House Bill 287 amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to create exemptions from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current and former owners and operators of family foster homes, as well as their spouses and children. This change aims to enhance the privacy and safety of individuals involved in family foster care by ensuring that sensitive information, such as home addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth, is not publicly accessible. The bill also extends similar protections to certain public officials, including county and city attorneys and clerks of the circuit court, thereby safeguarding their personal information from public disclosure.

In addition to these privacy protections, the bill establishes definitions for key terms related to family foster homes and outlines the process for maintaining the exempt status of the information. It incorporates provisions for the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which requires periodic review of the exemptions, allowing for potential repeal unless reenacted by the Legislature. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, reflecting the Legislature's commitment to prioritizing the safety and privacy of individuals involved in the foster care system and public service roles.

Statutes affected:
H 287 Filed: 119.071