summary
Introduced
12/05/2025
12/05/2025
In Committee
12/16/2025
12/16/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.011, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “actual cost of duplication”; amending s. 119.07, F.S.; providing that it is a violation of specified provisions to fail to acknowledge a public records request promptly and in good faith; requiring custodians of public records to perform specified actions within a specified timeframe; prohibiting an agency from imposing costs or fees if the custodian of public records fails to take such actions within the required timeframe; requiring custodians of public records to state in writing certain justifications and citations; prohibiting an agency from asserting that a record was exempt or confidential and exempt under specified circumstances; providing that an agency may not assert certain justifications under specified circumstances; deleting provisions authorizing a fee for accessing a public record electronically under a contractual agreement; prohibiting agencies from charging for specified public records requests; defining the term “any electronic medium stored, maintained, or used by an agency”; requiring agencies to provide requested public records in specified formats; authorizing agencies to charge a fee for such provision; providing for the reduction or waiver of fees under specified conditions; requiring that such reductions and waivers be applied uniformly; prohibiting an agency from charging for a certain timeframe under specified conditions; requiring that a written, detailed cost estimate be provided upon request to persons seeking to inspect or copy a public record; providing that an agency is not authorized to charge fees for redaction of certain records; requiring an agency subject to ch. 119, F.S., to provide an electronic option for payment of fees associated with a public records request; amending s. 119.10, F.S.; providing that violations of any law providing access to public records are violations of specified provisions; providing a civil penalty for persons who violate provisions related to accessing public records; providing criminal penalties for persons outside this state who knowingly violate specified provisions; requiring courts to assess specified penalties if the court makes certain determinations; amending s. 119.12, F.S.; requiring that the court assess against agencies certain costs and fees and award such costs and fees to the complainant; requiring that certain fees be assessed against an agency under certain conditions; authorizing agency reimbursement of attorney fees and costs under specified conditions; amending s. 119.15, F.S.; requiring that certain provisions authorizing a public records exemption be repealed after a specified timeframe unless the Legislature reenacts the exemption; amending s. 921.0022, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill revises Florida's public records laws to strengthen transparency and accountability for government agencies. The bill modifies the definition of "actual cost of duplication" to include reasonable agency resource costs, such as clerical assistance, while explicitly excluding overhead costs. It requires public records custodians to acknowledge and respond to records requests within three business days, either by providing the records, estimating the time and cost to provide them, or denying the request with a specific statutory exemption. The bill prohibits agencies from charging fees if they fail to respond promptly and prevents agencies from asserting new exemptions during legal challenges that were not previously raised. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for agencies that intentionally obstruct public records access, including mandatory attorney fees, cost assessments, and potential financial penalties. The legislation also requires agencies to provide electronic payment options for records requests, offer records in requested electronic formats, and potentially reduce or waive fees for requests serving public purposes like journalism, academic research, or nonprofit activities. These changes aim to make public records more accessible and hold government agencies more accountable for transparent record-keeping and disclosure practices.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/770 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/770/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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