The bill amends Florida Statutes to define "appellate court" as the Florida Supreme Court or a district court of appeal and introduces an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current appellate court clerks, as well as their spouses and children. This exemption aims to protect the privacy of these individuals and includes provisions for future legislative review and potential repeal, along with retroactive application. Additionally, the bill makes a cross-reference adjustment in section 744.21031 of the Florida Statutes and includes a statement of public necessity, ensuring timely implementation of the new provisions.

House Bill 373 further enhances privacy protections for public officials in Florida, specifically targeting the personal information of current and former county attorneys, city attorneys, and commissioners of the Florida Gaming Control Commission. It introduces exemptions from public records requirements for these officials and their families, including their spouses and children, and expands these protections to clerks and deputy clerks of the appellate and circuit courts. The bill emphasizes the necessity of these exemptions due to the risks faced by these officials and their families, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with a sunset provision requiring legislative review by October 2, 2029, for certain exemptions.

Statutes affected:
H 373 Filed: 119.071, 744.21031