Florida Public Records Law

Florida is nationally renowned for putting a very high priority on the public's right of access to all governmental meetings and records. In fact, the principles of open government are embodied in and guaranteed by the state Constitution

Article I, 24 (a) of the Florida Constitution provides:

“Every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state…This section specifically includes… counties.

Chapter 119, Florida Statutes spells out in detail the policies, definitions, conditions, and exemptions of the Florida Public Records Law. What constitutes "public records" has come to include not just traditional written documents such as papers, maps and books, but also tapes, photographs, film, sound recordings and electronic records stored in computers.

Martin County’s records are open to the public. The Commission Records Division retains the official records of the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), including the agendas and minutes of meetings. A Deputy Clerk attends all Commission meetings in accordance with the Sunshine Law to take minutes, receive documents, and maintain official records.

The public can inspect or obtain copies of minutes, agenda items, resolutions, ordinances and audio recordings of BCC meetings as well as the minutes and recordings from the various boards and committees serving the BCC. The Commission Records Department is located on the fourth floor of the County Administration Building. The staff will be able to assist you with research procedures in order for you to obtain the records which you are seeking.

For more information:

Contact the Martin County Clerk of Court at 288-5524 or visit the Clerk of Court’s, Commission Records Division’s website here