First Amendment Foundation Sunshine Seminar

Ms. Harper's was extremely informative and interesting. I learned a lot that will help me in the future when I am researching different topics. There were a few points that Ms. Harper mentioned that caught my attention. The fact that agencies cannot charge you for viewing public records. This is something that if i would have gone out and attempted to get some type of public record and they asked me to pay a fee, I would have done it unknowingly. Thankfully, I now know that no agency or can charge for the viewing of the records. There a few exceptions that Ms, Harper spoke about, which is recreating the record for example on a CD. No agency can make any type of profit, they have to charge the actual amount, but as Stated in the handout that we received generally, a public agency may charge no more than 15 cents per page for copies up to 8 ½ x 14 inches, plus and additional 5 cents for two-sided copies.
Another interesting point is how vague certain definitions are, for example the definition of a public record is defined as all documents, papers, letter, 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. Like Ms. Harper stated that these definitions are fuzzy and can get confusing when claiming something public record, a post-it note can also be a form of public record. The challenge is how do you get everything.
There are also two types of sanctions for those who violate the Public Records Law. There can be a fine and/or fee if a public officer knowingly violates s. 119.07(1),F.S. Another sanction that is provided for violating the public records law is suspension and removal or impeachments, and can lead to imprisonment.
Overall Adria Harper was a great speaker and extremely knowledgeable about what she does. I look forward to having Ms. Harper as a resource for information about public records.