What information is public record in Florida?
Asked by: Estefania Mueller | Last update: March 8, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (67 votes)
In Florida, public records include a vast range of government-generated information, such as criminal records, court filings, property deeds, business registrations, licensing information, vital records (birth, marriage, death), and most communications involving public officials, under Florida's broad public records law, Chapter 119. Key exemptions exist for sensitive data like Social Security numbers, some medical information, and specific victim details, but generally, government documents are presumed public to ensure transparency.
What are considered public records in Florida?
(12) “Public records” means 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 ...
What information can public records reveal?
Public records reveal a wide range of information about individuals and entities, including vital records (birth, death, marriage), legal and criminal histories (court cases, arrests, convictions), property ownership, business filings, and government activities, providing transparency into personal lives, transactions, and official actions, though sensitive data like Social Security numbers are typically redacted.
What shows up on your public record?
Your public record includes information filed by government agencies, like court cases, property deeds, vital records (birth, marriage, death), liens, bankruptcy filings, and driving records, accessible via government sites or third-party services for purposes like background checks or genealogy. To find your own, you'd typically search county or state government websites for specific records (e.g., property records at the county recorder, court records via PACER for federal cases) or use reputable background check sites, keeping in mind these records reveal government interactions, not private details.
What records are not available to the public?
Files that are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions and three exclusions (e.g. classified records, personal medical records, and trade secrets). For details see the FOIA Exemptions and Exclusions on our USGS FOIA website.
Florida has a right to know: Understanding state's public records law
Can I view public records online?
Yes, you can get many public records online, including federal court records via PACER, state/local court dockets through portals like Indiana's mycase.in.gov or Oregon's OJCIN, and property/tax info from county sites, but some sensitive records (like divorce) or specific documents might require visiting the courthouse or making formal requests through agencies like the DOJ or city portals (FOIA). The availability depends on the record type (court, property, government agency) and jurisdiction, often through specific websites or official request forms.
What records do not tell?
Final Answer
In summary, official records do not tell the full story of human experiences, emotions, and the context surrounding events.
What is not a public record?
Although most records are subject to public record laws, those exempt from mandatory disclosure, include: Private personnel information. Records compiled for litigation. Certain criminal investigatory materials.
What are red flags on a background check?
Red flags on a background check are discrepancies or concerning findings like criminal records (especially violent, financial, or drug-related), significant inconsistencies in employment/education history, poor credit history (for finance roles), negative references, failed drug tests, or unprofessional social media activity, all raising concerns about a candidate's integrity, judgment, or suitability for a role.
What crimes show up on a record?
Felony criminal convictions, including murder, rape, kidnapping, arson, theft (values larger than $500), and aggravated assault. Misdemeanor criminal convictions, such as vandalism, trespassing, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, prostitution, and theft (values less than $500)
What is not considered public information?
Non-public information refers to any data or records that are not available to the general public. This can include sensitive details about individuals, businesses, or government operations that are protected from disclosure under various laws and regulations.
Why would someone have a public record?
Public records refer to legal and official documents, information, or data that are accessible and available to the general public. These records are maintained by government agencies, institutions, or organizations, and they play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and open access to information.
What kind of information do you get from records?
Public records can provide a wealth of information on a target. We can find mortgages, marriages, divorces, legal proceedings, parking tickets, and a variety of other useful data. Through this we can find where a person lives, previous relationships, company information, and a host of other data.
What information is exempt from public records in Florida?
Personal Records Exempt from Public Disclosure
As provided by s. 119.071, Florida Statutes, certain information maintained by state agencies is exempt from public disclosure, and is therefore deemed confidential. This includes social security numbers, medical and financial information.
What does a public record show?
Public records show a wide range of official information about individuals, businesses, and government activities, including vital records (births, marriages, deaths), property deeds, court records (lawsuits, judgments, bankruptcies, criminal histories), and business filings, all maintained by government agencies to ensure transparency and accountability, accessible to the public under laws like FOIA.
How to look up someone's record in Florida?
To look up someone's record in Florida, use the FDLE website for instant criminal history checks (for a fee) or visit the county clerk of courts for civil/traffic records, using sites like MyFloridaCounty.com for deeds, marriage licenses, and court dockets, or the Florida Department of Corrections for inmate information. Accuracy is key, so use full names, dates of birth, and other identifiers.
What is the hardest background check to pass?
The hardest background checks are typically US government security clearances (especially Top Secret/SCI) and those for high-level law enforcement, involving deep dives into criminal, financial (credit), employment, and personal history (interviews with associates) via extensive forms like the SF-86, far exceeding standard employment screening. These checks scrutinize all life aspects for integrity, reliability, and potential security risks, often requiring disclosure of past drug use, financial issues, and undisclosed criminal records, making them incredibly difficult to pass if issues exist.
What will disqualify you on a background check?
Disqualifying offenses in background checks typically involve serious crimes like violent offenses (murder, assault, kidnapping), sexual offenses (child molestation, sexual assault), major drug felonies (trafficking, manufacturing), and financial crimes (fraud, money laundering), especially for roles involving vulnerable populations or federal security, but can also include poor credit, drug use, domestic violence, and inconsistent application info, depending on the job and state laws. Federal and state laws mandate disqualifications for specific offenses, while employers often have their own criteria, considering the nature, recency, and relevance of the offense to the job.
What is the most common reason for failing a background check?
The most common reasons for failing a background check are criminal history, inaccuracies on your resume (like faking education or experience), and failing a drug test, with other frequent issues including a poor driving record, bad credit, or unverifiable information. A criminal record, especially for theft, violence, or fraud, is a major disqualifier, as are lies about your past, but many minor offenses from long ago may be overlooked.
What shows up on public records?
Public records show a wide range of official information about individuals, businesses, and government activities, including vital records (births, marriages, deaths), property deeds, court records (lawsuits, judgments, bankruptcies, criminal histories), and business filings, all maintained by government agencies to ensure transparency and accountability, accessible to the public under laws like FOIA.
What personal information is a public record?
Publicly Available Personal Information Examples
These may include legal judgments, marriage and birth records, or voter registration lists. Publicly accessible databases. Databases that contain information on professional licenses, business records, and real estate transactions.
What information can be found in public?
Public information is any data, records, or details that government agencies or public bodies create, collect, or maintain in connection with official business and are made available to the public, promoting transparency and accountability, and includes things like meeting minutes, financial reports, employee salaries, and court records, though certain sensitive data may be withheld. It exists in various formats (digital, paper, audio, video) and is accessible through laws like Freedom of Information Acts (FOIA).
What ruins a record?
Things like being stored in direct sunlight, dust and dirt, moisture, being kept in PVC sleeves, as well as improper storage and handling can all render your records unplayable - so it is important to take care and pay attention to how you are storing your own collection.
What are examples of no records?
Non-records include materials such as:
- Reference materials. Books. ...
- Copies. There is always one “official record” of an item and all other copies are considered “convenience copies” ...
- Drafts or working papers without substantive comments.
- Notices or invitations that were not solicited. ...
- Personal notes. ...
- Personal property.
What records should be destroyed?
When to Shred?
- Destroy Immediately. After paying credit card or utility bills, shred them immediately. ...
- One Year or Less. Within a year, destroy pay stubs, bank statements, and medical bills that have been paid.
- After Seven Years. ...
- Expired Permanent Records. ...
- Examples of Documents You Should Always Shred.