summary
Introduced
02/17/2025
02/17/2025
In Committee
03/28/2025
03/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to liability for defamatory statements; amending s. 770.02, F.S.; requiring that certain articles or broadcasts be removed from specified websites within a specified period to limit damages for defamation; amending s. 770.04, F.S.; providing persons in certain positions relating to newspapers with immunity for defamation if such persons exercise due care to prevent publication of a defamatory statement; requiring removal of defamatory statements from specified websites in certain circumstances; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Florida's laws regarding defamation liability for media outlets, specifically addressing online publications and providing guidelines for limiting damages. The bill amends two existing statutes to require newspapers, broadcasters, and other media outlets to quickly remove defamatory content from websites after receiving notice of its false nature. For online publications, if a media outlet receives notice that a statement has been judicially determined to be false or learns of facts suggesting falsity, they must permanently remove the content from websites they control within a specified timeframe. The bill provides some legal protections for media owners and operators, stating they are not liable for defamatory statements made by others if they exercise "due care" to prevent publication. Additionally, the bill establishes that if a defamatory statement remains online after receiving notice of its falsity, it can be considered a new publication for legal purposes, which could restart the statute of limitations. The changes aim to balance media outlets' responsibilities with protections against unintentional defamation, with a particular focus on online content. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Other Sponsors (1)
Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (H)
Last Action
Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration (on 05/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/667 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/667/BillText/c1/PDF |
| Analysis - Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/667/Analyses/h0667a.CIV.PDF |
| https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/667/Amendment/191917/PDF | |
| Analysis - Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/667/Analyses/h0667.CIV.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/667/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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