How do I file a public records request in Georgia?

1. Statute. Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. §§ 50-18-70 to 50-18-77. Strong public policy of disclosure.

2. Who Can Request. Any person—no residency requirement.

3. Form of Request. Oral or written. Written (email) recommended for record-keeping. Must reasonably describe the records.

4. Agency Response Deadline. Within 3 business days the agency must produce the records or notify the requester of any exempt material and provide a timeline for production of non-exempt records (§ 50-18-71(b)(1)(A)).

5. Fees. $0.10 per page for letter/legal copies; actual cost for larger formats (§ 50-18-71(c)). Staff search/retrieval/redaction time charged at the lowest-paid qualified employee's hourly rate, but the first 15 minutes are free. Estimate required if cost exceeds $25.

6. Exemptions. § 50-18-72: medical/veterinary records, real estate appraisals, criminal investigation files (open cases), tax returns, attorney-client communications, attorney work product, trade secrets, personal information of public employees (SSN, home address, etc.), 911 audio (limited).

7. Redaction. Agency must redact exempt portions and produce the remainder (§ 50-18-72(b)).

8. Denial & Appeal. Written response with the specific statutory exemption required (§ 50-18-71(d)). No administrative appeal; requester may ask the AG for assistance or proceed to court.

9. Court Action. Civil action in superior court (§ 50-18-73). AG may bring enforcement action.

10. Penalties. Civil penalty up to $1,000 for first negligent violation; up to $2,500 for subsequent violations within 12 months (§ 50-18-74). Knowing/willful violation by an officer is a misdemeanor. Attorney fees and litigation costs awardable to prevailing plaintiff (§ 50-18-73(b)).

This is legal information, not legal advice.