The State Archives of Florida is the official repository for the public records of the State of Florida. The Archives is mandated by law to collect, preserve, and make available for research the historically significant records of the State, as well as private manuscripts, local government records, photographs, and other materials that complement the official State records.

There was no official State Archives before 1967. Following the United States' acquisition of Florida in 1821, the Territorial Legislative Council created the office of Keeper of the Public Archives; however, that position was abolished in 1848. Starting in 1925, the Florida State Library assumed archival functions within the state. Dr. Dorothy Dodd served as the first State Archivist and helped to preserve many early Florida records from destruction. Then in 1967, the Archives and History Act officially established the Florida State Archives. Originally located in the Old Leon County Jail, the State Archives moved to its current location, the R.A. Gray Building, in 1976. Today, the State Archives program is operated within the Division of Libraries and Information Services, under the Department of State.

Records at the State Archives are available to patrons in accordance with the laws of Florida and the operating rules of the Archives. All public records are open for use except for those specifically restricted by law or rule. You may obtain copies of the laws and rules regulating the Archives and access to the records of Florida government from the reference desk. Some personal papers or manuscript materials donated to the Archives may be subject to special conditions or restrictions imposed by the donor(s).

Chapter 119, 2009 Florida Statutes--Public Records Law ()

Chapter 257, 2009 Florida Statutes--Public Libraries and State Archives ()

Chapter 1B-11, Florida Administrative Code--Use of Archives and Archives Facilities

Chapter 1B-24, Florida Administrative Code--Public Records Scheduling and Disposition

Chapter 1B-26.003, Florida Administrative Code--Electronic Recordkeeping

Chapter 1B-26.0021, Florida Administrative Code--Microfilm Standards

Chapter 1B-31, Florida Administrative Code--Real Property Electronic Recording

Chapter 2.430-2.440 and Retention Schedule, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration -- Judicial Branch/Court records retention (PDF, 59 pages