Bill > S0744

This bill creates a new section of Florida law addressing public records requests made to law enforcement officers. The bill defines specific circumstances under which law enforcement officers can refuse to process public records requests while performing official duties, such as responding to a service call, conducting an investigation, or engaging in other police activities. When an officer is actively performing official duties, they must verbally inform the person requesting records that they cannot process the request at that moment and instead direct the individual to either the agency's records custodian or an online public records portal. If an individual knowingly and persistently attempts to compel an officer to process a records request while the officer is on duty, they could be charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer under existing state law. The bill specifically excludes situations where an officer is performing duties at an official agency location. Key terms like "law enforcement officer" and "employing agency" are defined by referencing existing statutory definitions. The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, providing ample time for law enforcement agencies to prepare for and implement the new requirements.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/744