The bill amends section 119.0712 of the Florida Statutes to expand the exemption from public records requirements for e-mail addresses collected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Previously, the exemption applied only to e-mail addresses collected for the purpose of providing renewal notices. The new language broadens this exemption to include e-mail addresses collected for general notification purposes, as well as those related to vessel registrations. Additionally, the bill provides for retroactive applicability of this exemption and includes a provision for future legislative review and potential repeal of the exemption.

The bill also includes a statement of public necessity, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals' e-mail addresses from public disclosure to mitigate risks such as identity theft and unwanted solicitations. It highlights that the use of e-mail for notifications has increased and that the public availability of these addresses could expose customers to various risks. The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless it is reviewed and reenacted by the Legislature. The act will take effect concurrently with related legislation, should it be adopted in the same session.

Statutes affected:
S 490 Filed: 119.0712