Public Records
Florida public records encompass all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data, and electronic communications made or received by any state, county, or municipal government agency in Florida. The right of access is enshrined in the Florida Constitution and codified in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (Florida Public Records Law). Florida is widely recognized for its strong tradition of government transparency and public oversight.
Are Florida Records Public?
Yes. Under the Florida Public Records Law, most records created or maintained by public agencies are presumed open for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. Any person, regardless of residency, can request Florida public records, and agencies may not require a reason for the request.
What Information Is Included in Florida Public Records?
Florida public records include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, land records, and tax assessments
- Corporate filings, business registrations, and UCC filings
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates)
- Agendas, minutes, and resolutions of public meetings
- Budgets, audits, contracts, and financial statements
- Police reports, arrest logs, and jail records
- Public employee rosters, contracts, and salaries
- Legislative records, bills, and executive orders
Exemptions apply to certain information, including Social Security numbers, active criminal intelligence, medical records, juvenile information, and data protected by federal or state law.
What Does the Florida Public Records Law Do?
Florida’s Public Records Law:
- Guarantees the public’s right to inspect, examine, and copy most government records
- Requires agencies to respond promptly and in good faith
- Mandates redaction of exempt information rather than withholding entire records
- Prohibits agencies from imposing unreasonable barriers to access
- Limits fees to the actual cost of duplication and, in rare cases, staff time for extensive requests
The law also mandates that all exemptions must be explicitly stated in statute.
How To Find Public Records in Florida in 2025
You may request public records from any Florida agency by mail, email, telephone, fax, or in person. Requests do not have to be in writing unless you want a written response. Be specific about the records you seek and include names, dates, or other identifying details. Many records, such as court dockets, property information, and business filings, are available online.
Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services
500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-6600
Division of Library and Information Services
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 617-2000
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Criminal Justice Information Services
2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-8161
FDLE Criminal Justice Information Services
Florida Courts, Office of the State Courts Administrator
500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 922-5081
Florida Courts
Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations
2415 North Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (850) 245-6000
Division of Corporations
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-2118
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Florida Department of Revenue
5050 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 488-6800
Florida Department of Revenue
Florida Attorney General, Public Records Unit
PL-01, The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 414-3300
Florida Attorney General Public Records
Does Florida Have Free Public Records?
Many Florida public records are available for free inspection at agency offices and through online portals. Examples include court case searches, legislative records, property tax rolls, and business entity searches. However, fees are charged for physical copies, certified documents, and, in some cases, extensive staff research or redaction. The agency must inform you of any cost in advance.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Florida ?
Agencies may charge only the actual cost of duplication—usually $0.15 per single-sided page, $0.20 per double-sided page, and higher for certified copies or unique formats. For requests requiring extensive staff time (typically more than 15 minutes), agencies may charge the labor cost of the employee fulfilling the request. Agencies are required to provide an itemized estimate upon request. Florida Statutes § 119.07(4)
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Florida ?
Agencies must respond to public records requests promptly and in good faith, but there is no fixed deadline in the law. Simple requests are often filled within days, while complex or voluminous requests requiring redaction may take longer. If records are not immediately available, the agency must give a reason for the delay and provide the records as soon as possible. Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(c)
What Records Are Confidential In Florida ?
Certain Florida records are confidential or exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Ongoing law enforcement investigation files
- Medical and mental health records
- Juvenile and adoption case files
- Social Security numbers, bank account and credit card information
- Security plans, blueprints, and network schematics
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information
The Florida Statutes contain more than a thousand specific exemptions, all of which must be applied narrowly and explicitly.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Florida
Any person, resident or not, may inspect or copy Florida public records. No identification or purpose for the request is required, except for certain confidential or exempt records, where identification may be necessary to determine eligibility for access.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Florida
Florida public records can be used for:
- Legal, regulatory, or compliance research
- Investigative journalism and public oversight
- Academic and historical research
- Real estate transactions and business due diligence
- Background checks and genealogy research
Improper use of public records for fraud, harassment, or identity theft is prohibited.
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Florida
If your request is denied, the agency must provide a written statement of the reasons, citing the specific statutory exemption. To appeal:
- Ask the agency for a written explanation or clarification.
- Contact the Florida Office of the Attorney General for mediation or assistance.
- File a civil lawsuit in the appropriate circuit court to compel disclosure, if necessary.
Florida Attorney General, Public Records Unit
PL-01, The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 414-3300
Florida Attorney General Public Records
Difference Between Federal and Florida Public Records
Federal public records are governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which applies only to federal agencies. Florida’s Public Records Law applies to state and local government agencies, and is among the most expansive in the nation.
- Jurisdiction: FOIA covers federal agencies; Florida law covers state and local entities.
- Eligibility: Both laws are open to any person.
- Exemptions: Both laws include specific statutory exemptions; Florida has thousands written into law.