Sunshine Agent — Free Florida Public Records Request Tool
Sunshine Agent is a free, web-based tool that helps journalists, attorneys, nonprofits, researchers, and everyday citizens draft, submit, track, and manage Florida public records requests. Built on Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution (the Sunshine Law), the tool automates compliance so you can focus on getting the records you need.
Features
Draft Compliant Requests
Generate ready-to-send public records request letters that include proper statutory citations (Art. I, §24, Fla. Const.; Ch. 119, F.S.), native electronic format language, rolling production terms, segregability requirements under § 119.07(1)(d), F.S., and a good-faith fee cap. Choose from narrow, balanced, or broad scope options depending on your needs and budget.
Track Requests Through a Visual Pipeline
Follow every request from drafting through acknowledgment, fee estimate, payment, production, and closure. Automated reminders flag overdue agency responses. The tracker stores agency contact information, portal URLs, supervisor and general counsel emails for escalation, and a full audit trail of every action taken.
Analytics Dashboard
Visualize your request portfolio with real-time charts showing status breakdowns, estimated costs across all requests, agency response performance, and overdue action alerts. Understand where your requests stand at a glance.
Escalate and Appeal
When agencies delay or deny access, Sunshine Agent helps you generate escalation letters to supervisors and general counsel, fee challenge responses with line-item breakdowns, and mediation outlines grounded in Florida law. The tool supports the full lifecycle from initial request through appeal.
How to File a Florida Public Records Request
Under Florida's Sunshine Law, any person may request public records from any state or local government agency. You do not need to provide your name, show identification, or explain why you want the records. Here is how to file a request:
- Identify the agency and records custodian. Determine which Florida government agency holds the records you need. Find the records custodian's name and email address, or locate the agency's online records request portal.
- Describe the records you seek. Be specific about the topic, date range, custodians, and keywords. Include search terms to help the agency locate responsive documents.
- Request native electronic format. Ask for records in their original electronic format (CSV, XLSX, native email with headers, etc.) with full metadata preserved. This is usually faster and cheaper than paper copies.
- Request rolling production. Ask the agency to produce records as they are identified and reviewed, rather than waiting until all records are ready. This is permitted under Florida law and gets documents into your hands sooner.
- Set a fee cap. Include a maximum dollar amount you are willing to pay without prior written approval. Request a good-faith cost estimate before the agency begins duplication. Per § 119.07(4), F.S., agencies may charge only the actual cost of duplication.
- Request acknowledgment and a schedule. Per § 119.07(1)(a), F.S., the custodian must acknowledge receipt promptly and respond within a reasonable time. Ask for an estimated production timeline.
- Require segregability. If any records are withheld, the agency must provide a redaction log citing the specific statutory exemption for each withholding, consistent with § 119.07(1)(d), F.S. Exempt portions must be redacted while non-exempt portions are released.
Sunshine Agent automates all of these steps. Enter your topic and agency, and the tool generates a compliant request letter with all required language in seconds.
What Is the Florida Sunshine Law?
The Florida Sunshine Law encompasses Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. It guarantees every person the right to inspect and copy public records made or received by any public agency. Florida has one of the strongest open-records laws in the United States, with over 1,100 statutory exemptions cataloged by the legislature. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal agencies, as well as entities acting on behalf of government.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Florida agency have to respond to a public records request?
Florida law requires agencies to respond "promptly" and provide records within a "reasonable time." While there is no specific statutory deadline (unlike the federal FOIA's 20-business-day clock), agencies must acknowledge receipt and provide a good-faith estimate of when records will be available. Unreasonable delays may be challenged through the Attorney General's mediation program or circuit court.
Can I file a public records request anonymously?
Yes. Under Florida law, you are not required to provide your name, show identification, or state a reason for your request. Sunshine Agent supports anonymous requests.
How much does it cost to get public records in Florida?
Agencies may charge the actual cost of duplication. For standard copies, this is typically $0.15 per one-sided page and $0.20 per two-sided page per § 119.07(4)(a), F.S. Extensive requests involving staff time for research and retrieval may include a special service charge. Sunshine Agent helps you set fee caps and challenge excessive charges.
What if an agency denies my request?
If an agency denies access, it must cite the specific statutory exemption justifying the denial. You may challenge the denial through the Florida Attorney General's Open Government Mediation Program at (850) 245-0140, or file a civil action in circuit court. If you prevail, the agency may be required to pay your attorney's fees under § 119.12, F.S.
Pricing
Sunshine Agent offers a free plan that includes one guest request plus three additional requests with a free account. The Member plan costs $10 per year and includes unlimited requests, agency fee payment handling (with a 10% platform fee on agency charges), priority tracking and reminders, escalation letter templates, and a full analytics dashboard.
About
Sunshine Agent is a project of the Good Samaritan Institute, a nonprofit organization committed to government transparency and civic engagement in Florida. The tool is built on modern web technology and hosted on Vercel.
JavaScript is required to use the interactive application. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to draft requests, track responses, and access the full dashboard.