Public Records Request
To make the process easier, FAU offers a public records portal where you can submit your request online:
https://fau.justfoia.com/publicportal/
.
Submission through the portal is optional, as public records requests are not required to be made in writing.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact FAU’s public records custodian at 561-297-2452 or
publicrecords@fau.edu
.
Submit a Public Records Request
FAU may assess an "extensive use" charge for any public records request that requires extensive use of information technology resources, clerical or supervisory assistance, or both. FAU follows the Florida Governor’s Cost Recovery Plan.
Pursuant to section 119.07(4)(d), Florida Statutes, if the nature or volume of a public records request requires extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance, the University may charge a reasonable special service fee in addition to the actual cost of duplication. The fee is based on the actual costs incurred for personnel time, information technology resources, or both.
When possible, a good-faith deposit invoice will be provided prior to significant extensive use costs being incurred to fulfill public records requests.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I obtain student records?
- If you are a current or former student with questions about your student record, please contact the Registrar's office by accessing the following link: https://www.fau.edu/registrar/.
- If you are a current student, please use the following link to access FAU's One-Stop Shop for Student Services: https://onestop.fau.edu
What is a public record?
Under Florida Statute 119.011(12), a public record is all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by the University.
Does a public records request have to be in writing?
No. Public records requests do not have to be made in writing unless specifically required by statute. However, FAU receives many public records requests and to help us to streamline the process, we ask you to voluntarily make your request in writing.
How long does it take to fulfill a public records request?
Florida Statute 119.07(c) states that a custodian of public records must acknowledge requests to inspect or copy records promptly and respond to such requests in good faith. While the Public Records Act does not contain a specific time limit, the University must respond within a reasonable time-period, which includes 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 depends on the order in which the request is received relative to other outstanding public records requests, as well as the volume and scope of the request. FAU is committed to providing records as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Can I impose a response deadline upon my request?
No. FAU is obligated to respond to public records requests in a reasonable time. Your request will be handled in the order in which it is received, and as promptly as possible.
Are there duplication and materials costs to obtain records?
FAU follows the Florida Governor's Cost Recovery Plan. Pursuant to section 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, FAU may impose the following fees for material costs:
- One-sided Copy: $ 0.15 per page of not more than 8½ x 14 inches
- Double-sided copy: $ 0.20 per page of not more than 8½ x 14 inches
- All other copies Actual cost of duplication (material and supplies, not labor)
- CD-ROM: $0.85 each
- DVD: $1.15 each
- Certified Copies: $1.00 per page
- Packaging and shipping charges: Estimated costs may be changed to reflect actual cost incurred.
Can additional costs be assessed regarding a public records request?
Yes. FAU may assess an "extensive use" charge for any public records request that requires extensive use of information technology resources, clerical or supervisory assistance, or both. FAU follows the Florida Governor’s Cost Recovery Plan.
Pursuant to section 119.07(4)(d), Florida Statutes, if the nature or volume of a public records request requires extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance, the University may charge a reasonable special service fee in addition to the actual cost of duplication. The fee is based on the actual costs incurred for personnel time, information technology resources, or both.
When possible, a good-faith deposit invoice will be provided prior to significant extensive use costs being incurred to fulfill public records requests.
Does FAU have to create a record if I request it?
No. Florida’s public records law requires agencies to make available to the public only copies of records that already exist.
Does FAU have to answer questions I have about what is stated in records?
No. Florida’s public records law obligates agencies to provide copies of public records. It does not require agencies to “explain” records or answer questions based in the records’ content.
Will my request be closed if I don’t pay the invoice amount or return a response for clarification pertaining to my public records request?
Requests will be closed if a requesting party fails to pay the final or deposit invoice, or fails to respond to inquiries for clarification pertaining to a public records request after 30 days following the invoice or clarification inquiry.