Public Records

What is a public record?

Florida's Public Records Law is specified under Chapter 119, Florida Statues, providing policies, definitions, and general information regarding the access, inspection, and duplication of records.

The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office endeavors to comply with all public records requests in a timely manner and to fully comply with the provisions of Florida law. You may notice that this web site provides immediate access to many records held by this office. If you are seeking jail information, crime stats, budget information, or other public information, you may find it by simply browsing this web site.

The least understood aspect of the public records laws are the various exemptions, which require certain records or portions of records to be withheld and specifies others permitted to be withheld, depending upon various circumstances. While it is not the intent to be secretive or to arbitrarily withhold any information from the public, there are exceptions and in fact some actual requirements that certain information not be disclosed. In addition to the required exemptions, there are a number of other exemptions which permit a legal withholding of certain records or portions of records from public viewing. The extent of withholding depends upon the specific classification of the offense, the victim demographics, and various other aspects. Information related to ongoing investigations and certain information related to security may also be lawfully excluded from public view. Some reports and records are fully open to public view with only portions of the record falling within the exempted categories. That explains why some records might have certain sections stricken or blacked out when you see them.

Requests for public records inspection and/or copies of records maintained by this office can be made in a variety of ways, if not already available on this web site. You may make a request in person, by telephone, by email or by regular mail.  Keep in mind that even with small requests, there may be some delay in providing the requested information. Requests for large amounts of records or information may require additional time to compile or prepare, depending on the type of information and the quantity requested. Large requests can be both labor intensive and time consuming. Legally exempted material frequently contained within our records requires a review and extraction prior to making the material available, to avoid releasing data that would be in direct violation of the law.

Please keep in mind that there may costs involved in the reproduction of some records. Florida Statues specify what fees can be attached and the costs to produce can vary, depending upon the magnitude of the request and other requirements for compiling the information. Requests for extensive records are better handled if they are made in writing, reducing the likelihood that something is omitted. It permits us to explore options for your convenience and your timely receipt of the material (some records can be provided electronically).  It also permits us to provide you with a cost estimate prior to reproduction, when appropriate.
 
To request a copy of any record or if you have questions regarding records, costs for obtaining copies, or availability of any data compiled by this office, please call us by telephone at:  904-966-6380 or CONTACT US.