Public Records Requests
In the Sixth Judicial Circuit, the Public Information Office responds to written requests for copies of records of the judicial branch – the third branch of government. In Florida, access to such records is governed by Article 1, Section 24, The Florida Constitution, and Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420.
The courts are not custodians of case files, which contain the official
court papers for court cases and document the proceedings
and results of court cases. Case files are maintained by clerks of
court, and requests for copies of records contained in case files
should be directed to the clerk in the county where the court
proceeding took place.
Also, the Public Information Office does not handle requests
for copies of transcripts, which are the “official record” of court proceedings as produced in written form
by an “approved court reporter” or a “civil court reporter” and filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
The “official record” does not include CDs, DVDs, tapes, any other electronic record, or a written account
of a court proceeding produced by an un-authorized party or other entity.
Click here for information on ordering transcripts or electronic recordings of court proceedings.
When the Public Information Office receives a written request for a record maintained in the Sixth
Judicial Circuit, the Court does appropriate research to determine:
- If records exist that are within the parameters of the request;
- If there is exempt information in the requested records that would have to be redacted prior to providing the requested copies;
- Once a determination has been made about points one and two above, the Public Information Office provides a written estimate of the Court’s cost to fulfill the request. Rule 2.420 allows recovery of that cost from the requestor.
Submit written public records requests to:
Public Information Office
Sixth Judicial Circuit
14250 49th St. North, Suite 2000
Clearwater, FL 33762