“Florida lawmaker takes on DeSantis over public's right-to-know”

Written By Ana West

Tallahassee Democrat | Jan. 22, 2026

In response to the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration's slow-walking public records requests, a Florida lawmaker who's been publicly at odds with the governor is pushing against the sluggish turnarounds.

Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, filed legislation (HB 437) this session giving state agencies and similar record-keepers three business days to either pony up public records or give an alternate "good faith estimate" of how long they need.”

Key points:

  • A new bill would require Florida state agencies to move faster when responding to public records requests.

  • The proposed legislation comes amid criticism of the DeSantis administration for slow responses to such requests.

First Amendment advocates support the bill, stating it could help repair the state's "Sunshine Laws."

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Ana West
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