Florida public records
Florida records are spread across county clerks, property appraisers, Sunbiz, the Department of Health and FDLE. Many public searches are available online, but document copies, certified records and criminal-history services can cost money. A free docket search is not the same as a complete background report.
By DeepSearch · Updated
Official record sources
Choose the document you need before searching. A case index, parcel assessment, recorded deed and certified certificate are different records. The links below lead to the responsible government service or its official directory.
| Record / custodian | How to access | Costs and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Court recordsFlorida Courts | Choose the relevant trial court/clerk or the separate appellate case-information system. | Clerk document and certification fees vary. Florida appellate search does not replace county trial-court records or the clerk's certified case file. |
| Property and land recordsFlorida Department of Revenue county officials | Choose the property appraiser for assessments or county clerk for recorded instruments. | Copy, certification and bulk-data charges depend on the office. The property appraiser's valuation record is not a deed or title certification. |
| Business recordsFlorida Division of Corporations Sunbiz | Search corporations, LLCs and other supported filings through Sunbiz. | Basic search and certification or filing services differ. Fictitious-name and entity searches are distinct; a registration alone does not verify current trading activity. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceFlorida Department of Health | Select birth, death, marriage or dissolution certificate instructions. | Certificate search and copy fees apply. Birth and death details can have eligibility limits; the full divorce judgment comes from the court clerk. |
| Criminal-history checksFlorida Department of Law Enforcement | Choose the instant search, certified search or authorized applicant route. | FDLE charges by service; check the current schedule before ordering. Florida repository information is not a nationwide check, and a name match needs identity confirmation. |
A criminal charge is not a conviction. A name match does not establish identity. Use the official case disposition and the appropriate authorized record-check process when those distinctions matter.
Requesting agency records in Florida
Use this process for existing government agency records. Court case copies, vital certificates and criminal-history reports use the separate procedures in the table.
- Who can request
- Any person may request Florida public records without ordinarily identifying themselves or explaining their purpose. Specific exemptions still protect some information.
- How to submit
- Identify the Florida agency, municipality or county that maintains the record, then use its published records-custodian contact or accepted request channel. Describe existing documents, identifiers and dates. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement; court copies and vital certificates use the separate services above.
- Response and delivery
- Florida uses a reasonable-time standard for retrieval and review, not a fixed number of days for every ordinary request.
- Fees and estimates
- Ordinary one-sided copies may cost up to 15 cents per page unless another fee applies. Extensive staff or technology work can trigger a special service charge.
- If access is denied
- Ask for a written statutory basis for denial. The Attorney General's Open Government Mediation Program can help resolve some disputes.
Florida records-request example
Replace the brackets, narrow the dates and send this to the agency that holds the records. Use its required form or portal when applicable. This example requests agency documents; it is not a certificate application or court filing.
To: [the agency's designated records custodian] Subject: Florida public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Public Records Law (Fla. Stat. §§ 119.01 to 119.19), I request electronic copies of the city's final inspection reports and issued permits for [address] between [dates]. Please use existing records in their available electronic format. If any material is withheld, identify the legal basis and provide the non-exempt portions. Before incurring charges above [your limit], please send an itemized estimate. Please confirm receipt and the expected response date. [Name and contact details required by the receiving agency] [Requester eligibility or residency information, where required]
Before sending, check requester eligibility above. Keep the submission confirmation, cost estimate, response and any exemption cited so a follow-up or appeal can refer to the same request.
Florida public records FAQ
Where can I find Florida court records?
Choose the relevant trial court/clerk or the separate appellate case-information system. Florida appellate search does not replace county trial-court records or the clerk's certified case file.
Sources: Florida CourtsAre Florida public records free?
Ordinary one-sided copies may cost up to 15 cents per page unless another fee applies. Extensive staff or technology work can trigger a special service charge. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: Florida official public-records guidance; Florida Courts; Florida Department of HealthHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in Florida?
Select birth, death, marriage or dissolution certificate instructions. Birth and death details can have eligibility limits; the full divorce judgment comes from the court clerk.
Sources: Florida Department of Health; Florida CourtsIs a Florida court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. Florida repository information is not a nationwide check, and a name match needs identity confirmation. Choose the instant search, certified search or authorized applicant route.
Sources: Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Florida CourtsSources and review
Each link identifies the official custodian or its published directory. Portal coverage and fees can change; confirm the current order details before paying. The date below records the source review, not the date a government record was created.
- Florida official public-records guidance — checked
- Florida Courts — checked
- Florida Department of Revenue county officials — checked
- Florida Division of Corporations Sunbiz — checked
- Florida Department of Health — checked
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement — checked
Browse other jurisdictions
Public-records access rules vary by jurisdiction. Continue through the directory or return to the full list to choose the agency location you need.
All public-records jurisdictions