State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Florida
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Florida under the Florida Sunshine Law (est. 1967).
Overview of Public Records in Florida
Florida is widely recognized as having the most expansive public records and open government laws in the United States. The Florida Sunshine Law, combined with the state's constitutional right of access added in 1992, creates one of the broadest frameworks for government transparency anywhere. Florida's public records law applies to all state and local government agencies, and the definition of public records encompasses virtually all materials made or received in connection with official government business. Florida's reputation for openness is so strong that the phrase 'Florida Man' in news headlines often results from the state's unusually transparent records system.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Florida
Response Time
There is no specific statutory deadline. Agencies must respond within a 'reasonable' time. In practice, most respond promptly due to the strong constitutional presumption of openness that Florida's Sunshine Law embodies.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge up to $0.15 per one-sided copy and $0.20 per two-sided copy. Extensive research fees may apply for requests requiring significant staff time. Fees may be waived if disclosure is primarily in the public interest.
How to Submit a Request
Requests can be made orally, in writing, or by email. No specific form is required, and requesters do not need to provide identification or state a reason for their request. This is one of the most accessible systems in the nation.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a civil lawsuit in circuit court. If they prevail, the court must award reasonable attorney fees. The attorney general also mediates disputes informally between requesters and agencies.
Types of Public Records Available in Florida
Property Records
Property records in Florida include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Florida contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Florida election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Florida court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Florida include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Florida vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Florida document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Florida Public Records
Florida law does not require you to submit records requests in writing, and agencies are expected to provide access to records immediately upon request during normal business hours. You do not need to identify yourself or explain why you want the records. If copying is required, agencies may charge up to 15 cents per one-sided page for standard copies. Florida's county clerk of court offices provide extensive online access to court records, property records are available through county property appraiser and clerk websites, and the Florida Department of Health manages vital records requests.
Online Access
Florida has extensive online access including the Clerk of Courts portal for court records, Sunbiz.org for business filings, and county property appraiser websites. Most counties offer free online property searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Florida
While the Florida Sunshine Law establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Florida.
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account and debit/credit card numbers
- Active criminal intelligence and investigative information
- Sealed court records
- Home addresses of certain government employees including judges and law enforcement
- Trade secrets submitted to government agencies
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Florida provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Florida Sunshine Law
Enacted: 1967
Florida's public records law is codified in Florida Statutes Chapter 119, and the state's open meetings law is in Chapter 286. The constitutional right of access is found in Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, added by voters in 1992. This constitutional provision means that new exemptions to the public records law require a two-thirds vote of both chambers of the legislature. Florida has over 1,100 specific exemptions to its public records law, but the default remains broad access.
Key Features of Florida's Records Law:
- Florida has a constitutional right of access requiring a supermajority legislative vote to create new exemptions
- The state requires immediate access to records upon request without any waiting period
- Florida does not require requesters to identify themselves or state a purpose for their request
- The state has over 1,100 specific exemptions, more than any other state
Florida Public Records Facts
Florida has 67 counties maintaining extensive local public records
The state has over 14.5 million registered voters whose records are partially public
Florida Division of Corporations maintains records for over 3 million business entities
Miami-Dade County alone records over 500,000 documents per year
Search Florida Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Florida. Enter a name below to search public records in FL.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Public Records
Why does Florida have such open public records?
How do I access Florida court records?
Are Florida arrest records public?
How do I search Florida property records?
Related Articles
Court Records Guide
How to search federal and state court records online, including PACER and state databases.
Property Records Explained
Research real estate ownership, deeds, tax assessments, and transaction history.
Voter Registration Lookup
What voter files contain, why they are public, and how to access them.
FOIA Request Guide
Step-by-step instructions for filing public records requests with government agencies.
Background Check Guide
Everything you need to know about background checks, FCRA compliance, and your options.
FCRA Compliance Guide
What the Fair Credit Reporting Act covers and how it affects people search sites.
How Public Records Work
An overview of what information is publicly available and how government records are maintained.
People Search Tips
10 practical tips to improve your people search results using public records.
Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Florida Sunshine Law. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Florida or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.