The bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to create an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of certain local government officials, including current county and city administrators and their families. Specifically, it protects home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and places of employment for these officials, as well as similar information for their spouses and children. The bill also establishes that this exemption does not apply to county or city attorneys who are candidates for public office. The new legal language ensures the privacy and safety of these individuals, addressing concerns about potential fraud and safety risks associated with the public disclosure of their personal information.
Additionally, the bill is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, meaning it will be reviewed and may be repealed unless reenacted by the Legislature by October 2, 2030. The legislation emphasizes the necessity of these exemptions due to the potential risks faced by these officials and their families, particularly in light of public discontent that may lead to retaliation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: S 842 Filed: 119.071