Bill > H0373

This bill amends Florida's public records law to expand privacy protections for appellate court clerks by creating a new exemption from public disclosure requirements. Specifically, the bill defines "appellate court" to include the Florida Supreme Court and district courts of appeal, and provides that the home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs of current appellate court clerks, as well as the personal information of their spouses and children, will be exempt from public records requests. The bill includes a provision for future legislative review of the exemption, with an automatic repeal date of October 2, 2030, unless the Legislature votes to continue it. The rationale for this exemption, as stated in the bill, is to protect appellate court clerks and their families from potential retaliation or targeting by disgruntled litigants, acknowledging that their work may sometimes create personal safety risks. The bill also makes a technical conforming amendment to another section of Florida statutes and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/373