Public Records Requests

A public record includes any documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, emails, data files, or other materials made or received by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) in connection with official business.

Any member of the public—Florida resident or not—may request public records. The requester is not required to provide a reason for the request or identify themselves.

To submit a public records request, please contact the District’s Public Records Office:

Email: RecordRequests@BrowardSchools.com

When submitting your request, please include:

• A clear description of the records sought (topics, departments, date ranges, etc.)
• Any relevant details that will assist in locating the records efficiently

Mail: Please mail all request documentation to the KCW Administrative Building, located at 600 SE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

When submitting your request, please include your contact information. Once, received, an acknowledgement notice will be provided. 

You will receive an acknowledgment email within 24–48 hours confirming receipt and next steps. Requests are processed as quickly as possible and in the order they are received.

Processing times vary depending on the volume, complexity, and number of departments involved.

Simple requests may be fulfilled within a few days; more complex or multi-departmental requests may take longer.

Yes. You are not required to provide your name, contact information, or the reason for your request. However, providing an email address allows the District to communicate cost estimates and deliver records more efficiently.

Florida’s Public Records Law requires agencies to provide existing records only. The District is not required to create new records or compile data in response to a request.

The first 15 minutes of staff time are provided free of charge.
If extensive clerical, supervisory, or technology resources are required, you will receive a cost estimate before processing continues. Payment must be made prior to the release of records.

Once your request is processed and a cost estimate is provided, you may submit payment using one of the following authorized payment methods accepted through the District’s secure Authorize.Net payment system:

Accepted Payment Methods

• Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club

• Debit Cards: All major debit cards backed by Visa or Mastercard

• Electronic Check (ACH): Direct transfer from a checking or savings account via eCheck.Net

• Digital Payment Options: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal (if enabled)

All payments are processed through a secure, encrypted payment gateway in compliance with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards).

No. The Public Records Office does not process student records.
For transcripts, report cards, or cumulative files, please contact your child’s school directly.

Certain records are confidential or exempt under Florida or federal law, including:

• Student education records (FERPA, §1002.22, F.S.)
• Security and emergency response plans (§281.301 & §119.071, F.S.)
• Personal identifying information of certain employees (e.g., law enforcement, judges, prosecutors) (§119.071, F.S.)
• Medical and mental health records
• Active investigation files, if applicable

If an exemption applies, the District will cite the statutory reference in writing.

Large or complex requests may be processed in phases. You will receive updates as records are reviewed and released. In some cases, a deposit may be required before processing begins.

Yes. Appointments may be scheduled to inspect records in person at the Public Records Office. Please email RecordRequests@BrowardSchools.com to arrange a time.

The Public Records Office can help clarify or refine your request to ensure the correct records are located. However, staff cannot interpret the meaning of records or create new documents. Please provide your request and the department will connect with you for any additional or clarifying information. 

You may request clarification of the fee calculation or the scope of the search. If you believe an exemption has been applied in error, you may contact the Office of Communications for review.

Records are typically sent electronically via email. For large files, secure download links or flash drives may be used. Physical copies are available upon request and may incur printing costs.

Please reply directly to your acknowledgment email or contact RecordRequests@BrowardSchools.com. Include your tracking number in the subject line for faster service.

The Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs oversees the District’s public records process, in coordination with departmental custodians and the Office of General Counsel.

Yes. The Public Records Office monitors weekly and year-to-date activity, including request volumes, completion times, and fees collected, to ensure accountability and compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.

For more information, please visit the Florida Legislature’s Online Sunshine website:
🔗 https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes