This bill amends section 119.0714 of the Florida Statutes to provide exemptions from public records requirements for certain petitions for injunctions against serious violence by a known person. Specifically, it establishes that petitions and their contents for injunctions related to serious violence, as well as any information that could identify a petitioner or respondent, are exempt from public disclosure. The bill outlines that such petitions dismissed without a hearing or for reasons related to the sufficiency of the petition will be confidential, thereby protecting the reputations of individuals named in these petitions.

Additionally, the bill includes a statement of public necessity, emphasizing the need to keep these records confidential to prevent potential harm to the physical safety and security of individuals seeking protection and law enforcement involved in serving the petitions. The act is set to take effect contingent upon the passage of related legislation (HB 547) within the same legislative session.

Statutes affected:
H 549 Filed: 119.0714