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Seminole County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Seminole County?

Public records in Seminole County are defined according to the Florida Public Records Law, Chapter 119, which states that 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 are considered public records. Pursuant to § 119.011(12), these records are open for public inspection and copying, unless there is a specific statutory exemption.

Seminole County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records including:

  • Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family)
  • Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments)
  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates)
  • Business records (licenses, permits, fictitious names)
  • Tax records (property tax, assessment records)
  • Voting and election records
  • Meeting minutes and agendas (county commission, boards)
  • Budget and financial documents
  • Law enforcement records (arrest logs, incident reports - where allowed)
  • Land use and zoning records

The Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller maintains court records, marriage licenses, property records, and other official documents. Property assessment records are maintained by the Seminole County Property Appraiser. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County. Business records, permits, and licenses are typically maintained by the respective county departments that issue them.

Is Seminole County an Open Records County?

Seminole County fully complies with Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law." 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 statute further emphasizes that "all agencies must have a reasonable mechanism to receive and process public records requests." Seminole County has established clear procedures for public records requests in accordance with these requirements.

Seminole County also adheres to Florida Statutes § 286.011, known as the "Government in the Sunshine Law," which requires that meetings of public boards or commissions be open to the public, noticed, and minutes recorded.

The county has adopted a comprehensive public records policy that outlines procedures for requesting and obtaining public records. This policy ensures transparency and accessibility while maintaining compliance with state law.

How to Find Public Records in Seminole County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Seminole County may utilize several methods to access the information they need. The county currently provides multiple avenues for obtaining public records:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official websites:

  2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

    • For court records, visit the Clerk of Courts
    • For property information, visit the Property Appraiser's Office
    • For other county records, visit the specific department that maintains them

  3. Written Requests: Submit a formal public records request:

  4. Telephone Requests: Some records may be requested by telephone, though written requests are preferred for documentation purposes.

When making a request, individuals should provide specific details about the records sought, including relevant dates, names, and document types. Pursuant to Florida law, requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request, though certain exemptions may apply for specific record types.

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

Seminole County charges fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which establishes the standard fee structure for public records throughout Florida. The current fee schedule includes:

  • $0.15 per one-sided copy (8.5 x 11 inches)
  • $0.20 per two-sided copy (8.5 x 11 inches)
  • $1.00 per certified copy
  • Actual cost for other sizes or formats (USB drives, CDs, etc.)
  • Special service charges may apply for extensive use of agency resources (typically when staff time exceeds 30 minutes)

For records maintained by the Clerk of Courts, the following fees currently apply:

  • $1.00 per page for certified copies of court records
  • $0.50 per page for uncertified copies of court records
  • Various recording fees as specified in Florida Statutes § 28.24

Accepted payment methods include:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
  • Checks or money orders made payable to the specific agency

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly for indigent persons in court proceedings. Additionally, if the total cost is less than $5.00, some departments may waive the fee at their discretion.

Does Seminole County Have Free Public Records?

Seminole County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with Florida law. 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, though fees apply for copies or special services.

The following free public record resources are currently available:

Additionally, public access computers are available at county facilities and public libraries throughout Seminole County, providing free access to online public records for those without internet access at home.

Who Can Request Public Records in Seminole County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Seminole County. As stated in Florida Statutes § 119.01(1), public records are open for inspection and copying "by any person." This broad accessibility is a fundamental principle of Florida's government transparency laws.

Key points regarding eligibility to request records include:

  • Requestors are not required to provide identification for most public records
  • Requestors do not need to state the purpose of their request
  • Requests may be made anonymously
  • Non-Florida residents have the same rights to access public records as residents
  • Corporations, organizations, and media outlets may request records
  • Incarcerated persons may request records, though certain limitations may apply under Florida Statutes § 119.07(8)

For certain specialized records, such as medical examiner records or records containing exempt information, additional verification may be required. When requesting one's own confidential records, proof of identity is typically required to ensure proper access and protect privacy.

What Records Are Confidential in Seminole County?

While Florida maintains a strong commitment to government transparency, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under state law. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071, the following records are generally considered confidential or exempt in Seminole County:

  • Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers
  • Medical and health information protected under HIPAA
  • Personnel information for certain public employees (law enforcement officers, judges, etc.)
  • Home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of current or former law enforcement personnel
  • Active criminal investigative information and active criminal intelligence information
  • Juvenile offender records (with certain exceptions)
  • Child abuse records and reports
  • Sealed and expunged criminal history records
  • Adoption records
  • Certain attorney work product and attorney-client privileged information
  • Trade secrets and proprietary business information
  • Security system plans and vulnerability assessments
  • Certain victim information in criminal cases

Florida law requires agencies to redact only the exempt information and provide the remainder of the record when possible. This process is known as redaction, where confidential information is blacked out while the rest of the document remains accessible.

The determination of whether a record is exempt often involves a balancing test between the public's right to know and individual privacy rights or security concerns. When in doubt, Seminole County agencies may consult with the County Attorney's Office to determine if an exemption applies.

Seminole County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Seminole County Courthouse
301 N. Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Court

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

Recording Division (for deeds, mortgages, and other official records)
Seminole County Courthouse
301 N. Park Avenue, 2nd Floor
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4350

Property Appraiser's Office
Seminole County Services Building
1101 E. First Street
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-7506
Seminole County Property Appraiser

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

County Manager's Office (for general county records)
Seminole County Services Building
1101 E. First Street
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-7219
Seminole County Government

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

Lookup Public Records in Seminole County

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