The bill amends Florida Statutes to revise the background screening requirements for child care facilities and programs, specifically addressing recreational enrichment programs. It expands the definition of "personnel" to include those working in recreational enrichment programs, which are defined as organizations providing ongoing enrichment activities for children, such as dance or music instruction. The bill exempts these programs from certain licensing requirements while still holding them accountable to screening standards. It also prohibits these programs from using or releasing information from criminal or juvenile records for purposes other than employment screening, establishing criminal penalties for violations.

Additionally, the bill creates a new section mandating the development of a statewide public awareness campaign regarding background screening requirements for summer day camps, summer 24-hour camps, and recreational enrichment programs. It includes provisions for the Department of Children and Families to pursue remedies for non-compliance with screening requirements and makes technical changes to existing statutes to ensure clarity and consistency. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 614 Filed: 409.1676