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Alachua County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Alachua County?

Public records in Alachua County are defined according to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119, as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency. This comprehensive definition encompasses a wide variety of records maintained by county offices and departments.

Alachua County maintains the following types of public records:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Alachua County Clerk of Court
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property assessments
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
  • Tax Records: Property tax information, tax rolls, and assessment records
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and candidate information
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Commission meetings, advisory boards, and committee proceedings
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
  • Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain exemptions), and jail records
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and development permits

The Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian for many county records, including court documents, official records, and historical archives. Other records are maintained by specific departments:

Is Alachua County an Open Records County?

Alachua County fully adheres to Florida's Public Records Law, making it an open records county. Under Florida Statutes § 119.01, it is the policy of the state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. The law specifically states that "providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."

The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this commitment by establishing a constitutional right of access to public records. This constitutional provision states: "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, or persons acting on their behalf."

Alachua County government agencies comply with these laws by:

  1. Maintaining records in accessible formats
  2. Providing reasonable access to records during normal business hours
  3. Responding to public records requests in a timely manner
  4. Charging only statutorily authorized fees for copies
  5. Providing training to staff on public records compliance

The county also follows Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, which requires that meetings of public boards or commissions be open to the public, properly noticed, and minutes recorded.

How to Find Public Records in Alachua County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Alachua County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Identify the agency that maintains the desired records
  2. Visit the appropriate office during regular business hours
  3. Complete a public records request form if required
  4. Present identification if required for certain records
  5. Pay any applicable fees for copies or certified documents

Online Access:

  1. Visit the Alachua County Clerk's Official Records Search for property records, court documents, and other official records
  2. Access the Alachua County Property Appraiser's website for property information
  3. Search voter and election records through the Supervisor of Elections portal
  4. Review county commission agendas and minutes on the county website
  5. Access vital records information through the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a written request to the appropriate agency by mail, email, or fax
  2. Include specific details about the records being requested
  3. Provide contact information for follow-up
  4. Indicate preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic files)
  5. Include payment for applicable fees if known

For records not available online, the public may submit a formal public records request to the specific agency. While Florida law does not require requests to be in writing, providing a written request helps ensure accuracy and creates documentation of the request.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Alachua County?

Alachua County agencies charge fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which establishes standard fee structures for public records throughout the state. Current fees include:

  • Standard Copies: $0.15 per one-sided page (letter or legal size)
  • Double-sided Copies: $0.20 per double-sided page
  • Certified Copies: Varies by document type, typically $1.00-$2.00 per document plus copy fees
  • Large Format Documents: Actual cost of duplication
  • Electronic Records: Cost of the media provided (CD, DVD, flash drive) if not emailed
  • Special Service Charges: May apply for extensive use of agency resources (typically when staff time exceeds 30 minutes)

Specific record types may have statutorily established fees:

  • Vital Records:

    • Birth Certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy
    • Death Certificates: $10.00 for the first copy, $8.00 for each additional copy
    • Marriage Licenses: $8.00 per copy
    • Divorce Records: $8.00 per copy

  • Court Records:

    • Case dockets: $1.00 per page
    • Certified court documents: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page

Accepted payment methods typically include:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Check or money order
  • Credit/debit cards (in-person and online)
  • Electronic payment methods for online requests

Agencies may waive fees when doing so serves the public interest. Additionally, inspection of records without making copies is generally provided at no charge, though special service charges may apply for extensive requests requiring significant staff time.

Does Alachua County Have Free Public Records?

Alachua County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:

Free Record Inspection: Under Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), every person has the right to inspect public records at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions. This inspection is provided at no charge during regular business hours. Members of the public may visit the appropriate agency office and request to view records without obtaining copies.

Free Online Resources: Alachua County offers numerous free online databases and resources:

Free Records by Email: Many Alachua County agencies will provide electronic copies of records via email at no charge when the records are already in electronic format and do not require extensive staff time to compile or redact.

While inspection and many online resources are free, fees may still apply for physical copies, certified documents, or requests requiring extensive use of agency resources as permitted under Florida law.

Who Can Request Public Records in Alachua County?

Under Florida Statutes § 119.01, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records in Alachua County. The statute specifically states that records are open for inspection and copying "by any person," establishing a broad right of access. Key aspects of this right include:

Eligibility Requirements:

  • No residency requirement exists for general public records
  • Requestors do not need to be Florida residents
  • Non-U.S. citizens have the same rights to access public records
  • Requestors generally do not need to provide identification for most records
  • Requestors are not required to state a purpose or reason for their request
  • Requestors may remain anonymous for most record types

Exceptions and Special Circumstances:

  • Certain sensitive records may require verification of identity or legal status:
    • Requestors seeking their own confidential records may need to provide identification
    • Access to certain criminal history information may require fingerprinting
    • Sealed or expunged records may only be accessible to the subject or their attorney
    • Medical records may require patient authorization
    • Some records may only be available to qualified researchers with approved protocols

Business Entities:

  • Corporations, organizations, and other business entities may request records
  • Attorneys may request records on behalf of clients
  • Media organizations have the same access rights as individuals

The law prohibits agencies from requiring requestors to disclose their identity or purpose as a condition of accessing public records, except in specific circumstances where such information is required by law. This broad access policy reflects Florida's strong commitment to government transparency and public oversight.

What Records Are Confidential in Alachua County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption of openness for public records, Florida Statutes § 119.071 establishes specific exemptions for records that are confidential or exempt from public disclosure. In Alachua County, the following record types are generally not available for public inspection:

Personal Information:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Bank account numbers, debit, charge, and credit card numbers
  • Medical and health information protected under HIPAA
  • Personal information of certain government employees (law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors)
  • Home addresses and phone numbers of victims of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment
  • Personal information in motor vehicle records (protected under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act)

Legal and Investigative Records:

  • Active criminal intelligence and investigative information
  • Sealed and expunged criminal history records
  • Juvenile offender records (with limited exceptions)
  • Child abuse and neglect records
  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Attorney work product and attorney-client privileged communications
  • Information related to ongoing bid processes until decision or award

Other Protected Records:

  • Adoption records
  • Certain educational records protected under FERPA
  • Trade secrets and proprietary business information
  • Security system plans and vulnerability assessments
  • Emergency management plans
  • Certain personnel records and evaluations
  • Information regarding victims of crimes

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, agencies must redact only the confidential portions and provide the remainder of the record. The Florida Attorney General's Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual provides comprehensive guidance on exemptions and their application.

Agencies must cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to records. Requestors who believe records have been improperly withheld may seek judicial review of the denial.

Alachua County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 374-3636
Alachua County Clerk of Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Recording Division Services:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other official documents
  • Marriage license applications
  • Passport applications
  • Tax deed sales
  • Official records searches
  • Certified copies of recorded documents

Family Court Services:
Family Law Division
201 East University Avenue, 1st Floor
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 374-3636

Criminal Court Records:
Criminal Division
201 East University Avenue, 2nd Floor
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 374-3636

Civil Court Records:
Civil Division
201 East University Avenue, 2nd Floor
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 374-3636

Traffic Citations:
Traffic Division
201 East University Avenue, 1st Floor
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 374-3636

The Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to official records dating back to the county's founding. Records from 1965 to present are available through the online records search system. Earlier records may require in-person research or staff assistance.

Lookup Public Records in Alachua County

Florida Department of Health in Alachua County vital records

Alachua County Elections public records

City of Newberry Clerk's Office

Alachua County Supervisor of Elections

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