The bill amends section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes to create an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current and former private investigators licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as well as their spouses and children. This includes home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs, which will no longer be subject to public disclosure under existing public records laws. The exemption is designed to protect the privacy and safety of private investigators and their families, acknowledging the sensitive nature of their work and the potential risks they face.

Furthermore, the bill includes a provision for future legislative review and repeal, stipulating that the exemption will be subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will automatically expire on October 2, 2031, unless reenacted by the Legislature. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding the personal information of private investigators to prevent potential threats to their safety and that of their families while still upholding the integrity of the public records system.

Statutes affected:
S 410 Filed: 119.071