How to File a Public Records Request in Mobile, Alabama

What Is the Alabama Open Records Act?

The Alabama Open Records Act, codified at Code of Alabama §§ 36-12-40 through 36-12-46, establishes that every Alabama resident has the right to inspect and take a copy of any public record of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by law. This right applies to records held by state and local government agencies, including cities like Mobile.

Public records under the Act encompass a wide range of government documents: meeting minutes, contracts, permits, budgets, correspondence (including emails), police reports, inspection records, and any other documents created or received by public officials in the course of their duties. The Act was significantly amended in 2024 by Act 2024-278, which for the first time established mandatory timelines for agencies to acknowledge and respond to records requests.

Alabama law does recognize several categories of exempt records, including library circulation records, security plans and critical infrastructure information, ongoing criminal investigations, attorney-client privileged materials, and certain personnel records. However, the Alabama Supreme Court has consistently held that there is a presumption in favor of disclosure, and the burden of proof falls on the agency to justify withholding any record. All exemptions must be narrowly construed in favor of public access.

Read the full text of the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama §§ 36-12-40 through 36-12-46)

How to File a Public Records Request with the City of Mobile

How to Submit Your Request

The City of Mobile uses the JustFOIA online portal as its primary method for receiving and processing public records requests. Visit mobileal.justfoia.com to create an account, fill out the request form online, and receive a tracking number that allows you to monitor the status of your request in real time. Citizens without internet access can contact the Community Affairs department at (251) 208-6298 to request a paper form by mail. You may also submit a completed request form in person at Government Plaza, 205 Government Street, or by email. When submitting your request, be as specific as possible — identify the records by name, date range, and the city department you believe maintains them. Only one request item per form is allowed; use separate forms for multiple request items.

Download Required Form

What to Include in Your Request

• Your full name and contact information (address, phone, email)
• A clear and specific description of the records you are seeking
• The date range or time period for the records requested
• The name of the city department or office that maintains the records, if known
• Your preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic, or in-person inspection)
• Proof of Alabama residency (such as an Alabama driver's license or voter registration), if requested
• A brief statement of the purpose of your request

Response Deadlines and What to Expect

Under the 2024 amendments to the Alabama Open Records Act (Act 2024-278), which took effect October 1, 2024, the City of Mobile must acknowledge your public records request within 10 business days of receipt. After acknowledgment, the city has 15 business days to provide a substantive response, which may include: fulfilling the request by producing the records, denying the request with reasons stated, notifying you that the request is time-intensive, or providing a fee estimate and requesting payment before proceeding.

The city may extend the 15-business-day response period by additional 15-business-day increments, provided it gives you written notice of the extension. There is no statutory limit on how many times the deadline can be extended, so persistent follow-up is important.

Requests are classified into two categories. A "standard request" is one that requires less than 8 hours of staff time to process. A "time-intensive request" requires more than 8 hours. For time-intensive requests, the agency will notify you within 15 days that your request has been reclassified and provide an estimated timeline. If you do not receive a response or records within 30 business days (or 60 calendar days) for a standard request, the law creates a rebuttable presumption that your request has been denied — giving you the right to file a lawsuit. For time-intensive requests, this threshold is 180 business days or 270 calendar days.

Regarding fees, Alabama law permits the collection of reasonable fees for processing public records requests. Copying costs are typically $0.50 per page for paper copies, and there is generally no per-page charge for electronic records. Time-intensive requests may be subject to staff time charges of up to $20 per hour. The City of Mobile will provide a cost estimate before releasing records and may require payment before production.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed

If the City of Mobile denies your public records request — or simply fails to respond — you have options, though Alabama's enforcement mechanisms are more limited than in many other states.

Common reasons for denial include: the records requested are exempt under state law (such as security-related records, attorney-client privileged materials, or ongoing criminal investigation files); the request is too vague or overly broad; the requester has not provided adequate proof of Alabama residency; or the records do not exist or are not maintained by the city.

Unlike many states, Alabama does not have a formal administrative appeals process for denied public records requests. There is no public records ombudsman or state agency that mediates disputes between requesters and government bodies. Your primary recourse is to file a civil action in the Mobile County Circuit Court.

Before resorting to litigation, however, try informal resolution. Contact the Public Records Request Coordinator directly to discuss the denial and ask for a specific explanation citing the statutory basis. Often, narrowing or clarifying your request can resolve issues. You can also escalate to the Mayor's office or the City Attorney's office.

If informal efforts fail, you may file a lawsuit in circuit court. Under the 2024 amendments, a standard request is presumed denied if no response or records are provided within 30 business days or 60 calendar days. You must file suit within two years of the denial. Alabama does not have a robust attorney fee provision for public records cases — courts have generally not awarded attorney fees to prevailing requesters unless the denial was in bad faith, which means litigation can be expensive. Consult with a media law or open government attorney before filing suit.

Steps to Appeal

1. Contact the City of Mobile Public Records Request Coordinator at (251) 208-6298 to ask for clarification on the denial and discuss whether your request can be narrowed or modified.
2. Submit a written follow-up through the JustFOIA portal requesting a formal, written explanation of the denial, including the specific statutory basis for withholding each record.
3. Escalate the matter to the City of Mobile's Mayor's office or the City Attorney's office, requesting supervisory review of the denial.
4. Contact the Alabama Press Association or a media law attorney for advice on whether your request was improperly denied under the Alabama Open Records Act.
5. If more than 30 business days or 60 calendar days have elapsed without a substantive response for a standard request, the request is presumed denied under Code of Alabama § 36-12-44, giving you standing to file suit.
6. File a civil action in the Mobile County Circuit Court seeking a court order compelling the city to produce the records. The lawsuit must be filed within two years of the denial.
7. Be aware that Alabama courts have generally not awarded attorney fees to prevailing requesters absent a finding of bad faith by the agency. Weigh the cost of litigation carefully.

Types of Records You Can Request from Mobile, Alabama

The Alabama Open Records Act applies broadly to records created or maintained by the City of Mobile in the course of its official business. Here are common types of records you can request:

• City Council meeting minutes, agendas, and resolutions
• City ordinances and municipal code amendments
• Annual budgets, financial statements, and audit reports
• Contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement documents
• Building permits, zoning applications, and inspection reports
• Police incident reports and arrest records (after warrant execution)
• Fire department inspection and response reports
• Business license records and applications
• City employee salary and compensation data
• Emails and correspondence of city officials relating to city business
• Code enforcement complaints and violation notices
• Public works project plans and engineering reports
• Demolition and condemnation records
• Water and sewer utility records
• Grant applications and expenditure reports

If you're unsure whether a specific document is a public record, file the request anyway. The burden is on the City of Mobile to justify withholding — not on you to pre-determine what's available.

Tips for Effective Public Records Requests in Mobile