Your Comprehensive Guide to Florida Public Records
Florida Public Records
Public records in Florida include a broad range of documents, data, and information held by state and local government agencies, made available to the public under the Florida Public Records Law. This law, governed by Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, affirms the right of every citizen to access state and local government records, with specific exemptions for privacy and security. The full scope of the Florida Public Records Law can be accessed at Florida Public Records Law.
Are Florida Records Public?
Yes, records in Florida are public. The Florida Public Records Law ensures that most records held by state and local government entities are accessible to the public, although there are exclusions to protect sensitive information. Additional details on public record accessibility can be found at Florida's Department of State.
What do Florida Public Records Include?
Florida's public records cover various types of information:
- Vital Records: These include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records managed by the Florida Department of Health. More information is available at Florida Vital Statistics.
- Property Records: Details on property ownership, valuations, and taxes are available through county property appraisers' offices, like the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser.
- Criminal Records: Managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, offering criminal history and background checks. Visit Florida Criminal History Information.
- Court Records: Encompassing civil and criminal court cases, accessible through the Florida Courts. Information can be found at Florida Courts.
- Business Records: This includes business filings and registrations overseen by the Florida Division of Corporations. Detailed information can be found at the Florida Division of Corporations.
How to Find Public Records in Florida
To find public records in Florida, follow these steps:
- Identify the Type of Record: Understand the specific record you need, such as a birth certificate or property record.
- Locate the Appropriate Agency: Different records are maintained by different agencies. For example, vital records are held by the Florida Department of Health.
- Submit a Records Request: Each agency typically has an established process for requesting records, available online, in person, or by mail.
- Adhere to Agency Requirements: Follow the specific guidelines set by the agency, which may include completing forms and providing identification.
- Pay Any Required Fees: Some records might involve fees for processing or copying.
- Await Processing: There may be a processing period before the records are available.
For further assistance, the Florida Department of State provides additional resources and guidance.
Lookup Public Records in Florida
Key departments in Florida related to Public Records include:
- Florida Department of Health: For vital records like birth and death certificates. Visit Florida Vital Statistics.
- County Property Appraiser's Offices: For property records. An example is the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser.
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement: For criminal records and background checks. More information at Florida Criminal History Information.
- Florida Courts: For court records. See Florida Courts.
- Florida Division of Corporations: For business records. Check out the Florida Division of Corporations.