In early October, WKMG reports that journalists sent public records requests for the communications of Florida Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, during his first two weeks in the position.
Seven months later, the Department of Health still hasn’t provided the records. In fact, WKMG reports that the Department hasn’t responded to the last seven emails from the news station asking for an update or an appointment to view the documents in person.
Agencies must respond to records requests in good faith, and the only delay permitted is the limited reasonable time to retrieve the records and redact exempt portions.