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NewsCreative Loafing TampaAugust 24, 2026Hillsborough

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice delays public records request for two years

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has failed to fulfill a public records request submitted by the Florida Phoenix for nearly two years. The department has provided no explanation for the delay or an estimated completion date, despite having fulfilled a similar request in 2024 within three months.

public recordsgovernment transparencyjuvenile justice
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Why It Matters

This delay impacts the public's ability to access government information and monitor the operations of the state's juvenile justice system.

Key Facts

  • The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has not fulfilled a public records request from the Florida Phoenix for nearly two years.
  • The department has not provided a reason for the delay.
  • The department has not provided an estimated completion date for the request.
  • The department previously fulfilled a nearly identical request in 2024 within three months.

Who's Mentioned

personMatt Walsh“Current secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice.”personEric Hall“Former secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice.”organizationFlorida Phoenix“The news organization that filed the public records requests.”personBobby Block“Executive director of the First Amendment Foundation.”organizationFlorida Department of Juvenile Justice“The state agency responsible for juvenile detention and education programs.”organizationFlorida Virtual School“Contracted provider for education programs in juvenile centers.”