Osceola County Public Records
What Is Public Records in The Osceola County?
Public records in Osceola County refer to documents, files, and information created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public according to Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). These records include court documents, property records, marriage licenses, tax information, meeting minutes, and various other official documents maintained by the Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller.
The Osceola County Clerk's Office, led by Kelvin Soto, Esq., is the primary custodian of many public records in the county. Their Records Center manages and preserves paper-based records dating back to 1882, ensuring historical documentation is maintained for public access.
Office of Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller: 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Is Osceola County an Open Records County?
Yes, Osceola County is an open records county. Florida has some of the most comprehensive public records laws in the United States, often referred to as "Sunshine Laws." These laws ensure government transparency by making most records created or maintained by government agencies available to the public.
Osceola County adheres to Florida's Public Records Law, which establishes the right of every person to inspect and copy any public record. The county provides multiple avenues for accessing these records, including in-person requests, mail, email, and online platforms.
Osceola County Administration Building: 1 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741
How Do I Find Public Records in Osceola County in 2025
In 2025, Osceola County offers several methods to access public records:
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Online Access: The Osceola Clerk's website provides access to many records through their online portal. Court records, official records, and other documents can be searched and viewed electronically.
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In-Person Requests: Visit the Osceola County Courthouse or relevant department offices to request records in person.
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Written Requests: Submit a public records request form by mail or email to the appropriate county department.
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Records Request Portal: Use the county's dedicated public records request system on their official website.
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Specialized Databases: Access specific record types through specialized databases, such as property records through the Property Appraiser's Office or tax records through the Tax Collector's Office.
Osceola County Records Center: 2505 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Osceola County?
Osceola County charges fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statutes. The standard fees include:
- $1.00 per page for regular copies (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14")
- $15.00 per certification of records
- Special service charges may apply for extensive requests requiring significant staff time (typically when the time exceeds 30 minutes)
- Electronic records may have different fee structures depending on the format and delivery method
The county may waive fees for small requests or when the total cost is minimal. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and in some cases, credit cards for online requests.
Osceola County Tax Collector's Office: 2501 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Does Osceola County Have Free Public Records?
Osceola County does provide some public records for free:
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Online Viewing: Many records can be viewed online at no cost through the Clerk's website, though downloading or printing may incur fees.
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Public Inspection: You can inspect records in person at no charge during regular business hours.
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Limited Free Copies: Some departments may provide a small number of copies for free before charging fees.
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Public Access Terminals: The courthouse and some county offices have public terminals where records can be accessed for free.
However, most physical copies, certified documents, and extensive research requests will incur the standard fees outlined in the previous section.
Osceola County Property Appraiser's Office: 2505 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Who Can Request Public Records In Osceola County?
Under Florida's Public Records Law, anyone can request public records in Osceola County, regardless of:
- Citizenship status
- Age (though minors may face some practical limitations)
- Residency (you don't need to be a Florida resident)
- Purpose or reason for the request
Requesters are not required to:
- Identify themselves
- Provide a reason for their request
- Make the request in writing (though written requests can help document the process)
- Use any specific form (though the county provides forms to facilitate the process)
Government agencies cannot ask why you want the records or require you to reveal your identity as a condition of accessing public records.
Osceola County Sheriff's Office: 2601 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744
What Records Are Confidential In Osceola County?
While Florida has strong public records laws, certain records in Osceola County are confidential or exempt from disclosure by state statute. These include:
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Personal Information: Social Security numbers, bank account details, and certain personal identifying information.
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Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws.
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Juvenile Records: Many records related to minors, especially in the juvenile justice system.
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Active Investigations: Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations.
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Security Information: Building security plans, computer security information, and similar sensitive data.
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Certain Personnel Records: Home addresses, phone numbers, and family information of specific public employees (law enforcement, judges, etc.).
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Sealed or Expunged Records: Court records that have been legally sealed or expunged.
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Adoption Records: Documents related to adoption proceedings.
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Certain Financial Information: Trade secrets, proprietary business information, and some economic development records.
The county is required to redact confidential information from records before releasing them to the public.
Osceola County Health Department: 1875 Fortune Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Lookup Public Records in Osceola County
For more information about public records in Osceola County, please visit these official resources:
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Office of Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller - The official website providing access to various public records and court services.
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Request a Public Record - Osceola County Courthouse - Information on how to request public records, including available record types and the request process.
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Records Center - Osceola County Courthouse - Details about the management and storage of paper-based records, including historical documents dating back to 1882.
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Make a Public Records Request - Osceola County - Outlines the process for making public records requests, including available record types and associated costs.
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County Clerk of The Court - Osceola County - Overview of services offered by the County Clerk, including access to court records, tax deeds, and marriage licenses.
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Upcoming Foreclosure Sales - Information on upcoming foreclosure sales in Osceola County.
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Animal Cruelty Reports - Reports on animal cruelty cases in Osceola County.