FAQs

How may I make a public records request?

Requests may be made by contacting the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections online at VoteSeminole.gov, by phone at 407-585-8683, in person at the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Office, or in writing to:

Seminole County Supervisor of Elections

Attn: Public Records Custodian

1500 E. Airport Blvd.

Sanford, FL 32773

Will I receive acknowledgment of my public records request?

Yes. The Seminole County Supervisor of Elections promptly acknowledges all public records requests. If you do not receive acknowledgment shortly after submitting your request, please contact the office at 407-708-7717 or email [email protected] to confirm receipt.

Does the Supervisor of Elections have to respond to a broadly-stated request?

Yes. However, broad requests may result in large volumes of responsive records and associated costs under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. A representative may contact you to help clarify or narrow the request to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Are there duplication and materials costs to obtain records?

Yes. Per Section 119.07(4), Florida Statutes:

15 cents per one-sided copy (up to 8.5” x 14”)

20 cents per two-sided copy

25 cents per one-sided copy (11" x 17")

30 cents per one-sided copy (11" x 17")

Precinct maps and other materials are charged at actual production cost

Requests requiring over 15 minutes of staff time may include service charges

Mailing and USB drives (typically $6.00) are charged at actual cost

An estimate will be provided before fulfilling the request

Can additional costs be assessed regarding a public records request?

Yes. If a request requires over 15 minutes of clerical, IT, or supervisory assistance, a special service charge will be applied. Per Florida Statutes §119.07(4)(d), these charges reflect the actual cost of labor and resources required. An estimate or good-faith deposit invoice will be provided in advance when feasible.

What types of payment does the Supervisor of Elections accept?

Cash or checks made out to Seminole County

Will a good-faith deposit invoice always be provided beforehand?

The office strives to issue a good-faith deposit invoice prior to extensive labor costs, but this is not always possible. Charges apply for actual resources used, even if a good-faith estimate was not provided before costs were incurred.

How can costs be reduced?

You can minimize costs by making your request specific. Use keywords and limit your request to a defined date range, individual(s), or event.

Is the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections the custodian of all public records for Seminole County?

No. The Supervisor of Elections is only the custodian of records generated or received in the course of conducting official elections-related business.

Can the Supervisor of Elections obtain records from another agency on my behalf?

No. Florida law requires each agency to maintain and provide access to its own records.

Does the Supervisor of Elections have to create a record if I request it?

No. Florida’s public records law requires agencies to provide access to existing records, not to create new ones.

If records are currently exempt, do I need to submit a new request later?

Yes. If your request is closed due to the records being exempt at the time, you must submit a new request at a later date when/if the records become public.

Does the Supervisor of Elections have to answer questions about the records?

No. The office is required to provide access to records, but not to explain their content.

Can the Supervisor of Elections give legal advice?

No. The Supervisor of Elections cannot provide legal advice. You should consult an attorney for legal questions.

What records are exempt?

Florida Statute §119.071 outlines numerous exemptions (e.g., cybersecurity, certain voter registration data, personal information of select public employees). For more, visit www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes.

How long will my request take?

Each request is unique. The timeline depends on the volume, nature of records, and any redactions needed. Payment of any invoices is required before further processing.

Can I set a deadline for my request?

No. Agencies must respond within a reasonable time but are not bound to external deadlines. Requests are handled in the order received.

Will my request be closed if I don’t respond or pay the invoice?

Yes. If payment or clarification is not received within 30 days, the request will be closed. Any unpaid invoices must be resolved before the office will process future requests.

Who should I contact with questions?

Attn: Custodian of Public Records

Seminole County Supervisor of Elections

1500 E. Airport Blvd.

Sanford, FL 32773

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 407-708-7717