Public Records Requests in Georgia | Legal.ge

PublicRecordsRequests

How quickly must a public agency release information?

By law, information should be released immediately. If finding the information takes time, the deadline extends to a maximum of 10 days.

Is there a fee for public records?

Electronic records are free. For physical copies, you may be charged a nominal fee to cover copying costs.

What if the agency ignores my request?

If 10 days pass without a response, it counts as a refusal. You can appeal to the superior body or directly to court.

Can I request info about a private company?

Only if that information is held by a public agency (e.g., permits, tenders) and does not constitute a trade secret.

Public Records Requests and Freedom of Information Services

Access to public information is a fundamental right in a democratic society, guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia. Any citizen, journalist, or organization has the right to request and receive information held by public institutions, except for legally defined exceptions (state secrets, personal data). However, in practice, public agencies often violate the law: they delay responses, provide incomplete information, or groundlessly refuse to disclose it. The Public Records Request service helps you overcome bureaucratic hurdles and obtain the documentation you need through legal means.

Lawyers on our platform offer full legal support regarding freedom of information. The service includes:

Request Drafting: Preparing a legally sound application that precisely formulates what information you are requesting (this reduces the chance of refusal due to ambiguity).
Administrative Complaint: If the agency violates the 10-day deadline or issues an illegal refusal, filing a complaint with the superior body.
Court Litigation: Representation in court against the administrative body to demand the release of information.
Personal Data Separation: Assistance in situations where an agency refuses disclosure claiming it contains others' personal data (requires a balancing test).
Support for Journalists and NGOs: Consulting for investigative journalists and NGOs conducting monitoring activities.

Practical examples are diverse. For instance, a business wants to know why a competitor was fined or under what conditions the City Hall issued a construction permit. The agency often replies that this is a "commercial secret." A lawyer will help you prove that information related to environmental protection or the disposal of state property is public. In another case, a citizen requests information about their property from the archive but receives a bureaucratic refusal. The lawyer ensures the proper justification of legitimate interest.

The field is regulated by the General Administrative Code of Georgia (Chapter III - Freedom of Information). The Code states that public information must be released immediately or no later than 10 days. A refusal to release information must be substantiated in writing, indicating the appeal procedure. It is important to distinguish between public information and state secrets—the latter is indeed restricted.

Working with a lawyer saves your time and nerves. Often, when an agency sees that a request is drafted by a lawyer, they take the matter more seriously and avoid violating the law. If the case goes to court, the lawyer will demand not only the release of information but sometimes also compensation for damages due to the delay.

Legal.ge is the best place to find administrative law specialists. Information is power—do not give up your right to know the truth. Use legal leverage with the help of our experts.