How do I submit a public records request?

If you wish to review or request reproduction of available public records, you may submit a request by any of the following methods:

• E-mail via EPCINFO (epcinfo@epchc.org)
• Telephone: Main number 813-627-2600
• U.S. Mail
• In person

Disclaimer: Under Florida law, you do not have to submit a request in writing or identify yourself. You may make a verbal request by calling the main number listed above. However, providing us with some method of contact is necessary for us to be able to provide you with a response to your request.

If you choose to make your request via phone and know which EPC Division maintains the records, please call the phone extension below for that Division or ask to be transferred to the appropriate Division when calling the EPC main phone number. If your request is for agency-wide records, please contact the Legal Department.

Public record searches are conducted based on the information that you provide to us. When submitting a request make sure to provide enough information to facilitate our search and reduce any associated costs (such as the property address, folio number, name of facility, subject matter, etc.).

Will I have to pay for public records?

Per Chapter 119, F.S. an agency may charge for the costs incurred in response to a public records request if the nature or volume of public records requested to be inspected or copied will require extensive use of technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance by personnel of the agency involved, or both. 

For record requests that require less than one hour of staff time to fulfill, no charges will be assessed.  Requests that require more than one hour of staff time to fulfill are considered to be extensive and will be subject to labor costs.  This is EPC policy and is subject to change, thus please consult staff for the most current procedure.

In addition, reproduction costs established by Statute for administrative supplies such as paper, ink or postage will be assessed if applicable.

If charges are anticipated based upon the nature of the request, staff will provide an estimate to the requester.  Payment for any associated costs must be received prior to the release of the records.

How is access provided?

Access to public records that exist in electronic format, which are not exempted by law from public disclosure, will be made available via electronic means.

Access to public records that exist in paper format are available for inspection during normal business hours, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, under supervision of the record custodian. It is not necessary to make an appointment to inspect paper records; however, it is recommended to assist in the search and to ensure compliance with the supervisory requirement. Please be advised certain records are exempted by law from public disclosure and EPC staff must review the responsive records to your request for exempted records prior to inspection.

Copies of paper records will be furnished upon payment of any applicable fees established by Statute. See Chapter 119, F. S.. Scanned copies of paper records will be subject to labor costs if the time required for conversion exceeds one hour. 

Please Note: other Federal, State or Local government entities, such as Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Health, US EPA, US Army Corps, etc. may also maintain records relevant to your inquiry.