How to File a Florida Public Records Request

Florida's Public Records Act — backed by the state constitution — guarantees access to records of all state and local agencies. Custodians must acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith.

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Florida Public Records Act

LawFlorida Public Records Act
CitationChapter 119, Florida Statutes
Response DeadlinePrompt acknowledgment; limited reasonable time to produce

Appeal Process

Florida has no administrative appeal. Send a written demand to the agency's custodian of public records, then file a civil action — courts must give it an immediate hearing, and attorney fees are recoverable under § 119.12.

Key Provisions

  • ✓Constitutional right of access under Art. I, § 24, Fla. Const.
  • ✓No requirement to state a reason or identify yourself
  • ✓Only delay allowed: reasonable time to retrieve and redact records
  • ✓Enforcement actions get an immediate, priority hearing (§ 119.11)
  • ✓Attorney fees recoverable for unlawful refusal (§ 119.12)
  • ✓Criminal penalties for knowing violations (§ 119.10)

Florida Agencies

11 agencies available for filing. Click any agency for contact details and submission instructions.

Broward County Sheriff's Office
BSO·~15 day response
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Executive Office of the Governor (Florida)
GOV-FL·~15 day response·Email accepted
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Florida Attorney General
AG-FL·~15 day response·Email accepted
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Florida Department of Environmental Protection
FDEP·~15 day response·Email accepted
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Florida Department of Health
DOH-FL·~15 day response·Email accepted
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE·~15 day response·Email accepted
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Florida Department of Transportation
FDOT·~15 day response·Email accepted
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Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
JSO·~15 day response
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Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office
MDSO·~15 day response·Email accepted
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Orange County Sheriff's Office (FL)
OCSO·~15 day response
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Tampa Police Department
TPD·~15 day response
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a public records request in Florida?▾
Florida doesn't require a written request, but putting it in writing creates the paper trail you need for enforcement. File through FOIAfile to get proper Chapter 119 citations, delivery to the agency's records custodian, and automatic tracking.
How long does a Florida agency have to respond?▾
There's no fixed deadline, but the Florida Supreme Court has held the only permissible delay is the limited reasonable time needed to retrieve records and redact exempt portions. Unjustified delay is treated as an unlawful refusal.
What if a Florida agency ignores my request?▾
Send a written demand to the agency's custodian of public records, then file a civil enforcement action. Under § 119.11 the case gets an immediate hearing, and under § 119.12 the court shall award attorney fees if the agency unlawfully refused access.
Can Florida agencies charge fees for records?▾
Fees are limited to the actual cost of duplication — typically 15 cents per page — plus a special service charge only when a request requires extensive staff or IT resources. You can ask for an itemized estimate before any costs are incurred.

Public Records Laws by State

Federal
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) · 20 business days
Ohio
Ohio Public Records Act · Prompt (no fixed deadline; courts consider reasonableness)
California
California Public Records Act (CPRA) · 10 calendar days (+ 14-day extension)
New York
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) · 5 business days (acknowledgment) + reasonable time
Texas
Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) · 10 business days

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