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Florida Public Records

The Freedom of Information Act, which passed back in the 60s, has made it easier for people to access documents, although it’s still a bit of a challenge.

Different departments keep records; some are online, some are still in hard copy, and some public officials aren’t quick to deliver public files.

As with other states, different public information is held by many various government agencies in Florida. Accessing public records in the form of Florida will depend on the kind of information you’re looking for.

Florida public records are maintained across several departments and they include:

What does the Florida public records law say?

The Florida Constitution contains open government laws, including the Public Records Law. This law states that any records made or received by any public agency in its official business are available for inspection unless specifically exempted by the Florida Legislature.

The law, called the Sunshine Law, can be found in Chapter 286 of the Florida statutes.

According to Florida law, this law includes access to formal written documents such as papers, maps, books, tapes, photographs, film, sound recordings, and records stored in computers.

How can a person access public records in Florida?

For public records access in Florida, a person must submit a public records request.

The request is sent via mail, email, mail, or phone to the Public Records Coordinator.

The public records request should include:

  • Your name
  • Contact information
  • The name of the document
  • Details about the document
  • A time frame that you’d like to receive the materials by
  • Document delivery method, email or mail

Florida criminal records

Florida criminal records provide a list of criminal activity for a specific person. The records contain any misdemeanor and felony offenses and include arrest data, indictment history, and conviction information.

What’s on a Florida criminal record?

A criminal record, or criminal history, provides a detailed report of a person’s interactions with law enforcement.

Arrest records typically feature details of the alleged crime as well as:

  • Aliases
  • Date of arrest
  • Arrest Records
  • Charges
  • Prosecution date
  • Guilty Pleas
  • Convictions
  • Felony or misdemeanor charge
  • Sex offender status

Where can I find Florida criminal records?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains criminal records in the state.

You will visit the Florida Criminal History Record Check website.

The cost to access the criminal record check is $25 per search.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Attention
Criminal History Services
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302

Florida Inmate Records

Public inmate records provide some of the same information as a criminal record in addition to their incarceration details.

What’s on a Florida inmate record?

The information listed on an inmate record varies, but in Florida the records usually contain:

  • Personal information like a person’s name, birth date, and gender
  • A mug shot
  • Inmate location
  • Inmate registration number
  • Jail transfer information
  • Custody status

Where can I find Florida inmate records?

The Florida Department of Corrections maintains inmate records.

You will visit the Corrections Offender Network site to conduct your search.

Florida keeps all criminal justice records, including inmate records and arrest records. The state has put together a list of jails and gives you the ability to search inmate records, and in some counties, arrest records can be searched for and viewed.

Florida Department of Corrections
501 S Calhoun St
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Phone number: 850-488-5021

Florida Court Records

Florida court records give people a chance to review court files and proceedings. They’re created for criminal and civil trials in the local, county, state, and federal courts, and the Florida Supreme Court.

While court records are available to the public through the Sunshine Act, the documents can be sealed or expunged, which means you wouldn’t be able to access the record. Usually, this happens if the information puts someone at risk, like victims of a crime or juveniles.

These records aren’t all kept by one particular court or in one repository.

Instead, people can access documents by checking in with the court that handled the case.

What’s on a court record?

The information on a court record can vary, but in Florida, the most useful documents found inside a public court document include:

  • Court minutes
  • Case files
  • Dockets
  • Orders of the court
  • Judgment documentation
  • Jury records and files
  • Witness documentation

Where to find Florida court records

For people interested in inspecting court records in Florida, the state suggests visiting the courthouse where the case took place and requesting the documents in person from the clerk of court, county clerk, or the clerk’s office.

Some county records can be found online. In some cases, counties maintain an online records portal.

Miami-Dade County Comptroller, for example, has its own site with the ability to search government records using names and keywords. It’s a good idea to search for a similar site in the county you’re looking for.

Florida vital records

The Florida Department of Health maintains vital records statewide.

Florida vital records with public access include:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Death Certificates
  • Marriage Licenses
  • Divorce Decrees

Public vital records requests will vary depending on the document you are trying to access. You will require a valid ID or driver’s license to obtain certified copies.

Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Phone number: 850-245-4444

What information do I need to request a Florida birth certificate?

The Application for Florida Birth Certificate will ask you for specific information:

  • Child’s full name at the time of birth.
  • Child’s full name if it changed.
  • Date of birth.
  • Parent’s full name before marriage.

Where can I find a Florida birth certificate?

You can obtain a certified copy of a Florida Birth Certificate by completing the Application for Florida Birth Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person.

Or, you can request one online using VitalCheck.

The price for a copy of a birth certificate is $14.

DOH-Santa Rosa
Office of Vital Statistics
PO Box 929
Milton FL 32572-0929

You can visit your local health department to inquire about submitting a public records request.

What information do I need for a death certificate in Florida?

The Application for Florida Death or Fetal Death Certificate requires specific information:

  • Full name of the deceased
  • Gender
  • Date of death
  • Date of birth
  • Social security number
  • Funeral home name

Where can I find a Florida death record?

You can obtain a certified copy of a death certificate by completing the Application for Florida Death or Fetal Death Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person.

Or, you can request one online using VitalCheck.

You do have access to Florida state archives for genealogy searches.

The price for a copy of a death certificate is $14.

DOH-Santa Rosa
Office of Vital Statistics
PO Box 929
Milton FL 32572-0929

You can visit your local health department to inquire about submitting a public records request.

What information do I need to request a marriage certificate in Florida?

The Application for a Marriage Certificate will ask you for specific information:

  • The name and birth date of both spouses before marriage.
  • The date of the marriage.
  • Place of marriage.
  • County where the marriage certificate was issued.

Where can I find an existing Florida marriage record?

Marriage records in Florida are maintained by Circuit Court Clerks. However, you can submit a public records request to the Department of Health and Human Services.

You can access and order a marriage certificate online using VitalCheck or by completing the Application for a Marriage Certificate and submitting it in person or by mail.

The price for a certified copy of a marriage certificate is $5, and $4 for every additional copy.

What information do I need to request a divorce certificate in Florida?

The Application for the Florida Dissolution of Marriage Certificate will ask for specific information:

  • Name of both spouses on the divorce record.
  • The date of dissolution.
  • The county where granted.
  • The case number.

Where can I find a Florida divorce record?

Divorce records in Florida are maintained by Circuit Court Clerks.

You can also submit a public records request to the Department of Health and Human Services.

You can access and order a marriage certificate online using VitalCheck or by completing the Application for Florida Dissolution of Marriage Certificate and submitting it in person or by mail.

The price for a certified copy of a divorce decree is $5, and $4 for every additional certified copy.

Florida Property Records

In Florida, two offices maintain public property records.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection handles title and land records.

The Florida Department of Revenue maintains all other property records.

However, public records searches go through your county officials. You can find a complete list of local and county officials that handle public property records.

The information on a public property record will differ depending on what you’re specifically requesting access to:

  • Residential or commercial purpose
  • Liens
  • Titles
  • Property deeds
  • Mortgages
  • Property tax assessment records
  • Zoning information
  • Probate
  • Plats
  • UCC filings
  • And, all other real estate information.

What information do I need to request property records in Florida?

You will contact the local or county Property Appraiser that handles the official record you’re attempting to access.

Property Appraiser’s Offices have different processes and fees.

Example – Duval County
Duval County Property Appraiser

Mailing Address:
231 E Forsyth St #260
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Phone number: 904-255-5900

Where can I find a Florida property record?

You will need to contact the County Appraiser office where the property record is.

Every jurisdiction has different forms and fees.

Example – Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Property Search

South Dade Office
Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser
South Dade Government Center
10710 SW 211 Street
Suite 207
Cutler Bay, FL 33189

Phone number: 305-232-3810

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents in Florida?

The Public Records laws state that you can access a public record regardless of if you live in the state of Florida. The eligibility to access public records extends to everyone in the United States.

Is there a records custodian in Florida?

In Florida, any person who has custody of a public record must share it.

The title, records custodian, isn’t used, but access should still be granted.

What exemptions exist for public records in Florida?

The Florida Constitution doesn’t list any exemptions and assumes that all records are public.

How long does Florida have to respond to a public records request?

Some states spell out a window of time that the state must respond to a request for information.

However, Florida is not one of those states.

The Florida State Constitution says all requests must be handled “promptly,” and every effort should be made to see if a record exists and if so, it should be delivered to the person requesting it promptly.

What kind of enforcement is in place for public records requests in Florida?

Florida doesn’t have much enforcement regarding appeals or denials for information.

If, for example, you’re denied access to public records, there is no appeal process. Several states spell out an appeal process, but Florida does not.

The state offers a mediation program through the Florida Attorney General’s Office to resolve potential disputes..

What fees are associated with requesting Florida public records?

In Florida, the cost to duplicate documents is $0.15 per one-sided page and $0.20 for double-sided pages, and $1 per certified copy.

Florida law also provides clearance for additional fees if a request comes in that ties up extensive resources.

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