The Florida Senate

The bill extends the current public meeting and public records exemptions codified in s. 16.716, F.S., for portions of a meeting conducted by the Florida Gaming Commission (commission) wherein exempt or confidential and exempt information that has been obtained by the commission is discussed. Section 16.716, F.S., provides that those exempt portions of a meeting may not be off the record, and the exempt portions of such meetings must be recorded. However, any such recording, minutes, and records generated during the closed portion of the meeting are confidential and exempt from public inspection and copying requirements.

The exemptions are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and stand repealed on October 2, 2026, unless reenacted by the Legislature. The bill saves the exemptions from repeal by deleting the scheduled repeal date, thereby maintaining the exempt status of the portions of commission meetings closed as a result of discussion of exempt or confidential and exempt information, as well as the confidential and exempt status of the recording, minutes, and records generated during closed portions of such meetings.

If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.

Vote: Senate 32-3; House 105-4