How to Make a Public Records Request in Florida, Step by Step
You do not need a lawyer or a press pass to use Florida's open-records law. The state's Constitution, in Article I, Section 24, gives every person the right to inspect or copy records of state and local government. Section 119.01 of Florida Statutes makes providing that access a duty of every agency.
Who can ask, and how
Anyone can ask. According to guidance from the Alachua County Attorney's Office, you do not have to explain why you want a record, and an agency generally cannot make you give your name, address or phone number. That same guidance says a custodian must honor a request made in writing, by phone or in person. WUSF reported that requests can be anonymous and that most agencies take them by email, mail, fax, phone or in person.
Find the agency's records custodian, usually listed on its website.
Describe what you want as precisely as you can: record type, dates, names.
Keep a copy of your request, even if you made it verbally.
Ask for an estimate of cost and time before work begins.
What it costs
Under Section 119.07, unless another law sets a fee, an agency may charge up to 15 cents for a one-sided page of standard-size paper, up to 5 cents more for a two-sided copy, and up to $1 for a certified copy. Other formats cost the actual price of duplication. If a request requires extensive staff time or technology, the agency may add a reasonable service charge based on its actual cost.
How exemptions work
Only the Legislature can close a record, and the Constitution requires a two-thirds vote, a specific statement of public necessity, and an exemption no broader than needed. If part of a record is exempt, Section 119.07 says the agency must black out that part and release the rest. It must also cite the statute it is relying on, and explain its reasons in writing if you ask.
If an agency stalls
The law requires custodians to acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith. If that does not happen, the Attorney General runs a voluntary Open Government Mediation Program to settle disputes without a lawsuit. You can also sue: Section 119.11 requires courts to schedule an immediate hearing on records cases. To recover attorney fees under Section 119.12, you generally must send the custodian written notice of your request at least five business days before filing suit. For deeper reading, the Attorney General publishes the Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual.
How we reported this: This explainer was drafted with AI assistance from the sources linked above, and every fact was checked against those sources. See an error? Contact us and we'll correct it.
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