Florida
Florida Public Records Law
Fla. Stat. §§ 119.01-119.19
Transparency Score: 70/100
Response Timeline
Florida has NO statutory response deadline. Agencies must respond 'promptly' and in 'good faith' per Fla. Stat. § 119.07(1)(c). Courts have held 'unreasonable delay' may constitute a denial, but no specific day limit exists. This is intentional - Florida emphasizes immediate access rather than a countdown. Records should be available for inspection 'at any reasonable time' (§ 119.07(1)(a)). In practice, most agencies respond within days, not weeks.
No citizenship or residency requirement. The law explicitly applies to 'any person' including non-citizens, corporations, and out-of-state residents.
How to Submit a Request
Accepted Methods
Requests can be made orally or in writing. No particular form is required. Many agencies provide online portals (e.g., Governor's Office at eogforms.eog.myflorida.com). Requests do not need to explain why records are sought.
Required Elements
- Requirement — Description of records sought (sufficient for agency to identify them)
Optional Elements
- Optional — Name and contact information (helpful for response)
- Optional — Preferred format (paper, electronic)
- Optional — Fee limit or waiver request
- Optional — Citation to Chapter 119 and Art. I, § 24 of Florida Constitution
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | USD0.20 |
Fees must be limited to actual cost of duplication (materials and supplies only). Labor and overhead costs are excluded from standard copy charges. Special service charges require agency to provide cost estimate before processing.
Florida law does NOT provide statutory fee waivers for any category of requester (indigent, media, nonprofit, public interest). However, since fees are limited to actual duplication costs and search/review fees are prohibited, the effective cost burden is already minimal. Some agencies may waive fees at their discretion.
Exemptions
-
Law Enforcement
-
Personal Information
-
Trade Secrets & Proprietary Data
-
Legal Proceedings
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Personnel Records
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Critical Infrastructure
Florida has over 1,100 statutory exemptions scattered throughout the Florida Statutes (not just Chapter 119). However, exemptions must be narrowly construed, and all exemptions are subject to 'sunset review' - they automatically expire unless the legislature reenacts them, ensuring periodic reassessment. Exemptions must be cited with specificity if records are denied.
Appeal Process
1
Voluntary mediation through Office of Attorney General Open Government Mediation Program
2
File complaint with local State Attorney (authorized to prosecute violations)
3
File petition for writ of mandamus in circuit court to compel disclosure
There is no mandatory administrative appeal. Requesters can proceed directly to court without exhausting administrative remedies. This is unusual and favorable to requesters. The Attorney General provides mediation but cannot compel agencies to disclose records.
Request Templates
National Freedom of Information Coalition - Florida Sample Request →
Adapted from Florida First Amendment Foundation; comprehensive template citing Art. I, § 24 and Chapter 119
Brechner Center Sample Request Letter →
University of Florida Brechner Center template; includes guidance on fee estimates and partial disclosure
Student Press Law Center Florida Complaint Template →
Template for filing circuit court petition when request is denied; includes writ of mandamus format
MuckRock Florida Public Records Guide →
Comprehensive guide with state-wide and county-specific request resources; includes request submission tools
Governor's Office Online Request Portal →
Official Florida Governor's Office electronic submission form for state executive branch requests
Records Retention
Fla. Stat. 257.36; FAC 1B-24.003
The Division adopts rules establishing retention schedules and disposal processes. General Records Schedules (GS1-SL through GS15) cover administrative and program records for different agency types. Violation of records disposal rules is a noncriminal infraction with fines up to $500.