FL H0437

Requires public records custodians to respond within 3 business days by either providing records, giving a good faith time/cost estimate, or citing specific statutory exemptions for denial; agencies cannot charge fees if they miss this deadline

Expands the definition of "actual cost of duplication" to include clerical/supervisory assistance and IT costs, capped at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid capable personnel; prohibits charging fees for requests requiring less than 30 minutes to fulfill

Prohibits agencies from charging fees for records previously disclosed under another request, for review/redaction of exempt information, or for the first 10 hours of work on requests serving public purposes (journalism, nonprofits, academic research)

Establishes civil penalty up to $500 for violations and first-degree misdemeanor charges for willful/knowing violations; courts must assess double damages plus $200/day penalty against agencies showing intentional disregard or pattern of abuse

Mandates courts award attorney fees and enforcement costs to requesters when agencies unlawfully refuse access; removes prior requirement that complainants provide 5 business days' written notice before filing suit