Can you take photos of jail records? Your rights at Hamilton County Jail under Florida law

Yes - Florida law gives you the right to photograph public records while they're still in the custodian's possession. This is useful when you need to document something quickly, whether to share with an attorney or keep for your own files, without waiting for official copies.

Having the right to photograph doesn't mean you can handle records however you like. You'll need to work under the custodian's supervision, and they can set reasonable rules for how photographing happens. Expect directions about where to stand, how to handle pages, what can't be moved, or when you can snap photos - all meant to protect the records and keep things orderly.

Florida law also controls where you can take photos. The default is simple: you photograph records in the room where they're kept. If that's not possible, the custodian can move you to another room as close as practical to where the records are stored. They get to decide what counts as "nearly adjacent."

There's a cost angle here too. If the custodian has to set up a separate room for you to photograph records, you're responsible for that expense - even if you're using your own phone or camera.

One exception: microfilm. The photographing provision covers conventional camera photography but doesn't extend to duplicating microfilm held by the clerk of the circuit court. In that case, the clerk may provide a copy of the microfilm instead of letting you duplicate it on the spot.

5

• ✓ Bring a fully charged phone/camera (and a backup power option if you have one).
• ✓ Use silent mode so you’re not disrupting staff while you photograph.
• ✓ Take a quick test photo first to make sure the text is readable before you continue.
• ✓ Photograph in order (top to bottom, page by page) so you can find things later.
• ✓ If you need a separate room or setup, ask upfront whether there will be an added expense.
• ✓ Build in extra time - supervised access can move at the custodian’s pace.