Florida has one of the most open public records laws in the nation. In the state of Florida, anyone may request public records from a government agency. The public record law states that any records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection unless specifically exempted by the Florida legislature. Some records are exempt from public disclosure and protected by law.
Records in the Supervisor of Elections Office are maintained according to their retention schedule, in compliance with the public records law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and applicable Election Law (Chapters 97-106, Florida Statutes). Canvassing Board meetings held in the Supervisor of Elections Office through the course of an election cycle are open to the public and subject to the Sunshine Law. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend Canvassing Board meetings to observe the electoral process in action.
PUBLIC RECORDS CUSTODIAN
Use the contact information below to request a public record from the Supervisor of Elections Office:
Indian River County Supervisor of Elections
Public Records Custodian
Maureen Houssell
Phone: (772) 226-4706
Email: [email protected]
A requester is not required to give a name or reason for the request of public records. Public records requests may be placed in writing, by mail, e-mail, fax, in person, or phone. Please be aware that requests for public records themselves are open to disclosure. Written communications to or from county officials constitute public records and are available to the public and media upon request unless the information is subject to a specific statutory exemption.
Outstanding Public Records Requests are considered closed after 30 days upon no response from the requestor to the Supervisor of Elections correspondences. An email will be sent acknowledging the closing of the request.
VOTER REGISTRATION RECORDS
Many people are not aware that most voter registration records are open to public disclosure. In addition to voter registration records, candidates and political committees may also receive information of voters who choose to vote by mail. A voter's social security number, driver's license number, signature and the source of registration are always protected from disclosure. This personal information is exempt from disclosure and is never provided to a request for records by the Supervisor of Elections office.
VOTER REGISTRATION - EXEMPTIONS
Florida law allows certain persons to request that an agency not publicly disclose specific identification and/or location information contained in any of its agency records. If you meet eligibility requirements as defined in law, your voter registration may be eligible for exemption. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, judges and judicial officers are eligible for protection, and many others are eligible. Use the form below to learn more and apply for an exemption with the Elections Office.
Public Records Exemption Request Form
ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM
Victims of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery or domestic violence may be eligible for the address confidentiality program through the Florida Attorney General's office. Contact the Attorney General at (850) 414-3990 for more information about this program detailed in section 741.465, Florida Statutes.