Osceola County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Osceola County?

Public records in Osceola County encompass a wide range of official documents and information maintained by county government agencies pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. These records are created, received, or maintained by government agencies in the course of official business. The Osceola County government maintains the following categories of public records:

Property Records - Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property transfers recorded and maintained by the Osceola County Clerk & Recorder
Court Records - Civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and family court case files, judgments, and court orders
Vital Records - Marriage licenses and certificates (birth and death certificates are maintained by the Florida Department of Health)
Tax Records - Property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies managed by the Osceola County Tax Collector
Property Assessments - Property valuations, homestead exemptions, and tax rolls maintained by the Osceola County Property Appraiser
Law Enforcement Records - Arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office
County Commission Records - Meeting minutes, resolutions, ordinances, and official actions
Land Use and Zoning Records - Building permits, zoning applications, and land development records
Business Records - Fictitious name registrations, business licenses, and occupational licenses
Election Records - Voter registration information, election results, and campaign finance reports
Geographic Information System (GIS) Data - Maps, parcel information, and spatial data available through Osceola County GIS

Is Osceola County an Open Records County?

Osceola County is indeed an open records county, operating in compliance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. This constitutional provision, approved by Florida voters in 1992, guarantees the public's right to access government records and meetings.

Pursuant to § 119.01, F.S., all county records made or received in connection with official business are considered public records and must be made available for inspection and copying by any person, unless specifically exempted by law. The Florida Supreme Court has interpreted this law to mean that public records are "all materials made or received by an agency in connection with official business which are used to perpetuate, communicate, or formalize knowledge."

Osceola County's commitment to transparency is formalized in its Public Records Policy, which states: "It is the policy of Osceola County that all county records shall be open for personal inspection by any person, at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions, and at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided by law, unless otherwise provided by law."

The county maintains a dedicated Public Records Portal to facilitate citizen access to government information, demonstrating its adherence to open government principles.

How Do I Find Public Records in Osceola County in 2025

Members of the public seeking records in Osceola County in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate and obtain public information. The county has implemented a multi-channel approach to records access:

Online Access - Many records are available through the county's digital platforms:
- The Osceola County Clerk's Official Records Search provides 24/7 access to recorded documents
- Property information can be searched through the Property Appraiser's database
- Court records are accessible via the Clerk's case search system
- GIS mapping and property data is available through the county's geographic information portal
Public Records Request Portal - For records not available online, individuals may submit formal requests through the county's Public Records Request Portal. This centralized system allows tracking of requests and digital delivery of responsive documents.
In-Person Visits - Citizens may visit the appropriate county office during business hours:
- Clerk of Court for court and official records
- Property Appraiser for assessment records
- Tax Collector for tax payment records
- Sheriff's Office for law enforcement records
Written Requests - Public records requests may be submitted in writing to the custodial department. Requests should include:
- Specific description of records sought
- Preferred format for receiving records
- Contact information for follow-up
Agency-Specific Portals - Specialized records may be accessed through department websites:
- Sheriff's Office for incident reports and arrest information
- Tax Collector for property tax records
- Building Department for permits and inspections

For assistance with locating specific records, the Osceola County Records Management Division can provide guidance on record locations and availability.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Osceola County?

Osceola County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.07(4), which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees to recover the actual cost of duplication and labor when applicable. The current fee schedule for public records in Osceola County is as follows:

Standard Copies
- Letter/Legal size (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14"): $0.15 per single-sided page
- Double-sided copies: $0.20 per page
- 11" x 17" copies: $0.25 per page
Certified Copies
- Court records: $2.00 per document plus copy charges
- Official records: $1.00 per document plus copy charges
Electronic Records
- Records provided via email or download: No charge for transmission
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- USB drive: Actual cost of the storage device
Special Service Charges
- Extensive use of agency resources (requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time): $20.00 per hour after the first 30 minutes
- Information technology resources: Actual cost based on staff hourly rate
Specialized Records
- Large format maps/plans: $5.00 per sheet
- Aerial photographs: $10.00 per image
- Audio recordings: $1.00 per CD plus $1.00 per 15 minutes of recording

Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card. For online requests, credit card payments are processed through the county's secure payment portal. Prepayment may be required for requests exceeding $10.00 in estimated costs.

The county will provide a cost estimate for requests that may incur substantial fees before proceeding with record production. Requestors have the option to narrow their request to reduce costs if desired.

Does Osceola County Have Free Public Records?

Osceola County does provide certain public records at no cost to requestors, particularly those available through online self-service portals. The following records are accessible without charge:

Online Searchable Databases
- Basic property information through the Property Appraiser's website
- Court case dockets and basic case information via the Clerk's online portal
- County Commission meeting agendas and minutes
- GIS map viewers and basic parcel information
- Election results and voter precinct information
Small Records Requests
- Requests requiring minimal staff time (less than 30 minutes) and resulting in fewer than 10 pages may be provided at no charge at the discretion of the department
- Electronic records that can be emailed without extensive staff time for retrieval or redaction
Public Inspection
- In-person inspection of records during regular business hours is available at no charge
- Members of the public may use personal devices to photograph records during inspection at no cost
Statutorily Exempt Records
- Veterans' discharge papers (DD-214) provided to the veteran or eligible family members
- Certain records provided to indigent persons as defined by Florida law

The Florida Courts Self-Help Center also provides free access to court forms and procedural information for self-represented litigants. Additionally, public access computers are available at county facilities and public libraries for citizens to access online records at no charge.

Who Can Request Public Records In Osceola County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request access to public records maintained by Osceola County. The statute defines "any person" broadly to include:

Individual citizens
Non-citizens and foreign nationals
Corporations, partnerships, and other business entities
Non-profit organizations
Media representatives
Government agencies and officials
Incarcerated individuals
Anonymous requestors

Florida law specifically states that a requestor is not required to:

Provide identification
State a reason or purpose for the request
Make the request in writing (though written requests are recommended for documentation purposes)
Disclose their name or contact information

The Florida Office of the Attorney General has issued advisory opinions confirming that agencies may not require requestors to complete forms or provide personal information as a condition of accessing public records. However, if a special service charge applies due to extensive use of resources, the agency may require contact information for billing purposes.

Osceola County may ask requestors to clarify the scope of their request to facilitate efficient retrieval of records, but such clarification cannot be mandated as a prerequisite for processing the request. The county must respond to all requests in good faith, regardless of the requestor's identity or purpose.

What Records Are Confidential In Osceola County?

While Florida maintains a strong public records law, certain records are exempt from disclosure by statute. Osceola County is required to withhold or redact the following confidential information pursuant to various provisions of Florida law:

Personal Information
- Social Security numbers (§ 119.071(5)(a), F.S.)
- Bank account, debit, credit, and charge card numbers (§ 119.071(5)(b), F.S.)
- Medical and health information (§ 456.057, F.S.)
- Personal information of certain government employees including law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and their families (§ 119.071(4)(d), F.S.)
Public Safety Records
- Active criminal investigative information (§ 119.071(2)(c), F.S.)
- Security system plans and vulnerability assessments (§ 119.071(3), F.S.)
- Certain emergency response plans (§ 119.071(3)(a), F.S.)
Juvenile Records
- Juvenile offender records except as provided in § 985.04, F.S.
- Child abuse reports and investigations (§ 39.202, F.S.)
- Adoption records (§ 63.162, F.S.)
Business Information
- Trade secrets (§ 815.045, F.S.)
- Sealed bids and proposals until decision or intended decision (§ 119.071(1)(b), F.S.)
Court Records
- Records sealed or expunged by court order (§ 943.0585 and § 943.059, F.S.)
- Certain family court records including domestic violence injunctions (§ 741.30, F.S.)
- Baker Act and Marchman Act proceedings (§ 394.4615 and § 397.501, F.S.)
Voter Information
- Certain voter registration information for protected individuals (§ 97.0585, F.S.)
- Information regarding voters who are victims of stalking or domestic violence (§ 741.465, F.S.)

The Florida Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Florida Department of Public Health maintain additional confidentiality provisions for records under their jurisdiction. The Florida Secretary of State provides guidance on records retention and confidentiality requirements for local governments.

Osceola County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller
2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000
Kissimmee, FL 34741
407-742-3500
Osceola County Clerk of Courts

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Recording Department Direct Line:
407-742-3530

Branch Office - Celebration:
851 Celebration Avenue
Celebration, FL 34747
407-742-3500
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Branch Office - St. Cloud:
1300 9th Street
St. Cloud, FL 34769
407-742-3500
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Recording Department accepts documents for recording between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Documents submitted after 4:30 PM will be recorded the following business day. Electronic recording services are available through approved third-party vendors for qualified submitters.

For assistance with accessing court records, contact the Court Records Department at 407-742-3500. For marriage license information, contact the Marriage License Department at 407-742-3530. Passport services are available by appointment only; please call 407-742-3580 to schedule.