Bill > S1652

This bill amends Florida's public records law (section 119.0714) to create a new exemption that allows courts to remove certain sensitive materials from public records in noncriminal cases. Specifically, the bill permits a court to make confidential any matter in a pleading, request for relief, or other document that has been stricken (officially removed) from a court file, but only if the court makes two specific findings: first, that the matter is immaterial, impertinent, or sham (meaning it is irrelevant, inappropriate, or false), and second, that the material would either defame or cause unwarranted damage to an individual's reputation or jeopardize their safety. The bill includes a legislative statement of necessity, explaining that such stricken materials can cause ongoing harm to individuals and serve no public purpose, and that the potential harm of releasing such information outweighs any potential public benefit. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, and are designed to protect individuals from potentially damaging or false information remaining in publicly accessible court documents after a court has determined the information should not be part of the record.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice (Senate), Judiciary (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1652