Public Records Policy

The City of Chipley’s policy is to retain public records in accordance with Florida Law. It is also the policy of the city to allow any person to access public records in accordance with Florida law.

What is A Public Record?

 
“Public Record” means 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. (Florida Statute 119.011(12))

By way of example, computer records, e-mails, social media entries, tape recordings, text messages, voicemails, and instant messages are public records when they are made or received by a city employee in connection with official city business and are used to perpetuate, communicate, or formalize knowledge. 

Custodian of Records

In compliance with Florida Statute 119.12(2), the records custodians for the City of Chipley, for purposes of submitting a request for copies of public records, or to inspect same, pursuant to the Florida Public Records Act, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, are as follows:
Municipal Government:
City Clerk
Chipley City Hall
1442 Jackson Avenue
Post Office Box 1007
Chipley, Florida 32428
Phone: (850) 638-6350
Email:  ptanner@cityofchipley.com
Police Department:
Police Chief
Chipley Police Department
1430 Jackson Avenue
Post Office Box 1007
Chipley, Florida 32428
Phone:  (850) 638-6310
Email:  sthompson@cityofchipley.com
Fire Department:
Fire Chief
Chipley Fire Department
1430 Jackson Avenue
Post Office Box 1007
Chipley, Florida 32428
Phone:  (850) 638-6301
Email:  faycock@cityofchipley.com

Public Record Requests

  
There are many ways that you can make a public records request, including:

• In person (verbally or in writing)
• Email
• Telephone call
• In writing via mail service (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.)

You have the right to remain anonymous, but please be aware that staff may ask for your name and/or contact information in order to follow up with you later.

Exemptions

State law has designated certain materials or information as exempt or confidential. If the public record contains confidential information, that information must be redacted before the remaining information can be released. Depending on the volume of records that require review for such exempt or confidential information, a special service charge may be assessed. To view what qualifies as an exemption, please view Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Manual, as provided by the Florida Attorney General.

Please feel free to stop by, call or email the City Clerk’s Office if you have any questions or if you need any additional information regarding Public Records.