Bill > S0466

This bill amends Florida's public records law to create a new exemption for legal assistants working in the Office of the Public Defender and the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel. Specifically, the bill defines "legal assistant" as an employee of these offices who is not a public defender or counsel, and exempts their home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs from public records requirements. The exemption also covers the personal identifying and location information of the spouses and children of these legal assistants. The bill includes a statement of public necessity, explaining that legal assistants may face potential risks from criminal defendants and their associates due to their work interactions. The exemption is subject to future legislative review and will automatically expire on October 2, 2031, unless renewed by the Legislature. Additionally, the bill makes a conforming cross-reference change in another section of Florida statutes. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply retroactively to existing records.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/466