In Summary:
Advocates for public access to government records say Florida’s once-strong transparency culture is fading as compliance with open records laws declines. Brechner Freedom of Information Project Director David Cuillier says research shows Florida has fallen into the bottom half of states for actual compliance over the past decade. With fewer advocacy groups and a struggling news industry applying pressure, experts warn that secrecy is growing and could have serious consequences for democracy and public trust.
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Advocates working to protect access to public information in Florida say the state's reputation for government transparency is fading. While the "Sunshine State" moniker is built on laws designed to guarantee public access, experts report that those laws are increasingly ignored.
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David Cuillier, director of the University of Florida’s Brechner Freedom of Information Project, said research reveals a troubling trend of growing secrecy at all levels of government. He warned this erosion threatens the tangible benefits transparency provides, from safer restaurants to lower taxes.
"Access in Florida used to be heralded as one of the best in the country," he explained. "And our research shows it's really gone downhill over the past 10, 15 years to where really it’s in the bottom half of the states now as far as actual compliance with public records laws."
Cuillier pointed to a national pattern of increasing government secrecy but notes Florida’s decline is particularly striking and says fewer advocacy groups and a struggling news industry have created a "perfect storm" where governments face less pressure to comply with open records laws. Cuillier warned the issue is not abstract but directly impacts democratic accountability and everyday life.
"What happens when that gets to zero percent and you can't find out what the government's up to, then that's when bad things happen," he continued." That's when governments start acting like Russia, North Korea, all sorts of countries where secrecy breeds bad actions by tyrants."
Some legislation aimed at improving access is proposed in Florida's upcoming legislative session. Cuillier encouraged residents to engage with the process and demand accountability to restore the state's legacy of openness.
Key Points:
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Transparency advocates say government agencies increasingly ignore Florida’s public records laws.
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Research shows Florida has dropped from a national leader to the bottom half of states in compliance.
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David Cuillier of the University of Florida warns that secrecy undermines real-world benefits like safer communities and lower costs for taxpayers.
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A decline in journalism and advocacy has reduced oversight and enforcement pressure.
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Proposed legislation in the upcoming session could improve access, but experts urge public engagement to restore accountability.
