Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Florida?

Most public records laws, including the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.

What does a public records request cost in Florida?

Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.

Do I have to say why I want police records in Florida?

No. Florida law does not require you to give a reason, your name, or a written request.

How long does a Florida agency have to respond?

There is no fixed deadline. The law requires agencies to acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith.

Can I get body camera footage in Florida?

Often, yes. Body camera recordings are public records, with exemptions for footage taken inside private homes, health care facilities and certain other locations, and for active investigations.

Florida Public Records Law

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Florida

In Florida, anyone can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). The law sets this response timeline: No fixed number of days. Agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith (s. 119.07(1)(c)).. Use the generator below to write a clear request that cites the law, asks for electronic copies, and asks for a fee estimate first.

Last reviewed September 30, 2026. Statute: Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (opens in a new tab).

Write your Florida request

Florida police department

Search for the department to start your letter. CopFax is not a law firm and this is not legal advice.

How to send your request

Step 1
Pick the records
Check the kinds of records you want, such as body camera video, incident reports, or use of force reports.
Step 2
Fill in the details
Add the date, location, officer name or badge number, and case number if you have them, plus your name and contact.
Step 3
Send it to the records custodian
Copy, print, or email the letter to the department's records custodian or public records portal, and keep a dated copy.
Step 4
Follow up after the deadline
If you have no response by the legal deadline, follow up in writing, and ask for the specific exemption for anything withheld.

Request specific records in Florida

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Florida?: Most public records laws, including the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.
How long does a Florida agency have to respond?: Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), the response timeline is: No fixed number of days. Agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith (s. 119.07(1)(c)).. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Florida?: Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.
What if a Florida police department denies my request?: Ask the agency to cite the specific legal exemption for each record withheld and to release any parts that are not exempt. The Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.
Do I have to say why I want police records in Florida?: No. Florida law does not require you to give a reason, your name, or a written request.
How long does a Florida agency have to respond?: There is no fixed deadline. The law requires agencies to acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith.
Can I get body camera footage in Florida?: Often, yes. Body camera recordings are public records, with exemptions for footage taken inside private homes, health care facilities and certain other locations, and for active investigations.

Public records law in Florida Police departments and incidents in Florida