The bill amends section 119.0712 of the Florida Statutes to expand the exemption from public records requirements for e-mail addresses collected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Previously, the exemption applied only to e-mail addresses collected for the purpose of providing renewal notices. The new language broadens this exemption to include e-mail addresses collected for general notification purposes, as well as those related to vessel registrations. Additionally, the bill provides for retroactive applicability and includes a provision for future legislative review and potential repeal of the exemption by October 2, 2030.

The bill emphasizes the necessity of protecting e-mail addresses from public disclosure due to the risks of identity theft and unwanted solicitations that can arise from making such personal information publicly available. It highlights that the use of e-mail for notifications has increased over the years and that the unique nature of e-mail addresses, when combined with other personal information, poses significant risks to consumers. The Legislature concludes that these risks outweigh the public policy favoring open government, thus justifying the need for this exemption.

Statutes affected:
S 1292 Filed: 119.0712