| Anyone may request to review DERM’s files relevant to a particular property. The procedure for requesting to review a file may vary depending upon the plans or permits that apply to that property.
Pollution Control Division File Review
Contact the File System Manager at vandyt@miamidade.gov or
305-372-6718
Provide appropriate identification for the property such as:
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Address
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Folio number
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FDEP permit number
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Schedule an appointment to view the files. Files are typically available within a week, depending on the volume of clients.
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Copies of up to 20 pages of the file are available at $0.15 per page. If copies of more than 20 pages are needed, the file will be sent to a DERM contracted copy service. The client will be responsible for all charges.
The Pollution Control Division files include:
- Industrial Waste permits
- Storage Tank permits
- Site Assessments and Clean-up (Remediation) Plans
- Multiple Source Permits
- Facilities that have additional permits from other DERM Divisions will be informed of the relevant Divisions to contact.
Florida Government in the Sunshine: The Public Records Law
In 1967, the Florida Legislature passed two important laws:
- Chapter 286 of the Florida statutes commonly referred to as the Sunshine Law which prohibits elected officials from meeting behind closed doors to decide matters that affect the citizens they represent.
- Every person who has custody of a public record will allow the record to be inspected and examined by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public record or a designee.” F.S. 119.07(1) (a), (b).
The Sunshine and Public Records Laws apply to all state, county and municipal government agencies. The Public Records Law gives the public access to documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, or other material prepared or received in connection with government agency business. Even draft documents are covered if they were prepared to perpetuate communicate or formalize knowledge.
Any person can inspect and request copies of state and local public records. An individual does not need to state a purpose or special interest to obtain access to a record, and does not have to provide identification.
To review a public record one must only request it from the custodian in charge of the office where the records are maintained. The request should be as specific as possible and although a verbal request is sufficient, a written request is preferable.
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