Public Records Request

Please note - student records are not public records. If you would like a copy of your TRANSCRIPT, please call the Registrar’s office at 239-489-9121 or visit their website.

Florida Public Records Law

Chapter 119 of the Florida State Statutes is known as the Florida Public Records Act.

What are Public Records?

Florida law defines "public records" as: all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software or other material, regardless of physical form, or characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency.

Are there any exemptions from Public Records?

State and federal laws exempt certain types of public records, or portions thereof, from disclosure under the public records law. Exemptions that frequently apply to Florida SouthWestern State College records include but are not limited to:

  • Education records under FERPA
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Disciplinary records while discipline is in progress
  • Personal information regarding law enforcement officers or their families
  • Academic evaluations of employees performance
  • Records of the FSW Foundation and other direct-support organizations of the College

Documents that are public records but contain exempt information will be produced after removing the exempt information unless the exempt information in the document is so extensive that removal is not feasible. The determination of which documents or information is exempt from the public records law will be made by Florida SouthWestern State College Office of General Counsel.

Who can Request a Public Record?

Anyone! The requestor is not required to fill out any forms, provide identification, or state their name or other identifying information to request or review records.

How do I request a Public Record?

Public records requests may be made in person, in writing, or by phone. The person who is requesting the information does not need to give a reason or "legitimate need" to view the records.

Transcripts are not public records. For transcripts, contact the Registrar’s office.

To request records you may contact the following:

Requests made by the media may be made by contacting the AVP, Marketing & Digital Strategies:

  • 239-432-7372
  • Emailing Kailee Mateika, AVP of Marketing & Digital Strategies, at kmateika@fsw.edu
  • Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919

What is the response time for a public record request?

The College must respond to a public records request within a reasonable period of time after receiving the request. What constitutes a reasonable period of time depends upon the circumstances surrounding the request, including the nature of the request, the size of the request, the likely quantity of records to be produced, whether extensive use of information technology resources or clerical services are required, and the timing of the request (i.e., whether holidays intervene).

What is not required when responding to a Public Records Request?

There is no requirement under Florida Law to do any of the following when responding to a request:

  • Create a new record
  • Provide the record in the format requested
  • Meet the requestor’s timetable
  • Provide information in the records
  • Explain the records

Is there a fee for Public Records Requests?

Fee Guidelines (PDF)

What should I do if I receive a Public Records Request?

If you have a requestor walk in and request records, have them take a seat and contact your supervisor to assist with determining if the records are exempt. If still unsure, contact the General Counsel Office at (239) 489-9295 for additional assistance.

If you receive a call or an e-mail request for records, please forward to public.records@fsw.edu.

Resources