This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the confidentiality of communications and personal information related to the Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC). It exempts from public records requirements the written communications prepared for any order issued by PERC or its designees, as well as the personal identifying and location information of PERC's chair, commissioners, and hearing officers, including their spouses and children. The bill clarifies that while the commission's deliberations are closed, public hearings and oral arguments must remain open. It establishes that draft orders and related written communications are confidential and exempt from public records laws, with these amendments subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and a scheduled repeal date of October 2, 2030, unless reviewed and reenacted by the Legislature.

Additionally, the bill provides exemptions from public records disclosure for personal information related to various professionals and their families, including emergency medical technicians and domestic violence advocates. It specifically exempts home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by the children of these individuals from public records requirements. The bill requires written and notarized requests for the preservation of exempt status and emphasizes the necessity of protecting this personal information due to the heightened risk of harm these individuals may face in their professional roles. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1764 Filed: 447.205, 119.071