PUBLIC RECORDS PRIMERPUBLIC RECORDS PRIMER
Jeff WahlenJeff WahlenSchool Board AttorneySchool Board Attorney
Ausley & McMullenAusley & McMullen227 South Calhoun Street227 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301Tallahassee, FL 32301November 19, 2008November 19, 2008
Public Records LawsPublic Records Laws
General RuleGeneral Rule
All public records are open to public All public records are open to public inspection and copying unless exempt, inspection and copying unless exempt, including electronic records.including electronic records.
Public Records LawsPublic Records Laws
What is a Public Record?What is a Public Record?
All documents, papers, letters, maps, books, All documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any with the transaction of official business by any agency.agency.
Public Records LawsPublic Records Laws
Major ExceptionMajor Exception
Student RecordsStudent Records
§1002.22, Fla. Stat.§1002.22, Fla. Stat.
Public Records LawsPublic Records Laws
Major ExceptionMajor Exception
Ongoing InvestigationsOngoing Investigations
Public Records LawsPublic Records Laws
Major ExceptionMajor Exception
Certain Personnel RecordsCertain Personnel Records
Public Records LawsPublic Records Laws Public Records Compliance GuidelinesPublic Records Compliance Guidelines
1.1. Reasonable time for complianceReasonable time for compliance2.2. Cannot require written requestCannot require written request3.3. Cannot ask who?Cannot ask who?4.4. No reason requiredNo reason required5.5. Open for inspection without charge with Open for inspection without charge with
one exceptionone exception6.6. Copies available at $.15 per pageCopies available at $.15 per page
Public Records LawsPublic Records Laws
Key PointKey Point
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