The bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to create a public records exemption for the personal identifying and location information of current municipal clerks and their staff, as well as their spouses and children. This protected information includes home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by their children. The bill emphasizes the importance of safeguarding this information due to the sensitive nature of the roles these individuals play, which can expose them to potential threats or violence. The exemption will be subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will remain in effect until October 2, 2030, unless reviewed and reenacted by the Legislature.
Additionally, the bill includes a statement of public necessity, highlighting the need to protect the safety and privacy of municipal clerks and their families. It also allows for retroactive application of these exemptions and ensures that the provisions will be reviewed in the future to maintain their relevance. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reflecting a commitment to balance transparency with the necessary privacy and security for public officials and their families.
Statutes affected: S 840 Filed: 119.071