In short: Anyone can request Florida public records without giving a reason, a name, or a written request. Agencies must respond promptly and in good faith, cite any exemption, and charge only lawful fees. Board meetings must be open and noticed under the Sunshine Law. If an agency unlawfully refuses, you can sue and recover fees, after giving written notice when the statute requires it.
Florida’s open-government laws are among the strongest in the country. The law belongs to the public, and so do the records.
The Right
Article I, section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 give every person the right to inspect and copy public records of state and local agencies. You don’t need to:
- explain why you want them;
- give your name; or
- put the request in writing (although writing helps you prove it).
How to Ask
- Identify the records as specifically as you can: date ranges, names, subjects, and types (emails, inspection reports, contracts, texts on official business).
- Ask for electronic copies when available.
- Ask for a cost estimate before large requests.
What Agencies Must Do
- Acknowledge the request promptly and respond in good faith.
- Produce non-exempt records within a reasonable time.
- State the specific statutory exemption for anything withheld, and redact rather than withhold whole documents where only part is exempt.
- Charge only the costs allowed by § 119.07(4): duplication, plus a special service charge when a request requires extensive use of resources.
Private Contractors
A private company acting on behalf of an agency, such as a contractor running code enforcement, can be subject to Chapter 119. That is the issue in one of the arguments below.
Enforcing the Law
If an agency unlawfully refuses, you can sue. Under § 119.12, the court awards attorney’s fees if the agency unlawfully refused, but if the agency posts its records custodian’s contact information, you must give written notice at least five business days before filing.
The Sunshine Law
Under § 286.011, any meeting of two or more members of a board or commission to discuss matters that may come before it must be open to the public, reasonably noticed, and recorded in minutes. Actions taken in violation can be void.
The Code of Ethics
Part III of Chapter 112 governs gifts, conflicts of interest, voting conflicts, and financial disclosure for public officers and employees, enforced by the Commission on Ethics.
Watch: the videos behind this article
What are Florida's public records laws?
What are Florida’s government in the Sunshine Laws?
What is Florida’s code of ethics for public officers and employees?
More Short Videos on This Issue
Watch the Real Appellate Arguments
These are recordings of actual Florida appellate arguments over public records fees, private contractors, and Sunshine Law violations, posted on the channel. An argument is not a ruling: read the written opinion before relying on any outcome.
City Hires Private Code Enforcer — Does It Still Have to Give You Public Records? | 23-2319
Public Records Fees — No Bad Faith Required | Jacksonville Pension Fund v. Lee SC13-1315
City Commissioners Met Privately to Pick a New City Attorney — Did They Violate Sunshine Law?
Florida's Public Records Law And Use of Private Emails And Records
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to say why I want Florida public records?
No. You don’t need to give a reason, your name, or a written request.
How much can a Florida agency charge for public records?
Duplication costs under § 119.07(4), and a special service charge when a request requires extensive use of agency resources.
Can I sue an agency for refusing a public records request?
Yes. Under § 119.12, fees are awarded if the refusal was unlawful, but written notice five business days before suit may be required.
What is the Florida Sunshine Law?
Section 286.011, which requires meetings of two or more members of a public board on matters that may come before it to be open, noticed, and recorded.
Get help with a public records or Sunshine Law issue
Weidner Law, P.A. handles public records and Sunshine Law matters and uses public records daily in code enforcement work. Call (727) 954-8752 or email weidner@mattweidnerlaw.com.
Read the law yourself, free: every Florida rule and statute is on floridarules.net.
This article is general information about Florida law, not legal advice about your situation. Reading it, watching the videos, or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case turns on its own facts, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
