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 providing renewal notices; the new language broadens this to include e-mail addresses collected for general notification purposes and specifically for vessel registrations. Additionally, the bill provides that this exemption applies retroactively and is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which mandates a review and potential repeal of the exemption by October 2, 2030, unless saved from repeal through legislative action.

The bill emphasizes the necessity of protecting e-mail addresses from public disclosure due to the risks of identity theft and consumer scams associated with the public availability of personal information. It highlights that the use of e-mail for notifications has increased and that allowing the DHSMV to keep customer e-mail addresses exempt from public records will help mitigate these risks. The act is contingent upon the passage of SB 1290 or similar legislation, taking effect simultaneously if adopted within the same legislative session.

Statutes affected:
S 1292 Filed: 119.0712