Florida public records start broad but have exemptions

Florida public records law starts broad, which is one reason local records can be so useful.

State, county, and city records are generally open for inspection and copying unless a legal exemption applies. Electronic records are part of that idea too. If an agency keeps a public record in an electronic system, the public access rule still matters.

Broad does not mean instant, free, or unredacted. A record may need staff time, fees, review, or redaction. Some police, child, health, identity, security, or active-case details may be held back under a specific exemption.

For a useful request, name the office that likely keeps the record. Ask for a narrow date range, address, case number, permit number, email subject, meeting, or account. If you are not sure who has it, ask where the record is kept before sending a long request to every office.

Be careful with your own private information too. Emails and written requests can become part of the public trail. If you do not want something public, ask how to contact the office another way.