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Orange County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Orange County?

Public records in Orange County refer to documents, files, recordings, and other materials created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include court documents, property records, marriage licenses, birth certificates, death certificates, tax records, and various other official documents.

In Orange County, the Clerk of Courts maintains many of these records, particularly those related to court proceedings and official county business. The Orange County Comptroller's Office also maintains official records such as deeds, mortgages, and liens.

Public records are maintained to ensure transparency in government operations and to provide citizens with access to important information. Under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), most government records are available to the public upon request.

Is Orange County an Open Records County?

Yes, Orange 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 mandate that most government records be available to the public.

The Orange County government adheres to Florida's Public Records Law, which provides that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any person. This means that citizens have the right to access, inspect, and copy public records maintained by Orange County government agencies.

The Orange County Clerk of Courts (425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801) and the Orange County Comptroller's Office (201 S. Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801) both maintain systems for public access to records, including online portals where many records can be accessed digitally.

How Do I Find Public Records in Orange County in 2025

Finding public records in Orange County in 2025 has become increasingly digital and accessible. Here are the primary methods:

  1. Online Access: Most public records can be accessed through various online portals:

    • The Orange County Clerk of Courts website offers a comprehensive records search system
    • The Orange County Comptroller's Official Records Search provides access to property records
    • The Orange County Property Appraiser's website allows property record searches

  2. In-Person Requests: You can visit relevant county offices to request records:

    • Orange County Clerk of Courts (425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801)
    • Orange County Comptroller's Office (201 S. Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801)
    • Orange County Property Appraiser (200 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1700, Orlando, FL 32801)

  3. Written Requests: Submit a public records request in writing to the specific agency that maintains the records you seek. The Orange County government website provides forms and contact information for submitting these requests.

  4. Mobile Applications: Several county departments now offer mobile apps that provide access to certain public records on smartphones and tablets.

  5. Virtual Assistance: Orange County has implemented AI-assisted virtual help desks that can guide you through the process of locating specific records.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Orange County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Orange County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

  1. Inspection Fees: There is generally no charge to inspect public records in person.

  2. Copy Fees:

    • Paper copies: $0.15 per one-sided page and $0.20 per two-sided page for standard letter/legal size
    • Certified copies: Additional $1.00-$2.00 per document
    • Large format documents (maps, blueprints): Varies based on size, typically $3.00-$10.00

  3. Electronic Records:

    • Digital copies provided via email or download: Often free or minimal cost
    • Records provided on CD/DVD/USB: $1.00-$5.00 plus the cost of the storage device

  4. Special Service Charges: If a request requires extensive use of agency resources or personnel time (generally more than 15 minutes), additional labor charges may apply, typically at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work.

  5. Court Records: Specific court documents may have standardized fees set by Florida Statutes.

The Orange County Clerk of Courts (425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801) provides a detailed fee schedule on their website for various types of records.

Does Orange County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Orange County does offer free access to many public records:

  1. Online Access: Many records can be viewed for free through the county's online portals:

    • The Orange County Clerk of Courts website offers free viewing of court records
    • The Orange County Property Appraiser's website provides free access to property information
    • The Orange County Comptroller's Official Records Search allows free viewing of recorded documents

  2. In-Person Inspection: You can visit county offices to inspect records at no cost:

    • Orange County Clerk of Courts (425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801)
    • Orange County Comptroller's Office (201 S. Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801)
    • Orange County Administration Center (201 S. Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801)

  3. Public Libraries: The Orange County Library System (101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801) provides free access to certain public records databases.

While viewing records is often free, obtaining copies (physical or digital) may incur the fees mentioned in the previous section. Additionally, some specialized databases or records that require extensive processing may still carry access fees.

Who Can Request Public Records In Orange County?

In Orange County, as in all of Florida, public records are available to anyone regardless of:

  1. Citizenship: You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or Florida resident to request public records.

  2. Age: There are no age restrictions, though some records may have access limitations for minors.

  3. Purpose: Requesters do not need to explain why they want the records or how they plan to use them.

  4. Format: Requests can be made verbally, in writing, by email, or through online forms.

The following entities commonly request public records:

  • Individual citizens
  • Media organizations
  • Businesses and corporations
  • Attorneys and legal professionals
  • Researchers and academics
  • Government agencies
  • Non-profit organizations

The Orange County government agencies cannot:

  • Ask you why you want the records
  • Require you to provide identification (except for certain exempt records)
  • Make you submit your request in a specific format
  • Deny access based on the requester's identity or intended use of the records

Requests can be submitted to the Orange County Public Records Coordinator (201 S. Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801) or directly to the agency that maintains the specific records.

What Records Are Confidential In Orange County?

While Florida has strong public records laws, certain records in Orange County are confidential or exempt from disclosure:

  1. Personal Information:

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

  2. Security Information:

    • Security system plans
    • Building plans for certain government facilities
    • Information related to security breaches

  3. Law Enforcement Records:

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

  4. Family and Child Records:

    • Child abuse reports and investigations
    • Adoption records
    • Certain domestic violence records
    • Guardian ad litem records

  5. Business Information:

    • Trade secrets
    • Certain proprietary business information submitted to government agencies

  6. Attorney-Client Communications:

    • Communications between government agencies and their attorneys regarding ongoing litigation

The Orange County Attorney's Office (201 S. Rosalind Avenue, 3rd Floor, Orlando, FL 32801) can provide guidance on specific exemptions that may apply to particular records.

Lookup Public Records in Orange County

Orange County Clerk of Courts Records Search - This site allows users to search for various court records in Orange County, including traffic, civil, criminal, family, and probate case records.

Public Records - Orange County Florida - This page provides information on how to request public records in Orange County, including links to various city and county departments that manage specific types of records.

Official Records | Orange County Comptroller, FL - The Orange County Comptroller's site provides access to official records such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, and offers services like tax deed sales and document recording.

Orange County Property Appraiser - This site offers property search tools, exemption information, and resources for understanding property taxes and assessments in Orange County.

My Orange Clerk Home - The official site of the Orange County Clerk of Courts provides access to court records, payment options, and various legal forms and services.

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