Foundations

Articles in this guide

• Florida FOIA: Why Florida's Public Records Law Is Not FOIA

  There is no Florida FOIA. A records request to a Florida agency goes under Chapter 119. Learn which law to use and how Florida's rules differ from FOIA.

• Are Private Contractor Records Public in Florida? The Agency Test

  Sometimes. Private contractor records are public in Florida when the firm acts for a public agency. See the two tests courts use and how to ask for the records.

• Electronic Records and Metadata Under Florida Public Records Law

  Is metadata a public record in Florida? Learn how Florida public records law treats email, texts, and data files, and how to ask for a file in the form the agency keeps it.

• Florida Records Retention Schedule: GS1-SL and What an Agency Must Keep

  A Florida records retention schedule, such as the GS1-SL, tells an agency how long to keep each record. See which schedule applies and what happens when an agency destroys a record too soon.

• Florida Constitution Article I, Section 24: Your Right to Public Records

  Florida Constitution Article I, Section 24 gives every person the right to see public records and attend public meetings. Learn what it says, who it covers, and how it limits secrecy.

• The \"In Connection With Official Business\" Test for Florida Public Records

  Florida public records law asks one thing: did an agency make or get a record in connection with official business? See what counts and what does not.

• Are Text Messages from Florida Elected Officials Public Records?

  Often, yes. Text messages from Florida elected officials are public records when they deal with the job, even on a personal phone or app. Here is the test.

• What Agencies Are Covered by Florida Public Records Law? Who Is Exempt

  What agencies are covered by Florida public records law? Every state and local agency, plus private firms that act for one. See who is covered and who is not.

• Are Emails to and from Florida Government Officials Public Records?

  Yes, when they deal with public work. Emails to and from Florida government officials are public records, even on a personal account or a home phone.

• What Is a Public Record? How Florida Law Defines It

  What is a public record in Florida? Almost any file a public agency makes or gets for its work, in any form. See what counts, what does not, and how to ask for it.