Secrecy on the Rise: How Government Transparency is Fading in the U. S.
The Challenge of Accessing Public Records in Florida
In the U.S., accessing government information has become increasingly difficult, particularly since the second Trump term began. Florida, once a leader in openness, now imposes significant barriers to obtaining public records. High fees and low success rates highlight the state's regression.
High Costs and Low Success Rates
Florida charges exorbitant fees for public records, averaging $1,623—second only to Oregon. These fees, intended to cover costs, often appear arbitrary and deter requesters. Even after payment, obtaining the desired records is not guaranteed. In 2019, Florida only fulfilled 39% of requests, dropping to 34% by 2026.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Legislative Efforts
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has not improved transparency. While urging cities to be more open, it conceals its own records. Some lawmakers propose strengthening public records laws, but these efforts may fall short. States like Ohio and Pennsylvania have stronger laws with better enforcement.
Federal Government Under Trump: A Shift Toward Secrecy
The problem extends to the federal level. The Trump administration has reduced transparency, making it harder to access government documents. Despite frequent public statements, the administration has:
- Reduced FOIA requests
- Removed key websites
- Dismissed staff handling requests
Growing Backlogs and Dissolved Committees
FOIA request backlogs have surged, with unresolved requests increasing by 67% in 2026. Processing times for simple requests nearly doubled. The Open Government Federal Advisory Committee, established to improve FOIA, was also disbanded.
A Threat to the Freedom of Information Act
Florida and the U.S. are trending toward greater secrecy, contradicting the Freedom of Information Act's (FOIA) principles. As Lyndon B. Johnson stated, FOIA was designed for an open society where the public's right to know is safeguarded. Today, that right is under threat.
