Pursuant to the Chapter 119 of the Florida Statute, all records of the government shall be made available to the public. This means that Florida public records are available for the public. These public records include papers, documents, books, audio, films, photographs and other media formats received or created by any government official in connection with the performance of their duties towards the public. Some public records information is exempted from the public access and will be redacted by the custodian before releasing the records to the person requesting the records. Confidential information is released only to the people who are nominated by the government; nevertheless, an agency is not restricted to disclose the records.
One should address their request to the Custodian of Public Records who is in charge of the public records of the State. Requests can be made through calling the office or making a request in writing. A request made through phone is easier and faster; however, those who have to request some important or restricted files might find it easier to have their request(s) made in writing. This is so, especially if details of the record are needed to find the report. Processing time varies and depends on the volume of requests the Office receives although all request will be granted, as the Law requires that government agencies should fulfil the request within reasonable period.
Chapter 119 states a certain fee that agencies should follow. The fee for a one-sided copy costs $.15 and a two-sided one costs $.20. On the other hand, $1 fee is required for certified copies. The agencies should not charge above the rates indicated though the agencies can charge and go above these fees indicated in certain instances. One is when the person who requested the records wants them in a different format. This can be in audio or CD format. If the agency has such in their records, they can make a copy and charge the cost to the person requesting the records. Another is when one requires a different set of records such as court records, aerial photos, crash or homicide reports and maps of counties. For records that would require extensive searches, the cost of the search will be charged to the person requesting the record. The cost estimate will be relayed to the latter and might need some deposit.
There are requests that the Office will deny, usually with a written note on why the request was denied. For those who feel that the denial is rebuttable, they can try out several options to reverse the denial. One would be to contact the Attorney General's Office. Another is to talk with the local state attorney and lastly, is to file for a Writ of Mandamus.
Those who would like to access government public records can check the official website of the Florida Public records or visit the county clerk office. Another way to do so is to check out commercial public search sites that offer public researches for free or for a nominal fee. One can check public records such as marriage and divorce decrees, birth or death records, social securities and in some cases, abandoned properties. The advent of the internet makes public records available and one can easily access the records and search important details saving them time from going to the Public Records Office or to the County where the records are filed.
One should address their request to the Custodian of Public Records who is in charge of the public records of the State. Requests can be made through calling the office or making a request in writing. A request made through phone is easier and faster; however, those who have to request some important or restricted files might find it easier to have their request(s) made in writing. This is so, especially if details of the record are needed to find the report. Processing time varies and depends on the volume of requests the Office receives although all request will be granted, as the Law requires that government agencies should fulfil the request within reasonable period.
Chapter 119 states a certain fee that agencies should follow. The fee for a one-sided copy costs $.15 and a two-sided one costs $.20. On the other hand, $1 fee is required for certified copies. The agencies should not charge above the rates indicated though the agencies can charge and go above these fees indicated in certain instances. One is when the person who requested the records wants them in a different format. This can be in audio or CD format. If the agency has such in their records, they can make a copy and charge the cost to the person requesting the records. Another is when one requires a different set of records such as court records, aerial photos, crash or homicide reports and maps of counties. For records that would require extensive searches, the cost of the search will be charged to the person requesting the record. The cost estimate will be relayed to the latter and might need some deposit.
There are requests that the Office will deny, usually with a written note on why the request was denied. For those who feel that the denial is rebuttable, they can try out several options to reverse the denial. One would be to contact the Attorney General's Office. Another is to talk with the local state attorney and lastly, is to file for a Writ of Mandamus.
Those who would like to access government public records can check the official website of the Florida Public records or visit the county clerk office. Another way to do so is to check out commercial public search sites that offer public researches for free or for a nominal fee. One can check public records such as marriage and divorce decrees, birth or death records, social securities and in some cases, abandoned properties. The advent of the internet makes public records available and one can easily access the records and search important details saving them time from going to the Public Records Office or to the County where the records are filed.
About the Author:
Be savvy in searching Florida Public Records. We can help you with information and tips. Visit us at Public Records Search Online.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire