Public Records, university financial operating budget

Mr. Donato A. Pietrodangelo
Student Body President
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida 32306

Dear Mr. Pietrodangelo:

This is in response to your letter requesting my opinion on the following questions:

1. Is the financial operating budget of the athletic department of Florida State University a public record within the meaning of Section 119.011, Florida Statutes and open for a personal inspection by any citizen of Florida?

2. Do the public meeting provisions of Florida Statutes 286.011 apply to meetings of policy making boards or committees within a university?

I regret that I must decline to provide you with an official opinion since I am only authorized to provide such opinions to public offices designated by law. However, informally, it is my opinion that the financial operating budget mentioned in the first question is a public record within the meaning of Section 119.011, Florida Statutes.

The answer to the second question would depend upon the nature of the particular policy making board of committee involved and it is impossible for me to speculate as to the answer to the second question without having more complete facts at hand. In an effort to be of some assistance I am enclosing two of my opinions, AGO 071-32 and AGO 071-380 which discuss the question in considerable detail.

I trust that you understand the limitation upon my authority to respond in this matter and I hope that you will not hesitate to call on me regarding future matters of concern to you.

Sincerely,



Robert L. Shevin
Attorney General

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