What is Florida state Statute 119?
Matthew Perez
Updated on March 08, 2026
What is Florida state Statute 119?
Florida’s public records law, listed in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, defines public records as: The Florida Supreme Court interprets this definition to encompass all materials made or received by an agency in connection with official business which are used to perpetuate, communicate or formalize knowledge.
What does Florida Statute 119.071 mean?
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.
Who 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.
How much is the fine for knowingly violating Florida public records laws?
Knowingly violating public records laws is a crime, a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, a $1,000.00 fine or both.
Are police reports public records in Florida?
SUMMARY: Police crime and arrest reports are public records subject to public inspection as provided in s. 119.07(1), F. S., and the custodian of public records must supply copies of any public record under his control upon payment of fees as set out in the Public Records Law.
Do you qualify as exempt from Florida’s public records law meaning?
Florida law allows eligible persons and their employing agencies to request in writing that a non-employing agency maintain as exempt from public disclosure certain identification and/or location information contained in records within the agency’s custody.
What is considered public record in Florida?
(12) “Public records” means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the …
What records are public in Florida?
You are entitled to inspect and copy “public records,” including all documents, maps, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the official business of any agency. Fla. Stat. § 119.011(11).
What is Florida’s public records law?
Florida began its tradition of openness back in 1909 with the passage of Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes or the “Public Records Law.” This law provides that any records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by the …
Are police records public in Florida?
Information revealing surveillance techniques or personnel is confidential. Without an express legislative exemption, law enforcement personnel records are open to inspection just like those of other public employees. However, there are some exemptions which apply specifically to law enforcement personnel records.