Freedom of Information Act

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Michigan Freedom of Information Act

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act, enacted in 1977,  is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies at all levels in Michigan. Records are defined as a writing which encompasses handwriting, typing, printing, photographing, photocopying, and every other means of recording, and includes letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combinations thereof, or other means of recording or retaining meaningful content prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function, from the time it is created."

Any person other than incarcerated felons may request public records in Michigan. A person who asks for access to public records is not required to justify his or her request. A person can use the information any way they please. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act allows 5 days for any response to record requests.

Open Records Law Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. §15.231 et seq.

Exempt: Information deemed private; trade secrets; advisory communications with government agencies; attorney-client communications; medical counseling and psychological facts or appraisals; records of campaign committees; and some law enforcement records.

PLEASE NOTE: Court Records and Vital Records (such as birth, death, and marriage records) are NOT subject to FOIA and your request will be denied. For Court Records, please contact either the 60th District Court (misdemeanor or traffic cases) at (231) 724-6258, or 14th Circuit Court (felony or family court cases) at (231) 724-6251. For Vital Records, please contact (231) 724-6221.

Muskegon County FOIA Request

You can submit a public records request verbally or in writing to any County department. Your request should clearly describe the records needed, including names, dates, and the relevant department, to help the FOIA Coordinator locate them efficiently.

How to Submit a Request

Requests can be made online or using the Paper FOIA Request form by mail or hand delivery.

Response Time

Records requests will be processed within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension. Written requests submitted electronically are considered received one business day after transmission.

Forms, Guidelines, Policies & Procedures 

  1. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request Form-2023 (PDF)
  2. Appeal Form - Excess Fee (PDF)
  3. Appeal Form - Denial of Records (PDF)
  4. Freedom of Information Act Proceedures and Guidelines Summary (PDF)
  5. Muskegon County Freedom of Information Act Procedures and Guidelines (PDF)