Bill > H0939

This bill amends Florida's public records law to create an exemption from public disclosure for certain email addresses collected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Specifically, the bill protects email addresses gathered for purposes related to vehicle titles, license plates, driver licenses, identification cards, and vessel registrations. The exemption applies retroactively and will remain in effect until October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reenacts it through the Open Government Sunset Review Act. The bill provides a detailed rationale for the exemption, noting that email addresses can be used for identity theft, consumer scams, and unwanted solicitations when combined with personal identifying information. By making these email addresses exempt from public records requirements, the Legislature aims to protect DHSMV customers from potential risks associated with their personal contact information being publicly available. The bill will take effect on the same date as a related bill (HB 937) that expands the department's ability to use email for various notifications and communications.