Okeechobee County Florida Board of County Commissioners
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Public Records Request
Public record requests are easier than ever at Okeechobee County!
It’s all at your fingertips through our website. In order to obtain records from the appropriate department within the offices of the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners, please select from this link: https://okeechobeecountyfl.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest
FAQ's regarding Public Records Request:
What is a public records request?
FS 119.011(12) defines “Public records” as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made, or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency.
Must my request for public records be in writing?
No, public records requests do not have to be in writing. However, a written request provides an accurate record of the request and will help eliminate miscommunications. You are not required to provide your name and or the reason for your request.
Will Okeechobee County acknowledge my public records request?
Okeechobee County’s policy is to promptly acknowledge receipt of each public records request received through our public records request portal and/or by email from a county department. Your received acknowledgement from the portal will include a request number. We encourage all citizens to utilize the public records portal located on our website at:
https://okeechobeecountyfl.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest
Please reference the assigned number in any subsequent correspondence about your request. If you make a request and do not receive a timely acknowledgement, please contact Okeechobee County Public Records Request Coordinator at 863-763-6441 Ext. 6 to verify that your request was received.
Will the acknowledgment response include a cost estimate?
The acknowledgement response will not include a cost estimate at that time. Depending on the nature of the request, the cost estimate may take additional time to compile. If so, you will receive separate correspondence about the cost estimate. If you do not receive a timely cost estimate, please contact Okeechobee County Public Records Request Coordinator at 863-763-6441 Ext. 6 to inquire about your request.
What does Okeechobee County charge for public records?
The Public Records Act allows the County to collect a “per copy/duplication” fee or the actual cost for materials and supplies used to duplicate records. In accordance with Florida Statutes 119.07(4)(d), the County may collect a reasonable service charge when a request to inspect or copy/duplicate public records requires the extensive use of technology resources and/or the extensive use of clerical or supervisory assistance. A service charge for the extensive use of County resources will be imposed if a request to inspect or copy public records takes more than 15 minutes to locate, review and/or redact exempt information, and copy the requested public records. Standard copies are 15 cents single-sided and 20 cents double-sided. If the request requires extensive use of information technology resources and/or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance a special service charge based on the cost incurred will apply. In most circumstances, the records keeper of the departmental record being requested, will notify requesters within 5 - 7 business days after receiving a request of any fees required.
Am I required to pay the fee prior to receipt of my public records request?
Yes, if after determination that a fee is required, all payments will be required in advance of receiving documentation. If payment is not received within thirty (30) days after being notified of the fee amount, the request will be administratively closed.
What types of payment are acceptable?
Preferred method of payment is cashier’s check or money order, payable to Okeechobee County BOCC. Personal or company checks will be accepted only if the check includes a pre-printed account holder name and address. At this time, Okeechobee County does not take credit card payments for Public Records Requests.
What if I pay charges and/or fees and your research reveals that no responsive records exist?
Your fee is based on a conservative estimate for duplication fees (if any), service fees (if any), and Special Service Fee. The labor required to respond to the request is performed even if the work does not yield any responsive records.
Does Okeechobee County waive charges and fees associated with the fulfillment of public records request for an indigent requestor or when information requested is intended to be used by the requestor for a public purpose?
No. Florida law does not provide for waiver of charges and fees for fulfilling a public records request if a requestor is indigent or asserts that the information is intended to be used for a public purpose. Per Florida Statutes Chapter 119 fees are applied in accordance with Florida law.
Does Okeechobee County have to respond to all public record requests, no matter how broad or vaguely stated?
Okeechobee County provides records that are not exempt or confidential in response to a public records request. If your request is vague, the County may need to contact you for clarification or additional information. If we ask you for additional information about your request so that we can identify the requested records and we do not hear from you within 30 days, the request will be administratively closed. If your request is overly broad, the costs you are required to pay may be significantly higher because of research time and the large volume of potentially responsive records that must be reviewed and redacted. The County may offer you an opportunity to narrow your request to reduce the cost to you. It is a good idea to be as specific and precise as you can when making a public records request. Please include keywords or date ranges when making a request. Keywords and date ranges are strongly recommended for email extractions.
What records are exempt?
Some records are considered exempt and/or confidential under Florida law and therefore, not subject to disclosure in response to a public records request. Some commonly cited exemptions include active criminal intelligence information, active criminal investigative information, and security system plans. More information about records that are exempt from the Public Records Act can be found within the Florida Statutes under Title X Chapter 119: 119.071 General exemptions from inspection or copying of public records located at:
Can Okeechobee County staff provide me with legal advice?
Okeechobee County cannot provide a public records requestor with legal advice. If you have questions concerning your legal rights or the laws of Florida, you should consult with an attorney.
How long will it take for my request to be completed?
Each request is unique. Some can be fulfilled almost immediately, and others require time to research. Public records law requires the County to respond within a “reasonable” timeframe. If extensive review and redaction of records is required, your request may take longer to fulfill. If a cost estimate is required, the payment is due within 30 days. If the County does not receive payment within 30 days, your request will be administratively closed.
Who can I speak with if I have additional questions?
Please contact Okeechobee County Public Records Request Coordinator at 863-763-6441 Ext. 6 if you have additional questions.
NOTE: Requests for documents within the custodianship of other local or state agencies should be directed to those appropriate agencies as the Okeechobee County BOCC does not maintain those records. (i.e.: Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office, Okeechobee County Tax Collector, Okeechobee Clerk of Court, Okeechobee County Property Appraiser or Okeechobee County Property Appraiser)