The bill amends section 119.0712 of the Florida Statutes to exempt e-mail addresses collected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) from public records requirements. This exemption applies to e-mail addresses collected for providing renewal notices related to motor vehicle licenses, driver licenses, identification cards, and vessel registrations. The bill also expands the exemption to include e-mail addresses collected for other notifications issued by the DHSMV. Additionally, the exemption is retroactively applicable and is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which means it will be reviewed and may be repealed by the Legislature by October 2, 2030, unless saved from repeal.

The bill includes a statement of public necessity, highlighting the risks associated with the public availability of personal e-mail addresses, such as identity theft and consumer scams. It argues that the potential harm to consumers outweighs the public policy favoring open government. The act will take effect concurrently with another related bill, HB 1075, if it is adopted in the same legislative session.

Statutes affected:
H 1077 Filed: 119.0712