Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foia?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a 1966 U.S. federal law that originated to increase government accountability, transparency, and public knowledge. By requiring federal agencies to disclose records, FOIA has played a crucial role in shaping American democracy and promoting openness in government.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applies to federal agencies, while state and local Public Records Acts provide similar access to state/local government records. Laws vary by state, but generally require agencies to disclose records upon request, with some exceptions.
Are There Limitations to the Kind of Documents that can be Retrieved Under FOIA?
While FOIA gives you access to most federal records, nine exemptions protect certain documents including: classified national security materials, trade secrets, personal privacy information, active law enforcement files, internal personnel matters, and confidential financial data. Most other government documents are available unless specifically exempted by law.
How Long do FOIA Requests Take?
FOIA timelines vary by law: Federal requires 20-day response; states range from 3-30 days depending on statute; local governments follow state rules. These deadlines typically cover initial response only, not document delivery. Actual production time depends on complexity, volume, and backlog. FOIA.Online will keep you posted every step of the way.
Do Government Agencies Charge
for FOIA?
Many government agencies charge FOIA fees to recover costs of searching for, reviewing, and copying requested records. Many agencies waive fees under $25-50, and fee waivers are available for public interest requests.
FOIA.Onilne will forward fee information to our clients, as soon as it becomes available. If the amount the government agency wishes to charge is too high for our clients, for those who have opted for our Advanced Submission (or Concierge) Service, we will reframe the request and use other procedural techniques to bring down costs.
What Kind of Information can be Obtained by FOIA?
If it is happening at an agency, and is not covered by an exemption, there is a wide swath of information that you can get. In some cases, you can even get relevant information, like voicemails, off of employee's personal devices. If you know what you are looking for, and the information is there--the sky is truly the limit.
For example, journalists and advocates use FOIAs to document patterns and follow the money. Businesses use the process to size markets, spot upcoming opportunities, understand decision makers, and benchmark pricing. Residents and parents use it to verify water quality, check restaurant inspections, review bus and building safety, and make meetings and budgets real. Whatever your goal, we are your go to to get the information to make it happen.
What is the Advantage of Using FOIA.Online's
Advanced Submissions and Concierge Service?
Agencies stall, over‑redact, quote fees, or say “no records” when the ask is off by a word. We handle the chess match: precise scoping, statute citations, fee waivers, format negotiations, rolling productions, and appeals. If a program is outsourced, we go through the agency to reach a contractor’s files about public work. If a record has to be redacted, we push for partial release instead of a blanket denial.
Contact
Us.
info@FOIA.online