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The Florida Senate

2004 Florida Statutes

SECTION 07
Inspection and copying of records; photographing public records; fees; exemptions.
Section 119.07, Florida Statutes 2004

119.07  Inspection and copying of records; photographing public records; fees; exemptions.--

(1)(a)  Every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records.

(b)  A person who has custody of a public record who asserts that an exemption applies to a part of such record shall redact that portion of the record to which an exemption has been asserted and validly applies, and such person shall produce the remainder of such record for inspection and copying.

(c)  If the person who has custody of a public record contends that all or part of the record is exempt from inspection and copying, he or she shall state the basis of the exemption that he or she contends is applicable to the record, including the statutory citation to an exemption created or afforded by statute.

(d)  If requested by the person seeking to inspect or copy the record, the custodian of public records shall state in writing and with particularity the reasons for the conclusion that the record is exempt or confidential.

(e)  In any civil action in which an exemption to this section is asserted, if the exemption is alleged to exist under or by virtue of paragraph (6)(c), paragraph (6)(d), paragraph (6)(e), paragraph (6)(k), paragraph (6)(l), or paragraph (6)(o), the public record or part thereof in question shall be submitted to the court for an inspection in camera. If an exemption is alleged to exist under or by virtue of paragraph (6)(b), an inspection in camera is discretionary with the court. If the court finds that the asserted exemption is not applicable, it shall order the public record or part thereof in question to be immediately produced for inspection or copying as requested by the person seeking such access.

(f)  Even if an assertion is made by the custodian of public records that a requested record is not a public record subject to public inspection or copying under this subsection, the requested record shall, nevertheless, not be disposed of for a period of 30 days after the date on which a written request to inspect or copy the record was served on or otherwise made to the custodian of public records by the person seeking access to the record. If a civil action is instituted within the 30-day period to enforce the provisions of this section with respect to the requested record, the custodian of public records may not dispose of the record except by order of a court of competent jurisdiction after notice to all affected parties.

(g)  The absence of a civil action instituted for the purpose stated in paragraph (e) does not relieve the custodian of public records of the duty to maintain the record as a public record if the record is in fact a public record subject to public inspection and copying under this subsection and does not otherwise excuse or exonerate the custodian of public records from any unauthorized or unlawful disposition of such record.

(2)(a)  As an additional means of inspecting or copying public records, a custodian of public records may provide access to public records by remote electronic means, provided exempt or confidential information is not disclosed.

(b)  The custodian of public records shall provide safeguards to protect the contents of public records from unauthorized remote electronic access or alteration and to prevent the disclosure or modification of those portions of public records which are exempt or confidential from subsection (1) or s. 24, Art. I of the State Constitution.

(c)  Unless otherwise required by law, the custodian of public records may charge a fee for remote electronic access, granted under a contractual arrangement with a user, which fee may include the direct and indirect costs of providing such access. Fees for remote electronic access provided to the general public shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(3)(a)  Any person shall have the right of access to public records for the purpose of making photographs of the record while such record is in the possession, custody, and control of the custodian of public records.

(b)  This subsection applies to the making of photographs in the conventional sense by use of a camera device to capture images of public records but excludes the duplication of microfilm in the possession of the clerk of the circuit court where a copy of the microfilm may be made available by the clerk.

(c)  Photographing public records shall be done under the supervision of the custodian of public records, who may adopt and enforce reasonable rules governing the photographing of such records.

(d)  Photographing of public records shall be done in the room where the public records are kept. If, in the judgment of the custodian of public records, this is impossible or impracticable, photographing shall be done in another room or place, as nearly adjacent as possible to the room where the public records are kept, to be determined by the custodian of public records. Where provision of another room or place for photographing is required, the expense of providing the same shall be paid by the person desiring to photograph the public record pursuant to paragraph (4)(e).

(4)  The custodian of public records shall furnish a copy or a certified copy of the record upon payment of the fee prescribed by law. If a fee is not prescribed by law, the following fees are authorized:

(a)1.  Up to 15 cents per one-sided copy for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 81/2 inches;

2.  No more than an additional 5 cents for each two-sided copy; and

3.  For all other copies, the actual cost of duplication of the public record.

(b)  The charge for copies of county maps or aerial photographs supplied by county constitutional officers may also include a reasonable charge for the labor and overhead associated with their duplication.

(c)  An agency may charge up to $1 per copy for a certified copy of a public record.

(d)  If the nature or volume of public records requested to be inspected or copied pursuant to this subsection is such as to require extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance by personnel of the agency involved, or both, the agency may charge, in addition to the actual cost of duplication, a special service charge, which shall be reasonable and shall be based on the cost incurred for such extensive use of information technology resources or the labor cost of the personnel providing the service that is actually incurred by the agency or attributable to the agency for the clerical and supervisory assistance required, or both.

(e)1.  Where provision of another room or place is necessary to photograph public records, the expense of providing the same shall be paid by the person desiring to photograph the public records.

2.  The custodian of public records may charge the person making the photographs for supervision services at a rate of compensation to be agreed upon by the person desiring to make the photographs and the custodian of public records. If they fail to agree as to the appropriate charge, the charge shall be determined by the custodian of public records.

(5)  When ballots are produced under this section for inspection or examination, no persons other than the supervisor of elections or the supervisor's employees shall touch the ballots. The supervisor of elections shall make a reasonable effort to notify all candidates by telephone or otherwise of the time and place of the inspection or examination. All such candidates, or their representatives, shall be allowed to be present during the inspection or examination.

(6)(a)  Examination questions and answer sheets of examinations administered by a governmental agency for the purpose of licensure, certification, or employment are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. A person who has taken such an examination shall have the right to review his or her own completed examination.

(b)1.  Active criminal intelligence information and active criminal investigative information are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

2.  A request of a law enforcement agency to inspect or copy a public record that is in the custody of another agency, the custodian's response to the request, and any information that would identify the public record that was requested by the law enforcement agency or provided by the custodian are exempt from the requirements of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, during the period in which the information constitutes criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information that is active. This exemption is remedial in nature, and it is the intent of the Legislature that the exemption be applied to requests for information received before, on, or after the effective date of this subparagraph. The law enforcement agency shall give notice to the custodial agency when the criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information is no longer active, so that the custodian's response to the request and information that would identify the public record requested are available to the public. This subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed October 2, 2007, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

(c)  Any information revealing the identity of a confidential informant or a confidential source is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(d)  Any information revealing surveillance techniques or procedures or personnel is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Any comprehensive inventory of state and local law enforcement resources compiled pursuant to part I, chapter 23, and any comprehensive policies or plans compiled by a criminal justice agency pertaining to the mobilization, deployment, or tactical operations involved in responding to emergencies, as defined in s. 252.34(3), are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution and unavailable for inspection, except by personnel authorized by a state or local law enforcement agency, the office of the Governor, the Department of Legal Affairs, the Department of Law Enforcement, or the Department of Community Affairs as having an official need for access to the inventory or comprehensive policies or plans.

(e)  Any information revealing undercover personnel of any criminal justice agency is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(f)1.  Any criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information including the photograph, name, address, or other fact or information which reveals the identity of the victim of the crime of sexual battery as defined in chapter 794; the identity of the victim of a lewd or lascivious offense committed upon or in the presence of a person less than 16 years of age, as defined in chapter 800; or the identity of the victim of the crime of child abuse as defined by chapter 827 and any criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information or other criminal record, including those portions of court records and court proceedings, which may reveal the identity of a person who is a victim of any sexual offense, including a sexual offense proscribed in chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

12.  In addition to subparagraph 1., any criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information which is a photograph, videotape, or image of any part of the body of the victim of a sexual offense prohibited under chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, regardless of whether the photograph, videotape, or image identifies the victim, is confidential and exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This exemption applies to photographs, videotapes, or images held as criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information before, on, or after the effective date of the exemption.

(g)  Any criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information which reveals the personal assets of the victim of a crime, other than property stolen or destroyed during the commission of the crime, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(h)  All criminal intelligence and criminal investigative information received by a criminal justice agency prior to January 25, 1979, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(i)1.  The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of active or former law enforcement personnel, including correctional and correctional probation officers, personnel of the Department of Children and Family Services whose duties include the investigation of abuse, neglect, exploitation, fraud, theft, or other criminal activities, personnel of the Department of Health whose duties are to support the investigation of child abuse or neglect, and personnel of the Department of Revenue or local governments whose responsibilities include revenue collection and enforcement or child support enforcement; the home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of such personnel; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of such personnel are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1). The home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of firefighters certified in compliance with s. 633.35; the home addresses, telephone numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of such firefighters; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of such firefighters are exempt from subsection (1). The home addresses and telephone numbers of justices of the Supreme Court, district court of appeal judges, circuit court judges, and county court judges; the home addresses, telephone numbers, and places of employment of the spouses and children of justices and judges; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of justices and judges are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1). The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of current or former state attorneys, assistant state attorneys, statewide prosecutors, or assistant statewide prosecutors; the home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of current or former state attorneys, assistant state attorneys, statewide prosecutors, or assistant statewide prosecutors; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of current or former state attorneys, assistant state attorneys, statewide prosecutors, or assistant statewide prosecutors are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

2.  The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of current or former human resource, labor relations, or employee relations directors, assistant directors, managers, or assistant managers of any local government agency or water management district whose duties include hiring and firing employees, labor contract negotiation, administration, or other personnel-related duties; the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of such personnel; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of such personnel are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2006, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

3.  The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of current or former United States attorneys and assistant United States attorneys; the home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of current or former United States attorneys and assistant United States attorneys; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of current or former United States attorneys and assistant United States attorneys are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2009, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

4.  The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of current or former judges of United States Courts of Appeal, United States district judges, and United States magistrate judges; the home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of current or former judges of United States Courts of Appeal, United States district judges, and United States magistrate judges; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of current or former judges of United States Courts of Appeal, United States district judges, and United States magistrate judges are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2009, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

5.  The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of current or former code enforcement officers; the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of such persons; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of such persons are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2006, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

6.  An agency that is the custodian of the personal information specified in subparagraph 1., subparagraph 2., subparagraph 3., subparagraph 4., or subparagraph 5., and that is not the employer of the officer, employee, justice, judge, or other person specified in subparagraph 1., subparagraph 2., subparagraph 3., subparagraph 4., or subparagraph 5., shall maintain the exempt status of the personal information only if the officer, employee, justice, judge, other person, or employing agency of the designated employee submits a written request for maintenance of the exemption to the custodial agency.

(j)  Any information provided to an agency of state government or to an agency of a political subdivision of the state for the purpose of forming ridesharing arrangements, which information reveals the identity of an individual who has provided his or her name for ridesharing, as defined in s. 341.031, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(k)  Any information revealing the substance of a confession of a person arrested is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, until such time as the criminal case is finally determined by adjudication, dismissal, or other final disposition.

(l)1.  A public record which was prepared by an agency attorney (including an attorney employed or retained by the agency or employed or retained by another public officer or agency to protect or represent the interests of the agency having custody of the record) or prepared at the attorney's express direction, which reflects a mental impression, conclusion, litigation strategy, or legal theory of the attorney or the agency, and which was prepared exclusively for civil or criminal litigation or for adversarial administrative proceedings, or which was prepared in anticipation of imminent civil or criminal litigation or imminent adversarial administrative proceedings, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until the conclusion of the litigation or adversarial administrative proceedings. For purposes of capital collateral litigation as set forth in s. 27.7001, the Attorney General's office is entitled to claim this exemption for those public records prepared for direct appeal as well as for all capital collateral litigation after direct appeal until execution of sentence or imposition of a life sentence.

2.  This exemption is not waived by the release of such public record to another public employee or officer of the same agency or any person consulted by the agency attorney. When asserting the right to withhold a public record pursuant to this paragraph, the agency shall identify the potential parties to any such criminal or civil litigation or adversarial administrative proceedings. If a court finds that the document or other record has been improperly withheld under this paragraph, the party seeking access to such document or record shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs in addition to any other remedy ordered by the court.

(m)  Sealed bids or proposals received by an agency pursuant to invitations to bid or requests for proposals are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as the agency provides notice of a decision or intended decision pursuant to s. 120.57(3)(a) or within 10 days after bid or proposal opening, whichever is earlier.

(n)  When an agency of the executive branch of state government seeks to acquire real property by purchase or through the exercise of the power of eminent domain all appraisals, other reports relating to value, offers, and counteroffers must be in writing and are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until execution of a valid option contract or a written offer to sell that has been conditionally accepted by the agency, at which time the exemption shall expire. The agency shall not finally accept the offer for a period of 30 days in order to allow public review of the transaction. The agency may give conditional acceptance to any option or offer subject only to final acceptance by the agency after the 30-day review period. If a valid option contract is not executed, or if a written offer to sell is not conditionally accepted by the agency, then the exemption from the provisions of this chapter shall expire at the conclusion of the condemnation litigation of the subject property. An agency of the executive branch may exempt title information, including names and addresses of property owners whose property is subject to acquisition by purchase or through the exercise of the power of eminent domain, from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution to the same extent as appraisals, other reports relating to value, offers, and counteroffers. For the purpose of this paragraph, "option contract" means an agreement of an agency of the executive branch of state government to purchase real property subject to final agency approval. This paragraph shall have no application to other exemptions from the provisions of subsection (1) which are contained in other provisions of law and shall not be construed to be an express or implied repeal thereof.

(o)  Data processing software obtained by an agency under a licensing agreement which prohibits its disclosure and which software is a trade secret, as defined in s. 812.081, and agency-produced data processing software which is sensitive are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. The designation of agency-produced software as sensitive shall not prohibit an agency head from sharing or exchanging such software with another public agency.

(p)  All complaints and other records in the custody of any unit of local government which relate to a complaint of discrimination relating to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, marital status, sale or rental of housing, the provision of brokerage services, or the financing of housing are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until a finding is made relating to probable cause, the investigation of the complaint becomes inactive, or the complaint or other record is made part of the official record of any hearing or court proceeding. This provision shall not affect any function or activity of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Any state or federal agency which is authorized to have access to such complaints or records by any provision of law shall be granted such access in the furtherance of such agency's statutory duties, notwithstanding the provisions of this section. This paragraph shall not be construed to modify or repeal any special or local act.

(q)  All complaints and other records in the custody of any agency in the executive branch of state government which relate to a complaint of discrimination relating to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status in connection with hiring practices, position classifications, salary, benefits, discipline, discharge, employee performance, evaluation, or other related activities are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until a finding is made relating to probable cause, the investigation of the complaint becomes inactive, or the complaint or other record is made part of the official record of any hearing or court proceeding. This provision shall not affect any function or activity of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Any state or federal agency which is authorized to have access to such complaints or records by any provision of law shall be granted such access in the furtherance of such agency's statutory duties, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

(r)  All records supplied by a telecommunications company, as defined by s. 364.02, to a state or local governmental agency which contain the name, address, and telephone number of subscribers are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(s)1.  Any document that reveals the identity, home or employment telephone number, home or employment address, or personal assets of the victim of a crime and identifies that person as the victim of a crime, which document is received by any agency that regularly receives information from or concerning the victims of crime, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Any information not otherwise held confidential or exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) which reveals the home or employment telephone number, home or employment address, or personal assets of a person who has been the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, upon written request by the victim, which must include official verification that an applicable crime has occurred. Such information shall cease to be exempt 5 years after the receipt of the written request. Any state or federal agency that is authorized to have access to such documents by any provision of law shall be granted such access in the furtherance of such agency's statutory duties, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

2.a.  Any information in a videotaped statement of a minor who is alleged to be or who is a victim of sexual battery, lewd acts, or other sexual misconduct proscribed in chapter 800 or in s. 794.011, s. 827.071, s. 847.012, s. 847.0125, s. 847.013, s. 847.0133, or s. 847.0145, which reveals that minor's identity, including, but not limited to, the minor's face; the minor's home, school, church, or employment telephone number; the minor's home, school, church, or employment address; the name of the minor's school, church, or place of employment; or the personal assets of the minor; and which identifies that minor as the victim of a crime described in this subparagraph, held by a law enforcement agency, is confidential and exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Any governmental agency that is authorized to have access to such statements by any provision of law shall be granted such access in the furtherance of the agency's statutory duties, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

b.  A public employee or officer who has access to a videotaped statement of a minor who is alleged to be or who is a victim of sexual battery, lewd acts, or other sexual misconduct proscribed in chapter 800 or in s. 794.011, s. 827.071, s. 847.012, s. 847.0125, s. 847.013, s. 847.0133, or s. 847.0145, may not willfully and knowingly disclose videotaped information that reveals the minor's identity to a person who is not assisting in the investigation or prosecution of the alleged offense or to any person other than the defendant, the defendant's attorney, or a person specified in an order entered by the court having jurisdiction of the alleged offense. A person who violates this provision commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083

(t)  Any financial statement which an agency requires a prospective bidder to submit in order to prequalify for bidding or for responding to a proposal for a road or any other public works project is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(u)  Where the alleged victim chooses not to file a complaint and requests that records of the complaint remain confidential, all records relating to an allegation of employment discrimination are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(v)  Medical information pertaining to a prospective, current, or former officer or employee of an agency which, if disclosed, would identify that officer or employee is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. However, such information may be disclosed if the person to whom the information pertains or the person's legal representative provides written permission or pursuant to court order.

(w)1.  If certified pursuant to subparagraph 2., an investigatory record of the Chief Inspector General within the Executive Office of the Governor or of the employee designated by an agency head as the agency inspector general under s. 112.3189 is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until the registration ceases to be active, or a report detailing the investigation is provided to the Governor or the agency head, or 60 days from the inception of the investigation for which the record was made or received, whichever first occurs. Investigatory records are those records which are related to the investigation of an alleged, specific act or omission or other wrongdoing, with respect to an identifiable person or group of persons, based on information compiled by the Chief Inspector General or by an agency inspector general, as named under the provisions of s. 112.3189, in the course of an investigation. An investigation is active if it is continuing with a reasonable, good faith anticipation of resolution and with reasonable dispatch.

2.  The Governor, in the case of the Chief Inspector General, or agency head, in the case of an employee designated as the agency inspector general under s. 112.3189, may certify such investigatory records require an exemption to protect the integrity of the investigation or avoid unwarranted damage to an individual's good name or reputation. The certification shall specify the nature and purpose of the investigation and shall be kept with the exempt records and made public when the records are made public.

3.  The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to whistle-blower investigations conducted pursuant to the provisions of ss. 112.3187, 112.3188, 112.3189, and 112.31895

(x)1.  The social security numbers of all current and former agency employees which numbers are contained in agency employment records are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. As used in this paragraph, the term "agency" means an agency as defined in s. 119.011

2.  An agency that is the custodian of a social security number specified in subparagraph 1. and that is not the employing agency shall maintain the exempt status of the social security number only if the employee or the employing agency of the employee submits a written request for confidentiality to the custodial agency. However, upon a request by a commercial entity as provided in s. 119.0721, the custodial agency shall release the last four digits of the exempt social security number, except that a social security number provided in a lien filed with the Department of State shall be released in its entirety. This subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2009, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

(y)  The audit report of an internal auditor prepared for or on behalf of a unit of local government becomes a public record when the audit becomes final. As used in this paragraph, "unit of local government" means a county, municipality, special district, local agency, authority, consolidated city-county government, or any other local governmental body or public body corporate or politic authorized or created by general or special law. An audit becomes final when the audit report is presented to the unit of local government. Audit workpapers and notes related to such audit report are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until the audit is completed and the audit report becomes final.

(z)  Any data, record, or document used directly or solely by a municipally owned utility to prepare and submit a bid relative to the sale, distribution, or use of any service, commodity, or tangible personal property to any customer or prospective customer shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This exemption commences when a municipal utility identifies in writing a specific bid to which it intends to respond. This exemption no longer applies when the contract for sale, distribution, or use of the service, commodity, or tangible personal property is executed, a decision is made not to execute such contract, or the project is no longer under active consideration. The exemption in this paragraph includes the bid documents actually furnished in response to the request for bids. However, the exemption for the bid documents submitted no longer applies after the bids are opened by the customer or prospective customer.

2(aa)  Personal information contained in a motor vehicle record that identifies the subject of that record is exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution except as provided in this paragraph. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, the subject's social security number, driver identification number, name, address, telephone number, and medical or disability information. For purposes of this paragraph, personal information does not include information relating to vehicular crashes, driving violations, and driver's status. For purposes of this paragraph, "motor vehicle record" means any record that pertains to a motor vehicle operator's permit, motor vehicle title, motor vehicle registration, or identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Personal information contained in motor vehicle records exempted by this paragraph shall be released by the department for any of the following uses:

1.  For use in connection with matters of motor vehicle or driver safety and theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicles and dealers by motor vehicle manufacturers; and removal of nonowner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers, to carry out the purposes of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Saving Act, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992, and the Clean Air Act.

2.  For use by any government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf of a federal, state, or local agency in carrying out its functions.

3.  For use in connection with matters of motor vehicle or driver safety and theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, and dealers; motor vehicle market research activities, including survey research; and removal of nonowner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers.

4.  For use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or its agents, employees, or contractors, but only:

a.  To verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by the individual to the business or its agents, employees, or contractors; and

b.  If such information as so submitted is not correct or is no longer correct, to obtain the correct information, but only for the purposes of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against, the individual.

5.  For use in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding in any court or agency or before any self-regulatory body for:

a.  Service of process by any certified process server, special process server, or other person authorized to serve process in this state.

b.  Investigation in anticipation of litigation by an attorney licensed to practice law in this state or the agent of the attorney; however, the information may not be used for mass commercial solicitation of clients for litigation against motor vehicle dealers.

c.  Investigation by any person in connection with any filed proceeding; however, the information may not be used for mass commercial solicitation of clients for litigation against motor vehicle dealers.

d.  Execution or enforcement of judgments and orders.

e.  Compliance with an order of any court.

6.  For use in research activities and for use in producing statistical reports, so long as the personal information is not published, redisclosed, or used to contact individuals.

7.  For use by any insurer or insurance support organization, or by a self-insured entity, or its agents, employees, or contractors, in connection with claims investigation activities, anti-fraud activities, rating, or underwriting.

8.  For use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles.

9.  For use by any licensed private investigative agency or licensed security service for any purpose permitted under this paragraph. Personal information obtained based on an exempt driver's record may not be provided to a client who cannot demonstrate a need based on a police report, court order, or a business or personal relationship with the subject of the investigation.

10.  For use by an employer or its agent or insurer to obtain or verify information relating to a holder of a commercial driver's license that is required under 49 U.S.C. ss. 31301 et seq.

11.  For use in connection with the operation of private toll transportation facilities.

12.  For bulk distribution for surveys, marketing, or solicitations when the department has obtained the express consent of the person to whom such personal information pertains.

13.  For any use if the requesting person demonstrates that he or she has obtained the written consent of the person who is the subject of the motor vehicle record.

14.  For any other use specifically authorized by state law, if such use is related to the operation of a motor vehicle or public safety.

15.  For any other use if the person to whom the information pertains has given express consent on a form prescribed by the department. Such consent shall remain in effect until it is revoked by the person on a form prescribed by the department.

The restrictions on disclosure of personal information provided by this paragraph shall not in any way affect the use of organ donation information on individual driver licenses nor affect the administration of organ donation initiatives in this state. Personal information exempted from public disclosure according to this paragraph may be disclosed by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to an individual, firm, corporation, or similar business entity whose primary business interest is to resell or redisclose the personal information to persons who are authorized to receive such information. Prior to the department's disclosure of personal information, such individual, firm, corporation, or similar business entity must first enter into a contract with the department regarding the care, custody, and control of the personal information to ensure compliance with the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 and applicable state laws. An authorized recipient of personal information contained in a motor vehicle record, except a recipient under subparagraph 12., may contract with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to resell or redisclose the information for any use permitted under this paragraph. However, only authorized recipients of personal information under subparagraph 12. may resell or redisclose personal information pursuant to subparagraph 12. Any authorized recipient who resells or rediscloses personal information shall maintain, for a period of 5 years, records identifying each person or entity that receives the personal information and the permitted purpose for which it will be used. Such records shall be made available for inspection upon request by the department. The department shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this paragraph and the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994, 18 U.S.C. ss. 2721 et seq. Rules adopted by the department shall provide for the payment of applicable fees and, prior to the disclosure of personal information pursuant to this paragraph, shall require the meeting of conditions by the requesting person for the purposes of obtaining reasonable assurance concerning the identity of such requesting person, and, to the extent required, assurance that the use will be only as authorized or that the consent of the person who is the subject of the personal information has been obtained. Such conditions may include, but need not be limited to, the making and filing of a written application in such form and containing such information and certification requirements as the department requires.

(bb)  Medical history records and information related to health or property insurance provided to the Department of Community Affairs, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, a county, a municipality, or a local housing finance agency by an applicant for or a participant in a federal, state, or local housing assistance program are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Governmental entities or their agents shall have access to such confidential and exempt records and information for the purpose of auditing federal, state, or local housing programs or housing assistance programs. Such confidential and exempt records and information may be used in any administrative or judicial proceeding, provided such records are kept confidential and exempt unless otherwise ordered by a court.

(cc)  All personal identifying information; bank account numbers; and debit, charge, and credit card numbers contained in records relating to an individual's personal health or eligibility for health-related services made or received by the Department of Health or its service providers are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, except as otherwise provided in this paragraph. Information made confidential and exempt by this paragraph shall be disclosed:

1.  With the express written consent of the individual or the individual's legally authorized representative.

2.  In a medical emergency, but only to the extent necessary to protect the health or life of the individual.

3.  By court order upon a showing of good cause.

4.  To a health research entity, if the entity seeks the records or data pursuant to a research protocol approved by the department, maintains the records or data in accordance with the approved protocol, and enters into a purchase and data-use agreement with the department, the fee provisions of which are consistent with subsection (4). The department may deny a request for records or data if the protocol provides for intrusive follow-back contacts, has not been approved by a human studies institutional review board, does not plan for the destruction of confidential records after the research is concluded, is administratively burdensome, or does not have scientific merit. The agreement must restrict the release of any information, which would permit the identification of persons, limit the use of records or data to the approved research protocol, and prohibit any other use of the records or data. Copies of records or data issued pursuant to this subparagraph remain the property of the department.

This paragraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995, in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2006, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

(dd)  Bank account numbers and debit, charge, and credit card numbers held by an agency are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This exemption applies to bank account numbers and debit, charge, and credit card numbers held by an agency before, on, or after the effective date of this exemption. This paragraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2007, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

(ee)  Building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, and diagrams, including draft, preliminary, and final formats, which depict the internal layout and structural elements of a building, arena, stadium, water treatment facility, or other structure owned or operated by an agency as defined in s. 119.011 are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This exemption applies to building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, and diagrams, including draft, preliminary, and final formats, which depict the internal layout and structural elements of a building, arena, stadium, water treatment facility, or other structure owned or operated by an agency before, on, or after the effective date of this act. Information made exempt by this paragraph may be disclosed to another governmental entity if disclosure is necessary for the receiving entity to perform its duties and responsibilities; to a licensed architect, engineer, or contractor who is performing work on or related to the building, arena, stadium, water treatment facility, or other structure owned or operated by an agency; or upon a showing of good cause before a court of competent jurisdiction. The entities or persons receiving such information shall maintain the exempt status of the information. This paragraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2007, unless reviewed and reenacted by the Legislature.

3(ff)  Building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, and diagrams, including draft, preliminary, and final formats, which depict the internal layout or structural elements of an attractions and recreation facility, entertainment or resort complex, industrial complex, retail and service development, office development, or hotel or motel development, which documents are held by an agency as defined in s. 119.011, are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This exemption applies to any such documents held either permanently or temporarily by an agency before or after the effective date of this act. Information made exempt by this paragraph may be disclosed to another governmental entity if disclosure is necessary for the receiving entity to perform its duties and responsibilities; to the owner or owners of the structure in question or the owner's legal representative; or upon a showing of good cause before a court of competent jurisdiction. As used in this paragraph, the term:

1.  "Attractions and recreation facility" means any sports, entertainment, amusement, or recreation facility, including, but not limited to, a sports arena, stadium, racetrack, tourist attraction, amusement park, or pari-mutuel facility that:

a.  For single-performance facilities:

(I)  Provides single-performance facilities; or

(II)  Provides more than 10,000 permanent seats for spectators.

b.  For serial-performance facilities:

(I)  Provides parking spaces for more than 1,000 motor vehicles; or

(II)  Provides more than 4,000 permanent seats for spectators.

2.  "Entertainment or resort complex" means a theme park comprised of at least 25 acres of land with permanent exhibitions and a variety of recreational activities, which has at least 1 million visitors annually who pay admission fees thereto, together with any lodging, dining, and recreational facilities located adjacent to, contiguous to, or in close proximity to the theme park, as long as the owners or operators of the theme park, or a parent or related company or subsidiary thereof, has an equity interest in the lodging, dining, or recreational facilities or is in privity therewith. Close proximity includes an area within a 5-mile radius of the theme park complex.

3.  "Industrial complex" means any industrial, manufacturing, processing, distribution, warehousing, or wholesale facility or plant, as well as accessory uses and structures, under common ownership which:

a.  Provides onsite parking for more than 250 motor vehicles;

b.  Encompasses 500,000 square feet or more of gross floor area; or

c.  Occupies a site of 100 acres or more, but excluding wholesale facilities or plants that primarily serve or deal onsite with the general public.

4.  "Retail and service development" means any retail, service, or wholesale business establishment or group of establishments which deals primarily with the general public onsite and is operated under one common property ownership, development plan, or management that:

a.  Encompasses more than 400,000 square feet of gross floor area; or

b.  Provides parking spaces for more than 2,500 motor vehicles.

5.  "Office development" means any office building or park operated under common ownership, development plan, or management that encompasses 300,000 or more square feet of gross floor area.

6.  "Hotel or motel development" means any hotel or motel development that accommodates 350 or more units.

This exemption does not apply to comprehensive plans or site plans, or amendments thereto, which are submitted for approval or which have been approved under local land development regulations, local zoning regulations, or development-of-regional-impact review.

(gg)1.  Until January 1, 2006, if a social security number, made confidential and exempt pursuant to s. 119.0721, created pursuant to s. 1, ch. 2002-256, passed during the 2002 regular legislative session, or a complete bank account, debit, charge, or credit card number made exempt pursuant to paragraph (dd), created pursuant to s. 1, ch. 2002-257, passed during the 2002 regular legislative session, is or has been included in a court file, such number may be included as part of the court record available for public inspection and copying unless redaction is requested by the holder of such number, or by the holder's attorney or legal guardian, in a signed, legibly written request specifying the case name, case number, document heading, and page number. The request must be delivered by mail, facsimile, electronic transmission, or in person to the clerk of the circuit court. The clerk of the circuit court does not have a duty to inquire beyond the written request to verify the identity of a person requesting redaction. A fee may not be charged for the redaction of a social security number or a bank account, debit, charge, or credit card number pursuant to such request.

2.  Any person who prepares or files a document to be recorded in the official records by the county recorder as provided in chapter 28 may not include a person's social security number or complete bank account, debit, charge, or credit card number in that document unless otherwise expressly required by law. Until January 1, 2006, if a social security number or a complete bank account, debit, charge or credit card number is or has been included in a document presented to the county recorder for recording in the official records of the county, such number may be made available as part of the official record available for public inspection and copying. Any person, or his or her attorney or legal guardian, may request that a county recorder remove from an image or copy of an official record placed on a county recorder's publicly available Internet website, or a publicly available Internet website used by a county recorder to display public records outside the office or otherwise made electronically available outside the county recorder's office to the general public, his or her social security number or complete account, debit, charge, or credit card number contained in that official record. Such request must be legibly written, signed by the requester, and delivered by mail, facsimile, electronic transmission, or in person to the county recorder. The request must specify the identification page number of the document that contains the number to be redacted. The county recorder does not have a duty to inquire beyond the written request to verify the identity of a person requesting redaction. A fee may not be charged for redacting such numbers.

3.  Upon the effective date of this act, subsections (3) and (4) of s. 119.0721, do not apply to the clerks of the court or the county recorder with respect to circuit court records and official records.

4.  On January 1, 2006, and thereafter, the clerk of the circuit court and the county recorder must keep complete bank account, debit, charge, and credit card numbers exempt as provided for in paragraph (dd), and must keep social security numbers confidential and exempt as provided for in s. 119.0721, without any person having to request redaction.

4(hh)  All personal identifying information contained in records relating to a person's health held by local governmental entities or their service providers for the purpose of determining eligibility for paratransit services under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act or eligibility for the transportation disadvantaged program as provided in part I of chapter 427 is confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, except as otherwise provided herein. This exemption applies to personal identifying information contained in such records held by local governmental entities or their service providers before, on, or after the effective date of this exemption. Information made confidential and exempt by this paragraph shall be disclosed:

1.  With the express written consent of the individual or the individual's legally authorized representative;

2.  In a medical emergency, but only to the extent necessary to protect the health or life of the individual;

3.  By court order upon a showing of good cause; or

4.  For the purpose of determining eligibility for paratransit services if the individual or the individual's legally authorized representative has filed an appeal or petition before an administrative body of a local government or a court.

(ii)  Any videotape or video signal that, under an agreement with an agency, is produced, made, or received by, or is in the custody of, a federally licensed radio or television station or its agent is exempt from this chapter.

5(jj)  Any information that would identify or help to locate a child who participates in government-sponsored recreation programs or camps or the parents or guardians of such child, including, but not limited to, the name, home address, telephone number, social security number, or photograph of the child; the names and locations of schools attended by such child; and the names, home addresses, and social security numbers of parents or guardians of such child is exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Information made exempt pursuant to this paragraph may be disclosed by court order upon a showing of good cause. This exemption applies to records held before, on, or after the effective date of this exemption.

(7)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt from subsection (1) a public record which was made a part of a court file and which is not specifically closed by order of court, except as provided in paragraphs (c), (d), (e), (k), (l), and (o) of subsection (6) and except information or records which may reveal the identity of a person who is a victim of a sexual offense as provided in paragraph (f) of subsection (6).

(8)  Nothing in subsection (6) or any other general or special law shall limit the access of the Auditor General, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, or any state, county, municipal, university, board of community college, school district, or special district internal auditor to public records when such person states in writing that such records are needed for a properly authorized audit, examination, or investigation. Such person shall maintain the exempt or confidential status of a public record that is exempt or confidential from the provisions of subsection (1) and shall be subject to the same penalties as the custodian of that record for public disclosure of such record.

(9)  An exemption from this section does not imply an exemption from s. 286.011 The exemption from s. 286.011 must be expressly provided.

(10)  The provisions of this section are not intended to expand or limit the provisions of Rule 3.220, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, regarding the right and extent of discovery by the state or by a defendant in a criminal prosecution or in collateral postconviction proceedings. This section may not be used by any inmate as the basis for failing to timely litigate any postconviction action.

History.--s. 7, ch. 67-125; s. 4, ch. 75-225; s. 2, ch. 77-60; s. 2, ch. 77-75; s. 2, ch. 77-94; s. 2, ch. 77-156; s. 2, ch. 78-81; ss. 2, 4, 6, ch. 79-187; s. 2, ch. 80-273; s. 1, ch. 81-245; s. 1, ch. 82-95; s. 36, ch. 82-243; s. 6, ch. 83-215; s. 2, ch. 83-269; s. 1, ch. 83-286; s. 5, ch. 84-298; s. 1, ch. 85-18; s. 1, ch. 85-45; s. 1, ch. 85-73; s. 1, ch. 85-86; s. 7, ch. 85-152; s. 1, ch. 85-177; s. 4, ch. 85-301; s. 2, ch. 86-11; s. 1, ch. 86-21; s. 1, ch. 86-109; s. 2, ch. 87-399; s. 2, ch. 88-188; s. 1, ch. 88-384; s. 1, ch. 89-29; s. 7, ch. 89-55; s. 1, ch. 89-80; s. 1, ch. 89-275; s. 2, ch. 89-283; s. 2, ch. 89-350; s. 1, ch. 89-531; s. 1, ch. 90-43; s. 63, ch. 90-136; s. 2, ch. 90-196; s. 4, ch. 90-211; s. 24, ch. 90-306; ss. 22, 26, ch. 90-344; s. 116, ch. 90-360; s. 78, ch. 91-45; s. 11, ch. 91-57; s. 1, ch. 91-71; s. 1, ch. 91-96; s. 1, ch. 91-130; s. 1, ch. 91-149; s. 1, ch. 91-219; s. 1, ch. 91-288; ss. 43, 45, ch. 92-58; s. 90, ch. 92-152; s. 59, ch. 92-289; s. 217, ch. 92-303; s. 1, ch. 93-87; s. 2, ch. 93-232; s. 3, ch. 93-404; s. 4, ch. 93-405; s. 4, ch. 94-73; s. 1, ch. 94-128; s. 3, ch. 94-130; s. 67, ch. 94-164; s. 1, ch. 94-176; s. 1419, ch. 95-147; ss. 1, 3, ch. 95-170; s. 4, ch. 95-207; s. 1, ch. 95-320; ss. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, ch. 95-398; s. 1, ch. 95-399; s. 121, ch. 95-418; s. 3, ch. 96-178; s. 1, ch. 96-230; s. 5, ch. 96-268; s. 4, ch. 96-290; s. 41, ch. 96-406; s. 18, ch. 96-410; s. 1, ch. 97-185; s. 1, ch. 98-9; s. 7, ch. 98-137; s. 1, ch. 98-255; s. 1, ch. 98-259; s. 128, ch. 98-403; s. 2, ch. 99-201; s. 27, ch. 2000-164; s. 54, ch. 2000-349; s. 1, ch. 2001-87; s. 1, ch. 2001-108; s. 1, ch. 2001-249; s. 29, ch. 2001-261; s. 33, ch. 2001-266; s. 1, ch. 2001-364; s. 1, ch. 2002-67; ss. 1, 3, ch. 2002-257; s. 2, ch. 2002-391; s. 11, ch. 2003-1; s. 1, ch. 2003-100; ss. 1, 2, ch. 2003-110; s. 1, ch. 2003-137; ss. 1, 2, ch. 2003-157; ss. 1, 2, ch. 2004-9; ss. 1, 2, ch. 2004-32; ss. 1, 2, ch. 2004-62; ss. 1, 3, ch. 2004-95; s. 7, ch. 2004-335.

1Note.--Section 2, ch. 2003-157, provides that "[s]ubparagraph 2. of paragraph (f) of subsection [(6)] of section 119.07, Florida Statutes, is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, Florida Statutes, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2008, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature."

2Note.--Section 2, ch. 2004-62, provides that "[p]aragraph (aa) of subsection [(6)] of s. 119.07, Florida Statutes, is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, Florida Statutes, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2009, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature."

3Note.--Section 2, ch. 2004-9, provides that "[s]ection 119.07[(6)](ff), Florida Statutes, is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995, in accordance with s. 119.15, Florida Statutes, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2009, unless reviewed and reenacted by the Legislature."

4Note.--Section 2, ch. 2003-110, provides that "[p]aragraph [(hh)] of subsection [(6)] of section 119.07, Florida Statutes, is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, Florida Statutes, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2008, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature."

5Note.--Section 2, ch. 2004-32, provides that "[p]aragraph [(jj)] of subsection [(6)] of s. 119.07, Florida Statutes, is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, Florida Statutes, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2009, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature."

Note.--Additional exemptions from the application of this section appear in the General Index to the Florida Statutes under the heading "Public Records."