Orange County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Orange County?

Public records in Orange County, Florida encompass a wide range of official documents, files, and information maintained by county government agencies pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. These records are created, received, or maintained by public agencies in the course of official business and are available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.

Orange County maintains the following categories of public records:

Property Records - Property deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real estate documents recorded with the Orange County Comptroller's Office
Court Records - Civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and family court case files maintained by the Orange County Clerk of Courts
Vital Records - Birth certificates (restricted access), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records
Tax Records - Property tax assessments, tax rolls, and payment records available through the Orange County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector
Law Enforcement Records - Arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information from the Orange County Sheriff's Office
Voting and Election Records - Voter registration information and election results maintained by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections
Land Use and Zoning Records - Building permits, zoning applications, and development plans
County Commission Records - Meeting minutes, resolutions, ordinances, and official actions
Business Records - Business licenses, fictitious name registrations, and corporate filings
Geographic Information System (GIS) Data - Maps, aerial photographs, and property boundary information accessible through Orange County GIS

These records serve as the official documentation of government activities and transactions within Orange County, providing transparency and accountability in governmental operations.

Is Orange County an Open Records County?

Orange County is indeed an open records county, operating under Florida's robust public records laws which are among the most comprehensive in the United States. The county's commitment to transparency is mandated by Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, collectively known as Florida's "Government in the Sunshine Law."

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.01(1), which states that "all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person," Orange County government agencies are required to:

Provide prompt access to public records upon request
Respond to records requests in a reasonable time frame
Maintain records in an accessible format
Charge only the actual cost of duplication or a statutorily prescribed fee
Provide reasonable accommodations for inspecting records

The Florida Office of the Attorney General provides oversight and guidance regarding compliance with these open records provisions. Orange County's adherence to these principles is further reinforced by the county's Administrative Regulations, which establish procedures for responding to public records requests in accordance with state law.

Orange County government agencies maintain public records custodians who are responsible for ensuring compliance with public records laws and facilitating access to requested information. This commitment to openness extends across all county departments and constitutional offices, making Orange County a model for government transparency in Florida.

How Do I Find Public Records in Orange County in 2025

Members of the public seeking access to Orange County public records in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county has implemented multiple access points to accommodate various preferences and needs.

For online access, requestors may:

Visit the Orange County Comptroller's Official Records Search for property records, including deeds, mortgages, and liens
Access court records through the Orange County Clerk of Courts online portal
Search property information via the Orange County Property Appraiser's database
Review tax records through the Orange County Tax Collector's website
Examine geographic data using the Orange County GIS mapping system
Check criminal justice information through the Orange County Sheriff's Office public records portal

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Orange County Comptroller's Office
201 S. Rosalind Avenue, 4th Floor
Orlando, FL 32801
407-836-5115
Orange County Comptroller

Orange County Clerk of Courts
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
407-836-2000
Orange County Clerk of Courts

Orange County Property Appraiser
200 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1700
Orlando, FL 32801
407-836-5044
Orange County Property Appraiser

Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate agency by mail, email, or fax. When making a request, individuals should:

Clearly identify the records being requested
Provide sufficient detail to locate the records
Specify the preferred format for receiving the records
Include contact information for follow-up questions

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07, agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and provide records within a reasonable time frame, taking into account the volume of records requested and time needed for review and redaction of exempt information.

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

The cost to obtain public records in Orange County is governed by Florida Statute § 119.07(4), which establishes standard fee structures for public records throughout the state. Orange County agencies may charge only the actual cost of duplication plus reasonable labor costs for extensive requests.

Standard fees for public records in Orange County include:

Paper copies (letter or legal size): $0.15 per one-sided page
Paper copies (double-sided): $0.20 per page
Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus copy charges
CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
USB drive: Actual cost of the device

For requests requiring extensive use of agency resources (defined as more than 15 minutes of staff time), additional labor charges may apply:

Special service charge: Hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work
Computer programming or information technology resources: Actual cost based on staff time and resources utilized

The Orange County Clerk of Courts maintains a specific fee schedule for court records:

Court case documents: $1.00 per page
Court case dockets: $1.00 per page
Marriage license: $86.00 ($61.00 with premarital course completion)
Certified copies of marriage records: $3.00 per document

The Orange County Property Appraiser charges:

Property record cards: $0.15 per page
Custom data reports: $0.01 per record plus staff time for extensive requests

Payment methods accepted by most Orange County agencies include cash, check, money order, and major credit cards. Some agencies also offer online payment options for records requested through their websites.

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(4)(d), agencies may require advance payment if the estimated cost exceeds $10.00. Requestors will receive an estimate of charges before records are produced for extensive or voluminous requests.

Does Orange County Have Free Public Records?

Orange County does provide certain public records at no cost to requestors, particularly through online access portals. These free resources reflect the county's commitment to transparency and public access to government information.

Free public records available in Orange County include:

Online Property Records Search - The Orange County Comptroller's Office provides free online access to recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens from 1970 to present
Court Case Information - Basic case information and dockets are available at no charge through the Orange County Clerk of Courts online portal
Property Appraiser Records - The Orange County Property Appraiser offers free online access to property ownership information, values, and tax assessments
GIS Mapping Data - Basic geographic information and property boundaries are freely accessible through the Orange County GIS portal
Voting and Election Information - The Orange County Supervisor of Elections provides free access to voter registration verification and election results
County Commission Records - Meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings are available at no cost on the Orange County government website

Additionally, pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(4)(a), agencies must permit any person to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. This includes:

In-person review of public records at agency offices
Inspection of records on agency computers where available
Examination of physical records under supervision of agency staff

Individuals may also use personal devices such as smartphones or cameras to capture images of public records during inspection at no cost, subject to reasonable restrictions to protect records from damage.

For economically disadvantaged individuals, Florida Statute § 119.07(4)(d) authorizes agencies to provide copies of records without charge or at a reduced charge when the requestor demonstrates financial hardship.

Who Can Request Public Records In Orange County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, any person, regardless of citizenship, residency, age, or purpose, may request access to public records maintained by Orange County government agencies. This broad right of access is a fundamental principle of Florida's government transparency laws.

Eligible requestors include:

Florida residents and non-residents
U.S. citizens and foreign nationals
Individuals and organizations
Media representatives
Businesses and corporations
Attorneys and legal representatives
Incarcerated persons (with certain limitations)
Anonymous requestors

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(a), agencies may not:

Require identification from requestors
Demand a written request (though agencies may ask for written requests to ensure accuracy)
Inquire about the purpose of the request
Require requestors to complete specific forms
Deny access based on the requestor's identity or intended use of records

The Florida Office of the Attorney General has consistently upheld these principles through advisory opinions emphasizing that the right to access public records belongs to all persons equally.

While the right to request records is universal, certain specialized records may have restricted access based on the content of the records rather than the identity of the requestor. For example, access to certain vital records, juvenile records, or records containing exempt information may be limited by specific statutory provisions.

Orange County agencies may establish reasonable rules regarding the time, place, and manner of records inspection to ensure efficient operations and protection of records, but these rules cannot be used to restrict or deny access based on who is making the request.

What Records Are Confidential In Orange County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption of openness for public records, certain categories of information are exempt from public disclosure pursuant to specific statutory provisions. In Orange County, as throughout Florida, these exemptions are strictly construed and limited to those expressly provided by law.

Records that are confidential or exempt from public disclosure in Orange County include:

Social Security Numbers - Protected under Florida Statute § 119.071(5)(a)
Medical and Health Information - Including medical records, health insurance information, and disability documentation
Active Criminal Investigative Information - Exempt under Florida Statute § 119.071(2)(c) until the investigation is no longer active
Juvenile Records - Most juvenile offender records are confidential pursuant to Florida Statute § 985.04
Child Abuse Records - Protected under Florida Statute § 39.202
Certain Personnel Information - Home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of specified public employees including law enforcement officers, judges, and prosecutors
Security System Plans - Information relating to security systems and emergency response plans
Trade Secrets - Proprietary business information defined as trade secrets under Florida law
Sealed and Expunged Records - Court records that have been legally sealed or expunged
Victim Information - Personal identifying information of victims of certain crimes
Attorney-Client Communications - Legal advice and attorney work product related to pending litigation

The Florida Office of the Attorney General maintains a comprehensive Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual that catalogs all statutory exemptions to public records disclosure.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Orange County agencies must redact only the confidential portions and provide access to the remainder of the record, pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(d). Agencies denying access to records based on an exemption must cite the specific statutory provision supporting the exemption.

Individuals seeking access to exempt records may need to demonstrate a legal right of access or obtain a court order authorizing disclosure in certain circumstances.

Orange County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Orange County Comptroller serves as the county's Official Records keeper, maintaining and providing access to property records and other official documents for Orange County. The Official Records Department is responsible for recording, indexing, and preserving these vital public records.

Orange County Comptroller's Office - Official Records Department
109 E. Church Street, Suite 300
Orlando, FL 32801
407-836-5115
Orange County Official Records

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Official Records Department provides the following services:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
Issuance of marriage licenses
Processing of passport applications
Recording of military discharge papers (DD-214)
Tax deed sales
Documentary stamp tax collection
Notary services

Documents may be submitted for recording in person, by mail, or electronically through the Comptroller's e-recording system. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 28.222, the Comptroller is required to record all legally sufficient documents presented for recording upon payment of the proper fees.

For research assistance, the public may access:

Self-service computer terminals available at no charge during regular business hours
Online records search available 24/7 through the Official Records Search portal
Staff assistance for complex searches or older records not available online

The Official Records Department maintains records dating back to the county's founding, with most records from 1970 to present available online. Earlier records may require in-person research or staff assistance.

For additional information or specific questions about recording requirements, members of the public may contact the Official Records Department directly during regular business hours.