If an email is made or received in connection with the transaction of public business, it is a public record regardless of whether it is created or stored on a public or a private computer, mobile device, or email system.
Q. How long do FOIA requests take?
Under the law, all federal agencies are required to respond to a FOIA request within 20 business days, unless there are “unusual circumstances.” This time period generally begins when the request is received by the FOIA office of the Department of Justice component that maintains the records sought.
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Q. What information is protected by FOIA?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides public access to all federal agency records except for those records (or portions of those records) that are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions or three exclusions (reasons for which an agency may withhold records from a requester).
Q. Does FOIA include text messages?
Texts and Emails in Personal Accounts Can Be Subject to FOIA Disclosure. The court held that the requested records are public records and, therefore, subject to FOIA disclosure. A record is a public record under FOIA if it meets two criteria. First, the record must pertain to public business rather than private affairs …
Q. Are emails Foiable?
Pursuant to these definitions, e-mails (depending on the content) may qualify as a “public record” under the Freedom of Information Act. The FOIA does not exempt those using private computers from the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act.
Q. Are emails public record in Florida?
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.
Q. Can personal cell phones be FOIA?
The court made it clear that regardless of how or when such communications were made, purely personal communications with no bearing on public business are not subject to FOIA.
