UCF Research Guides: Florida Government Information -- Research Tips: In the Sunshine

Florida Resources

Open Government (Florida Attorney General)
FAQs -- Sunshine Manual -- Sunshine Law -- Court Cases Regarding Florida’s Sunshine Laws -- Training

Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual: A Reference For Compliance with Florida’s Public Records & Open Meetings Laws
"The Manual is a comprehensive guide to Florida’s Open Meetings and Public Records Laws, and is published by the First Amendment Foundation each year in cooperation with the Attorney General’s Office. The Sunshine Manual provides public officials, citizen activists, and journalists with up-to-date information, including recent case law and attorney general opinions."

Office of Open Government (Florida Governor)
"The Office of Open Government is charged with providing both the Executive Office of the Governor and each of Florida’s agencies with the guidance and tools to serve Florida with integrity and transparency."
- Open Government Contacts by Agency
- Public Records Request Archive (2015+)
Brechner Center for Freedom of Information (University of Florida)
"The Brechner Center answers queries about media law from journalists, attorneys, and other members of the public. The Center is prepared to explain issues relating to media law, provide educational and training materials, react to current developments, and offer speakers for meetings and conferences."
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Florida Government in the Sunshine: A Citizen's Guide (pdf and video)
Brechner Report (1995+) – "a monthly newsletter summarizing developments in Florida’s open meetings and public records laws. Other media law topics covered include libel, censorship, privacy, copyright and trademarks, reporter’s privilege, prior restraint, and access to courts and court records. A cumulative index of Brechner Report stories from 1986 to the present is available online."
Attorneys’ Fees Database (1981+) – "A chronology of cases in which plaintiffs obtained litigation expenses in legal actions filed under Florida’s Open Meetings or Open Records laws."
Prosecutions Database (1977+) – "Chronology listing known cases in which public officials either pleaded no contest or guilty to or were convicted of criminal or civil charges under the Open Records or Open Meetings"
Florida County and State Access Issues (1999-2014)
Legislative Summaries & Legislative Updates (2004-2015)
First Amendment Foundation
"The First Amendment Foundation is a highly visible and accessible source of authoritative information, expertise and assistance to the public and news media. Founded as a non-profit organization in 1984 by The Florida Press Association, the Florida Society of Newspapers Editors and the Florida Association of Broadcasters to ensure that public commitment and progress in the areas of free speech, free press, and open government do not become checked and diluted during Florida’s changing times."

Florida Public Records Handbook by Joe Adams; edited by Mark Middlebrook & Barbara A. Petersen
Call Number: UCF Main Library Reference -- KF462.6.A25A73 1999
"A guide to Florida Public Records Law and useful public information resources"
ch4ck availability
locate print copies (2nd edition) in Florida libraries
locate print copies (1st edition) in Florida libraries

Florida Bar Reporter's Handbook
"Authored by the Media & Communications Law Committee, the handbook serves as a resource guide for members of the media about topics in the legal profession."

Other States

Open Government Guide by Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
"The Open Government Guide is a complete compendium of information on every state's open records and open meetings laws. Each state's section is arranged according to a standard outline, making it easy to compare laws in various states."