Public Records Requests

The Palm Beach County Library System believes that making public records easily accessible is an important part of keeping our operations transparent to the community we serve.

Public Records Request FAQs

• How do I contact the PBCLS Public Records Custodian?

  Wendy Stacy
  publicrecords@pbclibrary.org
  233-2702
  3650 Summit Blvd.
  West Palm Beach, FL 33406

• What are public records?

  Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes defines 'Public Records' to mean all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics or the means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency. Chapter 119 provides that public records must be open to inspection by 'any person' with the exception of those designated exemptions detailed in Chapter 119 and other state statutes.

• How can I request a public record?

  To request verbally, call 561-233-2702 and ask for Wendy Stacy during regular business hours of 8 am – 5 pm.
  
  To request in writing, email it to publicrecords@pbclibrary.org or mail to:
  
  Palm Beach County Library System
  Records Custodian
  3650 Summit Blvd.
  West Palm Beach, FL 33406

• Are there fees involved in getting records?

  Fees for public records are as follows:
  Electronic records - No charge
  Single-sided copies - $0.15 each
  Double-sided copies - $0.20 each
  True copy certification (under Notary Seal) - $1 per certification
  Postage - By weight and delivery type
  Special Charge - If a request requires extensive clerical or supervisory assistance or a review by legal staff, then a special labor charge will be imposed.
  
  Payment for public records shall be collected before the materials are released or made available for inspection. You will be notified once estimated costs have been determined.

• When will I get the records?

  Florida law states that an agency must respond within a “limited reasonable time.” This is the time it takes to review the request, search, retrieve, and process records for release. Some requests may only take a few minutes while others may take weeks. The length of time it takes largely depends on activity, volume, and scope but the Palm Beach County Library System is committed to providing requested records as quickly and efficiently as possible.

• Where can I find more information about public records?

  Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes fully outlines public records laws, including a list of exemptions.

• Florida law requires that we post the following statement:
  "Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing."
  
  The Palm Beach County Library System regrets any inconvenience this may cause.