The S.C. Freedom of Information Act guarantees citizens access to public records and meetings of government bodies in South Carolina. The aim is to promote transparency in government and allow the public to learn more about the performance of public officials and how taxpayer dollars and other public funds are spent. 

But that doesn’t mean that officials are always eager to share those records with you.

So, The Post and Courier has prepared a citizens’ toolbox for using the state’s sunshine law to get the records and information you need. These tips are drawn from our reporters’ extensive experience using the FOIA, as well as helpful guides published by the South Carolina Press Association.

Gov. Henry McMaster holds a ceremonial bill signing in May of 2017 for a law reforming South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act. The changes added new deadlines, but also ushered in an era of higher fees charged to citizens seeking public records.