Public Records

The City of Hollywood responds to public record requests in compliance with the Florida State Statute 119.

The most efficient way to request public records from the City of Hollywood is through the link below. This portal helps the City efficiently administer and manage public records requests, and it provides the public with convenient 24-hour access to request and to receive public records requests.

Vital records such as birth, death, marriage, divorce and real estate records should be accessed through the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division.

 Records relating to property tax should be accessed through the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office.

Submit/View Records Requests
Submit and review public records requests online 

The City Clerk is the City of Hollywood’s custodian of public records. Pursuant to Section 119.12, Florida Statutes, the contact information for the City of Hollywood’s custodian of public records is to be prominently posted on the City of Hollywood’s website.

The contact information for the City of Hollywood’s City Clerk is: 

Patricia A. Cerny, MMC, City Clerk
Hollywood City Hall
2600 Hollywood Blvd, Room 221
Hollywood, Florida  33020
954.921.3211 (Tel)
pcerny@hollywoodfl.org

The Records Manager is the Hollywood Police Department's custodian of public records. Pursuant to Section 119.12, Florida Statutes, the contact information for the Hollywood Police Department's custodian of public records is to be prominently posted in the administrative building where the Hollywood Police Department's public records are routinely created, sent, received, maintained and requested.

The contact information for the Police Records Manager is:
Yilan Serrano, Records Supervisor
Hollywood Police Department Records Section
3250 Hollywood Blvd, 3rd Floor
Hollywood, Florida  33020
954-967-4480 (Tel)
yserrano@hollywoodfl.org

FAQs

Who can request public records?

It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency. - s.119.01(1), F.S. The requesters do not have to identify themselves or state the reason they desire the records. Although the public records act does not require requests be submitted in writing, doing so provides real practical benefits to the requester ensuring they have an accurate record of what is requested.

What records can the City of Hollywood provide?

While there are some exemptions, generally speaking, any document or correspondence made or received in connection with City business is a public record. Florida Statutes defines "public records" as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency"

How can I request public records at the lowest possible cost?

When it takes less than 15 minutes of staff time and no significant resources are expended, there is no labor charge for providing records, only the cost of copying the records. When making a request you may keep costs down by being specific about exactly what records you want, the time frame you want and any qualifying details. This will be very helpful in ensuring that the search we conduct, and records you receive, best meet your needs at the lowest cost to both you and the City. We often work with requestors to help narrow searches that seem overly broad in scope. Feel free to contact us if we can assist you wtih refining your request.

How long does it take to fulfill a public records request?

Florida law states that an agency must respond within a "limited reasonable time." This is the time it takes to review the request, search, retrieve and process records for release. Some requests may only take a few minutes while others may take weeks. The length of time it takes largely depends on activity, volume and scope, but the City is committed to providing requested records as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What types of records are exempt from the Public Records Act?

Personal bank account numbers, debit, charge and credit card numbers; social security numbers; work products related to preparation for collective bargaining negotiations; documents related to pending or threatened litigation; complaints relating to discrimination, discipline & employee performance while under investigation, if the complaint is inactive or the complaint is part of a court proceeding; sealed competitive bids or proposals until the City provides notice of a decision or within 30 days after bid opening (whichever is earlier); home addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers and photographs of active or former law enforcement personnel, firefighters, their spouses' place of employment and names and locations of schools and day care facilities of their children are a few examples of exempt records.