Request Florida Records

Home / Police and court records

Are 911 Calls Public Records in Florida?

Written by Adam Bair.

TL;DR: Yes, 911 calls are generally public records in Florida. But certain information gets redacted before release: caller identifying details in most cases, and names or other identifying information for victims of sexual battery, child abuse, and some other crimes. If the call relates to an open investigation, release can be delayed. This article explains what you can get, what gets cut, and how to request the audio.

911 audio is a public record. That is the default in Florida. But a few exemptions carve pieces out of it before the recording reaches you. Knowing which carve-outs apply and how they work determines what you will get, how long you will wait, and how to write the request.

The default: 911 audio is a public record

Section 119.07(1)(a), Florida Statutes, gives everyone the right to inspect and copy public records made or received by a Florida agency in connection with official business. A 911 call received by a Florida law enforcement or emergency communications agency fits that definition. The medium does not change the rule. Audio recordings are public records the same as paper documents. The agency has to prove that an exemption applies before it can withhold the recording.

What gets redacted before a 911 call is released?

Three categories of information are commonly redacted from 911 audio before release. The rest of the call is generally produced as-is.

Caller identifying information

Section 365.171(12)(a), Florida Statutes, makes certain information about 911 callers confidential and exempt. The purpose is to encourage people to call emergency services without fear that their name and contact details will be made public. The exemption covers identifying information about the caller. The content of the call itself, as opposed to who made it, can still be released in many situations. See §365.171(12)(b), F.S., for what may be disclosed and under what conditions.

Identifying information about victims of certain crimes

Section 119.071(2)(h), Florida Statutes, makes identifying information about victims of sexual battery, child abuse, and certain other serious crimes confidential and exempt. If the 911 call involves such a victim, the audio and any records that could identify that person will be redacted. This applies to the name, address, and other details that could identify the victim.

Medical information about identifiable patients

When 911 audio contains details about an identifiable patient's medical condition, Florida statutes and associated federal law can require redaction of those portions. Agencies often remove these segments from the audio before release. The call may still be produced in edited form.

How to request 911 audio in Florida

A specific, well-targeted request gets results faster. A vague request gives the agency room to delay or return nothing.

Who has the records: find the right custodian

The 911 audio is usually held by the law enforcement agency that dispatched the response, or by a county-wide emergency communications center. In many Florida counties, a single 911 board operates the system and holds the recordings. In some cities, the municipality runs its own dispatch. Find out which entity handled the call and address the request to that agency's public records custodian.

Name the call precisely

Include the date of the call, the time window (as narrow as you can make it), the address or location of the incident, and the incident or case number if you have one. A specific request makes it harder for the agency to claim the record does not exist or to produce unrelated audio. Also ask for the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) log tied to the call. The CAD log shows timestamps, responding units, and dispatcher notes. It often tells you almost as much as the audio itself.

Specify the format you want

Section 119.01(2)(f), Florida Statutes, requires the agency to produce records in the format you request if it uses that format in the ordinary course of business. Most 911 centers use MP3 or WAV. Ask for the native audio format. Avoiding conversion labor keeps your costs lower and avoids file-quality loss.

When can the active investigation exemption delay 911 audio release?

Section 119.011(3), Florida Statutes, makes active criminal investigative and intelligence information exempt from public disclosure. If the 911 call is integral to an active criminal investigation, the agency may withhold it until the investigation closes. This most often happens when the call itself captured evidence of the crime, such as a recording of threats, a confession, or statements tied to the offense. Once the investigation is no longer active, the exemption lifts. Ask the agency for the written basis for any delay under section 119.07(1)(f). For a full explanation of how the exemption works, see the active criminal investigation exemption.

What does it cost to get 911 audio?

The agency can charge the actual cost of duplication for the medium used. For audio, that is the cost to copy the file to whatever format and medium you requested. The agency can also charge for any associated written logs at the per-page rates in section 119.07(4)(a), Florida Statutes. A single 911 call is usually a small, contained file. It rarely generates the kind of volume that triggers the special service charge under section 119.07(4)(d). But if you request a large batch of calls covering multiple incidents or a wide time range, that can change. For a deeper look at what agencies can charge and how to push back on a large estimate, see how much a Florida agency can charge for public records and how to push back on an inflated cost estimate.

Related

Frequently asked questions

Are 911 calls public records in Florida?
Yes, by default. 911 audio recordings are public records under section 119.07(1)(a), Florida Statutes. Statutory exemptions require the agency to redact certain information before release, but the call itself is generally accessible.
Can I get a copy of a 911 call in Florida?
Yes, with statutory redactions. Caller identifying information is confidential under section 365.171(12), Florida Statutes, in most situations. Identifying information about victims of sexual battery, child abuse, and certain other crimes is exempt under section 119.071(2)(h).
How long does it take to get 911 audio from a Florida agency?
It depends on whether the underlying investigation is active. If an active criminal investigation exemption applies under section 119.011(3), Florida Statutes, release can be delayed until the investigation is no longer active.
What format will Florida 911 audio be produced in?
Usually MP3 or WAV. Under section 119.01(2)(f), Florida Statutes, you can ask for the agency's native audio format. Agencies are required to produce records in the requested format if they use that format in the ordinary course of business.
Do I have to be connected to the 911 call to request the audio?
No. Any person has the right to request public records in Florida under section 119.07(1)(a). You do not need to be the caller or a party to the incident.
Can I get the name of the person who called 911?
Usually no. Section 365.171(12), Florida Statutes, makes identifying information about 911 callers confidential and exempt in most situations. The call content may be released with identifying details redacted.

Not legal advice. Educational and informational content only. Reading this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice on a specific matter, consult a licensed Florida attorney.