Lake County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Lake County?

Public records in Lake 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 generally available for inspection and copying by members of the public. Lake County maintains the following categories of public records:

Property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and property tax information
Vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses (with certain restrictions)
Court records including civil and criminal case files, traffic citations, and probate records
Tax assessment records and property valuations
Voting and election records
County commission meeting minutes and resolutions
Building permits and code enforcement actions
Business licenses and registrations
Sheriff's office records including arrest reports and incident reports
Land use and zoning records
Environmental permits and reports
County financial records, budgets, and expenditures
Geographic Information System (GIS) data and maps

These records are maintained by various Lake County departments and agencies, including the Clerk of Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections, and Sheriff's Office. Many records are now available through online portals, while others require in-person requests at the appropriate county office.

Is Lake County an Open Records County?

Lake County is indeed an open records county, operating in full compliance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and the Florida Constitution Article I, § 24, which establishes the public's right to access government records. The Florida Public Records Act specifically states that "all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This statutory framework makes Florida one of the most transparent states regarding public access to government information.

Lake County's commitment to transparency is formalized in its Administrative Regulations, which establish procedures for responding to public records requests promptly and efficiently. According to County Policy 2-1, "Lake County is committed to complying with public records laws and providing access to public records in a manner that maximizes accessibility while protecting information that is confidential or exempt from disclosure by law."

The county's open records policy requires that:

Records custodians must acknowledge requests promptly
Reasonable access must be provided during normal business hours
Only the actual cost of duplication may be charged
Extensive requests requiring significant staff time may incur reasonable labor costs
Exemptions must be specifically cited when denying access to records

This commitment to open government ensures that Lake County residents and other interested parties can access information about county operations, decisions, and expenditures, fostering accountability and civic engagement.

How Do I Find Public Records in Lake County in 2025

Members of the public seeking records in Lake County in 2025 have multiple methods available to access public information. The county has implemented a streamlined process that accommodates both electronic and in-person requests:

Online Access: The Lake County Public Records Portal serves as the primary gateway for electronic records requests. Users may search for and access many records directly through this system without submitting a formal request. The portal includes a tracking feature that allows requestors to monitor the status of pending requests.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county department during regular business hours to request records in person. The Lake County Administration Building houses many county departments and is located at:

Lake County Administration Building
315 W. Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 343-9800
Lake County Government
Written Requests: Public records requests may be submitted in writing via mail, email, or fax to the relevant department. Requests should include specific details about the records sought, preferred format, and contact information.
Specialized Databases: Several specialized systems provide direct access to specific record types:
- Property records and GIS data through the Lake County GIS Portal
- Property tax information via the Lake County Tax Collector
- Property assessment data through the Lake County Property Appraiser
- Court records via the Clerk of Circuit Court's online portal
Mobile Applications: Lake County offers mobile applications that provide access to certain public records, including property information, county services, and emergency notifications.

When requesting records, individuals should be as specific as possible about the information sought to facilitate prompt processing. County staff are available to assist with refining requests and identifying the appropriate records custodian.

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

Lake County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.07(4), which permits charging only the actual cost of duplication and, in certain circumstances, a reasonable service charge for extensive use of agency resources. The current fee schedule for Lake County public records is as follows:

Standard paper copies:
- Letter size (8.5" x 11") or legal size (8.5" x 14"): $0.15 per one-sided copy
- Double-sided copies: $0.20 per page
- Ledger size (11" x 17"): $0.25 per page
Electronic records:
- Records provided via email: No charge (if no extensive labor required)
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- USB drive: Actual cost of the drive (typically $5-15 depending on capacity)
Special format documents:
- Certified copies: $1.00 per certification plus copy costs
- Maps, plats, and oversized documents: Actual cost of reproduction
- Photographs: Actual cost of reproduction
Labor charges:
- Requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time: Hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work
- Special service charges must be reasonable and based on actual costs incurred
Specialized records:
- Court records: Fees set by Florida Statutes Chapter 28
- Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages): $1.00 per page
- Traffic crash reports: $10.00 per report

Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card. The county may require advance payment for requests exceeding $10.00. Fee waivers or reductions may be available for requests that primarily benefit the public, as determined by the records custodian.

Does Lake County Have Free Public Records?

Lake County does provide certain public records at no cost to requestors, particularly when such records are readily available in electronic format and require minimal staff time to produce. The following records are typically available without charge:

Records accessible through the county's online portals and databases, including:
- Lake County GIS mapping information for property boundaries and geographic data
- Basic property information through the Property Appraiser's website
- County Commission meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings
- County budgets and financial reports
- Building department permit status information
- Code enforcement case status updates
Records provided electronically that require minimal processing time (under 30 minutes of staff time)
Public notices, press releases, and informational materials produced for public distribution
Records requested by other governmental agencies for official purposes
Records inspected in person where no copies are requested (viewing only)

Additionally, pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(4)(d), agencies must provide copies of public records without charge to individuals when required by law. This includes certain records provided to:

Indigent individuals in specific legal proceedings
Victims of crimes in relation to their cases
Certain veterans seeking benefits-related documentation

The Lake County Sheriff's Office also provides free access to basic inmate information, active warrants, and the sexual offender registry through their public website. The Lake County Health and Human Services Agency offers free access to information about public assistance programs and community resources.

Who Can Request Public Records In Lake County?

Florida's Public Records Law establishes one of the most open government records systems in the United States. Under Florida Statute § 119.01 and Article I, § 24 of the Florida Constitution, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Lake County agencies. The term "any person" is interpreted broadly to include:

Individual citizens and residents of Lake County
Non-residents of Lake County or Florida
Foreign nationals and non-U.S. citizens
Representatives of businesses, organizations, and associations
News media representatives
Government agencies and officials
Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)
Anonymous requestors

Notably, Florida law does not require requestors to:

Provide identification
Disclose the purpose of their request
Submit requests in writing (though written requests may help ensure accuracy)
Provide their name or contact information (though this may be necessary for delivery of records)

Lake County agencies cannot deny a public records request based on:

The requestor's identity or status
The intended use of the records
The motivation behind the request
The format in which the request is made (verbal or written)

The only limitations on who may request records pertain to certain individuals under court order not to make such requests, or in cases where the pattern of requests constitutes harassment. Additionally, while anyone may request records, access may be limited for records that are exempt or confidential under Florida law.

What Records Are Confidential In Lake County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption in favor of public access to government records, state law establishes specific exemptions to protect sensitive information. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071 and other provisions, the following records are confidential or exempt from public disclosure in Lake County:

Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Bank account, debit, and credit card numbers
- Medical and health information protected under HIPAA
- Personal information of certain government employees including law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and their families
Criminal Justice Records:
- Active criminal investigative information
- Criminal intelligence information
- Juvenile offender records (with certain exceptions)
- Confidential informant identities
- Victim information in certain crimes, including sexual offenses
Security-Related Information:
- Security system plans for public buildings
- Emergency response plans
- Information technology security systems
- Building plans for certain facilities
Business and Economic Information:
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information
- Sealed bids or proposals until decision or award
- Economic development information related to specific businesses
Family and Child Records:
- Child abuse reports and investigations
- Adoption records
- Certain domestic violence records
- Guardian ad litem records
Legal and Administrative Records:
- Attorney work product and attorney-client privileged communications
- Risk management claims files until termination of litigation
- Examination questions and answer sheets for licensing examinations
Voter Information:
- Certain voter registration information including Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers
- Signatures of voters

Lake County records custodians are required by Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(e) to cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to records. In some cases, redaction of exempt information may be performed to allow partial release of documents containing both public and confidential information.

Lake County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller serves as the county recorder and maintains official records including deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and other documents. The Recording Department provides essential services related to the filing, indexing, and retrieval of these public records.

Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
550 West Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-4100
Lake County Clerk of Courts

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and County Holidays: Closed

Services Provided:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other official documents
Marriage license applications and ceremonies
Passport application processing
Certified copies of recorded documents
Public records searches and research assistance
Tax deed sales
Court records and case files
County financial records

Branch Offices:

North Lake County Branch Office
902 Avenida Central
The Villages, FL 32159
(352) 753-4201
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

South Lake County Branch Office
290 Citrus Tower Boulevard
Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 394-4153
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Recording Department accepts documents for recording in person, by mail, and through e-recording services for authorized submitters. Official records from 1970 to present are available through the Clerk's online records search system, while older records may require in-person research.