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FAQs

​No, public records requests do not have to be in writing. Public Record requests may be submitted verbally, and even anonymously. However, a written request provides an accurate record of the request and will help eliminate miscommunications.

Last modified: 6/26/2024

Broward County’s policy is to promptly acknowledge each public records request. Your acknowledgement letter will
include a request number. Please reference this number in any subsequent correspondence about your request. If
you make a request and do not receive a timely acknowledgement, please contact Broward County Public Records
Request Program Administration at 954-357-5955 to verify that your request was received.​

Last modified: 3/7/2024

If fees are applicable, a fee estimate will be calculated and provided in a reasonable timeframe. If you do not receive a timely cost estimate, please contact Broward County Public Records Request Program Administration at 954-357-5955 to inquire about your request. Once you accept the estimate, an invoice will be provided and work will commence on your request.

Last modified: 6/26/2024

Broward County's fee schedule for Public Record Requests is set by Chapter 35.20 of the Broward County Administrative Code in accordance with Florida law and is posted on this website. Fees apply for copies, certified copies, plats, delivery fees and other activities. The first 15 minutes of staff time spent on fulfilling a request is free; thereafter a Special Services Fee may apply for time spent by IT, clerical or supervisory staff to search for and locate the requested records, review for and redact any statutorily exempt or confidential information; and prepare, copy and refile the requested records. 

Last modified: 7/12/2024

Per Broward County policy, a deposit is required if the estimated cost is greater than $20.00. The deposit must be paid before the County will process the request. If payment is not received within thirty (30) days, the request will be administratively closed.

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Last modified: 6/26/2024

Preferred method of payment is by credit card, which can be submitted through the online portal. Once you have received and approved your estimate, you will receive a notice through the portal that you have an invoice to pay and a “Pay Now" link will connect you directly to the payment portal. The portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. There is no additional fee to the requestor to use the credit card option. If paying by check, checks should be made payable to Broward County. Personal or company checks will be accepted only if the check includes a pre-printed account holder name and address. ​

Last modified: 7/12/2024

Your deposit is based on a conservative estimate for duplication fees, service fees, and Special Services Fees, if any. The labor required to respond to the request is performed even if the work does not yield any responsive records.​

Last modified: 7/12/2024

No. Florida law does not provide for waiver of charges and fees for fulfilling a public records request if a requestor is indigent or asserts that the information is intended to be used for a public purpose. Per Broward County policy, the first 15 minutes of staff time required to fulfill a request are free. Additional fees are applied in accordance with Florida law and the Broward County Administrative Code.​


Last modified: 3/7/2024

Broward County provides records that are not exempt or confidential in response to a public records request. If your request is vague, the County may need to contact you for clarification or additional information. If we ask you for additional information about your request so that we can identify the requested records and we do not hear from you within 30 days, the request will be administratively closed. If your request is overly broad, the costs you are required to pay may be significantly higher because of research time and the large volume of potentially responsive records that must be reviewed and redacted. The County may offer you an opportunity to narrow your request to reduce the cost to you. It is a good idea to be as specific and precise as you can when making a public records request. Please include keywords or date ranges when making a request. Keywords, date ranges and email addresses to be searched are required for email extractions.

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Last modified: 6/26/2024

​Some records are considered exempt and/or confidential under Florida law and therefore, not subject to disclosure
in response to a public records request. Some commonly cited exemptions include active criminal intelligence
information, active criminal investigative information, and security system plans.


Last modified: 3/7/2024

​Broward County cannot provide a public records requestor with legal advice. If you have questions concerning your
legal rights or the laws of Florida, you should consult with an attorney.​


Last modified: 3/7/2024

Each request is unique. Some can be fulfilled almost immediately, and others require time to research. Public records law requires the County to respond within a “reasonable" timeframe. If extensive review and redaction of records is required, your request may take longer to fulfill. Once you agree to your cost estimate, payment is due within 30 days. If the County does not receive payment within 30 days, your request will be administratively closed.

Last modified: 7/12/2024

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Helpful Reminders

  • A public records request applies to the County's existing records. New records will not be created in response to a public records request.

  • Exemptions are applied at the time a public records request is received. A request for exempt records will not remain open until the records are no longer exempt.

  • The County is not required to provide records in a specific format. A Special Services Fee may apply for records requested to be provided in a format not routinely used by the County.

  • Responsive, non-exempt records will only be provided after payment of all applicable fees.

  • The County is not required to explain records or answer questions about the content of records.

  • The County is not required to process a “standing" public records request (e.g. a continuing request to provide minutes of a monthly meeting).

  • The County is not required to proceed on new requests from the same requestor until balances due on open requests are either paid, or the request has been administratively closed.​


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