Public Records

How to Request a Record

Public records requests may be submitted online by sending an email to publicrecords@hernandosheriff.org. Online requests are received, tracked, and fulfilled electronically. Your request will be processed on a first come, first served basis.

The Public Records Unit will process requests for records maintained by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, including (but not limited to):

• Incident Reports - Charges may apply
• Address Searches - Charges may apply
• Local Records Checks - Complete this form

To obtain a statewide records check, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

What is a Public Record?

Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, commonly known as Florida's "Public Records Law," provides information on public records in Florida, including policies, definitions, exemptions and general information on access, inspection, and duplication of records. By definition, public records include 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.

Did you know?

Legal & Best Practice Basis:

Chapter 119.07(1)(b), F.S. does not require agencies to "create new records" or conduct extensive research. Agencies must make a good faith effort to respond but are allowed to ask for clarification when necessary. Courts have upheld that requesters must describe records with "reasonable particularity" (e.g., Board of Trustees v. Lee, 1985).

According to Florida Law:

Under Florida Statute § 119.0725 (in effect July 1, 2022) certain agency cybersecurity information is confidential and exempt from public records requirements. This includes:

• Details about cybersecurity incidents or breaches reported under § 282.318 or § 282.3185
• Network schematics, hardware/software configurations, encryption setups
• Information practices for detecting, investigating, or responding to breaches
• Coverage limits and insurance specifics related to cybersecurity

These exemptions also apply during meetings—such portions of meetings must be closed, recorded, and kept confidential. And the confidentiality applies to records held before or after July 1, 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to obtain my request? Response times will vary based on each specific request. Requests which require extensive use of resources and/or the expertise of departments other than records custodians could take up to 30 days or longer to process.

Is there a fee for obtaining public records? As provided for by Florida Statute 119.07 and the Florida Attorney General's Office, an additional fee will be charged for requests requiring extensive research and production time. Extensive means any request, or related group of requests, that requires personnel to spend more than thirty minutes fulfilling the request.

The fee for the extensive research, copying or reproduction of records will be based on the loaded rate of pay of the lowest paid subject who can complete the request. The extensive fee charge will be applied for each hour, or part thereof, after the first half hour.

Additional fees will be charged if the request involves extensive use of information technology resources. These fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature/volume of the request.

How do I pay for my public records? We accept payments via govpaynow.com. Payments can be made in person or online by clicking here.

How do I request to Seal or Expunge my record? You can contact FDLE directly in order to begin the seal/expunge process

What redactions and exemptions are Records personnel looking for? Florida Statute 119 outlines which records are exempt from inspection or copying and contains some commonly cited exemptions which include active criminal intelligence information, active criminal investigative information, and security system plans. To view these exemptions, please visit leg.state.fl.us/statutes.

Quick Links

HCSO Records Search HCSO eLert Service FDLE Sex Offender & Predator Database

---