Florida § 257.38 - Manuscripts or other archival material; public records exemption.

Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 257.38 — Manuscripts or other archival material; public records exemption., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 257.38. Manuscripts or other archival material; public records exemption.

(1) For purposes of this section, “nonpublic manuscript or other archival material” means a manuscript or archival material that is not otherwise made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any governmental agency. (2) All public records transferred to the custody of the division shall be subject to the provisions of s. 119.07(1), except that any public record or other record provided by law to be confidential or prohibited from inspection by the public shall be made accessible only after a period of 50 years from the date of the creation of the record. (3) Any nonpublic manuscript or other archival material which is placed in the keeping of the division under special terms and conditions shall be made accessible only in accordance with such terms and conditions and shall be exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) to the extent necessary to meet the terms and conditions for a nonpublic manuscript or other archival material. (4) Any nonpublic manuscript or other archival material that is donated to and held by an official archive of a municipality or county contingent upon special terms and conditions that limit the right to inspect or copy such manuscript or other material is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, except as otherwise provided in the special terms and conditions. A nonpublic manuscript or other archival material received under special terms and conditions as authorized by this subsection shall be made available for inspection and copying 50 years after the date of the creation of the nonpublic manuscript or other archival material, at an earlier date specified in the special terms or conditions, or upon a showing of good cause before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Source: official Florida text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 257.38

What does Florida Statutes § 257.38 cover?

Section 257.38 ("Manuscripts or other archival material; public records exemption.") is part of the Florida Statutes, the codified statutory law of Florida. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Florida § 257.38?

A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 257.38" (Florida). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Florida law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Florida official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Florida attorney.

How does Florida § 257.38 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Florida can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Florida.