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Pursuant to the Chapter 119 of the Florida Statute, all records of the government shall be made available to the public. This means that Florida public records are available for the public. These public records include papers, documents, books, audio, films, photographs and other media formats received or created by any government official in connection with the performance of their duties towards the public. Some public records information is exempted from the public access and will be redacted by the custodian before releasing the records to the person requesting the records. Confidential information is released only to the people who are nominated by the government; nevertheless, an agency is not restricted to disclose the records.
One can make their request by writing or contacting the Office of the Custodian of Public Records. Contacting the office is the fastest way to request the information; however, for those whose requests are a bit complex, they might want to put their request in writing. The Florida public records office has a sample of the letter if one wishes to make their request in writing. Although the law states that the agency is not obligated to answer the request(s) in a certain time, it however requires the office to act on the request within a reasonable time as such processing for the request might take some time.
Chapter 119 states a certain fee that agencies should follow. The fee for a one-sided copy costs $.15 and a two-sided one costs $.20. On the other hand, $1 fee is required for certified copies. The agencies should not charge above the rates indicated though the agencies can charge and go above these fees indicated in certain instances. One is when the person who requested the records wants them in a different format. This can be in audio or CD format. If the agency has such in their records, they can make a copy and charge the cost to the person requesting the records. Another is when one requires a different set of records such as court records, aerial photos, crash or homicide reports and maps of counties. For records that would require extensive searches, the cost of the search will be charged to the person requesting the record. The cost estimate will be relayed to the latter and might need some deposit.
There would be times when the Agency might deny a person's request. The office must state the reason for denial of the request. If the denial is rebuttable, one has three options to have the denial reviewed. One is to contact the Office of the General; second is to file a complaint with one's local state attorney and third is to file a Writ of Mandamus.
For those who are interested to access several government public records, the internet provides several options to make the searches easier. Some counties now make the records online and available to the public. Another is to check a third party site that offers public records free or for a small amount. Either way, checking online can help one to obtain the necessary information that they want as well as have them delivered at one's convenience.
One can make their request by writing or contacting the Office of the Custodian of Public Records. Contacting the office is the fastest way to request the information; however, for those whose requests are a bit complex, they might want to put their request in writing. The Florida public records office has a sample of the letter if one wishes to make their request in writing. Although the law states that the agency is not obligated to answer the request(s) in a certain time, it however requires the office to act on the request within a reasonable time as such processing for the request might take some time.
Chapter 119 states a certain fee that agencies should follow. The fee for a one-sided copy costs $.15 and a two-sided one costs $.20. On the other hand, $1 fee is required for certified copies. The agencies should not charge above the rates indicated though the agencies can charge and go above these fees indicated in certain instances. One is when the person who requested the records wants them in a different format. This can be in audio or CD format. If the agency has such in their records, they can make a copy and charge the cost to the person requesting the records. Another is when one requires a different set of records such as court records, aerial photos, crash or homicide reports and maps of counties. For records that would require extensive searches, the cost of the search will be charged to the person requesting the record. The cost estimate will be relayed to the latter and might need some deposit.
There would be times when the Agency might deny a person's request. The office must state the reason for denial of the request. If the denial is rebuttable, one has three options to have the denial reviewed. One is to contact the Office of the General; second is to file a complaint with one's local state attorney and third is to file a Writ of Mandamus.
For those who are interested to access several government public records, the internet provides several options to make the searches easier. Some counties now make the records online and available to the public. Another is to check a third party site that offers public records free or for a small amount. Either way, checking online can help one to obtain the necessary information that they want as well as have them delivered at one's convenience.
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