The bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to create a public records exemption for the personal identifying and location information of current and former municipal clerks and their staff, as well as their spouses and children. This protected information includes home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by their children. The exemption is designed to enhance the privacy and safety of these individuals, acknowledging the potential threats they may face due to their roles in managing sensitive information. The bill also includes a retroactive application of the exemption and a statement of public necessity to justify the need for these protections.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the exemption will be subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, requiring periodic legislative review to assess its necessity. It specifies that the exemption does not apply to municipal clerks or their staff who are candidates for public office, ensuring transparency in the electoral process. To maintain the exempt status of their information, individuals or their employing agencies must submit a written and notarized request. The bill also outlines the process for removing exempt information from public records and includes provisions for the release of information upon the death of a protected party. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 248 Filed: 119.071