Terene L. Sanders, CFE – Records Custodian
pa-publicrecords@pbcpao.gov
301 N. Olive Ave., 5th Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

A "Public Record" is defined in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the 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 any agency.

Any document, whether physical or electronic, that is created in connection with the transaction of official business by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s office is subject to public records disclosure, unless it is exempt by law as defined in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

In order for us to furnish a public record, it must be one that this office maintains. If a record exists, the public has a right view it and obtain a copy, if desired. As long as it is a record we maintain (and is not otherwise exempt), we will make it available in response to a public records request.

There are certain types of public records that are exempt from public inspection. These are defined in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and can include things such as annuity contracts, income and expense data, complaints, performance evaluations, medical information, and social security numbers. When a public record contains both non-exempt and exempt information the agency is required by state law to redact (remove) the information which is exempt from public access.

There may be cost associated with obtaining public records. If the amount of time needed to satisfy a public records request exceeds a half hour, a fee will be charged equal to the rate of the person doing the work.

If extensive data processing and/or clerical assistance is needed, the statute also allows for a special service charge to recover for such extensive use of personnel and information technology resources.

A vast majority of our public record information is freely available on this website. Before making a public records request, be sure to check our website and the wide array of reports and record searches it provides.