PUBLIC RECORDS PRIMER Jeff Wahlen School Board Attorney Ausley & McMullen 227 South Calhoun Street Tallahassee, FL November 19, 2008
Public Records Laws General Rule All public records are open to public inspection and copying unless exempt, including electronic records.
Public Records Laws What is a Public Record? 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 transaction of official business by any agency.
Public Records Laws Major Exception Student Records § , Fla. Stat.
Public Records Laws Major Exception Ongoing Investigations
Public Records Laws Major Exception Certain Personnel Records
Public Records Laws Public Records Compliance Guidelines 1. Reasonable time for compliance 2. Cannot require written request 3. Cannot ask who? 4. No reason required 5. Open for inspection without charge with one exception 6. Copies available at $.15 per page
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