House Bill 247 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 includes protections for home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by their children. The bill emphasizes the need to safeguard the privacy and safety of these public officials and their families, particularly in light of potential threats they may face due to their roles. The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will automatically repeal on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reviews and reenacts it.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for maintaining the exempt status of this information, requiring a written and notarized request from the individual or their employing agency. It reflects a commitment to balancing government transparency with the necessity of protecting sensitive personal information, asserting that the risks associated with disclosing such information outweigh any public benefit. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 247 Filed: 119.071