Public Records Request

Florida's public records laws are very broad; however, most documents and records are available to the public. Florida practices government in the sunshine with the policy that state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. DeFuniak Springs adheres to transparency in government and provides access to public records online, including Agendas, Minutes, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Audio recordings of public meetings. 

Please click here to view the on-line records. 

Duplication charges may apply in accordance with Florida Statute 119. Link to the full Florida statute .

You may make your request for a public record in person, verbally  by email or in writing. If a cost is associated with your request, an estimate will be provided to you once research, preparation, and copying/scanning has been completed.  The cost estimate may be different than the actual cost that is charged.   

Resources:   Government in the Sunshine Manual 2023 Edition

How to request Public Records

You may contact the City Clerk, Public Records' Custodian for your request, as the City Clerk maintains the City’s public records. Requests for public records may be made in person, by phone, fax or by email. Most records are provided free of charge but for those requiring extensive research and/or lengthy requests, an hourly fee may be assessed, as well as a fee per page. When submitting a request, please be specific with the information you need so the office may accurately obtain your record request. (i.e. Case numbers, dates or a date range, addresses, names, etc.) Once the request has been received, our office will contact you regarding whether an extensive search will need to be conducted, and if there is a fee per page.
  • Location:   DeFuniak Springs City Hall, 1350 Baldwin Ave, DeFuniak Springs FL  32435
  • Phone:      850-892-8500 Ext 1103
  • Email:        cityclerk@defuniaksprings.net
For Law Enforcement Public Records, please contact Charlotte Guthrey
  • Location:  DeFuniak Springs Police Department, 99 S 18th Street, DeFuniak Springs FL  32435
  • Phone:     850-892-8513
  • guthreycl@dfspdfl.gov

Information to include with your public records request

Information to include with your public records request.  Your request for public records should include:    
  • A clear concise description of the records that you are seeking.
  • Please avoid acronyms.
  • Email searches should include: Date range for the requested email messages,  Identify email accounts that should be searched, and any Keywords to use to conduct a search

In order for the city to provide you the best response to your request, please carefully consider the information that will be useful to you. Very broad requests can take longer to fulfill and may become costly. The requested information will be provided in a reasonable period of time under normal conditions, unless such information is considered to be confidential or exempt from public records disclosure. 

Please be aware that the City adheres to State record retention and disposal laws. 

The City Clerk will fulfill requests in a timely manner.