It can be essential to access public records for various purposes - perhaps you need information for a background check, an investigation, or simply to satisfy your curiosity. In the Sunshine State, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains, for the most part, the essential records related to law enforcement. This blog post explains the various aspects of submitting a public records request, providing helpful tips and suggestions, while offering a deeper understanding of the process as a whole.

Overview: Public Records in Florida

The Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) provides the public with the right to access public records, which encompass everything from government email communications to arrest records or something as simple as meeting minutes. The Sunshine Law (Chapter 286, Florida Statutes) provides general guidance on public access to government meetings, giving Floridians the right to participate in or observe such meetings.

Several types of records fall under the FDLE's jurisdiction, including:

Criminal history records

Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) data

Sex offender registry

Missing persons reports

Arrest warrants

Information on active criminal cases

The FDLE＊s website offers an efficient and straightforward way to search for records. Nevertheless, there are certain cases that may require submitting a formal public records request, which will be discussed further.

Submitting a Public Records Request to FDLE

To submit a public records request to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, you have several options available:

1. Online Requests:The FDLE provides a range of online systems for various purposes. Visit the official website to search for specific records or use their dedicated Criminal History Information Request Portal for criminal history information. Also, there is the Florida Offender Alert System, allowing you to register and receive alerts on any specified sex offenders.

2. By Email:Send your public records request to . It is recommended to include any relevant information that may help expedite the process, such as the names of individuals involved, case numbers (if applicable), and the dates of any related incidents or records.

3. By Phone:You can call the FDLE＊s Public Records Request Line at (850) 410-7001. Be prepared to provide the same information as it is required for email requests.

4. In Person or By Mail:If you prefer a more traditional method, you may visit the FDLE headquarters or mail a written request to the following address:

Office of General CounselFlorida Department of Law EnforcementP.O. Box 1489Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489

Fees and Processing Times

There may be fees associated with processing and providing copies of your requested records. The fees depend on the complexity of the request, the research and time needed to process the submission, and the cost of producing the documents. For better estimation, you can contact the FDLE beforehand to inquire about the possible charges for your request.

Processing times for public records requests may vary, given that each request is unique, and some may require more time-consuming research. Generally, requests are processed in the order they are received, so early submission is advised. It may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on current workload and the scope of your request.

Commonly Encountered Issues and Expert Tips

When submitting a public records request, you may face a few issues that can make it challenging to receive the information you are looking for:

1. Excessive fees:In some cases, the estimated cost for processing a request may be higher than anticipated. To minimize such obstacles, focus your request on the specific records you are seeking, and provide as much detail as possible to reduce research time.

2. Insufficient information:To avoid delays, ensure you are providing all pertinent details, such as names, case numbers, dates, and any other information that might be relevant to your request. The more specific your request, the more likely it is that the FDLE will be able to provide the desired records quickly and efficiently.

3. Exemptions:Bear in mind that some records or parts of specific records may be exempt from public disclosure. For example, Social Security numbers, medical information, bank account details, and other sensitive pieces of information are protected from public disclosure.

Wrapping Up

Navigating through the FDLE public records request process can be demanding at times, but with a thorough understanding of the procedure and armed with plenty of key information, it should not be particularly daunting. The key is to be as clear and concise as possible, providing accurate information to ensure that the FDLE can deliver the records you are seeking promptly and efficiently.

Remember that there are various channels available for submitting public records requests. But the preferred method depends on your personal preferences and comfort level. Also, take into account potential fees and processing times, and allow for flexibility in expecting when you'll receive the records.

It is our hope that this blog post has been helpful in advising you on the process of submitting a public records request to the FDLE. We hope that it contributes to more transparency and accountability in the State of Florida and helps you navigate the retrieval of crucial information with ease.