Public Records

We sit down with Barbara Peterson, from the Florida Center for Government Accountability to talk about the crucial role of investigative journalism in keeping government accountable, and how exactly to do your own public records request here in Florida.

A nationwide review of procedures by The Associated Press and CNHI News revealed a patchwork of complicated systems for resolving open government disputes that often put the burden of enforcing transparency laws on private citizens.The review, timed to Sunshine Week, found that fewer than a third of states have offices that can resolve residents’ complaints by forcing agencies to turn over documents or comply with open meetings requirements.In most states, the only meaningful option for residents to resolve complaints about agencies wrongfully withholding public records is to file costly lawsuits.

We sit down with Barbara Peterson, from the Florida Center for Government Accountability to talk about the crucial role of investigative journalism in keeping government accountable, and how exactly to do your own public records request here in Florida.

A settlement has now been reached requiring the Florida Department of Health to release COVID-19 data withheld from the public during the height of the pandemic.The Florida Center for Government Accountability and former State Representative Carols Guillermo Smith fought for release of the data in a two-year legal battle. We take a closer look at the settlement and what release of the hidden data will mean going forward in a conversation with Smith and the Florida Center for Government Accountability’s Michael Barfield.

A public hearing for a Metro Parkway at Daniels Parkway intersection re-evaluation will be held in-person: July 27, 2023, from 5 – 7 p.m. with an open house from 5-6 p.m. before the formal hearing at 6 p.m. and live online from 6 – 7 p.m. with an overview for how to submit comments at 5:45 p.m.

Scores of bills related to government transparency have been filed in the state legislature. At least a few have are progressing through committees ahead of regular session.

TALLAHASSEE --- The city of Tallahassee and media organizations on Monday tried to persuade a circuit judge that a 2018 constitutional amendment aimed...

Two former Panama City Beach municipal clerks are suing the town after officials allegedly punished and dismissed them for providing public records.

Two proposals moving forward in the Florida Legislature would make the process of selecting presidents at public colleges and universities more...