How do I file a public records request in Florida?

1. Statute. Florida Public Records Act, Ch. 119, F.S., plus Art. I, § 24 of the Florida Constitution. Considered the broadest open-records law in the U.S.

2. Who Can Request. Any person—no residency, identification, or stated purpose required (§ 119.07(1)(a)). Anonymous requests are permitted.

3. Form of Request. Oral or written; agencies cannot require a written request or a specific form. Email is widely used.

4. Agency Response Deadline. Agency must acknowledge and produce records within a "reasonable time" given the volume and complexity (§ 119.07(1)(c)). Delay is the most-litigated issue.

5. Fees. $0.15 per one-sided page, $0.20 two-sided; certified copies $1.00. If the request requires "extensive use" of IT or personnel (typically over 15-30 minutes), the agency may charge for actual labor at the lowest-paid qualified employee's hourly rate (§ 119.07(4)(d)).

6. Exemptions. Hundreds of statutory exemptions catalogued in § 119.071 and § 119.0712: active criminal intelligence, ongoing investigations, attorney work product (limited), trade secrets, social security numbers, victim information, judges' home addresses (Marsy's Law).

7. Redaction. Agency must redact exempt portions and produce the remainder (§ 119.07(1)(d)).

8. Denial & Appeal. Written statement of basis required (§ 119.07(1)(f)). No administrative appeal—proceed to court.

9. Court Action. Civil action for injunctive relief or mandamus in circuit court (§ 119.11). Expedited hearings.

10. Penalties. Knowing violation is a first-degree misdemeanor (§ 119.10). Prevailing requester recovers reasonable attorney fees and costs (§ 119.12)—mandatory if a pre-suit notice was sent and the agency unlawfully refused.

This is legal information, not legal advice.