According to the Florida Statute Chapter 119, public records are anything that includes the transactions of government agencies with the public. These records can be made on anything such as papers, books, film, images, and documents and in other media format. Public records such as the Florida public records are accessible by the public and can be requested anytime. There are however some parts of the public records that will have to be exempted or redacted by the Custodian due to the sensitivity of the information. Confidential information is only released to the individuals who are included, have direct connection to the report, or are designated by the government to obtain the said records.
One should address their request to the Custodian of Public Records who is in charge of the public records of the State. Requests can be made through calling the office or making a request in writing. A request made through phone is easier and faster; however, those who have to request some important or restricted files might find it easier to have their request(s) made in writing. This is so, especially if details of the record are needed to find the report. Processing time varies and depends on the volume of requests the Office receives although all request will be granted, as the Law requires that government agencies should fulfil the request within reasonable period.
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 should address their request to the Custodian of Public Records who is in charge of the public records of the State. Requests can be made through calling the office or making a request in writing. A request made through phone is easier and faster; however, those who have to request some important or restricted files might find it easier to have their request(s) made in writing. This is so, especially if details of the record are needed to find the report. Processing time varies and depends on the volume of requests the Office receives although all request will be granted, as the Law requires that government agencies should fulfil the request within reasonable period.
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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