Florida public records are government-created documents, filings, databases, and communications maintained by state and local agencies that are available for public inspection under the Florida Public Records Law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes — one of the oldest and most expansive open government laws in the United States. Enacted in 1909, Chapter 119 establishes a presumption that all records made or received by a public agency in the course of official business are open to any person, unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
Residents frequently perform a Florida public records search — sometimes called a Florida public records lookup, Florida government records request, or Florida Sunshine Law request — to locate court filings, property ownership records, criminal history information, business registrations, vital records, and other government documents.
Public records in Florida are distributed across state agencies, 67 county clerk offices, county property appraisers, and municipal agencies rather than a single centralized database. Understanding which agency maintains each record type is the key to researching public records effectively in Florida.
On This Page
- Quick Answer: Where to Search Florida Public Records
- Legal Notice
- Why This Guide Is Reliable
- Why Florida Public Records Law Is Distinctive
- The Legal Framework
- Florida Court Records
- Florida Criminal Records
- Florida Property Records
- Florida Business Records
- Florida Vital Records
- Florida Inmate and Corrections Records
- Professional License Records
- Charity and Nonprofit Records
- How to Submit a Florida Public Records Request
- Free Government Databases for Florida Public Records
- Common Mistakes When Researching Florida Public Records
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- Related Guides
- Disclaimer
Quick Answer: Where to Search Florida Public Records
The most important free government databases for researching Florida public records include:
- MyFloridaCounty.com — statewide portal for official records maintained by county clerks, including court records and recorded documents
- CiviTek Florida (civitekflorida.com) — multi-county court case search covering circuit and county courts
- Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (myflcourtaccess.com) — statewide court access system for civil, family, probate, and criminal cases
- FDLE Criminal History Record Check (fdle.state.fl.us) — Florida Department of Law Enforcement instant name-based criminal history search ($24 fee)
- FDLE Sex Offender/Predator Database (offenderalert.fdle.state.fl.us) — free statewide sex offender and predator registry
- Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search (dc.state.fl.us) — state prison inmate records
- Florida Department of Revenue Property Appraiser Directory (floridarevenue.com/property) — links to all 67 county property appraiser portals
- Florida Division of Corporations — Sunbiz (sunbiz.org) — business entity registrations, UCC filings, and corporate records
- Florida Department of Health — Bureau of Vital Statistics (floridahealth.gov) — birth, death, marriage, and divorce records via VitalChek
- MyFloridaLicense.com (myfloridalicense.com) — professional license lookup through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation
These systems provide access to the majority of publicly searchable government records in Florida.
⚠️ Legal Notice
Florida public records law is governed primarily by Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (Florida Public Records Law) and the Florida Government in the Sunshine Law, Chapter 286, Florida Statutes. Public access to records and meetings is also guaranteed by Article I, Section 24(a) of the Florida Constitution. While the presumption is that all government records are open, certain categories are exempt from disclosure — including birth records, medical records, juvenile records, active criminal investigative information, and home addresses of certain law enforcement and public safety personnel.
This guide explains lawful public records research methods and does not constitute legal advice.
Why This Guide Is Reliable
inet-investigation.com publishes research-based guides built on primary government sources, investigative research methods, and public records law. All databases referenced in this guide link to official government websites whenever possible.
For jurisdiction-specific legal questions, consult a licensed Florida attorney or the relevant government agency responsible for the record.
Why Florida Public Records Law Is Distinctive
Florida operates under what the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has described as the most expansive open government laws in the United States. Several features set Florida’s system apart from every other state.
The oldest public records law in the country. Chapter 119 was enacted in 1909 — 57 years before the federal Freedom of Information Act was signed in 1966. Florida’s commitment to government transparency predates the modern open government movement by more than half a century.
A constitutional right to access. Florida’s right to inspect public records is not merely statutory — it is enshrined in Article I, Section 24(a) of the Florida Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received by a public officer or employee of the state. This constitutional foundation makes the right more durable than a statute alone.
Mandatory attorney fees for unlawful refusal. Under Florida Statute §119.12, if a court determines that an agency unlawfully refused to permit inspection or copying of a public record, the court shall assess and award against the agency the reasonable costs of enforcement — including reasonable attorney fees. This mandatory fee-shifting provision is one of the strongest enforcement mechanisms of any state public records law in the country.
Automatic sunset review of exemptions. The Open Government Sunset Review Act (Florida Statute §119.15) requires the Florida Legislature to periodically review and re-enact every exemption to the public records law. Exemptions that are not re-enacted are automatically repealed. This prevents exemptions from accumulating indefinitely and keeps the list of non-public records subject to ongoing legislative scrutiny.
No response deadline. Unlike Texas (10 business days) or California (10 days), Florida law does not specify a fixed response deadline. Agencies must respond within a “reasonable” time — defined as the time reasonably necessary to retrieve the record, review it for exempt information, and redact exempt portions. This can work against requesters when agencies use “reasonable time” as cover for delay.
No written request required and no residency requirement. Florida law does not require requests to be submitted in writing, does not require requesters to state their purpose, and does not restrict access to state residents. Any person — regardless of residency or purpose — may request Florida public records.
Private entities acting on behalf of agencies are covered. Chapter 119 applies not only to state, county, and municipal agencies but also to private entities acting on behalf of a public agency. Contractors, consultants, and private organizations performing government functions are subject to Florida’s public records law for records related to that function.
The Legal Framework
| Law | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Florida Statutes Chapter 119 | Florida Public Records Law — public access to government records; enacted 1909 |
| Florida Statutes Chapter 286 | Florida Government in the Sunshine Law — public access to government meetings; enacted 1967 |
| Article I, Section 24(a), Florida Constitution | Constitutional right to inspect or copy public records and attend public meetings |
| Florida Statutes §119.12 | Mandatory attorney fee award against agencies that unlawfully refuse access |
| Florida Statutes §119.15 | Open Government Sunset Review Act — automatic repeal of exemptions not re-enacted |
| Florida Statutes Chapter 943 | Criminal history records — FDLE as central repository and custodian |
| Florida Statutes Chapter 382 | Vital statistics — birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage records |
→ Related guide: What Are Public Records?
→ Related guide: Are Public Records Really Public?
Florida Court Records
Florida court records document civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, and traffic cases filed throughout the state court system. Florida operates a unified court system with circuit courts as the trial courts of general jurisdiction and county courts handling misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims, and civil cases under $50,000.
Florida has 67 counties, each served by an elected Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller — an independently elected constitutional officer who serves as the official keeper of court records for that county. Because court records are maintained at the county level, there is no single statewide database that covers every case filed in every Florida court. Multi-county searches require using multiple portals.
MyFloridaCounty.com
URL: myfloridalegal.com → myfloridalegal.com
URL: myFloridaCounty.com
Cost: Free for basic searches; some official record searches require a fee
MyFloridaCounty.com is the statewide portal maintained by the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers association. It provides public access to official records and court records maintained by participating county clerks. Functions available include searching official records (deeds, liens, judgments), paying traffic citations, and accessing court case information. Availability and depth of records varies by county.
CiviTek Florida
URL: civitekflorida.com
Cost: Free for public case searches
CiviTek Florida provides online access to circuit and county court records across multiple Florida counties. Search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Available case types include civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Not all counties participate.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
URL: myflcourtaccess.com
Cost: Free public access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is the statewide system operated by the Florida Courts E-Filing Authority, which is composed of the 67 elected clerks of the circuit and county courts plus the clerk of the Florida Supreme Court. It serves as a single access point for case information across Florida’s court system, though document availability varies by county and case type.
County Clerk Portals — Major Counties
For the most complete and current case information, search the portal maintained by the clerk of the county where the case was filed. Major county clerk portals include:
- Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller — miamidadeclerk.gov
- Palm Beach County Clerk — mypalmbeachclerk.com (eCaseView, free, no registration required)
- Orange County Clerk of Courts — myeclerk.myorangeclerk.com
- Hillsborough County Clerk of Court — hillsclerk.com
- Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court — pinellasclerk.org
- Duval County (Jacksonville) Clerk of Courts — duvalclerk.com
- Broward County Clerk of Courts — browardclerk.org
Florida Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal
URL: flcourts.gov
Cost: Free
The Florida Supreme Court and the five District Courts of Appeal maintain their own case search systems. Appellate decisions are published on the Florida Courts website and are generally fully accessible without registration.
Federal Court Records
Federal cases filed in Florida — including bankruptcy, civil rights, and federal criminal cases — are maintained by the U.S. District Courts. Florida has three federal judicial districts: Southern (Miami), Middle (Tampa/Orlando/Jacksonville/Fort Myers), and Northern (Tallahassee/Pensacola/Gainesville). Federal court records are searchable through PACER (pacer.gov), which requires free registration and charges $0.10 per page for documents.
Florida Supreme Court Access Security Matrix
The Florida Supreme Court has established a 14-level Access Security Matrix that governs what court records are available online to the public versus what requires in-person access or court authorization. The matrix categorizes records by case type and sensitivity. Juvenile records, adoption records, and certain sealed filings are restricted regardless of the portal used.
Florida Criminal Records
Florida criminal history records are maintained centrally by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Division of Criminal Justice Information Services, which serves as the state repository for all criminal history information under Chapter 943, Florida Statutes. FDLE collects arrest and disposition data from all Florida law enforcement agencies and courts and makes criminal history available to the public for a fee.
FDLE Criminal History Record Check — Instant Search
URL: fdle.state.fl.us/criminal-history-records/florida-checks
Cost: $24 per name search plus $1 online processing fee
The FDLE Instant Search provides immediate online access to Florida’s Computerized Criminal History (CCH) files. Results display after payment and include felony and misdemeanor arrests, dispositions, and conviction information. The search covers Florida criminal records only — not records from other states or federal records. Name-based searches cannot definitively confirm identity; positive identification requires fingerprint submission.
To conduct a search: visit the FDLE website, select Instant Search, accept the terms, enter the subject’s full name and date of birth, and pay by debit or credit card. Results may return a list of possible candidates — the requester must evaluate all demographic identifiers to determine which result, if any, matches the subject.
FDLE Mail-Based Search
Cost: $24 per name; non-certified results in 5 business days, certified results in 6–7 business days
For certified criminal history records — required for immigration, international adoption, or other official purposes — requests must be submitted by mail with a completed form, payment, and a fingerprint card for verification. FDLE discontinued mail-based request forms as of July 1, 2020; requests are now submitted electronically through the FDLE website or by mail with fingerprint cards.
FDLE Sex Offender and Predator Database
URL: offenderalert.fdle.state.fl.us
Cost: Free
Florida maintains a publicly searchable database of registered sexual offenders and sexual predators. Searches can be conducted by name, zip code, county, or address proximity. The database is updated daily and includes current address information, photographs, and conviction details for registered individuals.
FDLE Public Access System (PAS)
URL: fdle.state.fl.us
Cost: Free
The FDLE Public Access System provides public access to information on missing persons, stolen property, and wanted individuals reported to Florida law enforcement agencies.
Arrest Records
In Florida, arrest records are public records available through the county sheriff’s office or county jail where the arrest occurred. Most major county sheriff offices maintain online inmate search portals and booking databases that show current and recent arrests, charges, bond amounts, and custody status. Arrest records reflect an arrest only and do not indicate a finding of guilt.
What Is Not Public
- Juvenile criminal records (generally confidential and not public)
- Sealed and expunged records (removed from public access upon court order)
- Active criminal investigative information (exempt during active investigation)
- Home addresses and personal identifying information of certain protected persons including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims
Florida Property Records
Florida property records are maintained at the county level by two distinct offices: the County Property Appraiser, who maintains assessment and ownership data, and the County Clerk of the Circuit Court, who records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments in the Official Records.
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has an independently elected Property Appraiser — a constitutional officer who determines the assessed value of all real and personal property in the county for tax purposes. All property appraisers are required to maintain publicly accessible databases of ownership, valuation, and parcel information.
Florida Department of Revenue — Property Appraiser Directory
URL: floridarevenue.com/property
Cost: Free
The Florida Department of Revenue maintains a directory of all 67 county property appraiser websites. Use this as your starting point — select the county where the property is located and access that county’s dedicated search portal.
Major County Property Appraiser Portals
- Miami-Dade Property Appraiser — miamidadepa.gov (search by address, parcel number, or owner name)
- Broward County Property Appraiser — bcpa.net
- Palm Beach County Property Appraiser — pbcgov.org/papa
- Orange County Property Appraiser — ocpafl.org
- Hillsborough County Property Appraiser — hcpafl.org
- Pinellas County Property Appraiser — pcpao.gov
- Duval County (Jacksonville) Property Appraiser — coj.net
What Florida Property Records Contain
County property appraiser records typically include:
- Current and historical ownership information
- Legal property description and parcel number
- Assessed value and taxable value
- Sale history and transfer dates
- Homestead and other exemption status
- Building characteristics (square footage, year built, construction type)
Official Records — Deeds, Mortgages, and Liens
Recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, satisfaction of mortgages, lis pendens, judgments, and liens are maintained by the County Clerk of the Circuit Court in the Official Records index — a separate system from the property appraiser. Most county clerk offices provide online Official Records searches through MyFloridaCounty.com or their own portals. Some counties charge per-search fees for Official Records document access.
Florida Business Records
Florida Division of Corporations — Sunbiz
URL: sunbiz.org
Cost: Free for entity searches
The Florida Division of Corporations, part of the Florida Department of State, maintains the official registry of business entities registered to do business in Florida. Sunbiz.org provides free public searches of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, and other registered entities. Search by entity name, registered agent name, officer name, or Florida document number.
Sunbiz records typically include: entity name and status, date of formation or registration, registered agent name and address, principal office address, officer and director names, and annual report filing history.
Florida UCC Filings
URL: sunbiz.org (UCC section)
Cost: Free for searches
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements filed with the Florida Secretary of State are searchable through Sunbiz. UCC filings document secured transactions — including liens on personal property used as collateral for business loans. Search by debtor name or filing number.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
URL: myfloridalicense.com
Cost: Free
Business licenses regulated by DBPR — including contractors, real estate agents, restaurants, hotels, cosmetologists, and dozens of other categories — are searchable through MyFloridaLicense.com. Searches show license status, issue date, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions on record.
Florida Vital Records
Florida vital records — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and dissolution of marriage records — are maintained by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, located in Jacksonville. Records are available from 1917 to present at the state level; limited birth and death records exist from 1850 to 1917.
How to Request Florida Vital Records
Primary ordering method: Online through VitalChek (vitalchek.com) — the only contracted vendor authorized by the Florida Department of Health.
Mail: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Phone: (904) 359-6900
In person: 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Birth Certificates
Florida birth certificates are confidential records restricted under Florida Statute §382.025. They may only be issued to the registrant (if 18 or older), the registrant’s parents or guardians, legal representatives, and certain other authorized parties. They are not public records available to any person on request.
Death Certificates
Death certificates are public records without the cause of death. Any person may obtain a certified copy of a Florida death certificate that excludes cause of death information. The portion of the certificate disclosing cause of death is restricted and available only to eligible family members and legally authorized parties.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage and dissolution of marriage (divorce) records are available to any person upon request and payment of the applicable fee, under Florida Statute §382.025(2)(a). Marriage licenses are issued by county clerks; certified copies of the certificate are available from the Bureau of Vital Statistics or the county clerk where the license was issued. Divorce abstracts are available from the Bureau of Vital Statistics; full dissolution judgments must be obtained from the county clerk where the divorce was filed.
Florida Inmate and Corrections Records
Florida Department of Corrections — Offender Search
URL: dc.state.fl.us (Offender Search)
Cost: Free
The Florida Department of Corrections maintains a public offender search database for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in Florida state prisons. Search by name or DC number. Records include physical description, conviction information, sentence length, facility location, and projected release date for currently incarcerated individuals.
County Jail Rosters
Individuals held in county jails — including those recently arrested and awaiting trial — are tracked by the county sheriff’s office rather than the Department of Corrections. Most major Florida county sheriffs maintain online inmate search portals updated daily. Search the sheriff’s office website for the county where the arrest occurred.
Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
URL: bop.gov/inmateloc
Cost: Free
Individuals incarcerated in federal prisons — including those convicted of federal crimes in Florida’s three federal districts — are searchable through the BOP Inmate Locator by name or federal register number.
Professional License Records
Florida licenses more than 40 categories of professions through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and additional professions through other agencies. All DBPR-regulated licenses are searchable at myfloridalicense.com.
Professions regulated by DBPR include: architects, barbers and cosmetologists, building contractors, community association managers, engineers, geologists, home inspectors, interior designers, landscape architects, real estate agents and brokers, surveyors, and veterinarians, among others.
Additional professional licenses outside DBPR include:
- Attorneys — Florida Bar (floridabar.org)
- Physicians and health professionals — Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation)
- Insurance agents and companies — Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (floir.com)
- Teachers and educators — Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org)
- Certified Public Accountants — Florida Board of Accountancy (myfloridalicense.com)
Charity and Nonprofit Records
Florida charities soliciting donations from Florida residents must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Registration records — including charity names, officers, and financial disclosures — are searchable at freshfromflorida.com or through the FDACS CharityCheck portal.
Federal tax-exempt organizations operating in Florida file Form 990 with the IRS. These annual information returns — disclosing revenue, expenses, officer compensation, and program activities — are publicly available through:
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search — apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer — projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
- Candid (GuideStar) — candid.org
Florida-incorporated nonprofit corporations are also registered with the Florida Division of Corporations and searchable through Sunbiz.org.
How to Submit a Florida Public Records Request
Step 1 — Identify the Records Custodian
Florida public records are maintained by the specific agency that created or received them. Before submitting a request, identify which agency holds the records you need. For court records, contact the clerk of the court where the case was filed. For property records, contact the county property appraiser or county clerk. For criminal history, contact FDLE. For most other state agency records, contact that agency’s designated records custodian — typically the Office of General Counsel or a designated public records coordinator.
Step 2 — Submit the Request
Florida law does not require public records requests to be submitted in writing, and agencies cannot require requesters to use a specific form. You may make a request verbally in person, by phone, by email, by mail, or in writing. However, submitting in writing — by email or letter — creates a clear record of what was requested and when. Florida law also does not require you to state your name, purpose, or reason for the request.
A well-formed written request should include: a description of the records sufficient for the agency to identify them, a preferred format for receiving records (electronic or paper), and your contact information for follow-up.
Step 3 — Response Timeline
Florida law does not specify a fixed response deadline. Under Chapter 119, agencies must respond within a “reasonable” time — defined as the time required to retrieve the records, review them for exempt information, and redact any exempt portions. In practice, many agencies acknowledge requests within 72 hours and aim to produce non-exempt records within one to two weeks. Complex or voluminous requests may take longer.
If an agency asserts that a record is exempt from disclosure, it must identify the specific statutory exemption it is relying on, redact only the exempt portions, and produce the remainder of the record.
Step 4 — Fees
Florida agencies may charge fees for public records requests under Florida Statute §119.07(4). Standard fees include:
- Duplication of one-sided copies of 14 inches or less: $0.15 per page
- Two-sided copies: $0.20 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page (plus the copy fee)
- Electronic records: actual cost of duplication (typically minimal)
- Extensive use charge: if a request requires more than 30 minutes of clerical or IT resources, agencies may charge a fee based on the actual cost of the personnel time required
Florida law does not provide for fee waivers for indigent requesters or for requests serving the public interest, unlike some other states.
Step 5 — If Access Is Denied or Delayed
Florida does not have a formal administrative appeal process for denied public records requests. If an agency refuses access or delays unreasonably, options include:
- Attorney General voluntary mediation — the Florida AG’s Office of Open Government offers voluntary mediation services for public records disputes under Florida Statute §16.60. Mediation is free but not binding.
- Circuit court action — you may file a petition in the circuit court for the county where the records are maintained to compel disclosure. If the court finds the agency unlawfully refused access, it must award reasonable attorney fees and costs against the agency under §119.12.
Free Government Databases for Florida Public Records
| Database | Record Type | URL | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyFloridaCounty.com | Court records, official records | myfloridalegal.com | Free / varies |
| CiviTek Florida | Multi-county court case search | civitekflorida.com | Free |
| Florida Courts E-Filing Portal | Statewide court access | myflcourtaccess.com | Free |
| FDLE Criminal History Search | Criminal history records | fdle.state.fl.us | $24 + $1 fee |
| FDLE Sex Offender Database | Sex offender/predator registry | offenderalert.fdle.state.fl.us | Free |
| FL Dept of Corrections Offender Search | State prison inmate records | dc.state.fl.us | Free |
| Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator | Federal prison inmate records | bop.gov/inmateloc | Free |
| FL Revenue Property Appraiser Directory | Property records (all 67 counties) | floridarevenue.com/property | Free |
| Sunbiz — FL Division of Corporations | Business entities, UCC filings | sunbiz.org | Free |
| MyFloridaLicense.com | Professional licenses (DBPR) | myfloridalicense.com | Free |
| FL Dept of Health — Vital Statistics | Birth, death, marriage, divorce | floridahealth.gov/certificates-records | Fee per certificate |
| PACER | Federal court records | pacer.gov | $0.10/page |
Common Mistakes When Researching Florida Public Records
Searching a single county portal and assuming statewide coverage. Florida court records are maintained county by county. A search in Miami-Dade will not return cases filed in Broward, Palm Beach, or any other county. If a subject has lived in multiple Florida counties, each county must be searched separately.
Relying on the FDLE name search for definitive identity confirmation. The FDLE Instant Search is name-based and may return multiple candidates with similar names. Without fingerprint verification, a name-based result cannot definitively confirm whether a record belongs to the person you are researching. Cross-reference results with date of birth, physical descriptors, and other identifying information.
Assuming no response deadline means no obligation to respond promptly. While Florida law does not set a fixed deadline, agencies must respond within a reasonable time. A pattern of delay or a complete failure to respond can constitute an unlawful refusal — which triggers the mandatory attorney fee provision under §119.12.
Searching only the property appraiser for recorded documents. The county property appraiser shows ownership and assessment data. Recorded instruments — deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and lis pendens — are maintained separately by the county clerk in the Official Records index. A complete property records search requires checking both systems.
Requesting a birth certificate without being an authorized requester. Unlike property records or court records, Florida birth certificates are restricted records. Requesters who do not qualify under §382.025 will be denied regardless of their stated purpose. For genealogy or research involving birth records, check whether the records are over 100 years old — those are generally accessible without restriction.
Not following up on requests that go unanswered. Florida agencies vary significantly in responsiveness. If a week passes without acknowledgment of a written request, follow up by phone or email referencing the original request date. If an agency continues to ignore a valid request, the AG mediation program and circuit court petition are available remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Florida public records open to anyone?
Yes. Florida’s public records law explicitly states that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. There is no residency requirement, no requirement to state a purpose, and no requirement to identify yourself. The only records excluded from public access are those covered by a specific statutory exemption.
Does Florida have a FOIA law?
Florida does not use the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which applies only to federal agencies. Florida has its own state public records law — Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, commonly called the Florida Public Records Law or the Sunshine Law. It predates FOIA by 57 years and is often considered stronger. The process for requesting Florida state records is governed entirely by Chapter 119, not by FOIA.
Are Florida criminal records public?
Yes, with limitations. Florida criminal history records maintained by FDLE are available to the public through the FDLE Instant Search for a $24 fee per name. County-level arrest records and court case records are generally publicly accessible through county clerk portals and sheriff’s office booking databases. Records that are not public include juvenile criminal records, sealed records, expunged records, and active criminal investigative information.
Where are Florida property records searched?
Start with the county property appraiser for the county where the property is located — use the Florida Department of Revenue’s directory at floridarevenue.com/property to find the correct county appraiser portal. For recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, search the county clerk’s Official Records through MyFloridaCounty.com or the county clerk’s own portal. Both offices maintain separate databases for different aspects of property information.
Are Florida arrest records public?
Yes. Arrest records in Florida are public records. County sheriff’s offices and jail booking systems typically publish arrest information including charges, booking date, bond amount, and custody status. These records reflect an arrest — not a conviction or finding of guilt. Arrest records may be removed from public access if charges are dropped and the subject successfully petitions for expungement under Florida law.
Can a Florida public agency charge fees for records?
Yes. Florida agencies may charge for the actual cost of duplicating records — $0.15 per one-sided page, $0.20 per two-sided page — and may assess an extensive use charge for requests requiring more than 30 minutes of clerical or IT resources. Florida does not allow fee waivers. All fees must be based on actual duplication costs, not estimated search costs.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s public records system is among the most accessible and legally robust in the country. The combination of a constitutional right to access, mandatory attorney fee awards for unlawful refusals, and an automatic sunset process for exemptions gives Florida residents — and anyone researching Florida records — a strong legal foundation and meaningful enforcement tools.
The practical challenge in Florida is not legal access but navigational complexity. With 67 counties, each maintaining its own court records, property records, and official records through independent elected officers, finding the right portal for a specific record requires knowing the county of origin and the specific office responsible for that record type. Using the state-level directory resources — Sunbiz for business records, the Department of Revenue for property appraiser portals, MyFloridaCounty.com for court and official records — as starting points will direct you to the correct county-level system for any search.
For criminal history, the FDLE Instant Search at $24 per name provides the most comprehensive statewide coverage. For court records, combining CiviTek Florida, the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, and direct county clerk portals will capture the broadest range of civil and criminal cases across multiple counties.
Related Guides
- Texas Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
- How to Search Property Records Step by Step
- How FOIA Requests Work
- Best Government Databases for Background Research
- Criminal Records Research
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Public records laws and agency procedures change over time. Always verify current law and agency requirements directly with the relevant government office or a licensed Florida attorney before relying on this information for legal or official purposes.