What constitutes 'public records' as per Florida law?

In Florida law, public records encompass a broad range of documents that are created, received, or maintained in the course of official business. The definition is intentionally expansive to ensure transparency and accountability in government operations.

The recognition that all reports, notes, or writings of a Code Inspector qualify as public records is based on the principle that these documents are created as part of the inspector's duties and serve as a means for the public to access information about governmental processes and decisions. This openness in documenting and providing access to records ensures that the community can hold officials accountable and engage with government operations.

Public records may include a variety of formats, including written documents, electronic files, and even audiovisual materials. However, they must be created or received in connection with official functions. The exclusion of confidential communications within government agencies and the narrower scopes of the other choices reinforce the understanding that not all government-related documents fall under public access, emphasizing the importance of the specific role and outputs of officials, such as the Code Inspector, in contributing to the public record.