Miami-Dade County Public Records
What Is Public Records in The Miami-Dade County?
Public records in Miami-Dade County encompass 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. As defined under Florida's Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), these records are available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
Miami-Dade County maintains the following categories of public records:
- Property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and property tax information
- Court records including civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases
- Vital records such as birth certificates (restricted access), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
- Business records including fictitious name registrations, business licenses, and permits
- Election records including voter registration information and election results
- Law enforcement records including incident reports, arrest records, and jail records
- County commission records including meeting minutes, resolutions, and ordinances
- Building permits and code enforcement records
- Tax assessment and collection records
- Geographic Information System (GIS) data and maps
- Environmental records and permits
- Public health records and statistics
- County budget and financial records
These records are maintained by various county departments and agencies, with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts serving as the official custodian for many of the county's most frequently requested documents.
Is Miami-Dade County an Open Records County?
Miami-Dade County operates under Florida's robust public records laws, making it one of the most transparent jurisdictions in the United States. The county's commitment to open records is mandated by Florida's Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and the Florida Constitution (Article I, Section 24), which establish the public's right to access government records.
Pursuant to §119.01(1), Florida Statutes, "it is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This statutory framework, often referred to as Florida's "Sunshine Law," requires that all government agencies in Miami-Dade County provide prompt access to public records upon request.
Miami-Dade County has implemented this mandate through Administrative Order 4-48, which establishes county-wide procedures for public records requests. The order states that "all Miami-Dade County records, with certain limited exceptions, are public records" and directs all county departments to "make every effort to ensure that the public's right of access is not impeded."
The county further demonstrates its commitment to open records through its online public records portal, which facilitates electronic access to many commonly requested documents. Additionally, the Miami-Dade County Open Data Hub provides free access to datasets that can be downloaded, visualized, and analyzed by members of the public.
How Do I Find Public Records in Miami-Dade County in 2025
Members of the public seeking records in Miami-Dade County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county has expanded digital access options while maintaining traditional in-person services for 2025.
For online access, requestors may:
- Submit requests through the Miami-Dade County Public Records Portal, which allows users to track the status of their requests
- Search property records through the Property Appraiser's database
- Access court records via the Clerk of Courts online system
- Explore datasets through the Miami-Dade County Open Data Hub
- Review county commission records through the Board of County Commissioners' online portal
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
305-275-1155
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser
111 NW 1st Street, Suite 710
Miami, FL 33128
305-375-4712
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Property Appraiser's Office
Miami-Dade County Elections Department
2700 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33172
305-499-8683
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Elections Department
Written requests may be submitted to the specific agency that maintains the desired records. Pursuant to §119.07(1)(a), Florida Statutes, agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith. For assistance in determining which agency maintains specific records, requestors may contact the Miami-Dade County Information Center at 305-375-5555.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Miami-Dade County?
The cost for obtaining public records in Miami-Dade County is governed by Florida Statutes §119.07(4), which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees based on actual costs of duplication and labor. The county has established a standardized fee schedule for most commonly requested records.
Standard reproduction fees include:
- Paper copies (letter or legal size): $0.15 per one-sided page
- Paper copies (letter or legal size): $0.20 per two-sided page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus copy charges
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- USB drive: Actual cost of the drive (typically $5-15 depending on capacity)
For records requiring extensive use of information technology resources or clerical assistance (defined as more than 15 minutes), additional special service charges may apply:
- Information technology staff: $45-75 per hour
- Clerical/administrative staff: $25-40 per hour
- Supervisory/management staff: $35-60 per hour
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts maintains a separate fee schedule for court records:
- Regular copies of court records: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies of court records: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page
- Marriage license: $86.00 ($30.00 with completion of premarital course)
- Recording fees: $10.00 for first page, $8.50 for each additional page
Payment methods accepted include cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to the specific agency providing the records. Agencies may require payment in advance if the estimated cost exceeds $10.00.
Does Miami-Dade County Have Free Public Records?
Miami-Dade County provides several avenues for accessing certain public records at no cost to requestors. These free resources have been established to promote transparency and public engagement with government information.
The following records are available at no charge:
- Records viewed but not copied at agency offices (inspection only)
- Electronic records accessible through the Miami-Dade County Open Data Hub, including GIS data, budget information, and demographic statistics
- Basic property information through the Property Appraiser's website
- Voting precinct information and election results via the Elections Department portal
- County Commission meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings
- Public notices and press releases
- Building permit status checks
- Code of Ordinances and Miami-Dade County Charter
Additionally, pursuant to Florida Statutes §119.07(4)(d), agencies may not charge for the first 30 minutes of labor when responding to public records requests. Agencies are also prohibited from charging for redaction of exempt information.
The Miami-Dade County Law Library provides free public access to legal resources, including computer terminals where members of the public can search certain records at no cost. The library is located at:
Miami-Dade County Law Library
73 W. Flagler Street, Room 321
Miami, FL 33130
305-375-5422
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Who Can Request Public Records In Miami-Dade County?
Under Florida's Public Records Act, any person, regardless of citizenship status, age, or purpose, may request access to public records maintained by Miami-Dade County agencies. The statute defines "any person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, associations, partnerships, trusts, and governmental entities.
Key provisions regarding requestor eligibility include:
- No requirement to provide identification when making a request
- No obligation to disclose the purpose or reason for the request
- No residency requirement (non-Florida residents have equal access rights)
- No restriction based on age (minors may request records)
- No limitation on the number of records that may be requested
- No requirement to submit requests in writing (though written requests are recommended for documentation purposes)
Pursuant to Florida Statutes §119.07(1)(a), agencies may not require requestors to complete specific forms or follow particular procedures when requesting records. The law prohibits agencies from asking requestors to provide personal information as a condition of accessing public records.
Commercial entities, including data mining companies, media organizations, and businesses, maintain the same rights of access as individual citizens. The intended use of the records, whether for personal, journalistic, or commercial purposes, cannot be used as a basis for denying access.
Foreign nationals and out-of-state requestors are entitled to the same access as Florida residents, though additional shipping fees may apply for records delivered outside the county.
What Records Are Confidential In Miami-Dade County?
While Miami-Dade County operates under Florida's presumption of openness for public records, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure pursuant to more than 1,000 exemptions established in Florida Statutes. These exemptions protect privacy rights, sensitive government operations, and confidential information.
The following records are generally confidential or exempt from public disclosure:
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers
- Medical and health records protected under HIPAA
- Personnel records containing information such as home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of certain public employees including law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and public defenders (§119.071(4)(d), F.S.)
- Active criminal intelligence and investigative information (§119.071(2)(c), F.S.)
- Child abuse records and reports (§39.202, F.S.)
- Sealed and expunged criminal history records (§943.0585 and §943.059, F.S.)
- Juvenile offender records with certain exceptions (§985.04, F.S.)
- Adoption records (§63.162, F.S.)
- Trade secrets and confidential business information (§815.045, F.S.)
- Security system plans and threat assessments (§119.071(3), F.S.)
- Examination questions and answer sheets for licensure or employment (§119.071(1)(a), F.S.)
- Attorney work product and attorney-client privileged communications
- Victim information in certain cases, including domestic violence and sexual assault victims
- Records related to ongoing competitive solicitations until contract award or 30 days after bid opening
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, agencies must redact only the confidential portions and provide the remainder of the record. Pursuant to Florida Statutes §119.07(1)(d), the agency must state the basis for any redactions, including the statutory citation for each exemption applied.
The Florida Attorney General's Office maintains a comprehensive Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual that details all current exemptions to public records laws.
Miami-Dade County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The Miami-Dade County Recorder's Office functions are performed by the Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts. This office serves as the official record keeper for the county, maintaining and providing access to millions of official records dating back to 1836.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts - Recording Division
22 NW 1st Street, 1st Floor
Miami, FL 33128
305-275-1155
Official Records Search
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
Additional Recording Locations:
North Dade Justice Center
15555 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33160
305-275-1155
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
South Dade Justice Center
10710 SW 211th Street
Miami, FL 33189
305-275-1155
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Coral Gables District Court
3100 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-275-1155
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Recording Division accepts documents for recording including deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, judgments, and other instruments affecting real property. Documents may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically through the e-recording system.
Recording fees are $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page. Additional fees may apply for documentary stamps and intangible taxes on certain documents. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit card.
The Clerk's Office maintains a public access terminal where members of the public may search and view official records at no charge. Copies of records may be purchased for $1.00 per page, with certified copies available for an additional $2.00 per document.
Lookup Public Records in Miami-Dade County
Search property records and tax information
Access official county records and court documents
Request public records from Miami-Dade County departments
Explore Miami-Dade County's open data resources
Visit the Clerk of Courts website for judicial records
Access legal resources at the County Law Library
Find information about Miami-Dade County courts
Search police records and reports
Access voter and election information
Find tax collection records and payment information
Access public health records and statistics
Find social services information and records
Access Florida state government records
Review Florida's public records laws
Find business filings and election records
Search inmate and corrections records
Access attorney general opinions and consumer protection information