Since 2002, the clerk's offices began redacting personal information in the documents when the affected individual submits a written request.

How many people know about the option is unknown.

In Broward, for instance, only 1,600 people of possibly hundreds of thousands have requested redaction in the past two years. In Miami-Dade, 437 have requested redaction since 2004. In both counties, some individuals may have to search through decades worth of documents and individuals with similar names to find the page and book number required to submit a redaction request.

That's not good enough, according to Bruce Hogman, a Broward County computer systems worker who is aghast at the lack of concern among public officials about the problem.

''If all the documents now in public view that contain identity data were on a stolen laptop, that would make front-page news,'' Hogman said.

''That the information is even more readily available to identity thieves and is paid for by our tax dollars is more incredible.''

HOW TO REDACT YOUR RECORDS IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY * Go to miami-dadeclerk.com. On the left side of the page, click ''Search Recorded Documents.'' Then, enter your name. Browse through each document and note the book and page number where the sensitive information appears. You will need these numbers to request a redaction.

Return to the home page, where you will see information on the new redaction request form. Fill out the form and click send.

IN BROWARD COUNTY * Go to broward.fl.us/records. On the left side of the page, click ``Search and Copy,'' then click ''Public Search.'' Search by your name. Note the book and page number where the sensitive information appears. Return to home page and click on ``Confidentiality, Social Security Number, and Veterans Issues'' to access redaction form, which can be mailed, faxed or sent by e-mail.

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