Public Records

Chapter 119, Florida Statutes | Notice of the City of Fort Walton Beach Custodian of Public Records

The Custodian of Public Records for the City of Fort Walton Beach is the City Clerk. The City Clerk's office is the location where the City's public records are routinely created, maintained, requested, received, and sent. The City Clerk's Office and the City of Fort Walton Beach are committed to fulfilling your request as quickly and efficiently as is reasonably possible.

Kim Barnes, City Clerk
Fort Walton Beach City Hall
107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Phone: 850-833-9509
Email City Clerk

Public Records

Public records searches are now easier than ever at the City of Fort Walton Beach! Some records are already provided for the public on the City of Fort Walton Beach website and are readily available for viewing and downloading, such as agendas and minutes, budget information, and the City Charter. Search the FWB City Clerk's Archives for City contracts, ordinances, resolutions, historical meeting minutes, and more.

Can't find it in our archives? Contact us! The City Clerk works diligently to yield an accurate and timely response to your request, but please note the following:

  • Not all information requested may still be available if retention requirements have been met, as governed by the Florida Department of State.
  • Some searches are or may become extensive, which can require extra time to process.
  • Production of information may incur a charge. Please review the City's policy pertaining to Public Records Requests.
  • Request(s) should be as specific as possible and include details that aid in the search for your record(s)
  • (e.g. exact street address, time frame to search, the type of record/information you hope to acquire from this search).
  • A new record will not be specially created to satisfy a request.
  • Florida's public records law is very broad. Most written communications to/from City of Fort Walton Beach officials and staff are public records and are available to the public and to the media upon request. Email addresses and communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
  • Questions should be directed to the City Clerk's office. We are always happy to help! You can make your public record request electronically with JustFOIA, by phone, by mail, or in person.

Municipal Lien Searches

Since municipal lien searches involve researching information that may not be on public record, searches can take a considerable amount of time to complete. To avoid delays in the fast-paced world of real estate deals where deadlines are crucial, it is highly recommended that a municipal lien search is one of the absolute first things requested after the seller accepts the buyer's offer. Municipal lien searches should be requested through JustFOIA. Pre-payment is required before research begins. The City Clerk's office collaborates with other City departments to fulfill requests. Please allow 7 to 10 business days for completion. Requests should be as specific as possible, and you may communicate an impending closing date, but no guarantee can be offered that your search will be completed by the date you request.