Palm Beach County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Palm Beach County?

Public records in Palm Beach County refer to documents, files, recordings, and other materials created or received by government agencies in connection with official business. These records are maintained by various county departments and are generally accessible to the public under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes).

Palm Beach County's public records include court documents, property records, marriage licenses, tax information, meeting minutes, permits, and various other government-generated documents. These records are maintained to ensure transparency in government operations and to provide citizens with access to information about how their government functions.

The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's Office serves as the primary custodian for many of these records, particularly court and official records.

Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's Office: 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Is Palm Beach County an Open Records County?

Yes, Palm Beach 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 establish a right of access to governmental proceedings and records at both state and local levels, including Palm Beach County.

Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, most records made or received by Palm Beach County agencies in the course of their official business are available for public inspection and copying. The county is legally obligated to provide access to these records unless they fall under specific statutory exemptions.

Palm Beach County government has established procedures to facilitate public access to records through various departments and online portals. The county's commitment to transparency is reflected in its systems for requesting and accessing public information.

Palm Beach County Administration Building: 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

How Do I Find Public Records in Palm Beach County in 2025

In 2025, Palm Beach County offers multiple methods to access public records:

Online Access: The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's website provides a comprehensive records search system. You can access court records, official records, marriage licenses, and more through their online portal.
In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office that maintains the records you seek. The main locations include:
- Clerk & Comptroller's Office for court and official records
- Property Appraiser's Office for property information
- Tax Collector's Office for tax records
- Supervisor of Elections for voting records
Public Records Request Form: Submit a formal public records request through the county's online portal or by contacting the specific department that maintains the records you need.
County Libraries: Some public records research can be conducted at Palm Beach County Library locations, which often provide access to historical records and databases.
Mobile Applications: Palm Beach County has developed mobile applications that provide access to certain public records on smartphones and tablets.

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office: 301 N. Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Palm Beach County Tax Collector's Office: 301 N. Olive Avenue, 3rd Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections: 240 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415

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

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

Inspection Fees: There is generally no charge to inspect public records in person.
Copy Fees:
- Paper copies: $0.15 per one-sided page (letter/legal size)
- Double-sided copies: $0.20 per page
- Certified copies: Additional $1.00 per document
- Large format documents (maps, plans): Actual cost of duplication
Electronic Records:
- Records provided electronically may incur minimal or no fees if they require no extensive processing
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- USB drive: Actual cost of the device
Special Service Charges: If a request requires extensive use of information technology resources or clerical assistance, additional fees may apply, typically calculated based on the labor cost of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work.
Court Records: Specific court documents have statutorily set fees that may differ from general public records fees.

The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and in many cases, credit cards for online transactions.

Does Palm Beach County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Palm Beach County does provide free access to many public records:

Online Access: Many records are available at no cost through the county's online portals, including:
- The Clerk & Comptroller's Official Records Search
- Property Appraiser's property information database
- Tax Collector's tax record search
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
In-Person Inspection: You can visit the appropriate county office to inspect records at no charge during regular business hours.
Public Libraries: Palm Beach County libraries offer free access to certain public records databases and historical archives.
Public Access Terminals: Self-service computer terminals are available at various county offices for free public records searches.

While inspection is typically free, fees may still apply for copies or for requests requiring extensive staff time or resources. Additionally, some specialized databases or services may require subscription fees or have associated costs.

Palm Beach County Main Library: 3650 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Who Can Request Public Records In Palm Beach County?

In Palm Beach County, as throughout Florida, public records are available to anyone regardless of:

Citizenship: You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or Florida resident to request public records.
Age: There are no age restrictions on who can request public records, although some records may have access limitations based on content.
Purpose: Requesters are not required to explain why they want the records or how they plan to use them.
Identity: In most cases, you are not required to identify yourself when requesting public records, though providing contact information may be necessary for the agency to respond to your request.
Format: Requests can be made verbally, in writing, by email, or through online forms, depending on the department's procedures.

The only limitations on who can request records relate to specific exemptions in the law, such as restrictions on certain individuals accessing records that might compromise security or privacy.

What Records Are Confidential In Palm Beach County?

While Palm Beach County operates under Florida's broad public records laws, certain records are confidential or exempt from disclosure by state statute:

Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical and health information
- Bank account and credit card numbers
Security-Related Records:
- Security system plans
- Building plans for certain facilities
- Information related to security breaches
Law Enforcement Records:
- Active criminal investigation information
- Confidential informant identities
- Surveillance techniques
Family and Child Records:
- Child abuse reports and investigations
- Adoption records
- Certain juvenile offender records
Personnel Records:
- Employee medical information
- Personal identifying information of certain public employees
Attorney-Client Communications:
- Records related to ongoing litigation
- Attorney work product
Sealed Court Records:
- Records sealed by court order
- Expunged criminal records

These exemptions are specifically outlined in Florida Statutes, primarily in Chapter 119 and throughout other sections of state law. The county is required to cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to records.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office: 3228 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Lookup Public Records in Palm Beach County

For comprehensive access to Palm Beach County public records, the following resources are available:

Search Records | Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County - Access court records, official records, tax deeds, and special assessments through this centralized search portal.
Landmark Web Official Records Search - Search and view official documents including deeds, mortgages, judgments, liens, and marriage licenses in the county's database.
Public Records Requests - Palm Beach County, Florida - Learn about the process for requesting public records and find contact information for various departments handling specific types of records.

These resources provide user-friendly interfaces to search, view, and request the public records you need from Palm Beach County government agencies.