Hernando County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Hernando County?

Public records in Hernando County are defined according to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119, which states that all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency are considered public records. These records are available for inspection by any person unless specifically exempted by law.

Hernando County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family)
• Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates)
• Business records (licenses, permits, fictitious names)
• Tax records (property tax, assessment records)
• Voter registration and election records
• Meeting minutes and agendas (county commission, boards)
• Budget and financial documents
• Law enforcement records (arrest logs, incident reports - where allowed)
• Land use and zoning records

The Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller serves as the primary custodian for many county records, including court records, official records, and financial documents. Property records are maintained by the Hernando County Property Appraiser, while vital records are managed by the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County. Voter registration information is maintained by the Hernando County Supervisor of Elections.

Is Hernando County an Open Records County?

Hernando County fully complies with Florida's Public Records Law, making it an open records county. Under Florida Statutes § 119.01, it is the policy of the state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency.

The statute specifically states: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency." This establishes a presumption of openness for all government records in Florida, including those in Hernando County.

Hernando County also adheres to Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, codified in Florida Statutes § 286.011, which requires that meetings of public boards or commissions be open to the public, noticed, and minutes recorded.

The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners has established policies to ensure compliance with these laws, and county agencies are required to respond to public records requests promptly and in accordance with state law.

How to Find Public Records in Hernando County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Hernando County may utilize several methods to access information. The county provides multiple avenues for obtaining public records:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official websites:

   • The Hernando County Clerk's Official Records Search provides access to property records, court records, and other official documents.
   • The Property Appraiser's website offers property information and tax assessment records.
   • Voter information can be accessed through the Supervisor of Elections website.

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

   • For court records and official documents, visit the Clerk of Circuit Court.
   • For property information, visit the Property Appraiser's Office.
   • For vital records, visit the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County.

3. Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the specific agency that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:

   • Specific description of the records sought
   • Requestor's contact information
   • Preferred format for receiving records (electronic or paper)

4. Email Requests: Many departments accept public records requests via email. The county's public records request portal provides contact information for various departments.

5. Telephone Requests: Some records may be requested by telephone, though written requests are typically preferred for documentation purposes.

When making a request, individuals should be as specific as possible about the records they seek to facilitate prompt processing. Pursuant to Florida law, agencies are required to acknowledge requests promptly and provide records within a reasonable timeframe.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Hernando County?

Hernando County charges fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which establishes standard fee structures for public records throughout the state. Current fees include:

• Standard copies (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14"): $0.15 per one-sided copy
• Double-sided copies: $0.20 per copy
• Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus copy charges
• Large format copies (maps, blueprints): Actual cost of duplication

If the nature or volume of public records requested requires extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance, the county may charge a special service charge based on the cost actually incurred. This charge is in addition to the actual cost of duplication and must be reasonable and based on actual costs incurred.

Accepted payment methods include:

• Cash (in-person only)
• Check
• Money order
• Credit card (for certain departments and online services)

Some specialized records have statutorily prescribed fees:

• Certified copies of vital records (birth, death certificates): $14.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
• Marriage licenses: $86.00 ($61.00 with premarital course completion)
• Recording fees for official records: $10.00 for first page, $8.50 for each additional page

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances as determined by individual departments or when specifically provided for by law.

Does Hernando County Have Free Public Records?

Hernando County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with Florida law. Under Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), every person has the right to inspect public records at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions. This inspection is provided at no charge, though fees apply for copies or special services.

Free public records resources in Hernando County include:

• In-person inspection of records at the appropriate county office during regular business hours
• Online access to certain records through county websites:
  • Hernando County Clerk's Records Search (court dockets, case information, official records)
  • Property Appraiser's Property Search (property information, tax assessment data)
  • Board of County Commissioners meeting agendas and minutes
  • County budget documents
  • Supervisor of Elections voter information

The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County provides certain public health information online at no cost, though certified vital records require payment of statutory fees.

Additionally, the Hernando County Public Library System offers free public access to computers where residents can access online public records.

Who Can Request Public Records in Hernando County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records in Hernando County. As stated in Florida Statutes § 119.01(1), public records are open for inspection and copying "by any person." This broad access right has been consistently upheld by Florida courts.

Key points regarding eligibility to request records:

• Requestors do not need to be Florida residents
• Requestors do not need to provide identification for most records
• Requestors generally do not need to state a purpose or reason for their request
• Requestors may remain anonymous for most record types
• Requests may be made by individuals, organizations, businesses, or media

Certain exceptions apply to specific record types:

• Criminal history information may require identification of the requestor
• Records containing exempt information may require verification of eligibility to receive such information
• Certain vital records (such as birth certificates) may only be requested by the subject of the record, immediate family members, or legal representatives

For records containing both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact exempt information and provide the remainder of the record. When requesting your own records versus others' records, different identification requirements may apply depending on the record type and any applicable exemptions.

What Records Are Confidential in Hernando County?

While Florida maintains a strong public records law, certain records are exempt from disclosure under state statutes. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071, the following records are confidential or exempt in Hernando County:

• Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit/debit card numbers
• Medical and health information protected under HIPAA
• Personnel information for certain public employees (law enforcement officers, firefighters, judges, etc.)
• Home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of current or former law enforcement personnel
• Records related to active criminal investigations
• Juvenile criminal records (with certain exceptions)
• Child abuse reports and investigations
• Sealed and expunged criminal history records
• Adoption records
• Certain attorney work product and attorney-client privileged communications
• Security system plans and vulnerability assessments
• Trade secrets and confidential business information
• Certain examination and assessment instruments
• Victim information in sexual offense cases

The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24 provides for the right of access to public records but also acknowledges that certain exemptions may be established by law. When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact the exempt information and provide the remainder of the record.

Florida law requires that exemptions be narrowly construed and limited to their stated purpose. The county must state the basis for any denial of access to records, citing the specific statutory exemption.

Hernando County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
20 N Main Street, Room 362
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-4201
Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court

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

Recording Division (Official Records):
20 N Main Street, Room 362
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-4970

Court Records Division:
20 N Main Street, Room 362
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-4201

Hernando County Property Appraiser
201 Howell Avenue, Suite 300
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-4190
Hernando County Property Appraiser

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

Florida Department of Health in Hernando County
7551 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
(352) 540-6800
Florida Department of Health in Hernando County

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Environmental Public Health Services: Monday - Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Lookup Public Records in Hernando County

Florida Department of Health in Hernando County

Voter registration verification

Voter information and election records

Public records request resources

Driver license and motor vehicle services

Federal court records for Hernando County