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The State of Florida is located in Southeast United States. It borders the Gulf of Mexico on the west; Alabama on the northwest; Georgia on the north; the Bahamas and the Atlantic Ocean on the east; the Straits of Florida and Cuba on the south. Interestingly, it is the only state that borders the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. 

The state has had Native American tribes for over 14000 years. The first European in records was a Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, in 1513. He named the location La Florida (la floia) for its lush foliage and the Easter season. The Spanish colony of St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the US. Consequently, Florida became the first area in the US to be permanently settled by Europeans.  

Florida is the 22nd largest state in the US, with an area of about 65,758 square miles. In addition, it is the third most populated, with over 21 million people; Jacksonville is the most populated city. The state has its capital in Tallahassee. The Miami metropolitan area has nearly 6.2 million people making it the most populous in Florida. It also ranks seventh in the US. 

Florida has had rapid demographic and economic growth over the years. Tourism, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and transportation are the primary sectors of its $1.0 trillion economy. Its economy is the fourth-largest in the US and the 16th-largest globally. It is famous globally for its beach resorts, amusement parks, warm and sunny climate, and nautical recreation; attractions like Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, and Miami Beach. Consequently, it attracts tens of millions of visitors each year. 

Florida Counties, Cities, And Towns 

Florida has 67 counties, and the legal term for a city, town, or village in Florida is a municipality. Thus, there is no legal distinction between towns, villages, and cities in Florida. In 2000, 89 percent of Florida’s population lived in urban areas, compared to 79 percent nationwide. In 2012, 75% of the inhabitants resided within a 10-mile radius of the shore. 

The Suwannee River divided Escambia to the west and St. Johns to the east, which became a US territory in 1821, with two counties augmenting the provincial limits remaining as a Spanish colony. All of the remaining counties were apportioned from these two founder counties. Florida became the 27th State of the United States in 1845, and its last county, Gilchrist County, was founded in 1925 from a section of Alachua County. 

Florida’s counties are divisions of the state government. Counties received the right to adopt their charters in 1968. All of Florida’s county headquarters are incorporated communities, except for Crawfordville, the county seat of rural Wakulla County, and East Naples, situated outside Naples city limits in Collier County. 

Florida’s county names reflect the state’s unique cultural past. They are named after Confederate political leaders and Spanish explorers, thus the Spanish influence. Others are named after Christian saints, Native American sites, US political leaders, and natural elements of the area, such as rivers, lakes, and vegetation. Osceola County is named after native Muscogee-Seminole resistance leader Osceola and is partially named after Francis L. Dade, a major in the US Army. 

Furthermore, according to US Census, Florida has 21,781,128, with the average population of Florida’s counties being 325,091. Miami-Dade County has 2,662,777 people, thus making it the most populous. On the other hand, Liberty County has 7,900 people, making it the least populated. 

Palm Beach County is the largest county with 2,034 sq mi, while Union County is the smallest (240 sq mi. The state has 65,795 square miles, with a land area of 53,927 square miles and a water area of 11,868 square miles. 

Florida’s County Offices 

The state government of Florida makes many important decisions that affect all Floridians, including tax laws. On the other hand, local governments make other decisions closer to the people than those made by the state or the federal government. Besides, these are vital decisions for the residents of that community. They include schools, parks, libraries, and police protection.  

In the 67 counties in Florida, residents of each county elect a board of commissioners to write the county’s laws and run the government. The county government offices are in charge of land development and road planning. However, the county planning commission office makes recommendations to the board of commissioners. Some of the elected positions to the county offices in the state include the sheriff, tax collector, supervisor of elections, and county judges. 

Each county has its school district, and the elected school board makes most decisions affecting the county’s schools. Some counties have a superintendent of schools elected by the county, while others have one appointed by the school board. 

County employees work in various offices, including the courts, prisons, parks, libraries, and health care services. Furthermore, most of these county employees have offices in the county courthouse. 

In addition, every county maintains records for its residents. 

Florida Public Records  

The production of public records comprising information from the 67 counties began in 1849 in the State of Florida. Every Florida citizen has access to public documents per the Florida Public Records Act. Moreover, this legislation assures that the citizens may exercise their right to access and receive public documents, including all government information and records. 

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, or the “Public Records Law,” contains information on public records in Florida. This includes regulations, definitions, exclusions, and basic information on access to records, inspection, examination, and duplication. Public Records in Florida include the following: 

• Criminal Records. 
• Marriage Records. 
• Court Records.  
• Death Records. 
• Driving Records. 
• Divorce Records. 
• Arrest Records. 

Although there are no requirements under the public records legislation that a request for public documents should be in writing or in person, people may desire to do so to ensure they have an accurate record of what they request. A custodian of public records, unless otherwise, must satisfy any request for materials made in person, over the phone, or in writing. However, this depends on whether the requested has catered for the necessary expenses. Furthermore, the requestor has no legal requirement to explain why they need the records.  

Nonetheless, as digitalization has become the norm for public data, third-party and government websites provide these records on request. This increased accessibility contributes to Florida’s dedication to the US pledge to be a fair and just society for everyone. 

What Are The Charges For Accessing Public Records In Florida? 

The law states that the custodian must provide a copy of public records to pay a fee set by the law. If no cost is specified, an agency may charge up to 15 cents per one-sided copy of 14″ x 8 1/2″ or smaller. A certified copy of a public document may be subject to a fee of up to $1 per copy. The agency may charge a reasonable service fee based on the cost incurred if the type and amount of the documents to be copied necessitate considerable use of information technology resources, extensive clerical or supervisory support, or both. 

All Florida Counties

County Offices by Type