In its audit of public-record requests, The Miami Herald found many Miami-Dade and Broward County agencies not following the laws.

Only one of the six evaluated offices -- Broward County administration -- produced the requested record, which was the most recent e-mail about the budget. The rest required written requests.

County administrative offices were the most cooperative and acknowledged the records were public. But school districts and police forces in both counties were skeptical and significantly worse at producing records.

School Board officials in both counties said the requested documents didn't exist. The Miami-Dade superintendent's office waited weeks before sending a letter that said no budget e-mails could be found.

The Broward Sheriff's Office and Miami-Dade police wouldn't even acknowledge the request unless it was in writing.

Many agencies asked for identification, contact information and a reason for the request. But they couldn't promise the documents would be delivered. First, the request would have to be approved -- even though by law, the documents are open to the general public.

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