Public Records - The Florida Senate (2024)

Public Records

In coordination with the Office of the Senate President, the Senate’s Public Records Manager processes public records requests submitted to the Florida Senate.

The applicable provisions of law governing public records of the Florida Senate are Art. 1, s. 24 of the Florida Constitution, s. 11.0431, F.S., and Senate Rule 1.48. Under Article 1, s. 24(c) of the Florida Constitution, each house of the Legislature is exclusively authorized to adopt rules governing the enforcement of the public records with respect to its own public records.

“Public record” means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by the legislative branch, see s.11.0431(4), F.S.

Please submit all public records requestsusing one of the following:

  • Email: publicrecordsrequests@flsenate.gov
  • Mailing Address: The Florida Senate, Office of the General Counsel, Attn: Public Records, Suite 302 The Capitol, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100.
  • Phone Number: The Florida Senate, Office of the General Counsel, (850) 487-5237

The Senate works to fulfill public records requests in a reasonable amount of time. Most public records requests can be produced electronically and are able to be fulfilled without a charge.

In the event that the request is foreseen to result in an extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance, an estimate for approval prior to processing the request will be provided. For more information, please refer to the Senate’s Public Records Requests Policy and Extensive Use Fee Estimate Policy.

Public Records - The Florida Senate (2024)

FAQs

Public Records - The Florida Senate? ›

The Florida Public Records Law states that any person can inspect and copy public records. An individual does not need to state a purpose or special interest to obtain access to a record and does not need to present identification.

How do I find public records for free in Florida? ›

How Do I Find Public Records in Florida?
  1. For arrest records, contact the Sheriff's Office where the arrest was made.
  2. For vital records, visit the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
  3. For inmate records, visit the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC).
  4. For court records, contact the clerk at the appropriate court.

Who can request and access Florida's public records? ›

The Florida Public Records Law states that any person can inspect and copy public records. An individual does not need to state a purpose or special interest to obtain access to a record and does not need to present identification.

Why are Florida records public? ›

Floridians have a powerful statutory and constitutional right to access most of the records held by state and local governmental agencies. Unless the record has been exempted or specifically made confidential by law or the Florida Constitution, agencies must — in good faith — provide access to public records.

Who are my Florida state senators? ›

2022-2024 Senators
SenatorDistrictParty
Gruters, Joe22R
Harrell, Gayle31R
Hooper, Ed21R
Hutson, Travis7R
36 more rows

What is the best free public records website? ›

All Federal court records are available online at PACER.gov, an electronic public access service that is overseen by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. This includes all Federal civil court cases, criminal charges, as well as bankruptcies. In all, there are over 500 million documents on PACER.

How do I request public records from the Florida Senate? ›

Please submit all public records requests using one of the following: Email: publicrecordsrequests@flsenate.gov. Mailing Address: The Florida Senate, Office of the General Counsel, Attn: Public Records, Suite 302 The Capitol, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100.

How much does it cost to get public records in Florida? ›

PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST CHARGES & FEE SCHEDULE
ScheduleFees
Duplicated copies of not more than 8.5 by 14 inches one-sided$0.15 per Copy
Duplicated copies of not more than 8.5 by 14 inches two-sided$.20 per Page
All other copiesActual Cost of Duplication
Certified copies with county seal and signature$1.00 per Copy
5 more rows

What is exempt from public records in Florida? ›

Records exempt from public records disclosure include: Lists of retirees' names or addresses. Social Security numbers of current and former members. Birth certificates and cause of death on death certificates.

Is there a time limit on public records request in Florida? ›

The Public Records Act does not contain a specific time limit to provide requested records but Florida courts have determined records must be produced in a reasonable time that would allow the custodian to retrieve the records and redact any exempt information.

What is the Sunshine law in Florida? ›

The Sunshine Law provides that no resolution, rule, regulation or formal action shall be considered binding except as taken or made at an open meeting. Penalties can be levied for volatilities, including misdemeanors and fines.

Is Florida a no record state? ›

Florida is known as a two-party consent state. This means that, under state law, all parties involved in private conversations must consent to that conversation being recorded. This differs from one-party consent states, where private conversations may be recorded as long as one involved party consents.

What is the law 119.071 in Florida? ›

119.071, Florida Statutes, certain information maintained by state agencies is exempt from public disclosure, and is therefore deemed confidential. This includes social security numbers, medical and financial information.

How much does a Florida state senator make? ›

Florida State Senate
Salary:$29,697/year + per diem
Members
Total:40
Democrats:12
18 more rows

Who was the longest serving senator from Florida? ›

They were filled again in July 1868. The state is currently represented by Republicans Marco Rubio (serving since 2011) and Rick Scott (serving since 2019). Duncan U. Fletcher was Florida's longest-serving senator (1909–1936).

How many senators do we have in Florida? ›

Currently, 40 Senators serve the people of Florida.

Is TruthFinder free? ›

For its services, TruthFinder costs $28.05 each month, or $46.56 for two months at once. Users may also be able to purchase a one-time trial of five reports for $1. Background check data, such as contact details, location history, and criminal histories, is often a paid add-on with person search solutions.

How do I find local public records? ›

Requests for public records must be made to individual County departments, agencies, commissions and committees. If you are unable to identify the appropriate department and need assistance, the Office of Countywide Communications, can direct you to the appropriate department, agency, commission or committee.

Are criminal records free in Florida? ›

Criminal records in Florida may only be obtained at a nominal fee of $24.00 per search. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), as the agency providing copies of criminal records, does not offer waivers for the processing fee.

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