Miami-Dade County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Miami-Dade County?

Public records in Miami-Dade County refer to documents, files, and information created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include official documents filed with the Clerk of Courts such as deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, court records, and various county department records.

The Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller maintains official records as required by Florida law. These records document property ownership, business transactions, court proceedings, and other official matters within the county.

According to Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), most government records are considered public and must be made available for inspection and copying upon request, with certain exceptions for confidential or exempt information.

Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130

Is Miami-Dade County an Open Records County?

Yes, Miami-Dade County is an open records county. Florida has some of the most comprehensive public records laws in the United States, often referred to as "Sunshine Laws." These laws ensure government transparency and public access to information.

The Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes establish the public's right to access government records. Miami-Dade County complies with these state laws by making most government records available to the public.

The county provides multiple methods for accessing public records, including online portals, in-person requests, and written requests. Government agencies in Miami-Dade County are required to respond to public records requests in a reasonable timeframe.

While Miami-Dade County maintains an open records policy, certain records may be exempt from disclosure based on privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or other statutory exemptions.

Miami-Dade County Public Records Center, 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 1800, Miami, FL 33128

How Do I Find Public Records in Miami-Dade County in 2025

Finding public records in Miami-Dade County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

1. Online Access: The Miami-Dade Clerk's website offers a comprehensive online search system for official records. Visit the County Recorder's Official Record Search portal to search by name, document type, or date range.

2. In-Person Requests: Visit the Records Section of the Clerk's Office to request records in person. Staff can assist with locating and providing copies of public records.

3. Public Records Request Portal: Miami-Dade County maintains an online portal where you can submit public records requests to various county departments.

4. Department-Specific Requests: Contact the specific department that maintains the records you seek. For example, property records are available through the Property Appraiser's Office, while police reports can be requested from the Miami-Dade Police Department.

5. Miami-Dade Public Library System: Some historical records and archives may be accessible through the county's library system.

Miami-Dade County Records Section, 111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128

Miami-Dade Property Appraiser's Office, 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 710, Miami, FL 33128

Miami-Dade Police Department, 9105 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL 33172

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Miami-Dade County?

The cost to obtain public records in Miami-Dade County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

• Standard copies: $0.15 per one-sided page or $0.20 per two-sided page for letter/legal size documents
• Certified copies: Additional $1.00 per document plus copy fees
• Large format documents (maps, plans): Varies by size, typically $5.00 to $15.00 per sheet
• Electronic records: May be provided at no cost if readily available in electronic format
• Special service charges: May apply for extensive requests requiring significant staff time (typically when exceeding 30 minutes of staff time)

For official records from the Clerk's Office:

• Regular copies: $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page

Some specialized records have statutory fees:

• Marriage license copies: $3.00 per copy
• Death certificates: $5.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
• Traffic crash reports: $10.00 per report

Payment methods include cash, credit cards, money orders, and checks, depending on the department and request method.

Miami-Dade County Finance Department, Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st Street, 26th Floor, Miami, FL 33128

Does Miami-Dade County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Miami-Dade County does provide access to some public records for free:

1. Online Access: Many records can be viewed online at no cost through the Miami-Dade Clerk's Official Records Search portal. While viewing is free, downloading or printing may incur fees.

2. Public Inspection: Florida law allows individuals to inspect public records at no charge. You can visit county offices to view records without paying for copies.

3. Electronic Records: Some electronic records may be provided at no cost if they are readily available and don't require extensive processing.

4. County Commission Records: Minutes, agendas, and other Board of County Commissioners documents are available online at no cost.

5. Property Information: Basic property information can be accessed for free through the Property Appraiser's website.

6. Court Dockets: Basic case information and dockets can be viewed online without charge through the Clerk's Office website.

While inspection is free, fees typically apply for copies, certified documents, or requests requiring extensive staff time to fulfill.

Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, 111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128

Who Can Request Public Records In Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, anyone can request public records regardless of:

• Citizenship status
• Age
• Residency (you don't need to be a Florida resident)
• Purpose or reason for the request

Florida's Public Records Law does not require requesters to:

• Identify themselves
• Provide a reason for their request
• Submit requests in writing (though written requests can help document and clarify what's being requested)
• Complete specific forms (though some agencies offer forms to streamline the process)

Government agencies cannot:

• Ask why you want the records
• Require you to show identification (except for certain restricted records)
• Deny access based on the intended use of the records

While anonymous requests are permitted, providing contact information is practical for receiving the requested records and for any necessary communication about the request.

Some specialized records may have specific eligibility requirements based on state law, such as certain criminal history information or confidential records.

Florida Attorney General's Office, Miami Branch, 1 SE 3rd Avenue, Suite 900, Miami, FL 33131

What Records Are Confidential In Miami-Dade County?

While Miami-Dade County follows Florida's open records laws, certain records are confidential or exempt from public disclosure:

1. Personal Information:

   • Social Security numbers
   • Driver's license numbers
   • Medical and health information
   • Bank account and credit card numbers
   • Home addresses and phone numbers of certain protected individuals (judges, law enforcement officers, etc.)

2. Law Enforcement Records:

   • Active criminal investigations
   • Confidential informant information
   • Surveillance techniques
   • Juvenile offender records (with exceptions)

3. Legal and Judicial Records:

   • Grand jury proceedings
   • Certain sealed court records
   • Attorney-client privileged communications
   • Risk management claims files until resolved

4. Human Resources/Personnel:

   • Employee medical information
   • Personal identifying information of government employees in certain positions

5. Other Protected Records:

   • Child abuse reports and investigations
   • Certain adoption records
   • Trade secrets and proprietary business information
   • Security system plans for government buildings
   • Emergency management plans

6. Victim Information:

   • Identity of sexual offense victims
   • Domestic violence victim information
   • Information that would identify victims of certain crimes

These exemptions are established by Florida Statutes to protect privacy, safety, and other important interests.

Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, 1350 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

Lookup Public Records in Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County offers several resources for accessing public records:

• Official Records - Miami-Dade County - Access information on official records maintained by the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and more.

• Records - Miami-Dade Clerk - Find various records maintained by the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court, including certified copies and public records requests.

• County Recorder's Official Record Search - Miami-Dade Clerk - Search for official records by name, document type, or other criteria in Miami-Dade County.

• Request Public Records - Miami-Dade County - Learn how to request public records from Miami-Dade County, including instructions and links to relevant forms.

• Request Reports & Records - Miami-Dade County - Find information on requesting various reports and records from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, including traffic crash reports and background checks.