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1. How do I contact the SWA's Public Records Custodian?

Public Records Custodian: 

Kathleen Levas 

klevas@swa.org 

561-640-4000 ext. 4606

561-640-3400 (FAX) 

7501 N. Jog Road 

West Palm Beach, FL 33412

Submit a Public Records Request online»

2. What are public records?

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes defines ’Public Records’ to mean all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency. Chapter 119 provides that public records are open to inspection by any person with the exception of those records designated exempt as detailed in Chapter 119 and other state statutes.

3. How can I request a public record?

To request verbally, call 561-640-4000 and ask for Kathy Levas (ext. 4606) during regular business hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To request in writing, complete the form and submit it online, email it, or print and fax it (561-640-3400) or mail to:

Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, Records Custodian, 7501 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33412

4. Are there fees involved in getting records?

Fees for public records are as follows:

Electronic records - No charge Single-sided copies - $0.15 each Double-sided copies - $0.20 each True copy certification (under Notary Seal) - $1 per certification Postage - By weight and delivery type Special Charge - If a request requires extensive use of information technology resources or clerical or supervisory assistance or a review by legal staff, then a special service charge may be imposed.

Payment for public records shall be collected before the materials are released or made available for inspection. You will be notified once estimated costs have been determined.

5. When will I get the records?

Florida law states that "an agency must acknowledge requests promptly and respond to such requests in good faith." This includes the time it takes to review the request, search, retrieve, and process records for release. Some requests may only take a few minutes while others may take weeks. The length of time it takes largely depends on activity, volume, and scope. The Solid Waste Authority is committed to providing requested records as quickly and efficiently as possible.

6. Where can I find more information about public records?

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes fully outlines public records laws, including a list of exemptions.

7. What is the policy regarding email communication and public records requests?

"Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing."