The bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to define "medical examiner" and establish an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current and former medical examiners, as well as their spouses and children. This exemption includes home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs, which will not be publicly disclosed under existing public records laws. The legislation is designed to enhance the safety and privacy of these individuals, acknowledging the potential security risks they face due to their public service roles. The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and is set to be repealed on October 2, 2030, unless the Legislature reviews and reenacts it.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for maintaining the exempt status of this information, requiring a written and notarized request from the individuals concerned. It mandates that county property appraisers and tax collectors comply with these requests by removing the relevant information from public records. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting the personal information of medical examiners and their families, citing the need for privacy and security as key reasons for the proposed changes. Additionally, it includes provisions for future legislative review and a statement of public necessity, reinforcing the intent to safeguard sensitive information while balancing public access to records.

Statutes affected:
S 746 Filed: 119.071