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Public records

Florida public records requests for police surveillance

Request plate-reader policies, contracts and audit records using Florida's prompt-response framework and an optional written template.

Sources checked .

Conceptual illustration

Find the holding agency and its custodian

Section 119.07 places inspection and copying duties on the public-records custodian or designee. For local police governance records, identify that department's published public-records channel and describe the agency-held records sought. Florida 2026 statute: access, response and fees

Use a written trail when useful

The Attorney General's published FAQ says ordinary records requests can be made orally or in writing, without explaining their purpose. The written template below is one way to preserve a clear request. The FAQ also explains that access concerns existing records and does not generally require creating a new record. Florida AG: public records FAQ

Track prompt acknowledgement and the production estimate

Section 119.07(1)(c) requires prompt acknowledgement and a good-faith response. It describes reasonable efforts to determine whether an agency holds the record and where it can be accessed. Keep the receipt date and subsequent responses. Florida 2026 statute: access, response and fees

The AG's citizen guide describes a right to request an estimate of the time and costs involved. Ask for a useful production estimate and clarify a broad request when that helps identify the records. Florida AG: citizen guide

Review fees and the basis for withholding

Section 119.07 authorizes specified copying fees and, for extensive technology or staff assistance, a reasonable special service charge based on the relevant costs. Ask for an estimate before agreeing to charges. Florida 2026 statute: access, response and fees

The statute requires a claimed exemption's basis, including its statutory citation. On request, the custodian must explain the exemption or confidentiality conclusion in writing with particularity. It also addresses producing the remainder after valid redaction. Florida 2026 statute: access, response and fees

Copy and adapt this request

Replace every bracketed field, narrow the log dates and use the holding agency's current request instructions. This site provides the template and does not send it.

Download request template (.txt)

To: [Agency public records custodian, using its published request channel]

Date: [MM-DD-YYYY]

Subject: Florida public records request: plate-reader governance records

Under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, I request electronic copies of these existing records held by [agency] for [start date] through [end date]:

1. Plate-reader operating policies, retention schedules, audit procedures and training materials effective during the period.

2. Executed equipment and data-service contracts, amendments, purchase orders and invoices during the period.

3. Existing lists of sharing partners and executed data-sharing agreements effective during the period.

4. Existing access or query audit logs for [narrow date range], subject to lawful redaction. This request concerns system governance rather than an individual's movement history.

Please provide an existing available electronic format. Please notify me with an itemized estimate before charges exceed [$ amount].

Please acknowledge this request promptly and respond in good faith. If production will take time, please provide an estimate of the time and cost involved.

For withheld portions, please identify the statutory exemption and state in writing with particularity the reasons for concluding that the information is exempt or confidential. Please provide the remainder of each record where applicable.

Reply contact: [email or mailing address]

Name: [optional]

If access remains disputed

Section 16.60 creates a public-records mediation program in the Attorney General's office. It describes a neutral mediator helping parties reach a voluntary agreement, with decision-making authority remaining with the parties. Review the current program contact route and preserve the request, response and fee notices. Florida 2026 statute: mediation

Questions and answers

Is this written form required for every ordinary request?

The AG's published FAQ describes oral and written requests. This template helps keep a clear written trail. Florida AG: public records FAQ

When should the agency acknowledge the request?

Section 119.07(1)(c) requires prompt acknowledgement and a good-faith response. Florida 2026 statute: access, response and fees

Does mediation put the decision in the mediator's hands?

The statute says the parties retain decision-making authority while the mediator helps them seek a voluntary agreement. Florida 2026 statute: mediation

Sources and scope

The 2026 Florida Statutes sections 119.07 and 16.60 and the AG's published guidance checked 10-23-2026. The template is optional.

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