FL bill #S7030 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Public Records/Investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs

Status: Introduced

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes information related to investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs into violations concerning companion chatbots, general bot consumer protection, and deidentified data confidential and exempt from public records requirements until an investigation is completed or ceases to be active, though the department can still disclose such information during an active investigation for specific purposes like furthering its duties, notifying the public, or sharing with other government entities. Upon completion of an investigation, certain information, including personal identifying details, computer forensic reports, and proprietary information (defined as private business information that would harm the company if disclosed and has not been made public), will remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure to protect individuals and businesses from identity theft, privacy violations, and competitive disadvantage, with these exemptions subject to future legislative review and repeal.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 501.9984, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information relating to notifications of violations or investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs of certain companion chatbot violations; providing construction; authorizing the department to disclose such information during an active investigation; requiring certain information remain confidential and exempt upon the completion or cessation of an investigation; defining the term “proprietary information”; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; amending s. 501.9985, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information relating to notifications of violations or investigations by the department of certain bot related consumer protection violations; providing construction; authorizing the department to disclose such information during an active investigation for specified purposes; requiring that certain information remain confidential and exempt upon the completion or cessation of an investigation; defining the term “proprietary information”; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; amending s. 501.9986, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information relating to notifications of violations or investigations by the department of certain deidentified data-related consumer protection violations; providing construction; authorizing the department to disclose such information during an active investigation for specified purposes; requiring that certain information remain confidential and exempt upon the completion or cessation of an investigation; defining the term “proprietary information”; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/16/2026
• Added: 01/17/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 0 : Commerce and Tourism
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 3
• Last Amended: 01/16/2026
• Last Action: Senate Commerce and Tourism Hearing (08:30:00 1/21/2026 110 Senate Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0032 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Injunctions for Protection

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill adds a new type of protective injunction called "serious violence by a known person" to Florida law, which can be filed when an act of violence between known individuals causes serious bodily injury. The bill defines "serious bodily injury" as a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of bodily function. Individuals who can file this type of injunction include victims or their parents/legal guardians, provided they have reported the violence to law enforcement and are cooperating with any criminal proceedings. The bill modifies numerous existing statutes to incorporate this new type of protective injunction, including provisions related to court procedures, law enforcement responses, and legal protections. It requires courts to provide certified copies of the injunction, prohibits filing fees, and mandates that law enforcement serve and enforce these injunctions. The bill also updates various references in other sections of Florida law to include "serious violence by a known person" alongside existing types of protective injunctions, such as repeat violence, sexual violence, and dating violence. The new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to injunctions for protection; amending s. 784.046, F.S.; defining the terms “serious violence by a known person” and “serious bodily injury”; creating a cause of action for an injunction for protection in cases of serious violence by a known person; specifying the persons who have standing to file such injunction for protection in circuit court if specified conditions are met; prohibiting the clerk of the court from assessing a fee for the filing of such injunction for protection; requiring the clerk of the court to provide the petitioner with a certified copy of such injunction for protection; providing requirements for such petition for injunction for protection; providing requirements for a temporary or final judgment on such injunction for protection; requiring the clerk of the court to electronically transmit copies of specified documents within a certain timeframe after a court issues such injunction for protection; requiring law enforcement officers to accept a certified copy of such injunction for protection from the petitioner and immediately serve it upon a respondent; providing requirements for inclusion of such injunction for protection in a specified statewide communication system; requiring that a respondent be held in custody if he or she is arrested for committing an act of serious violence by a known person in violation of an injunction for protection until being brought before the court; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; making technical changes; amending ss. 44.407, 61.13, 61.1825, 394.4597, 394.4598, 741.313, 784.047, 784.048, and 934.03, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; reenacting ss. 28.2221 (8)(a), (c), and (d), 28.35(2)(i), 57.105(8), 61.1827(1), 741.311(2), 741.315(2), 790.401(2)(e) and (3)(c), 901.15(6), 901.41(5), 921.141(6)(p), 921.1425(7)(j), 921.1427(7)(i), and 934.425(3), F.S.; relating to electronic access to official records, Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation, the awarding of attorney fees, identifying information concerning applicants for and recipients of child support services, Hope Card Program for persons issued orders of protection, recognition of foreign protection orders, risk protection orders, when arrest by a law enforcement officer without a warrant is lawful, prearrest diversion programs, aggravating factors relating to a sentence of death or life imprisonment for capital felonies, aggravating factors relating to a sentence of death or life imprisonment for capital sexual battery, aggravating factors relating to a sentence of death or life imprisonment for capital human trafficking of vulnerable persons for sexual exploitation, and installation or use of tracking devices or applications, respectively, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 784.046, F.S., in references thereto; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 09/14/2025
• Added: 09/15/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 5 : Criminal Justice, Barbara Sharief (D)*, Rosalind Osgood (D), Lori Berman (D), Tracie Davis (D), Mack Bernard (D)
• Versions: 2 • Votes: 1 • Actions: 12
• Last Amended: 11/19/2025
• Last Action: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Hearing (13:30:00 1/21/2026 37 Senate Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0490 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Public Records/E-mail Addresses Collected by the Department of Highway Safety for Providing Renewal Notices

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends Florida law to expand an existing exemption from public records requirements for email addresses collected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Currently, the exemption only applied to email addresses collected for specific renewal notices, but the bill broadens the scope to include email addresses collected for any method of notification, including those related to vessel registrations. The bill recognizes that email addresses are sensitive personal information that could be used for identity theft, consumer scams, or unwanted solicitations if made publicly available. By keeping these email addresses exempt from public records disclosure, the legislation aims to protect individuals' privacy and reduce potential risks. The exemption is subject to future legislative review and will automatically be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reenacts it. The bill's effectiveness is contingent on the passage of a related bill (SB 488) that expands the department's ability to use email for various notifications beyond just renewal notices.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.0712, F.S.; expanding an exemption from public records requirements for e-mail addresses collected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for providing renewal notices to include e-mail addresses collected for use as a method of notification generally and not only for the purpose of providing renewal notices; expanding the exemption to include e-mail addresses collected for use as a method of notification related to vessel registrations; providing retroactive applicability; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 11/13/2025
• Added: 11/14/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Ralph Massullo (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 1 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 11/13/2025
• Last Action: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Hearing (11:00:00 1/21/2026 110 Senate Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H1105 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Interpersonal Violence Injunctions

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill aims to strengthen protections for victims of interpersonal violence by revising procedures for obtaining injunctions for protection against domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Key provisions include requiring clerks of court to provide simplified forms and information for petitioners, mandating that courts review petitions ex parte (without the other party present) and set final hearings as soon as possible under certain circumstances, and requiring respondents to be personally served by law enforcement officers if a final hearing is scheduled. The bill also revises the factors courts must consider when determining if a petitioner is in imminent danger, clarifies the process for transmitting documents for service, and mandates that respondents provide their contact information for future service within one business day of being served. Additionally, it renames the "Domestic and Repeat Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System" to the "Statewide Injunction Verification System" and expands the types of injunctions maintained within it, while also prohibiting mutual orders of protection, meaning courts cannot issue orders where both parties are protected from each other simultaneously. The bill also specifies that service by email is complete upon sending the email and requires all relevant proceedings to be recorded.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to interpersonal violence injunctions; amending s. 741.30, F.S.; revising the required forms, motions, and information all clerk of the court offices must provide to assist petitioners; requiring the court, upon the filing of a domestic violence petition, to review the petition ex parte and set a final hearing at the earliest possible time under certain circumstances; requiring that a respondent be personally served by a law enforcement officer if a final hearing is set; revising the factors the court is required to consider and evaluate in determining whether a petitioner has reasonable cause to believe that he or she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence; revising what the clerk of the court, within a specified timeframe after the court sets the case for a final hearing, is required to transmit to the sheriff or a law enforcement agency for service; requiring a respondent, within 1 business day after being served, to file a designation of his or her mailing or e-mail address with the clerk of the court for subsequent service; revising the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; specifying that service by e-mail is complete upon e-mailing; revising the name of the Domestic and Repeat Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System created within the Department of Law Enforcement to the Statewide Injunction Verification System; revising the injunctions required to be maintained in the system; revising the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; requiring the court, upon the filing of a petition, to review the petition ex parte and set a final hearing at the earliest possible time under certain circumstances; making technical and conforming changes; amending s. 784.046, F.S.; prohibiting a court from issuing mutual orders of protection; revising the required forms, motions, and information the clerks of the court must provide to assist petitioners unrepresented by counsel; requiring that a respondent be personally served by a law enforcement officer if a final hearing is set; requiring that a court's denial of a petition for an ex parte temporary injunction be by certain written order; specifying that good cause for a continuance includes obtaining service of process by any party; requiring that all specified proceedings be recorded; requiring a respondent, within 1 business day after being served, to file a designation of his or her mailing or e-mail address with the clerk of the court for subsequent service; revising the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; specifying that service by mail or e-mail is complete upon mailing or e-mailing; requiring the clerk of the court to prepare a certain written certification when a certain order is served by the clerk; revising the name of the Domestic and Repeat Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System created within the Department of Law Enforcement to the Statewide Injunction Verification System; revising the injunctions required to be maintained in the system; specifying the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain injunction orders to the parties; specifying that service by mail or e-mail is complete upon mailing or e-mailing; providing requirements regarding service of process; making technical and conforming changes; amending s. 784.0485, F.S.; revising the required forms, motions, and information all clerk of the court offices must provide to assist petitioners; requiring the court, upon the filing of a petition for an injunction for protection against stalking, to review the petition ex parte and set a final hearing at the earliest possible time under certain circumstances; requiring that a respondent be personally served by a law enforcement officer if a final hearing is set; revising what the clerk of the court, within a specified timeframe after the court sets the case for a final hearing, is required to transmit to the sheriff or a law enforcement agency for service; requiring a respondent, within 1 business day after being served, to file a designation of his or her mailing or e-mail address with the clerk of the court for subsequent service; revising the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; specifying that service by e-mail is complete upon e-mailing; specifying the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; specifying that service by mail or e-mail is complete upon mailing or e-mailing; requiring the clerk of the court to prepare a certain written certification when a certain order is served by the clerk; making technical and conforming changes; amending ss. 61.1825 and 943.05, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; reenacting ss. 39.504(5), 44.407(3)(b), 61.125(4)(b), and 741.29(1), F.S., relating to injunctions and penalties, the elder- focused dispute resolution process, parenting coordination, and investigation of domestic violence incidents, respectively, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 741.30, F.S., in references thereto; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/07/2026
• Added: 01/08/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Erika Booth (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/07/2026
• Last Action: House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee Hearing (09:15:00 1/21/2026 )

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0767 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Residential Property Insurance

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill introduces significant changes to residential property insurance regulations in Florida, focusing on transparency, consumer protection, and claims processing. Beginning in October 2026, property insurers will be required to submit rate transparency reports with their rate filings, which must include detailed breakdowns of rate factors such as reinsurance costs, claims expenses, defense costs, fees, commissions, and profit percentages. These reports must be provided to consumers along with policy offers and renewals, and they will need to include additional information like adverse findings, contact details for regulatory agencies, and changes in total insured value. The Office of Insurance Regulation must also develop a comprehensive website resource center with consumer-friendly information about insurance options, claims processes, consumer rights, and market trends. The bill further prohibits insurers from including land value when establishing homeowner policy coverage amounts or adjusting claims, and makes technical updates to the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights. By mandating these provisions, the legislation aims to increase insurance market transparency, help consumers better understand their coverage, and provide clearer guidance about insurance rates and claims processes.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to residential property insurance; amending s. 627.0621, F.S.; requiring that certain rate filings with the Office of Insurance Regulation from residential property insurers include rate transparency reports; providing for the office to accept such reports or to request that the insurer make modifications; providing construction; providing requirements for such reports; requiring insurers to provide such reports to consumers; requiring that the report indicate that it is preliminary and subject to modification by the insurer at the direction of the office under certain circumstances; requiring the office to define terms used in such reports; requiring the office to establish and maintain a comprehensive resource center on its website; providing requirements for the resource center; specifying that certain information is not a trade secret and is not subject to certain public records exemptions; amending s. 627.7011, F.S.; prohibiting an insurer from including the value of certain land when establishing a homeowner's policy coverage amount or adjusting certain claims; providing construction; amending s. 627.7142, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; providing an effective date. hb767-00

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• Introduced: 12/15/2025
• Added: 12/16/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Yvette Benarroch (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 12/15/2025
• Last Action: House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee Hearing (10:00:00 1/21/2026 )

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0777 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Pub. Rec./Office of Financial Regulation

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates several new public records exemptions for the Office of Financial Regulation related to cybersecurity events, data breaches, and information security in financial institutions. Specifically, the bill makes confidential and exempt from public disclosure certain sensitive information received by the office during investigations of cybersecurity incidents involving loan originators, mortgage brokers, money services businesses, and financial institutions. The exemptions cover personal financial information, customer data, computer forensic reports, and proprietary information that could potentially reveal security vulnerabilities or trade secrets. The bill includes provisions that allow limited disclosure of information during active investigations for official purposes or to assist in notifying potential victims. The exemptions are time-limited and will automatically expire on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reenacts them through a review process. The rationale for these exemptions is to protect ongoing investigations, prevent identity theft, maintain the integrity of financial institutions' cybersecurity systems, and encourage accurate reporting of security incidents without risking further financial harm or exposing sensitive information to malicious actors.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 494.00125, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information received by the Office of Financial Regulation pursuant to certain cybersecurity event provisions relating to information systems and customer information of loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders and for information received by the office as a result of investigations and examinations of such cybersecurity events; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; amending s. 560.129, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information received by the office pursuant to certain cybersecurity events provisions relating to information systems and customer information of money services businesses and for information received by the office as a result of investigations and examinations of such cybersecurity events; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; amending s. 655.0171, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for customer personal information received by the office relating to hb777-00 breaches of security of financial institutions or received by the office as a result of investigations of such breaches under certain circumstances; providing exceptions; providing definitions; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; amending s. 655.057, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for certain information received by the office pursuant to applications for authority to organize new financial institutions and for certain information relating to specified persons; providing exceptions; defining the term "personal identifying information"; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 12/16/2025
• Added: 12/17/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Webster Barnaby (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 12/16/2025
• Last Action: House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee Hearing (10:00:00 1/21/2026 )

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0506 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Public Records/Body Camera Recordings Recorded by a Code Inspector

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates new privacy protections for body camera recordings made by code inspectors (government employees who enforce local building, zoning, and safety regulations) by establishing specific confidentiality exemptions for recordings made in sensitive locations like private residences, healthcare facilities, and other areas where a reasonable person would expect privacy. The bill defines who can access these recordings, including the recorded person, their personal representative, or through a court order, while requiring local governments to retain these recordings for at least 90 days. The legislation acknowledges that body cameras can capture highly sensitive personal information and seeks to balance the need for transparency with individual privacy rights. The exemption will be subject to legislative review and will automatically sunset on October 2, 2031, unless specifically renewed. The bill also requires the Division of Library and Information Services to incorporate a 90-day retention requirement into its general records schedule by October 1, 2026, and includes provisions ensuring that other existing public records exemptions remain in effect. The bill's effective date is contingent on the passage of related legislation (SB 504) in the same legislative session.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.0713, F.S.; defining terms; providing an exemption from public records requirements for body camera recordings recorded by a code inspector under certain circumstances; providing exceptions; requiring a local government to retain body camera recordings for a specified timeframe; providing for retroactive application; providing construction; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; directing the Division of Library and Information Services of the Department of State to adopt a specified retention requirement for certain body camera recordings by a specified date; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 11/14/2025
• Added: 11/15/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Danny Burgess (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 1 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 11/14/2025
• Last Action: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Hearing (13:30:00 1/21/2026 37 Senate Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0543 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Transportation

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill introduces several significant changes to transportation regulations in Florida. The Department of Transportation will increase the minimum perception reaction time of all steady yellow traffic signals by 0.4 seconds. The bill revises multiple sections of Florida statutes, including motor carrier licensing, fuel tax regulations, and digital driver's license protocols. Key provisions include implementing a Next-generation Traffic Signal Modernization Grant Program to help counties and municipalities upgrade intersections with artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, establishing strict privacy and security requirements for digital driver's licenses, and modifying regulations for motor carriers, vehicles, and traffic-related operations. The bill also removes some existing regulations about vehicle noise and exhaust systems, creates new requirements for electronic credentialing, and provides guidelines for seaports supporting commercial space launch industries. Notably, the bill includes detailed privacy protections for digital credentials, requires performance-based reporting for traffic signal upgrades, and provides an annual $20 million appropriation for the traffic signal modernization program. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to transportation; requiring the Department of Transportation to increase the minimum perception reaction time of all steady yellow signals in this state by a specified amount of time; amending s. 207.001, F.S.; revising a short title; amending s. 207.002, F.S.; providing and revising definitions; amending s. 207.004, F.S.; requiring licensing, rather than registration, of motor carriers; requiring fuel tax decals, rather than identifying devices, for motor carriers; requiring a copy of the license to be carried in each qualified motor vehicle or made available electronically; specifying how fuel tax decals are to be displayed on qualified motor vehicles; requiring the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or its authorized agent to issue licenses and fuel tax decals; requiring fuel tax decal renewal orders to be submitted electronically beginning on a specified date; revising required contents of temporary fuel-use permits; removing provisions relating to driveaway permits; amending s. 207.005, F.S.; revising reporting periods and due dates for motor fuel use tax returns; requiring such tax returns to be submitted electronically beginning on a specified date; amending s. 207.007, F.S.; hb543-00 revising requirements for calculation of interest due for delinquent tax; providing penalties for any person who counterfeits, alters, manufactures, or sells fuel tax licenses, fuel tax decals, or temporary fuel-use permits except under certain circumstances; amending s. 207.019, F.S.; requiring motor carriers to destroy fuel tax decals under certain circumstances and notify the department; amending s. 261.03, F.S.; revising the definition of the term "off-highway vehicle"; amending s. 261.11, F.S.; revising penalties; transferring, renumbering, and amending s. 311.10(4), F.S.; defining the terms "cargo purposes" and "commercial space launch industry"; requiring certain seaports to submit an annual report describing measures taken to support the commercial space launch industry to the chair of the Space Florida board of directors beginning on a specified date; requiring the seaport to post such report on its website; prohibiting certain seaports from converting planned or existing land, facilities, or infrastructure that supports cargo purposes unless specified conditions are met; requiring legislative approval for the use of state funds for specified projects; amending s. 316.003, F.S.; revising the definition of the term "micromobility device"; amending s. 316.0777, F.S.; authorizing a private hb543-00 entity to install an automated license plate recognition system for use on certain property for a specified purpose and providing requirements therefor; amending s. 316.20655, F.S.; clarifying a provision; repealing ss. 316.272 and 316.293, F.S., relating to the prevention of noise from exhaust systems and motor vehicle noise, respectively; amending s. 316.3045, F.S.; requiring a motor vehicle to be equipped with an exhaust system to prevent excessive or unusual noise; prohibiting such system from allowing noise that is audible at a specified distance from the vehicle; amending s. 319.1401, F.S.; authorizing certain golf carts to be titled and registered for operation on certain roads without an inspection by the department and providing requirements therefor; amending s. 322.032, F.S.; providing definitions; providing requirements for an electronic credentialing system; providing exceptions to certain prohibitions; providing for enforcement and penalties; amending s. 337.11, F.S.; authorizing the department to make direct payments to certain subcontractors under specified conditions; amending s. 337.18, F.S.; requiring the department and surety to enter into a takeover agreement under certain conditions; providing requirements for such agreement; amending s. 339.85, hb543-00 F.S.; providing legislative findings; requiring the department to implement a Next-generation Traffic Signal Modernization Grant Program; providing program purpose; requiring the department to implement a state-local partnership through a cost-sharing arrangement; providing requirements for such arrangement; authorizing the department to waive local match requirements for certain intersections; requiring the department to prioritize grant applications for certain intersections and use competitive procurement to find certain vendors; providing program requirements; providing for an annual appropriation; amending ss. 207.003, 207.008, 207.011, 207.013, 207.014, 207.023, 207.0281, 212.08, 316.455, 316.545, 318.18, 319.35, 324.171, 403.061, 403.415, and 627.7415, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 11/25/2025
• Added: 11/26/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Fiona McFarland (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 11/25/2025
• Last Action: House Commerce Committee Hearing (08:00:00 1/21/2026 )

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0437 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Public Records

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill updates Florida's public records laws to enhance transparency and accessibility. It revises the definition of "actual cost of duplication" to include agency resources like clerical assistance and information technology costs, while capping these expenses at the lowest possible personnel rate. The bill mandates that public records custodians must acknowledge requests promptly and respond in good faith within three business days, either by providing the records, estimating completion time and costs, or citing specific legal exemptions for denial. If agencies fail to meet these timelines, they cannot charge fees for record production. The legislation also strengthens penalties for public records violations, allowing courts to assess fines up to $500 for infractions and potentially doubling monetary penalties for agencies that intentionally disregard public access requirements. Additionally, the bill provides provisions for reducing or waiving fees for requests with public purposes, prohibits charging for record review and redaction, and requires agencies to provide detailed cost estimates upon request. The changes aim to make public records more accessible, transparent, and affordable for citizens seeking government information.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.011, F.S.; revising the definition of the term "actual cost of duplication"; amending s. 119.07, F.S.; providing that it is a violation of ch. 119, F.S., to fail to acknowledge a public records request promptly and respond to such request in good faith; requiring a custodian of public records to perform specified actions within a specified timeframe; prohibiting an agency from imposing costs or fees if the custodian fails to take such actions in the required timeframe; requiring a custodian to state in writing certain justifications and citations; prohibiting an agency from asserting that a record was exempt or confidential and exempt under specified circumstances; prohibiting an agency from asserting certain justifications under specified circumstances; removing provisions authorizing a fee for accessing a public record electronically under a contractual agreement; defining the term "any electronic medium stored, maintained, or used by an agency"; requiring an agency to provide public records requests in specified formats; authorizing an agency to charge a fee for such provision; prohibiting an agency from hb437-00 charging certain costs or fees for specified public records requests; providing for the reduction or waiver of fees under specified conditions; requiring a written, detailed cost estimate to be provided upon request to persons seeking to inspect or copy a public record; prohibiting an agency from charging fees for review and redaction of certain records; amending s. 119.10, F.S.; providing that a violation of any law that provides access to public records is a violation of ch. 119, F.S.; providing a civil penalty for a person who violates provisions relating to accessing public records; providing criminal penalties for a person outside this state who knowingly violates such provisions; requiring the court to assess specified penalties if it makes certain determinations; amending s. 119.12, F.S.; requiring the court to assess and award against the agency certain costs and fees; removing a provision exempting a complainant from providing certain written notice; authorizing agency reimbursement of attorney fees under specified conditions; amending s. 119.15, F.S.; requiring certain provisions authorizing a public records exemption to be repealed after a specified timeframe unless the Legislature reenacts the exemption; hb437-00 repealing s. 282.711, F.S., relating to remote electronic access services, to conform to changes made by the act; amending s. 921.0022, F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 11/17/2025
• Added: 11/18/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 2 : Alex Andrade (R)*, Daryl Campbell (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 11/17/2025
• Last Action: House Government Operations Subcommittee Hearing (13:00:00 1/21/2026 )

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0381 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Office of Financial Regulation

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates comprehensive cybersecurity and data protection requirements for various financial institutions and businesses in Florida. It requires loan originators, mortgage brokers, money services businesses, and financial institutions to develop and maintain detailed written information security programs that protect customer data and information systems. These programs must include administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect nonpublic personal information, regularly test and monitor systems for potential attacks, and establish clear incident response plans for cybersecurity events. The bill mandates that businesses conduct prompt investigations of any cybersecurity events, identifying the scope of the breach, assessing potential data compromises, and taking steps to restore system security. Businesses must also provide notifications to the Office of Financial Regulation and affected individuals if a security breach impacts 500 or more people, with specific timelines and requirements for such notifications. Additionally, the bill makes several related amendments to financial regulations, such as expanding definitions of investment advisers, modifying the Financial Technology Sandbox program, and adjusting requirements for credit unions and banks. The new requirements aim to enhance data protection, improve cybersecurity preparedness, and provide clearer guidelines for financial institutions in managing potential security risks. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, giving businesses time to prepare for the new regulations.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to the Office of Financial Regulation; creating s. 494.00123, F.S.; providing definitions; requiring loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive written information security programs for the protection of information systems and nonpublic personal information; providing requirements for such programs; requiring loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders to establish written incident response plans for specified purposes; providing requirements for such plans; providing applicability; providing compliance requirements under specified circumstances; requiring loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders to maintain copies of information security programs for a specified timeframe and to make them available to the Office of Financial Regulation under certain circumstances; requiring loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders and certain entities to conduct investigations of cybersecurity events under certain circumstances; providing requirements for such investigations; providing requirements for records and documentation maintenance; providing requirements for notices of hb381-00 security breaches; providing construction; providing rulemaking authority; amending s. 494.00255, F.S.; providing additional acts that constitute a ground for specified disciplinary actions against loan originators and mortgage brokers; amending s. 517.021, F.S.; revising the definition of the term "investment adviser" and defining the term "place of business"; amending s. 559.952, F.S.; revising definitions; removing the definition of the term "innovative"; revising the list of general law provisions that are waived upon approval of a Financial Technology Sandbox application; revising conditions under which a waiver of a requirement may be granted; providing that provisions applicable to the Financial Technology Sandbox innovative financial products and services apply to Financial Technology Sandbox financial products and services; revising the criteria for the office to consider when deciding whether to approve or deny an application for licensure; authorizing, rather than requiring, the office to specify the maximum number of consumers authorized to receive financial products and services from a Financial Technology Sandbox applicant; removing provisions that limit the number of such customers; revising construction; amending s. 560.114, F.S.; specifying the entities hb381-00 that are subject to certain disciplinary actions and penalties; revising the list of actions by money services businesses which constitute grounds for certain disciplinary actions and penalties; requiring, rather than authorizing, the office to suspend licenses of money services businesses under certain circumstances; s. 560.1311, F.S.; providing definitions; requiring money services businesses to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive written information security programs for the protection of information systems and nonpublic personal information; providing requirements for such programs; requiring money services businesses to establish written incident response plans for specified purposes; providing requirements for such plans; providing applicability; providing compliance requirements under specified circumstances; requiring money services businesses to maintain copies of information security programs for a specified timeframe and to make them available to the office under certain circumstances; requiring money services businesses and certain entities to conduct investigations of cybersecurity events under certain circumstances; providing requirements for such investigations; providing requirements for records and hb381-00 documentation maintenance; providing requirements for notices of security breaches; providing construction; providing rulemaking authority; creating s. 655.0171, F.S.; providing definitions; requiring financial institutions to take measures to protect and secure certain data that contain personal information; providing requirements for notices of security breaches to the office, the Department of Legal Affairs, certain individuals, and certain credit reporting agencies; amending s. 655.045, F.S.; revising the timeline for the mailing of payment for salary and travel expenses of certain field staff; amending s. 657.005, F.S.; revising requirements for permission to organize credit unions; amending s. 657.024, F.S.; authorizing meetings of credit union members to be held virtually and without quorums under certain circumstances; amending s. 657.042, F.S.; removing provisions that impose limitations on investments in real estate and equipment for credit unions; amending s. 658.21, F.S.; revising requirements and factors for approving applications for organizing banks and trust companies; amending s. 658.33, F.S.; revising requirements for directors of certain banks and trust companies; amending s. 662.141, F.S.; revising the timeline for the mailing hb381-00 of payment for the salary and travel expenses of certain field staff; amending s. 517.12, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 11/06/2025
• Added: 11/07/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Webster Barnaby (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 11/06/2025
• Last Action: House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee Hearing (10:00:00 1/21/2026 )

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0210 • Last Action 01/21/2026

Public Records/Petitions for Injunctions for Protection Against Serious Violence by a Known Person

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends Florida's public records law to create privacy protections for petitions seeking injunctions for protection against serious violence by a known person. Specifically, the bill exempts from public disclosure petitions that are dismissed without a hearing or at an ex parte hearing, recognizing that unverified allegations in such documents could be defamatory and damage an individual's reputation. The bill also makes confidential any information that could identify the petitioner or respondent in such injunction petitions until the respondent is personally served with the documents. This confidentiality is intended to protect the physical safety and security of individuals seeking protection through injunctive proceedings, as well as law enforcement officers who must serve these documents. The bill includes a provision that it will only take effect if companion legislation (SB 32) is also adopted in the same legislative session. The changes apply to court records and official records, ensuring that sensitive information about potential serious violence protection cases remains private until appropriate legal steps have been taken.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.0714, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for petitions, and the contents thereof, for injunctions for protection against serious violence by a known person; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information that can be used to identify a petitioner or respondent in such a petition for an injunction; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 10/16/2025
• Added: 10/16/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 4 : Barbara Sharief (D)*, Rosalind Osgood (D), Tracie Davis (D), Mack Bernard (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 1 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 10/16/2025
• Last Action: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Hearing (13:30:00 1/21/2026 37 Senate Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S7024 • Last Action 01/20/2026

OGSR/Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Operational Technology Information

Status: Introduced

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled OGSR/Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Operational Technology Information, aims to strengthen cybersecurity protections for government agencies by creating exemptions from public records and public meetings requirements for sensitive information related to an agency's cybersecurity, information technology (IT), and operational technology (OT). IT refers to computer systems and networks, while OT refers to systems that control physical devices and processes. The bill defines terms like "breach" (unauthorized access to data), "critical infrastructure" (essential IT and OT systems), "cybersecurity" (protecting IT and OT), "incident" (a cybersecurity violation or threat), "login credentials" (passwords and authentication information), and "public-facing portal" (a website or application accessible to the public). It exempts information such as network schematics, hardware and software configurations, encryption details, incident response practices, security processes, risk assessments, audit results, login credentials, user access data for public portals, sensitive agency-produced software, and cybersecurity insurance coverage details from public disclosure. Additionally, portions of meetings that would reveal this sensitive information are also exempt from public access, though they must be recorded and transcribed confidentially. These exemptions are retroactive and will be subject to future legislative review and repeal. The bill also makes conforming changes to various existing statutes and repeals provisions related to data security for the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and state postsecondary education institutions.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to a review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act; amending s. 119.0725, F.S.; revising definitions and defining terms; providing an exemption from public records requirements for the cybersecurity, information technology, and operational technology information held by an agency; providing an exemption from public meetings requirements for any portion of a meeting that would reveal such information; providing for retroactive application of the exemptions; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemptions; amending ss. 15.16, 24.1051, 101.5607, 106.0706, 112.31446, 119.07, 119.071, 119.0712, 119.0713, s. 119.0714, and 282.318, F.S.; conforming cross-references and provisions to changes made by the act; repealing s. 627.352, F.S., relating to security of data and information technology in the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation; repealing s. 1004.055, F.S., relating to security of data and information technology in state postsecondary education institutions; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/15/2026
• Added: 01/16/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 0 : Governmental Oversight and Accountability
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 3
• Last Amended: 01/15/2026
• Last Action: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Hearing (15:30:00 1/20/2026 110 Senate Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0682 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Violent Criminal Offenses

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled the "Domestic Emergency and Batterers Reform and Accountability Act," introduces comprehensive reforms to address domestic and dating violence in Florida. The bill requires emergency communication systems to flag addresses where domestic violence incidents have occurred, ensuring that all emergency services are aware of potential risks at specific locations. It mandates additional training for emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters on domestic violence, dating violence, and strangulation, requiring at least two hours of specialized instruction for certification and recertification. The bill expands the legal definition of domestic violence to include a broader range of criminal offenses and introduces a domestic violence diversion program for first-time offenders, which allows eligible individuals to participate in a supervised rehabilitation program that may result in charges being dismissed upon successful completion. The legislation also enhances protections for victims by authorizing courts to order electronic monitoring for offenders, increasing relocation assistance funds for domestic violence victims from $1,500 to $5,000 per claim, and implementing stricter penalties for violations of protective injunctions. Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement officers to use body cameras when investigating domestic and dating violence incidents and provides more comprehensive follow-up procedures for victims, including mandatory lethality assessments and potential victim contact within 24 hours of a reported incident. These provisions aim to improve victim safety, increase offender accountability, and provide more comprehensive support for those experiencing domestic and dating violence.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to violent criminal offenses; providing a short title; amending s. 365.171, F.S.; requiring the emergency communications state plan to include a system or process to flag specified addresses; requiring that such system correspond between all emergency services; requiring that an address remain flagged for a specified period of time; providing that such period of time resets under certain circumstances; requiring counties to integrate such system or process in accordance with the county’s resources and availability; amending s. 401.27, F.S.; requiring the Department of Health to establish certain training criteria by rule; requiring emergency medical technicians and paramedics to complete training in the subject of domestic violence, dating violence, and strangulation for certification and recertification; providing requirements for such training; requiring emergency medical technicians and paramedics who are trained outside this state or in the military to provide proof of successful completion of such training; amending s. 633.408, F.S.; requiring the Division of State Fire Marshal within the Department of Financial Services to establish certain training courses by rule; requiring the division to provide training on the subject of domestic violence, dating violence, and strangulation for the certification of career and volunteer firefighters; providing requirements for such training; amending s. 741.28, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “domestic violence”; defining the term “electronic monitoring”; amending s. 741.281, F.S.; authorizing, and in certain circumstances requiring, a court to order electronic monitoring in domestic violence cases; creating s. 741.282, F.S.; authorizing the court or a state attorney to enter into a written agreement with certain persons to participate in a domestic violence diversion program; requiring the Department of Corrections to supervise such diversion programs; providing conditions a person must accept in order to participate in a diversion program; providing requirements for a person participating in a diversion program; requiring a qualified professional to provide a treatment plan under certain circumstances; requiring a qualified professional to file with the court weekly treatment progress reports based on a specified determination; requiring a qualified professional to make a specified certification to the court; requiring the court to make certain written findings; providing requirements for the court based on whether a person successfully completes the diversion program; amending s. 741.283, F.S.; requiring the court to impose certain sentences if a person does not participate in a domestic violence diversion program; amending s. 741.29, F.S.; revising the information a law enforcement officer must provide to a victim of an alleged incident of domestic violence; requiring, if a lethality assessment is performed, a law enforcement officer to provide a specified statement to a victim and the aggressor; authorizing a law enforcement officer or designated liaison to follow up with a victim within a specified amount of time after a written police report is filed; providing requirements for such follow up; requiring law enforcement officers to have their body cameras turned on and recording when investigating an allegation of an incident of domestic violence; amending s. 741.30, F.S.; revising the information contained in a petition for injunction for protection against domestic violence; revising the name of the statewide verification system created within the Department of Law Enforcement; amending s. 741.31, F.S.; providing for enhanced penalties for a violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence; authorizing, and in certain circumstances requiring, a court to order electronic monitoring for a specified duration in domestic violence cases; requiring the respondent to pay for such electronic monitoring services; amending s. 784.046, F.S.; revising the information contained in a petition for injunction for protection against repeat violence, sexual violence, or dating violence; revising the information a law enforcement officer must provide to a victim of an alleged incident of dating violence; requiring a law enforcement officer to administer a lethality assessment in an alleged incident of dating violence; requiring law enforcement officers to have their body cameras turned on and recording when investigating an allegation of an incident of dating violence; amending s. 784.047, F.S.; providing for enhanced penalties for a violation of an injunction for protection against dating violence; authorizing, and in certain circumstances requiring, a court to order electronic monitoring for a specified duration in dating violence cases; requiring the respondent to pay for such electronic monitoring services; amending s. 960.198, F.S.; increasing the dollar amounts for relocation assistance for victims of domestic violence; amending ss. 921.0024, 943.0584, and 943.171, F.S.; conforming cross-references; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 12/01/2025
• Added: 12/02/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 2 : Alexis Calatayud (R)*, Lori Berman (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 12/01/2025
• Last Action: Senate Criminal Justice Hearing (15:30:00 1/20/2026 37 Senate Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0830 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Public Records/County Administrators and City Managers

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends Florida's public records law to create a new exemption from public disclosure for certain personal identifying and location information of county and city administrative officials. Specifically, the bill protects the home addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth of current county administrators, deputy and assistant county administrators, city managers, deputy and assistant city managers. The exemption also extends to the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and places of employment of these officials' spouses and children, as well as the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by their children. The bill includes a statement of public necessity explaining that such information could be used to perpetrate fraud or acts of revenge against these public officials and their families, potentially jeopardizing their safety. The exemption is subject to future legislative review and will automatically be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless reenacted by the Legislature. The bill provides a mechanism for officials to request the release of their exempt information and specifies that the exemption applies to information held before, on, or after the effective date, which is July 1, 2026.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.071, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current county administrators, deputy county administrators, assistant county administrators, city managers, deputy city managers, and assistant city managers, including the names and personal identifying and location information of the spouses and children of current county administrators, deputy county administrators, assistant county administrators, city managers, deputy city managers, and assistant city managers; providing for future legislative review and repeal; providing for retroactive application; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 12/09/2025
• Added: 12/10/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Thomas Leek (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 12/09/2025
• Last Action: Senate Community Affairs Hearing (13:00:00 1/20/2026 37 Senate Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S7022 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Public Records/Examination and Assessment Instruments

Status: Introduced

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends Florida law to expand the confidentiality of examination and assessment instruments, which are tests and related materials used to measure student learning and program effectiveness. Previously, these instruments were confidential when prepared, prescribed, or administered by certain educational bodies. Now, this confidentiality is extended to instruments held by public schools, district school boards, Florida College System institutions, state universities, their boards of trustees, the Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the Board of Governors. The bill also requires the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors to establish rules for retaining and disposing of these confidential records, and it allows these entities to share confidential information with each other. Furthermore, public schools and universities must disclose this information to the Department of Education, the State Board of Education, or the Board of Governors upon request. The scheduled repeal of this exemption is extended from 2026 to 2031, and the Legislature has declared a public necessity for this expanded confidentiality, arguing that public disclosure would enable cheating, compromise the validity of assessments, and lead to significant costs to replace compromised materials.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 1008.23, F.S.; deleting a duplicative exemption from public records requirements for certain examination and assessment instruments; expanding an exemption from public records requirements for examination and assessment instruments to include such instruments when held by certain entities; requiring the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors to adopt rules and regulations, respectively, governing the retention and disposal process for specified records; deleting a provision requiring the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors to adopt certain rules and regulations, respectively, governing access to records; authorizing specified entities to disclose exempt information to certain entities; requiring specified entities to disclose confidential and exempt information in certain circumstances; providing construction; extending the scheduled repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/15/2026
• Added: 01/16/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 0 : Education Pre-K - 12
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 3
• Last Amended: 01/15/2026
• Last Action: Senate Education Pre-K - 12 Hearing (13:00:00 1/20/2026 412 Knott Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1284 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Arrest and Search Warrants

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill modifies Florida law regarding arrest and search warrants to expand law enforcement's authority in certain situations. Specifically, it allows judges more discretion when issuing arrest warrants for misdemeanor offenses, permitting them to issue a summons or notice to appear instead of an arrest warrant under specific conditions. It also broadens the circumstances under which law enforcement officers can make arrests without a warrant to include violations of injunctions for protection against stalking or cyberstalking, as well as acts constituting driving or boating under the influence (DUI/BUI). Furthermore, the bill expands the grounds for issuing search warrants to include evidence related to DUI/BUI offenses, violations of domestic violence laws within a specific location, and misdemeanor crimes involving the use or threat of physical force or violence. Several sections of existing law are also reenacted to incorporate these changes and ensure consistency in references to arrest powers.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to arrest and search warrants; amending s. 901.02, F.S.; authorizing a judge to issue an arrest warrant or issue a summons or a notice to appear in lieu of an arrest warrant under specified circumstances if a complaint alleges only the commission of a misdemeanor offense; amending s. 901.09, F.S.; authorizing, rather than requiring, a trial court judge to issue a summons under specified circumstances when a complaint is for a misdemeanor that the trial court judge is not empowered to try summarily; amending s. 901.15, F.S.; expanding the circumstances under which an arrest by an officer without a warrant is lawful to include when there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a criminal act in violation of an injunction for protection against stalking or cyberstalking or has committed an act that constitutes driving under the influence or boating under the influence; amending s. 933.02, F.S.; expanding the circumstances under which a search warrant may be issued to include when a sample of the blood of a person or other property constitutes evidence of driving under the influence or boating under the influence, when the laws in relation to domestic violence are violated in any particular building or place, and when the laws in relation to any misdemeanor crime that involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against an individual are violated; reenacting s. 901.1501(2) and (3), F.S., relating to immediate arrest of a person with a significant medical condition, to incorporate the amendments made to ss. 901.02 and 901.15, F.S., in references thereto; reenacting ss. 20.165(9)(b), 39.504(5), 321.05(1), 570.65(2), 741.30(6)(d), and 784.0485(6)(c) and (9)(b), F.S., relating to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; enforcement of certain injunctions; duties, functions, and powers of patrol officers; law enforcement officers of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; enforcement of domestic violence injunctions; and enforcement of stalking injunctions; respectively, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 901.15, F.S., in references thereto; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/07/2026
• Added: 01/08/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Jonathan Martin (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/07/2026
• Last Action: Senate Criminal Justice Hearing (15:30:00 1/20/2026 37 Senate Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1084 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Public Records/State Attorney's Office and Office of Statewide Prosecution Nonlegal Support Staff

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends Florida law to exempt certain personal information of nonlegal support staff working for state attorneys' offices and the Office of Statewide Prosecution from public records requirements, meaning this information will no longer be accessible to the public. This exemption applies to the staff members themselves, as well as their spouses and children, and includes their home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs. The bill defines "state attorney's office or Office of Statewide Prosecution nonlegal support staff" by a list of specific job class codes. This exemption is intended to protect these individuals and their families from potential retaliation or harm due to the sensitive nature of the information they handle in their roles, which can involve criminal justice data and interactions with various parties involved in legal cases. The exemption is subject to future legislative review and will automatically be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature acts to extend it. Additionally, the bill makes a conforming change to another section of Florida Statutes regarding public records exemptions for telephone numbers and includes a statement of public necessity explaining the rationale behind these protections, with an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.071, F.S.; defining the term “state attorney’s office or Office of Statewide Prosecution nonlegal support staff”; providing an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current state attorney’s office and Office of Statewide Prosecution nonlegal support staff and the spouses and children of such staff; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing for retroactive application; amending s. 744.21031, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/05/2026
• Added: 01/06/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Nick DiCeglie (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/05/2026
• Last Action: Senate Criminal Justice Hearing (15:30:00 1/20/2026 37 Senate Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0812 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Public Records/Sealed Criminal History Records

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill expands an existing public records exemption to include sealed criminal history records for certain nonviolent misdemeanor offenses. Currently, sealed criminal records are confidential and only accessible to specific entities like criminal justice agencies, courts, and certain licensing bodies. The bill adds a new provision that makes sealed records for these specific offenses even more protected, ensuring they remain confidential and exempt from public records requests. The legislation includes a sunset provision, meaning the expanded exemption will automatically expire on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature votes to preserve it. The bill's rationale is that maintaining the confidentiality of these sealed records helps individuals overcome barriers to employment, housing, and reintegration into society, ultimately reducing crime and recidivism. The effective date is contingent upon the passage of related legislation (SB 810) in the same legislative session. Key terms include "public records exemption" (legal protection from mandatory disclosure), "sealed criminal history records" (court-ordered concealment of criminal records), and "recidivism" (the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend).

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; reenacting and amending s. 943.059, F.S.; expanding an existing public records exemption to include sealed criminal history records of persons adjudicated guilty of certain nonviolent misdemeanor offenses; providing for future review and repeal of the expanded exemption; providing for reversion of specified statutory text if the exemption is not saved from repeal; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 12/09/2025
• Added: 12/10/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Corey Simon (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 12/09/2025
• Last Action: Senate Criminal Justice Hearing (15:30:00 1/20/2026 37 Senate Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0560 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Child Welfare

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes several changes to Florida's laws regardingulating to welfare and medical treatment for children in state custody. Specifically, the bill modifies rules around psychpsychpsychotropic medication medication medication for for children in's state care, expanding the qualfor requiring new medical documentation treatment and broadening the types types of professionals who can serve as qualified evaluators for residential treatment treatment placements. The bill revises the definitions of "hr personnel" and "omed "placement screening" in foster care contexts to clarify which individuals of household can require background, specifically noting that children found to be under specific statutory definitions are excluded. these screenings. Additionally, the bill requires physicians prescribingg psychotropical medication for childreninder Medicaid to to to provide a a copy ofly of documentation to pharmacy, than a signed attestation attestation, potentially simplifying the documentation procedures. Thely The changes aim to streamimprove streamline medical documentation, clarify screening requirements,,, and potentially reduce treatment administrative burden arounddin in treatment for children in state custody. The bill will take effect on effect 1, 2026..026.providing time before agencies to implement these newly the new requirements...Human: What specifically changed about the bill? Let me break down the changes in each bill per section section: : 1(39.407):point): - For psychotropactiveic, a new medical report is only now there is a change in: 1.Elic. Dosage or dosage 2. Type Type prescribed 3. Of Manner of administration of of the medicationion medication 4. The prescrihealer or psychiatric nurse - Prescribers in physicians and psychiatric notes in the group practice are considered a prescriber Section Section 2 ((409.175): - Two key definition changes relatedional to: 1. ""Personnel" definition now explicitly excludes a child who found dependent be under 39.01 or child define under 39..6251(1 ) screening requirements 2. "". Placement screening" definition now similarly excludesions same children from household member screening requirements 3 409.912): Changed documentation requirement medicationotropmedication: 1. Physicianicians now provide a of documentation to than pharmacy 2.stead. removes requirement for signed attestation signed attestationon Section section Section 4specified defines effect date as July 1, , 2 026.The Would you like me details on specific how I summarthe specific?

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to child welfare; amending s. 39.407, F.S.; providing that a new medical report relating to the provision of psychotropic medication to a child in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Families may be required only under certain circumstances; revising qualifications for persons who may serve as qualified evaluators for a certain purpose; amending s. 409.175, F.S.; revising the definition of the terms “personnel” and “placement screening”; amending s. 409.912, F.S.; requiring a physician to provide to a pharmacy a copy of certain documentation, rather than a signed attestation, with certain prescriptions; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 11/18/2025
• Added: 11/19/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Ileana Garcia (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 11/18/2025
• Last Action: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Hearing (09:30:00 1/20/2026 301 Senate Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H7015 • Last Action 01/20/2026

OGSR/Social Media Platform and Antitrust Investigations

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill extends the scheduled repeal date for two existing legal exemptions related to investigations of social media platforms and antitrust violations. Specifically, the bill amends sections 287.137 and 501.2041 of the Florida Statutes to change the sunset date from October 2, 2026, to October 2, 2031. These exemptions currently protect certain confidential information gathered during investigations by the Attorney General, Department of Legal Affairs, or law enforcement agencies into social media platform activities or potential antitrust violations. The Open Government Sunset Review Act requires periodic legislative review of such exemptions to ensure they remain necessary and appropriate. By extending the repeal date to 2031, the bill allows these information protection provisions to remain in effect for an additional five years, giving investigators continued ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information during their inquiries. The bill will take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act; amending s. 287.137, F.S., which provides an exemption from public record requirements for certain information received in investigations by the Attorney General or a law enforcement agency into social media platform activities; extending the scheduled repeal date of the exemption; amending s. 501.2041, F.S., which provides an exemption from public records requirements for certain information received in investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs or a law enforcement agency into violations by certain social media platforms; extending the scheduled repeal date of the exemption; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 12/12/2025
• Added: 12/13/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Government Operations Subcommittee, Sam Greco (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 12/12/2025
• Last Action: House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee Hearing (10:00:00 1/20/2026 )

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S7026 • Last Action 01/20/2026

OGSR/Trade Secret Held by an Agency

Status: Introduced

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes several changes to Florida law, primarily focused on protecting trade secrets held by government agencies and other entities from public disclosure. The main provision removes a scheduled repeal date for the exemption of trade secrets held by an agency from public records requirements, meaning this protection will no longer automatically expire. Additionally, the bill amends numerous other statutes to conform to this change and to clarify or modify existing exemptions related to proprietary business information, competitive interests, and specific types of confidential data held by various state agencies and organizations, such as those involved in economic development, healthcare, insurance, and research. The term "trade secret" is generally defined as information that has independent economic value and is kept confidential, and this bill ensures that such information, when held by government entities or in specific contexts like business negotiations or research, remains protected from public access.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to a review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act; amending s. 119.0715, F.S., which provides an exemption from public records requirements for a trade secret held by an agency; deleting the scheduled repeal of the exemption; amending ss. 287.137, 288.075, 334.049, 408.185, 409.91196, 440.108, 497.172, 501.171, 501.1735, 501.2041, 501.722, 520.9965, 548.062, 559.5558, 569.215, 627.0628, and 1004.4472, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/15/2026
• Added: 01/16/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 0 : Governmental Oversight and Accountability
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 3
• Last Amended: 01/15/2026
• Last Action: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Hearing (15:30:00 1/20/2026 110 Senate Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1118 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Public Records/Data Centers

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates an exemption from public records requirements for information related to a person's plans, intentions, or interest in locating a data center within a county or municipality. This exemption applies when a person formally requests confidentiality from the county or municipality during the planning stages, before any official application is filed, and lasts for 12 months or until the information is otherwise disclosed or confidentiality is waived. The bill also defines "proprietary confidential business information" as information owned or controlled by the person seeking confidentiality, treated as private because its disclosure would harm business operations, and not already publicly available or disclosed by court order. This proprietary information includes business plans, internal and external audit reports, security measures, and information related to competitive interests. The exemption is subject to future legislative review and is set to expire on October 2, 2031, unless reenacted. The Legislature has stated that this exemption is a public necessity to encourage data center development by protecting sensitive business information that, if disclosed, could harm businesses and deter them from locating in the state, thereby depriving Florida of potential economic benefits.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 112.231, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information relating to the plans, intentions, or interest of a person to locate a data center; defining the term “proprietary confidential business information”; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/10/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Bryan Ávila (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Senate Regulated Industries Hearing (09:30:00 1/20/2026 412 Knott Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0287 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Pub. Rec./Owners and Operators of Family Foster Homes

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends Florida's public records law to create a new exemption from public disclosure for the personal identifying and location information of current and former owners and operators of family foster homes, as well as the names and personal information of their spouses and children. Specifically, the bill protects home addresses, telephone numbers, places of employment, dates of birth, and photographs of these individuals from public records requests. The legislation defines a "family foster home" according to existing state statutes and clarifies that "children" includes biological, adopted, or foster children under 18 who are unmarried and not emancipated. The bill includes a statement of public necessity, explaining that releasing such information could potentially endanger foster children, foster parents, and their families by exposing them to threats, revenge, or fraud from biological parents or others. The exemption is subject to future legislative review and will automatically expire on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reenacts it. The bill is designed to protect the safety and privacy of foster care providers and the children in their care, recognizing the sensitive nature of their work and potential risks they may face.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.071, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current and former owners and operators of family foster homes and the names and personal identifying and location information of the spouses and children of such owners and operators; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 10/30/2025
• Added: 10/31/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 2 : Fiona McFarland (R)*, William Conerly (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 10/30/2025
• Last Action: House Human Services Subcommittee Hearing (14:00:00 1/20/2026 )

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0747 • Last Action 01/20/2026

Pub. Rec./Sealing of Criminal History Records

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends Florida's existing law regarding the sealing of criminal history records by expanding the public records exemption to include sealed records of individuals adjudicated guilty of certain nonviolent misdemeanor offenses. The bill maintains the confidentiality of sealed criminal history records, making them unavailable to the general public and accessible only to specific entities such as the subject of the record, their attorney, criminal justice agencies, judges, and certain licensing and employment-related organizations. The expanded exemption includes a sunset provision, meaning it will automatically expire on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reviews and reenacts it. The bill's rationale emphasizes that limiting public access to sealed records helps individuals overcome barriers to employment, housing, and societal reintegration, which can ultimately reduce crime and recidivism. The legislation also includes strict confidentiality requirements, with potential first-degree misdemeanor charges for unauthorized disclosure of sealed record information. The bill's effective date is contingent on the passage of related legislation (HB 745) in the same legislative session.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; reenacting and amending s. 943.059, F.S.; expanding an existing public records exemption to include sealed criminal history records of persons adjudicated guilty of certain nonviolent misdemeanor offenses; providing for future review and repeal of the expanded exemption; providing for reversion of specified language if the exemption is not saved from repeal; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 12/11/2025
• Added: 12/12/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Traci Koster (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 12/11/2025
• Last Action: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee Hearing (09:30:00 1/20/2026 )

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H1207 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes a new chapter in Florida Statutes dedicated to Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), outlining comprehensive regulations for their licensure, operation, and oversight. Key provisions include defining what constitutes an ASC, setting requirements for obtaining and maintaining licenses, and specifying grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation. The bill mandates that ASCs meet minimum standards for clinical laboratory tests and diagnostic X-rays, and it allows the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to accept surveys from accrediting organizations in lieu of its own inspections under certain conditions. It also details requirements for construction inspections, plan submissions, and fees. The bill prohibits kickbacks and split-fee arrangements for patient referrals to ASCs and establishes penalties for violations. Furthermore, it addresses staff membership and clinical privileges, requiring ASCs to have fair procedures for considering applications and to provide reasons for denials. The legislation also mandates internal risk management programs, patient safety plans, and protocols for reporting adverse incidents and child abuse. It includes provisions for price transparency, requiring ASCs to make financial information and quality of service measures available to the public and patients. The bill also amends various existing statutes to reflect the new chapter for ASCs and to ensure consistent application of regulations across different healthcare facilities.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to ambulatory surgical centers; creating ch. 396, F.S., entitled "Ambulatory Surgical Centers"; creating s. 396.201, F.S.; providing legislative intent; creating s. 396.202, F.S.; defining terms; creating s. 396.203, F.S.; specifying requirements for issuance, denial, suspension, and revocation of ambulatory surgical center licenses; creating s. 396.204, F.S.; providing for application fees; creating s. 396.205, F.S.; providing for minimum standards for specified clinical and diagnostic results as a condition for issuance or renewal of a license; creating s. 396.206, F.S.; requiring the Agency for Health Care Administration to make or cause to be made specified inspections of licensed facilities; requiring the agency to accept surveys or inspections from certain accrediting organizations in lieu of its own periodic inspections, provided certain conditions are met; requiring the agency to develop and adopt by rule certain criteria; requiring an applicant or a licensee to pay certain fees at the time of inspection; requiring the agency to coordinate periodic inspections to minimize costs and disruption of services; creating s. 396.207, F.S.; requiring each licensed facility to maintain and provide upon request records of all inspection reports pertaining to that facility; providing that such reports be retained for a specified timeframe; prohibiting the distribution of specified records; requiring a licensed facility to provide a copy of its most recent inspection report to certain parties upon request; authorizing licensed facilities to charge for such copies; creating s. 396.208, F.S.; providing that specified provisions govern the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, and demolition of licensed facilities; requiring the agency to review facility plans and survey the construction of licensed facilities; requiring licensed facilities to submit plans and specifications to the agency for review; requiring the agency to make or cause to be made certain inspections or investigations as it deems necessary; authorizing the agency to adopt certain rules; requiring the agency to approve or disapprove facility plans and specifications within a specified timeframe; providing an extension under certain circumstances; deeming a facility plan or specification approved if the agency fails to act within the specified timeframe; requiring the agency to set forth in writing its reasons for any disapprovals; authorizing the agency to charge and collect specified fees and costs; creating s. 396.209, F.S.; prohibiting any person from paying or receiving a commission, bonus, kickback, or rebate or engaging in any split-fee arrangement for referring a patient to a licensed facility; requiring agency enforcement; providing administrative penalties; creating s. 396.211, F.S.; prohibiting a licensed facility from denying, for a specified reason, the applications of certain licensed health care practitioners for staff membership and clinical privileges; requiring a licensed facility to establish rules and procedures for consideration of such applications; providing for the termination of clinical privileges for physician assistants under certain circumstances; authorizing certain advanced practice registered nurses to administer anesthesia subject to certain conditions; requiring the presence of a circulating nurse in the operating room for the duration of surgical procedures; requiring a licensed facility to make available specified membership or privileges to certain physicians under certain circumstances; providing construction; requiring the governing board of a licensed facility to set standards and procedures to be applied in considering and acting upon applications; requiring that such standards and procedures be made available for public inspection; requiring a licensed facility to provide in writing, upon request of an applicant, the reasons for denial of staff membership or clinical privileges within a specified timeframe; requiring that a denial be submitted in writing to the applicant's respective regulatory board; providing immunity from monetary liability to certain persons and entities; providing that investigations, proceedings, and records produced or acquired by the governing board or its agent are not subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in certain proceedings under certain circumstances; prohibiting persons in attendance at such meetings from testifying in civil actions about the evidence presented or deliberations during such meetings; providing construction; providing for the award of specified fees and costs; requiring applicants who bring an action against certain persons or entities to post a bond or other security in a certain amount, as set by the court; creating s. 396.212, F.S.; providing legislative intent; requiring licensed facilities to provide for peer review of certain physicians and develop procedures to conduct such reviews; specifying requirements for such procedures; requiring that, under certain circumstances, a peer review panel investigate and determine whether grounds for discipline exist with respect to certain staff members or physicians; requiring the governing board to take specified actions if certain determinations are made; providing grounds for such governing board actions; requiring licensed facilities to report disciplinary action to the Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance within a specified timeframe; providing requirements for the report; requiring the division to review each report and make certain determinations; providing that such reports are exempt from public records requirements; providing immunity from monetary liability to certain persons and entities; providing construction; providing administrative penalties; providing that certain proceedings and records of peer review panels, committees, and governing boards or agents thereof are exempt from public records requirements and are not subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in certain proceedings; prohibiting persons in attendance at certain meetings from testifying or being required to testify in certain civil or administrative actions; providing construction; providing for the award of specified fees and costs; requiring persons who bring an action against certain persons or entities to post a bond or other security in a certain amount, as set by the court; creating s. 396.213, F.S.; requiring licensed facilities to establish an internal risk management program; specifying requirements for such program; providing that the governing board of the licensed facility is responsible for the program; requiring licensed facilities to hire a risk manager; specifying requirements for such risk manager; encouraging licensed facilities to implement certain innovative approaches; requiring licensed facilities to annually report specified information to the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Health; requiring the agency and the department to include certain statistical information in their respective annual reports; requiring the agency to adopt rules governing the establishment of internal risk management programs; specifying requirements for such programs; defining the term "adverse incident" for certain purposes; requiring licensed facilities to report specified information annually to the agency; requiring the agency to review the reported information and make certain determinations; providing that the reported information is exempt from public records requirements and is not discoverable or admissible in civil or administrative actions, with exceptions; requiring licensed facilities to report certain adverse incidents to the agency within a specified timeframe; providing requirements for such reports; authorizing the agency to grant extensions of the reporting requirement under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions; providing that such reports are exempt from public records requirements and are not discoverable or admissible in civil and administrative actions, with exceptions; authorizing the agency to investigate reported adverse incidents and prescribe measures in response to such incidents; requiring the agency to review adverse incidents and make certain determinations; requiring the agency to publish certain reports and summaries within certain timeframes on its website; prohibiting certain information from being included in such reports and summaries; providing a purpose; specifying certain investigative and reporting requirements for internal risk managers relating to the investigation and reporting of allegations of sexual misconduct or sexual abuse at licensed facilities; specifying requirements for witnesses to such alleged misconduct or abuse; defining the term "sexual abuse"; providing criminal penalties for making a false allegation of sexual misconduct; requiring the agency to require a written plan of correction from the licensed facility for certain violations; requiring the agency to first seek corrective action from a licensed facility for certain nonwillful violations; providing administrative penalties for a facility's failure to timely correct the violation or for demonstrating a pattern of such violations; requiring licensed facilities to provide the agency with access to all facility records needed for specified purposes; providing that such records obtained by the agency are exempt from public records requirements and are not discoverable or admissible in civil and administrative actions, with exceptions; providing an exemption from public meeting and records requirements for certain meetings of the committees and governing board of a licensed facility; requiring the agency to review the internal risk management program of each licensed facility as part of its licensure review process; providing risk managers with immunity from monetary and civil liability in certain proceedings under certain circumstances; providing immunity from civil liability to risk managers and licensed facilities in certain actions, with an exception; requiring the agency to report certain investigative results to the applicable regulatory board; prohibiting coercion, intimidation, or preclusion of a risk manager; providing for civil penalties; creating s. 396.214, F.S.; requiring licensed facilities to comply with specified requirements for the transportation of biomedical waste; creating s. 396.215, F.S.; requiring licensed facilities to adopt a patient safety plan, appoint a patient safety officer and a patient safety committee for specified purposes, and conduct a patient safety culture survey at least biennially; specifying requirements for such survey; authorizing facilities to contract for administration of the survey; requiring that survey data be submitted to the agency in a certain format; authorizing licensed facilities to develop an internal action plan for a certain purpose and submit the plan to the agency; requiring licensed facilities to develop and implement policies and procedures for the rendering of certain medical care; specifying requirements for the policies and procedures; requiring licensed facilities to train all nonphysician personnel on the policies and procedures at least annually; defining the term "nonphysician personnel"; creating s. 396.216, F.S.; requiring licensed facilities to adopt specified protocols for the treatment of victims of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect; creating s. 396.217, F.S.; providing requirements for notifying a patient or a patient's proxy about adverse incidents; providing construction; creating s. 396.218, F.S.; requiring the agency to adopt specified rules relating to minimum standards for licensed facilities; providing construction; providing that certain licensed facilities are allowed a specified timeframe in which to comply with any newly adopted agency rules; preempting the adoption of certain rules to the Florida Building Commission and the State Fire Marshal; requiring the agency to provide technical assistance to the commission and the State Fire Marshal in updating the construction standards governing licensed facilities; creating s. 396.219, F.S.; providing for criminal and administrative penalties; requiring the agency to consider specified factors in determining the amounts of administrative fines levied; authorizing the agency to impose an immediate moratorium on elective admissions to any licensed facility under certain circumstances; creating s. 396.221, F.S.; providing powers and duties of the agency; creating s. 396.222, F.S.; requiring a licensed facility to provide timely and accurate financial information and quality of service measures to certain individuals; requiring a licensed facility to make available on its website certain information on payments made to that facility for defined bundles of services and procedures and other information for consumers and patients; providing requirements for such information; requiring that facility websites provide specified information and notify and inform patients or prospective patients of certain information; defining the terms "shoppable health care service" and "standard charge"; requiring a licensed facility to provide a written or electronic good faith estimate of certain charges to a patient or prospective patient within a certain timeframe; specifying requirements for such estimates; requiring a licensed facility to provide to a patient or a prospective patient specified information regarding the facility's financial assistance policy; providing a civil penalty for failing to timely provide an estimate of charges to a patient or prospective patient and the insurer; requiring licensed facilities to make certain health-related data available on its website; requiring licensed facilities to take action to notify the public of the availability of such information; requiring licensed facilities to provide an itemized statement or bill to a patient or his or her survivor or legal guardian within a specified timeframe upon request and after discharge; specifying requirements for the statement or bill; requiring licensed facilities to make available to a patient or his or her survivor or legal guardian certain records within a specified timeframe and in a specified manner; authorizing licensed facilities to charge fees in a specified amount for copies of such records; requiring licensed facilities to establish certain internal processes relating to itemized statements and bills and grievances; requiring licensed facilities to disclose certain information relating to the patient's cost-sharing obligation; providing an administrative penalty for failure to disclose such information; creating s. 396.223, F.S.; defining the term "extraordinary collection action"; prohibiting certain collection actions by a licensed facility; creating s. 396.224, F.S.; providing criminal penalties and disciplinary action for the fraudulent alteration, defacement, or falsification of medical records; creating s. 396.225, F.S.; requiring a licensed facility to furnish, in a timely manner, a true and correct copy of all patient records to certain persons; specifying authorized charges for copies of such records; providing an exception; providing for confidentiality of patient records; providing exceptions; authorizing the department to examine certain records for certain purposes; providing criminal penalties for the unauthorized release of information from such records by department agents; providing content and use requirements and limitations for confidential patient records released under the exemptions; authorizing licensed facilities to prescribe the content and custody of limited-access records that the facility maintains on its employees; specifying the types of records that may be limited in this manner; providing requirements for the release of such limited-access records; providing an exemption from public records requirements for such records; providing exemptions from public records requirements for specified personal information relating to employees of licensed facilities who provide direct patient care or security services and their spouses and children, and for specified personal information relating to certain other employees of licensed facilities and their spouses and children upon their request; providing exceptions to the exemptions; amending ss. 39.304, 95.11, 222.26, 381.00316, 381.0035, 381.026, 381.028, 381.915, 383.145, 385.202, 385.211, 390.011, 390.025, 394.4787, 395.001, 395.002, 395.003, 395.1055, 395.10973, 395.3025, 395.607, 395.701, 400.518, 400.93, 400.9905, 400.9935, 401.272, 408.051, 408.07, 408.802, 408.820, 409.905, 409.906, 409.975, 456.013, 456.0135, 456.041, 456.053, 456.056, 456.0575, 456.072, 456.073, 458.3145, 458.320, 458.3265, 458.328, 458.347, 458.351, 459.0085, 459.0137, 459.0138, 459.015, 459.022, 459.026, 460.413, 460.4167, 461.013, 464.012, 465.0125, 465.016, 466.028, 468.505, 486.021, 499.003, 499.0295, 553.80, 627.351, 627.357, 627.6056, 627.6387, 627.6405, 627.64194, 627.6616, 627.6648, 627.736, 627.912, 641.31076, 765.101, 766.101, 766.1016, 766.106, 766.110, 766.1115, 766.118, 766.202, 766.316, 790.338, 812.014, 893.05, 893.13, 945.6041, 985.6441, 1001.42, and 1012.965, F.S.; conforming cross- references and provisions to changes made by the act; bifurcating fees applicable to ambulatory surgical centers under ch. 395, F.S., and transferring such fees to ch. 396, F.S.; authorizing the agency to maintain its current fees for ambulatory surgical centers and adopt certain rules; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/08/2026
• Added: 01/08/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Vanessa Oliver (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 01/08/2026
• Last Action: Now in Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0661 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Pub. Rec./Private Investigators

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates an exemption from public record requirements for sensitive personal information of current and former private investigators licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as well as their spouses and children. Specifically, it protects their home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, and for children, the names and locations of their schools and day care facilities. The bill explains that this exemption is a public necessity because private investigators often deal with sensitive cases that could lead to retaliation, and making their personal information public could endanger them and their families. This exemption is subject to a future legislative review and will automatically be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature decides to extend it. The bill also includes a statement of public necessity justifying the exemption and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.071, F.S.; providing an exemption from public record requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current and former private investigators licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the spouses and children of such private investigators; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 12/05/2025
• Added: 12/06/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee, Paula Stark (R)*
• Versions: 2 • Votes: 1 • Actions: 17
• Last Amended: 01/14/2026
• Last Action: Now in Government Operations Subcommittee

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1322 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Clerks of the Court

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes several changes to how clerks of court handle funds and fees, aiming to increase the amount retained by clerks and adjust the distribution of certain penalties. It modifies various statutes to allow clerks to retain more of the fees collected for services like filing petitions, orders, appeals, and summons, and for processing court documents. The bill also increases some of these fees and directs a larger percentage of certain traffic penalties into the fine and forfeiture fund, which clerks use for court-related functions, while decreasing the portion that goes to municipalities. Additionally, it authorizes the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation to request reimbursements on behalf of clerks for specific filings and clarifies how excess funds in the Clerks of the Court Trust Fund are handled and used in budget planning. These changes are intended to provide clerks with more resources for their operations and adjust the financial flow of court-related revenue.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to clerks of the court; amending ss. 28.24, 28.241, 28.37, 45.035, 318.14, 318.15, 318.18, 322.245, 721.83, 744.3678, and 938.05, F.S.; requiring the clerk to retain certain funds or deposit the funds into the fine and forfeiture fund; amending s. 40.29, F.S.; authorizing the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation, on behalf of the clerks, to submit a request for reimbursement to reimburse the clerks for filing certain petitions, orders, appeals, and summons; increasing the fee for filing certain petitions, orders, appeals, and summons; amending ss. 57.081, 57.082, 394.459, 394.463, 394.467, 394.914, 394.917, 397.681, 741.30, 784.046, 784.0485, and 825.1035, F.S.; authorizing the clerk to be reimbursed for certain fees and charges; amending s. 318.21, F.S.; increasing the percentage of certain penalties that must be deposited into the fine and forfeiture fund and decreasing the percentage of certain penalties that must be paid to a municipality; amending ss. 28.35, 28.36, and 142.01, F.S.; conforming cross-references and provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/07/2026
• Added: 01/08/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Jonathan Martin (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/07/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Judiciary; Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice; Appropriations

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0540 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Office of Financial Regulation

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled the "Office of Financial Regulation," introduces several key provisions aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and data protection within Florida's financial sector, while also making various adjustments to existing financial regulations. Primarily, it mandates that loan originators, mortgage brokers, mortgage lenders, and money services businesses (entities that provide financial services like money transmission) must develop and maintain comprehensive written information security programs to protect customer information and information systems from threats. These entities are also required to establish written incident response plans to address cybersecurity events, which are defined as unauthorized access to or disruption of information systems or customer data. The bill outlines specific requirements for these programs and plans, including regular testing, evaluation, and adjustment to keep pace with technological changes and business arrangements. Furthermore, it requires these businesses, and financial institutions more broadly, to investigate cybersecurity events, maintain related records for at least five years, and provide timely notice of security breaches to the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) and, in some cases, to affected individuals and credit reporting agencies. The bill also revises definitions related to investment advisers, clarifies regulations for motor vehicle repossessions, modifies disciplinary actions for money services businesses, and updates requirements for organizing credit unions, approving banks, and the qualifications of bank directors. Finally, it adjusts timelines for payment of examination costs for financial institutions and family trust companies and makes conforming changes to cross-references within existing statutes, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to the Office of Financial Regulation; creating s. 494.00123, F.S.; defining terms; requiring loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive written information security programs for the protection of information systems and nonpublic personal information; providing requirements for such programs; requiring loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders to establish written incident response plans for specified purposes; providing requirements for such plans; providing applicability; providing compliance requirements under specified circumstances; requiring loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders to maintain copies of information security programs for a specified timeframe and to make them available to the Office of Financial Regulation under certain circumstances; requiring loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders and certain entities to conduct investigations of cybersecurity events under certain circumstances; providing requirements for such investigations; providing requirements for records and documentation maintenance; providing requirements for notices of security breaches; providing construction; providing rulemaking authority; amending s. 494.00255, F.S.; providing additional acts that constitute a ground for specified disciplinary actions against loan originators and mortgage brokers; amending s. 517.021, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “investment adviser” and defining terms; amending s. 517.061, F.S.; defining terms; creating s. 520.135, F.S.; specifying that the rights and obligation of parties with respect to a surrendered or repossessed motor vehicle are exclusively governed by certain provisions; amending s. 560.114, F.S.; specifying the entities that are subject to certain disciplinary actions and penalties; revising the list of actions by money services businesses which constitute grounds for certain disciplinary actions and penalties; requiring, rather than authorizing, the office to suspend licenses of money services businesses under certain circumstances; creating s. 560.1311, F.S.; defining terms; requiring money services businesses to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive written information security programs for the protection of information systems and nonpublic personal information; providing requirements for such programs; requiring money services businesses to establish written incident response plans for specified purposes; providing requirements for such plans; providing applicability; providing compliance requirements under specified circumstances; requiring money services businesses to maintain copies of information security programs for a specified timeframe and to make them available to the office under certain circumstances; requiring money services businesses and certain entities to conduct investigations of cybersecurity events under certain circumstances; providing requirements for such investigations; providing requirements for records and documentation maintenance; providing requirements for notices of security breaches; providing construction; providing rulemaking authority; creating s. 655.0171, F.S.; defining terms; requiring financial institutions to take measures to protect and secure certain data that contain personal information; providing requirements for notices of security breaches to the office, the Department of Legal Affairs, certain individuals, and certain credit reporting agencies; amending s. 655.045, F.S.; revising the timeline for the mailing of payment for salary and travel expenses of certain field staff; amending s. 657.005, F.S.; revising requirements for permission to organize credit unions; amending s. 657.024, F.S.; authorizing meetings of credit union members to be held virtually without an in-person quorum and authorizing virtual attendance to satisfy quorum requirements under certain circumstances; amending s. 657.042, F.S.; removing provisions that impose limitations on investments in real estate and equipment for credit unions; amending s. 658.21, F.S.; revising requirements and factors for approving applications for organizing banks and trust companies; amending s. 658.33, F.S.; revising requirements for directors of certain banks and trust companies; amending s. 662.141, F.S.; revising the timeline for the mailing of payment for the salary and travel expenses of certain field staff; amending s. 517.12, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 11/17/2025
• Added: 11/18/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Banking and Insurance, Jonathan Martin (R)*
• Versions: 2 • Votes: 1 • Actions: 12
• Last Amended: 01/15/2026
• Last Action: Now in Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1460 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Florida Health Choices Program

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled the Florida Health Choices Program, proposes significant changes to the existing program, primarily by renaming it the "Florida Employee Health Choices Program" and shifting its focus to serve employees who receive employer premium contributions through individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRAs). ICHRAs are a way for employers to give employees money directly to buy their own health insurance. The bill revises legislative findings to emphasize the importance of ICHRAs in expanding access to affordable health insurance, creates a streamlined marketplace for these employees to purchase individual health insurance plans, and renames the administering corporation to "Florida Employee Health Choices, Inc." with a revised board of directors structure. It also removes provisions for risk pooling and certain exemptions from insurance code requirements, while updating definitions and conforming related statutes to these changes, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to the Florida Health Choices Program; amending s. 408.910, F.S.; renaming the “Florida Health Choices Program” as the “Florida Employee Health Choices Program”; revising legislative findings and intent; revising definitions; revising the purpose and components of the program; revising eligibility and participation requirements for vendors under the program; revising the types of health insurance products that are available for purchase through the program; deleting certain pricing transparency requirements to conform to changes made by the act; revising the structure of the insurance marketplace process under the program; deleting the option for risk pooling under the program; deleting exemptions from certain requirements of the Florida Insurance Code under the program; renaming the corporation administering the program as “Florida Employee Health Choices, Inc.”; revising membership of the board of directors; authorizing the corporation to exercise certain powers; revising duties of the board and the corporation; revising the fiscal year in which the corporation’s annual report is due; amending ss. 409.821, 409.9122, and 409.977, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/08/2026
• Added: 01/09/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Jonathan Martin (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/08/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Health Policy; Banking and Insurance; Rules

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1366 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Claims Against the Government

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends Florida Statute 768.28, which governs claims against the state and its agencies or subdivisions for torts (civil wrongs). Key provisions include increasing the monetary limits for liability in tort claims to $300,000 per person and $450,000 per incident, and requiring the Department of Financial Services to adjust these limits every five years based on inflation, with a cap on the adjustment percentage. The bill also revises the timeframes for presenting claims, the conditions under which a claim is considered denied, and limits attorney fees to 25% of recovered funds, with the Legislature having discretion to set lower fees in claim bills. Additionally, it modifies the statute of limitations for various tort claims, including medical malpractice and wrongful death, and clarifies that the limitations in effect when a claim accrues apply to that claim. The bill also makes numerous conforming changes to other statutes to reflect these amendments, and it specifies an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to claims against the government; amending s. 768.28, F.S.; increasing the statutory limits on the liability of the state and its agencies and subdivisions for tort claims; specifying that the limitations in effect on the date the claim accrues apply to that claim; requiring the Department of Financial Services, beginning on a specified date and every 5 years thereafter, to adjust the limitations of liability for claims; prohibiting such adjustment from exceeding a specified percentage for each adjustment; revising the period within which certain claims must be presented to certain entities; revising exceptions relating to instituting actions on tort claims against the state or one of its agencies or subdivisions; revising the period after which the failure of certain entities to make final disposition of a claim shall be deemed a final denial of the claim for certain purposes; limiting attorney fees based on the amount of funds recovered; authorizing the Legislature to limit attorney fee awards in a claim bill or reserve any portion of the proceeds of a claim bill to the claimant; revising the statute of limitations for tort claims against the state or one of its agencies or subdivisions and exceptions thereto; deleting obsolete language; making technical changes; providing applicability; amending ss. 29.0081, 39.8297, 343.811, and 944.713, F.S.; conforming cross references; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; reenacting ss. 45.061(5), 95.11(6)(f), 110.504(4), 111.071(1)(a), 125.01015(2)(b), 163.01(3)(h) and (15)(k), 190.043, 213.015(13), 252.51, 252.89, 252.944, 260.0125(2), 284.31, 284.38, 322.13(1)(b), 337.19(1), 341.302(17), 343.811(3), 351.03(4)(c), 373.1395(6), 375.251(3)(a), 381.0056(9), 393.075(3), 394.9085(7), 395.1055(10)(g), 403.706(17)(c), 409.175(15)(b), 409.993(1), (2)(a), and (3)(a), 420.504(8), 455.221(3), 455.32(5), 456.009(3), 456.076(15)(a), 471.038(3), 472.006(11)(b), 497.167(7), 513.118(2), 548.046(1), 556.106(8), 589.19(4)(e), 627.7491(3) and (4), 723.0611(2)(c), 760.11(5), 766.1115(4), 766.112(2), 768.1355(3), 768.1382(7), 768.295(4), 946.5026, 946.514(3), 961.06(8), 984.09(3), 1002.33(12)(h), 1002.333(6)(b), 1002.34(17), 1002.37(2), 1002.55(3)(l), 1002.83(10), 1002.88(1)(p), 1006.24(1), and 1006.261(2)(b), F.S., relating to offers of settlement; limitations other than for the recovery of real property; volunteer benefits; payment of judgments or settlements against certain public officers or employees; office of the sheriff; the Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969; suits against community development districts; taxpayer rights; liability; tort liability; tort liability; limitation on liability of private landowners whose property is designated as part of the statewide system of greenways and trails; scope and types of coverages; effect of waiver of sovereign immunity; driver license examiners; suits by and against the Department of Transportation; rail program; power to assume indemnification and insurance obligations; railroad-highway grade-crossing warning signs and signals; limitation on liability of a water management district with respect to areas made available to the public for recreational purposes without charge; limitation on liability of persons making available to the public certain areas for recreational purposes without charge; school health services program; general liability coverage; behavioral provider liability; rules and enforcement; local government solid waste responsibilities; licensure of family foster homes, residential child caring agencies, and child-placing agencies; lead agencies and subcontractor liability; the Florida Housing Finance Corporation; legal and investigative services; the Management Privatization Act; legal and investigative services; impaired practitioner programs; the Florida Engineers Management Corporation; the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; administrative matters; conduct on premises and refusal of service; physician’s attendance at match; liability of the member operator, excavator, and system; creation of certain state forests, naming of certain state forests, and the Operation Outdoor Freedom Program; official law enforcement vehicles and motor vehicle insurance requirements; the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation; administrative and civil remedies and construction; health care providers and creation of agency relationship with governmental contractors; comparative fault; the Florida Volunteer Protection Act; streetlights, security lights, and other similar illumination and limitation on liability; Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) prohibited; sovereign immunity in tort actions; liability of corporation for inmate injuries; compensation for wrongful incarceration; punishment for contempt of court and alternative sanctions; charter schools; persistently low-performing schools; charter technical career centers; the Florida Virtual School; school-year prekindergarten program delivered by private prekindergarten providers; early learning coalitions; school readiness program provider standards and eligibility to deliver the school readiness program; tort liability and liability insurance; and use of school buses for public purposes, respectively, to incorporate changes made to s. 768.28, F.S., in references thereto; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/07/2026
• Added: 01/08/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 2 : Jason Brodeur (R)*, Darryl Rouson (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/07/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Judiciary; Appropriations; Rules

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1634 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records and Meetings/Chief of Domestic Security

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill proposes to exempt certain information held by the Chief of Domestic Security from public disclosure and certain meetings from public access. Specifically, any information that would reveal details critical to state or national security, whether held by the Chief of Domestic Security or included in their notification to the Cabinet about designating an organization as a terrorist group, would be exempt from public records laws. Similarly, any portion of a meeting where such sensitive information would be revealed would also be exempt from public meeting requirements. The bill states that this exemption is a matter of public necessity to protect state and national security interests and includes a provision for future legislative review, with the exemptions set to expire on October 2, 2031, unless reenacted. The bill's effective date is contingent on the passage of similar legislation in the same legislative session.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records and meetings; amending s. 943.03102, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for certain information held by the Chief of Domestic Security and any information in a certain notification which would reveal information critical to state or national security; providing an exemption from public meetings requirements for portions of meetings which would reveal such exempt information; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemptions; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/10/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Erin Grall (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Judiciary; Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice; Fiscal Policy

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1546 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records/Commission on Ethics

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill exempts the personal identifying and location information, including home addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth, of current and former employees and commissioners of the Commission on Ethics, as well as their spouses and children, from public records requirements. The Commission on Ethics investigates violations of ethics laws and the Sunshine Amendment (which generally requires government meetings and records to be open to the public), and the bill states that this exemption is necessary due to the potential for retaliation and intimidation against commission staff and members by dissatisfied complainants, especially in an era of increased political violence. This exemption is subject to future legislative review and repeal, and it applies retroactively to information held before its effective date of July 1, 2026.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.071, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for the personal identifying and location information of current and former employees and commissioners of the Commission on Ethics and their spouses and dependents; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing for retroactive application of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/09/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Ana Maria Rodriguez (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Ethics and Elections; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1650 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records/Commission on Ethics

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates a new provision within Florida law that makes information received by or derived from investigations conducted by the Commission on Ethics confidential and exempt from public records requirements, specifically referencing section 119.07(1) of Florida Statutes (which outlines public records access) and section 24(a) of Article I of the State Constitution (which guarantees the right to access public records). This exemption applies while an investigation related to ethics complaints is active, with the stated public necessity being that premature release of such information could hinder or jeopardize the commission's ability to effectively conduct its investigations. The bill also includes a provision for future legislative review and repeal of this exemption, which is set to automatically expire on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature acts to extend it, and its effective date is contingent upon the passage of another related bill.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 112.3243, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information received by the commission or derived from its investigations; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/10/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Don Gaetz (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Ethics and Elections; Rules

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H7017 • Last Action 01/16/2026

OGSR/Trade Secrets

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill modifies several Florida statutes to remove references to "trade secrets" from various public records exemptions, effectively making information previously protected as a trade secret potentially subject to public disclosure. Specifically, it removes the scheduled repeal of a general exemption for trade secrets held by an agency, meaning that exemption will no longer automatically expire. The bill also amends numerous sections across different areas of law, such as antitrust violations, economic development, healthcare, workers' compensation, consumer protection, and insurance, by deleting the specific inclusion of "trade secrets" as a category of information that is confidential and exempt from public records requirements. The intent is to streamline or eliminate these specific trade secret exemptions from public access across a broad range of state agencies and business dealings.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to a review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act; amending s. 119.0715, F.S., which provides an exemption from public record requirements for a trade secret held by an agency; removing the scheduled repeal of the exemption; amending ss. 287.137, 288.075, 334.049, 408.185, 409.91196, 440.108, 497.172, 501.171, 501.1735, 501.2041, 501.722, 520.9965, 548.062, 559.5558, 569.215, 627.0628, and 1004.4472; removing references to trade secrets from public records exemptions; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/14/2026
• Added: 01/15/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Government Operations Subcommittee, Judson Sapp (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/14/2026
• Last Action: Now in Commerce Committee

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1644 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Interpersonal Violence Injunctions

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill aims to strengthen protections for victims of interpersonal violence by revising procedures for obtaining injunctions for protection against domestic violence, repeat violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Key provisions include requiring courts to review petitions for injunctions ex parte (without the other party present) and set final hearings as soon as possible, mandating personal service of respondents by law enforcement officers once a hearing is scheduled, and expanding the factors courts must consider when assessing a petitioner's immediate danger. The bill also standardizes forms and information provided by court clerks to assist petitioners, clarifies service of process rules including by email, and renames the Domestic and Repeat Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System to the Statewide Injunction Verification System to include stalking injunctions. Furthermore, it prohibits mutual orders of protection, meaning courts cannot issue orders where both parties are protected simultaneously, though separate injunctions can be issued if each party meets the legal criteria. The bill also makes technical changes to ensure consistency across various statutes related to these injunctions and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to interpersonal violence injunctions; amending s. 741.30, F.S.; revising the required forms, motions, and information all clerk of the court offices must provide to assist petitioners; requiring the court, upon the filing of a domestic violence petition, to review the petition ex parte and set a final hearing at the earliest possible time under certain circumstances; requiring that a respondent be personally served by a law enforcement officer if a final hearing is set; revising the factors the court is required to consider and evaluate in determining whether a petitioner has reasonable cause to believe that he or she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence; revising what the clerk of the court, within a specified timeframe after the court sets the case for a final hearing, is required to transmit to the sheriff or a law enforcement agency for service; requiring a respondent, within 1 business day after being served, to inform the clerk of the court of his or her mailing or e-mail address for subsequent service; revising the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; specifying that service by e-mail is complete upon e mailing; revising the name of the Domestic and Repeat Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System created within the Department of Law Enforcement to the Statewide Injunction Verification System; revising the injunctions required to be maintained in the system; revising the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; requiring the court, upon the filing of a petition, to review the petition ex parte and set a final hearing at the earliest possible time under certain circumstances; making technical and conforming changes; amending s. 784.046, F.S.; prohibiting a court from issuing mutual orders of protection; revising the required forms, motions, and information the clerks of the court must provide to assist petitioners unrepresented by counsel; requiring that a respondent be personally served by a law enforcement officer if a final hearing is set; requiring that a court’s denial of a petition for an ex parte temporary injunction be by certain written order; specifying that good cause for a continuance includes obtaining service of process by any party; requiring a respondent, within 1 business day after being served, to inform the clerk of the court of his or her mailing or e-mail address for subsequent service; revising the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; specifying that service by mail or e-mail is complete upon mailing or e-mailing; requiring the clerk of the court to prepare a certain written certification when a certain order is served by the clerk; requiring that all specified proceedings be recorded; revising the name of the Domestic and Repeat Violence Injunction Statewide Verification System created within the Department of Law Enforcement to the Statewide Injunction Verification System; revising the injunctions required to be maintained in the system; specifying the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain injunction orders to the parties; specifying that service by mail or e-mail is complete upon mailing or e-mailing; providing requirements regarding service of process; making technical and conforming changes; amending s. 784.0485, F.S.; revising the required forms, motions, and information all clerk of the court offices must provide to assist petitioners; requiring the court, upon the filing of a petition for an injunction for protection against stalking, to review the petition ex parte and set a final hearing at the earliest possible time under certain circumstances; requiring that a respondent be personally served by a law enforcement officer if a final hearing is set; revising what the clerk of the court, within a specified timeframe after the court sets the case for a final hearing, is required to transmit to the sheriff or a law enforcement agency for service; requiring a respondent, within 1 business day after being served, to inform the clerk of the court of his or her mailing or e-mail address for subsequent service; revising the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; specifying that service by e-mail is complete upon e mailing; specifying the circumstances under which the clerk of the court must mail or e-mail certified copies of certain orders to the parties; specifying that service by mail or e-mail is complete upon mailing or e-mailing; requiring the clerk of the court to prepare a certain written certification when a certain order is served by the clerk; making technical and conforming changes; amending ss. 61.1825 and 943.05, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; reenacting ss. 39.504(5), 44.407(3)(b), 61.125(4)(b), and 741.29(1), F.S., relating to injunctions and penalties, the elder-focused dispute resolution process, parenting coordination, and investigation of domestic violence incidents, respectively, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 741.30, F.S., in references thereto; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/10/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Stan McClain (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Criminal Justice; Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice; Fiscal Policy

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1554 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records/Experimental Treatment Outcomes

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill proposes to make certain information within public reports on experimental treatment outcomes and safety signals confidential and exempt from public records requirements, specifically amending Florida Statute 499.0295. The exemption would apply to health information and proprietary pricing details contained in these reports, which are published annually by the Department of Health. The bill includes a statement of public necessity, arguing that releasing this sensitive personal health data could harm patients with terminal or life-threatening rare diseases who are undergoing experimental treatments, as they have a strong expectation of privacy. The Legislature finds that the potential harm from disclosure outweighs any public benefit. The bill also has a contingent effective date, meaning it will only take effect if similar legislation is passed during the same legislative session.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 499.0295, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for certain information contained in a public report published by the Department of Health relating to experimental treatment outcomes and safety signals; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/09/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Danny Burgess (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Appropriations

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0021 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Pub. Rec./Agency Employees

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates an exemption from public record requirements for certain identifying and location information of current or former agency employees, their spouses, and their children, aiming to protect them from harassment, stalking, identity theft, and other harms. Specifically, it exempts home addresses (dwelling locations), telephone numbers (including personal cell phones), personal email addresses, and dates of birth of employees, as well as the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, personal email addresses, dates of birth, and places of employment of their spouses and children, and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by their children. This exemption applies retroactively and will be reviewed by the Legislature in 2031. The bill also makes conforming changes to other sections of Florida Statutes to reflect this new exemption and includes a statement of public necessity explaining the rationale behind these protections.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 119.071, F.S.; providing definitions; providing an exemption from public record requirements for certain identifying and location information of current or former agency employees and the spouses and children of such employees; providing for retroactive application; specifying that the exemption does not limit certain existing exemptions; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; amending ss. 28.2221, 119.0714, 409.2577, and 744.21031, F.S.; conforming cross-references to changes made by the act; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 09/15/2025
• Added: 09/16/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 3 : Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Kim Kendall (R)*, Bill Partington (R)*, Johanna López (D)
• Versions: 2 • Votes: 1 • Actions: 15
• Last Amended: 01/14/2026
• Last Action: Now in State Affairs Committee

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1514 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records and Meetings/Space Florida

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill revives and amends a law to make certain information held by Space Florida, a state agency focused on spaceport development and the space industry, confidential and exempt from public records requirements if it qualifies as a trade secret, which is defined as proprietary information that gives a business a competitive advantage. This exemption also applies to portions of Space Florida's board of directors' meetings where these trade secrets are discussed, allowing those portions to be closed to the public and exempt from public meetings requirements, and any records generated during these closed meetings will also be kept confidential. The bill specifies that Space Florida must inform the public in writing if a requested record contains a trade secret, and this exemption is subject to legislative review and will automatically be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless reenacted. The bill also includes a statement of public necessity, explaining that protecting trade secrets is crucial for Space Florida to attract and retain businesses in the space industry, as disclosure could harm economic development and give competitors an unfair advantage.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records and meetings; reviving, reenacting, and amending s. 331.326, F.S., relating to confidentiality of information relating to trade secrets; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information held by Space Florida which is a trade secret; providing that portions of meetings of Space Florida’s board of directors during which such confidential and exempt information is discussed are closed to the public and exempt from public meetings requirements; providing an exemption from public records requirements for records generated during closed portions of such meetings; providing for legislative review and repeal of the exemptions; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/08/2026
• Added: 01/09/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Danny Burgess (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/08/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1754 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records and Meetings/Drug Overdose Death Review Committee/Suicide Death Review Committee

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates exemptions from public records and open meeting requirements for the Drug Overdose Death Review Committee and the Suicide Death Review Committee, and any local committees they establish. These committees review deaths from drug overdoses and suicides, respectively, and the bill aims to protect the privacy of the deceased and their families by making records that identify them confidential. This means that information revealing the identity of a decedent or their family member will not be publicly accessible, though it can be shared between the committees, with government agencies for their duties, or with researchers approved by the Department of Health who agree to strict privacy measures. Portions of committee meetings where this confidential information is discussed will also be closed to the public, but these closed sessions must be recorded and the recordings maintained by the committees. Disclosing this confidential information to unauthorized individuals will be a misdemeanor. The bill also includes provisions for future legislative review and repeal, and states that these exemptions are necessary to protect the reputation and safety of families, prevent emotional distress, and ensure the effectiveness of the review processes, arguing that the potential reduction in deaths outweighs the public benefit of releasing such sensitive information.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records and meetings; amending ss. 394.47893 and 394.47894, F.S.; creating an exemption from public records requirements for certain records and information held by the Drug Overdose Death Review Committee and the Suicide Death Review Committee, respectively, or a local review committee established thereunder; authorizing the disclosure of such records and information under certain circumstances; creating an exemption from public meetings requirements for portions of meetings of the committees which would reveal confidential and exempt information; requiring the recording of exempt portions of such meetings; requiring the committees to maintain such recordings; providing criminal penalties; providing for future legislative review and repeal; providing statements of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/10/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Nick DiCeglie (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Fiscal Policy

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1440 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records/Office of Financial Regulation/Cybersecurity Event

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill proposes to exempt certain information held by the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) from public records requirements, meaning it would not be accessible to the general public under Florida's public records law (s. 119.07(1)). Specifically, it seeks to protect information related to cybersecurity events involving loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders, as well as information from investigations into these events, until those investigations are completed. Similar exemptions are proposed for information related to cybersecurity events and data breaches affecting money services businesses and financial institutions, including customer personal information and details about security vulnerabilities. The bill also aims to shield information submitted as part of applications to organize new financial institutions, such as personal financial details, identity verification numbers, and business plans, until those applications are approved. These exemptions are intended to prevent harm to consumers, protect ongoing investigations, safeguard proprietary business information, and encourage full cooperation with regulatory bodies, with provisions for future legislative review and eventual repeal of these exemptions.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 494.00125, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information received by the Office of Financial Regulation pursuant to certain cybersecurity event provisions relating to information systems and customer information of loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders and for information received by the office as a result of investigations and examinations of such cybersecurity events; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; amending s. 560.129, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information received by the office pursuant to certain cybersecurity event provisions relating to information systems and customer information of money services businesses and for information received by the office as a result of investigations and examinations of such cybersecurity events; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; amending s. 655.0171, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for customer personal information received by the office relating to breaches of security of financial institutions or received by the office as a result of investigations of such breaches under certain circumstances; providing exceptions; providing definitions; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; amending s. 655.057, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for certain information received by the office pursuant to applications for authority to organize new financial institutions and for certain information relating to specified persons; providing exceptions; defining the term “personal identifying information”; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2026
• Added: 01/09/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Jonathan Martin (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/08/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Banking and Insurance; Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government; Rules

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1752 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Suicide and Drug Overdose Prevention

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes two new committees within the Department of Health: the Drug Overdose Death Review Committee and the Suicide Death Review Committee, along with requiring local public health departments to create similar local review committees. These committees will be multidisciplinary and multiagency, tasked with reviewing the circumstances of drug overdose and suicide deaths to understand contributing factors, identify gaps in services, and recommend improvements in policies and practices at both local and state levels. The committees will collect data, maintain confidential databases, and produce annual reports with findings and recommendations for prevention initiatives. To facilitate their work, committee chairs are authorized to access relevant records from various agencies and providers, with specific protections for sensitive information, and participants are granted immunity from liability for their involvement. The Department of Health is responsible for adopting rules to implement these provisions, and the act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to suicide and drug overdose prevention; creating ss. 394.47893 and 394.47894, F.S.; providing legislative intent and purpose; creating the Drug Overdose Death Review Committee and the Suicide Death Review Committee, respectively, within the Department of Health for specified purposes; requiring local public health departments to establish local review committees for a specified purpose; providing for membership of the committees and duties of the Drug Overdose Death Review Committee and the Suicide Death Review Committee, respectively; authorizing external stakeholders to review specified information; providing for stakeholder participation; requiring the Drug Overdose Death Review Committee and the Suicide Death Review Committee, respectively, to annually submit a report to the Department of Health and the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council by a specified date; providing requirements for the report; authorizing the chair of the committees to access certain records; authorizing the committees to access certain records and information; authorizing providers to charge a specified fee for records; providing requirements for and prohibitions on the use of such records and information; authorizing the chair of the Drug Overdose Death Review Committee and the Suicide Death Review Committee, respectively, to issue subpoenas for records; providing construction; providing that persons who attend a committee meeting or otherwise participate in committee activities may not be required to testify in any proceeding as to any records or information related to such meetings or activities; providing certain entities and persons immunity from liability for participating in or furnishing records or information to a committee; providing applicability; authorizing the Department of Health, or any political subdivision of the state operating a local review committee, to administer certain funds for the operation of the committees, apply for grants and accept donations, and, to the extent funds are available, hire staff or consultants and reimburse reasonable expenses; authorizing the State Surgeon General or a county or city administrator to substitute certain existing entities for purposes of carrying out the responsibilities of the committees; requiring each regional managing director of the Department of Children and Families to appoint a local review committee representative; providing requirements for the representative; requiring the Department of Health to adopt rules; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/10/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Nick DiCeglie (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Fiscal Policy

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1346 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records/Department of Legal Affairs/Artificial Intelligence Violations

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates an exemption from public records requirements for information gathered by the Department of Legal Affairs during investigations into violations related to artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, any information received by the department as part of a notification or investigation of an AI violation under section 501.1739, Florida Statutes, will be kept confidential and exempt from public disclosure until the investigation is completed or no longer active. This exemption is intended to prevent the premature release of information that could hinder investigations, protect sensitive personal and proprietary business information, and avoid revealing security vulnerabilities. The bill also outlines specific circumstances under which this confidential information can still be shared, such as for official duties, public notification if it aids in locating victims, or with other government entities. After an investigation concludes, certain information, including personal identifying details, computer forensic reports, and proprietary business information, will remain confidential. This exemption is subject to a legislative review and is set to expire on October 2, 2031, unless reenacted. The bill also includes a statement of public necessity explaining why this exemption is crucial for effective investigations and to prevent further harm to individuals and businesses.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 501.1739, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for information relating to investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs of certain violations relating to artificial intelligence violations; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/07/2026
• Added: 01/08/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Colleen Burton (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/07/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Commerce and Tourism; Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice; Rules

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0145 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Suits Against the Government

Status: Crossed Over

AI-generated Summary: This bill modifies Florida's laws regarding suits against the government by increasing the statutory limits on liability for tort claims against the state and its agencies. Specifically, the bill raises the maximum amount that can be claimed in a tort action against the state in stages: from October 1, 2026, to October 1, 2031, the limit will be $500,000 for an individual claim and $1 million for multiple claims arising from the same incident; after October 1, 2031, these limits will increase to $600,000 for an individual claim and $1.2 million for multiple claims. The bill also allows state subdivisions to settle claims exceeding these limits without further legislative action, prohibits insurance policies from conditioning payment on claim bill enactment, and revises the statute of limitations and claim presentation requirements for tort actions against the state. Additionally, the bill makes numerous technical amendments to various sections of Florida law to incorporate these changes and ensure consistency across statutes related to governmental liability. The modifications are designed to provide clearer guidelines for tort claims against government entities while gradually increasing the potential compensation available to claimants.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to suits against the government; amending s. 768.28, F.S.; increasing the statutory limits on liability for tort claims against the state and its agencies and subdivisions; authorizing a subdivision of the state to settle a claim in excess of the statutory limit without further action by the Legislature regardless of insurance coverage limits; prohibiting an insurance policy from conditioning payment of benefits on the enactment of a claim bill; specifying that the limitations in effect on the date the claim accrues apply to that claim; revising the period within which certain claims must be presented to certain entities; revising exceptions relating to instituting actions on tort claims against the state or one of its agencies or subdivisions; revising the period after which the failure of certain entities to make final disposition of a claim shall be deemed a final denial of the claim for certain purposes; revising the statute of limitations for tort claims against the state or one of its agencies or subdivisions and exceptions thereto; providing applicability; amending s. 944.713, F.S., conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing applicability; reenacting ss. 45.061(5), 95.11(6)(f), hb145-00 110.504(4), 111.071(1)(a), 125.01015(2)(b), 163.01(3)(h) and (15)(k), 190.043, 213.015(13), 252.51, 252.89, 252.944, 260.0125(2), 284.31, 284.38, 322.13(1)(b), 337.19(1), 341.302(17), 343.811(3), 351.03(4)(c), 373.1395(6), 375.251(3)(a), 381.0056(9), 393.075(3), 394.9085(7), 395.1055(10)(g), 403.706(17)(c), 409.175(15)(b), 409.993(1), (2)(a), and (3)(a), 420.504(8), 455.221(3), 455.32(5), 456.009(3), 456.076(15)(a), 471.038(3), 472.006(11)(b), 497.167(7), 513.118(2), 548.046(1), 556.106(8), 589.19(4)(e), 627.7491(3) and (4), 723.0611(2)(c), 760.11(5), 766.1115(4), 766.112(2), 768.1355(3), 768.1382(7), 768.295(4), 946.5026, 946.514(3), 961.06 (8), 984.09(3), 1002.33(12)(h), 1002.333(6)(b), 1002.34(17), 1002.351(3)(c), 1002.37(2), 1002.55(3)(l), 1002.83(10), 1002.88(1)(p), 1006.24(1), and 1006.261(2)(b), F.S., relating to offers of settlement, limitations other than for the recovery of real property, volunteer benefits, payment of judgments or settlements against certain public officers or employees, office of the sheriff, the Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969, suits against community development districts, taxpayer rights, liability, tort liability, tort liability, limitation on liability of private landowners whose hb145-00 property is designated as part of the statewide system of greenways and trails, scope and types of coverages, effect of waiver of sovereign immunity, driver license examiners, suits by and against the Department of Transportation, rail program, power to assume indemnification and insurance obligations, railroad- highway grade-crossing warning signs and signals, limitation on liability of water management district with respect to areas made available to the public for recreational purposes without charge, limitation on liability of persons making available to public certain areas for recreational purposes without charge, school health services program, general liability coverage, behavioral provider liability, rules and enforcement, local government solid waste responsibilities, licensure of family foster homes, residential child-caring agencies, and child-placing agencies, lead agencies and subcontractor liability, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, legal and investigative services, the Management Privatization Act, legal and investigative services, impaired practitioner programs, the Florida Engineers Management Corporation, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, administrative matters, conduct on premises, refusal of service, physician's hb145-00 attendance at match, liability of the member operator, excavator, and system, creation of certain state forests, naming of certain state forests, Operation Outdoor Freedom Program, official law enforcement vehicles, motor vehicle insurance requirements, the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation, administrative and civil remedies, construction, health care providers, creation of agency relationship with governmental contractors, comparative fault, the Florida Volunteer Protection Act, streetlights, security lights, and other similar illumination, limitation on liability, Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), sovereign immunity in tort actions, liability of corporation for inmate injuries, compensation for wrongful incarceration, punishment for contempt of court, alternative sanctions, charter schools, persistently low- performing schools, charter technical career centers, the Florida School for Competitive Academics, the Florida Virtual School, school-year prekindergarten program delivered by private prekindergarten providers, early learning coalitions, school readiness program provider standards, eligibility to deliver the school readiness program, tort liability, liability insurance, and use of school buses for public hb145-00 purposes, respectively, to incorporate changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 10/10/2025
• Added: 10/10/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Fiona McFarland (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 4 • Actions: 28
• Last Amended: 10/10/2025
• Last Action: Referred to Rules

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1314 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records and Meetings/Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates a new section of Florida law to provide exemptions from public records and public meetings requirements related to the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, which is an agreement between states to allow podiatric physicians to practice in multiple states more easily. Specifically, it exempts personal identifying information of podiatric physicians, other than their name, licensure status, and number, from public disclosure unless the state that originally provided the information authorizes its release. It also exempts certain meetings or portions of meetings of the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact Commission, established to manage the compact, when they discuss sensitive and confidential matters, and exempts any recordings, minutes, or records generated during these exempt meetings. These exemptions are deemed a public necessity to allow Florida to participate in the compact and are subject to a sunset review, meaning they will automatically be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reenacts them. The bill's effective date is contingent on the passage of similar legislation.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records and meetings; creating s. 461.0182, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for certain information held by the Department of Health or the Board of Podiatric Medicine pursuant to the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact; authorizing the disclosure of such information under certain circumstances; providing an exemption from public meetings requirements for certain meetings or portions of certain meetings of the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact Commission; providing an exemption from public records requirements for recordings, minutes, and records generated during the exempt meetings or portions of such meetings; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemptions; providing statements of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/07/2026
• Added: 01/08/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Ana Maria Rodriguez (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/07/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Fiscal Policy

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1686 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Public Records/Parkinson's Disease Registry

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill proposes to make records and personal identifying information submitted to the Parkinson's Disease Registry confidential and exempt from public disclosure, meaning they will not be accessible under public records laws like section 119.07(1) of Florida Statutes and section 24(a) of Article I of the State Constitution. This exemption applies to information about individuals diagnosed with or treated for Parkinson's disease, but allows for release with written consent, for epidemiological investigation and monitoring by the department or consortium without further disclosure, and for data-sharing agreements with other government entities for medical or scientific research, provided those entities also do not further disclose the confidential information. The bill states this is a public necessity to protect patient privacy, comply with federal laws like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996), and ensure the effective operation of the registry for research purposes. This exemption is subject to a future legislative review and is set to automatically be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature acts to save it. The bill's effective date is contingent on the passage of similar legislation in the same legislative session.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 1004.4352, F.S.; providing an exemption from public records requirements for certain records and personal identifying information submitted to the Parkinson’s Disease Registry; providing for future legislative review and repeal; providing a statement of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/10/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Alexis Calatayud (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Fiscal Policy

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0480 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Information Technology

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes the Division of Integrated Government Innovation and Technology (DIGIT) within the Executive Office of the Governor, transferring the duties of the Florida Digital Service to this new division. DIGIT will be a separate budget entity responsible for all professional, technical, and administrative support for its assigned duties, and its director will also serve as the state chief information officer (CIO), appointed by the Governor and subject to Senate confirmation, with strict conflict of interest prohibitions and specific qualifications. The bill also mandates that agency inspectors general annually review and evaluate agency compliance with information technology requirements and standards set by DIGIT, submitting reports that will be consolidated into a statewide report by the Chief Inspector General for the Governor and Legislature. Furthermore, it revises various statutes to reflect DIGIT's new role, including its responsibility for developing statewide information technology governance, standards, and strategy, managing an enterprise architecture, creating open data standards, and overseeing information technology projects, while also designating the Northwest Regional Data Center as the state data center and clarifying its responsibilities and relationships with state agencies.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to information technology; providing for a type two transfer of the duties and functions of the Florida Digital Service from the Department of Management Services to the Division of Integrated Government Innovation and Technology; creating s. 14.205, F.S.; creating the Division of Integrated Government Innovation and Technology (DIGIT) within the Executive Office of the Governor; providing that the division is a separate budget entity and must prepare and submit a budget in accordance with specified provisions; requiring the division to be responsible for all professional, technical, and administrative support to carry out its assigned duties; providing for a director of the division; providing that the director also serves as the state chief information officer; providing for the appointment of the director; prohibiting the state chief information officer from having certain conflicts of interest; providing the qualifications for the state chief information officer; providing that the deputy director also serves as the deputy chief information officer; providing that the director will select a state chief information security officer and state chief information officer; transferring the state chief information officer of the Department of Management Services to DIGIT until the Governor and the Cabinet appoint a permanent officer; requiring that such appointment occur by a specified date; amending s. 20.055, F.S.; requiring agency inspectors general to review and evaluate agency compliance with specified requirements and standards; requiring such inspectors general to prepare and submit a certain compliance report to certain persons by a specified date annually; requiring the chief inspector general to review certain reports and prepare a consolidated report; requiring that such report be submitted to the Executive Office of the Governor and the Legislature annually by a specified date; requiring certain agency heads to submit certain reports to the Executive Office of the Governor and the Legislature annually by a specified date; amending s. 97.0525, F.S.; requiring that the Division of Elections comprehensive risk assessment comply with the risk assessment methodology developed by DIGIT; amending s. 112.22, F.S.; defining the term “DIGIT”; deleting the term “department”; revising the definition of the term “prohibited application”; authorizing public employers to request a certain waiver from DIGIT; requiring DIGIT to take specified actions; deleting obsolete language; requiring DIGIT to adopt rules; amending s. 119.0725, F.S.; requiring that certain confidential and exempt information be made available to DIGIT; amending s. 216.023, F.S.; deleting a provision requiring state agencies and the judicial branch to include a cumulative inventory and a certain status report of specified projects as part of a budget request; deleting provisions relating to ongoing technology related projects; conforming a cross-reference; amending s. 282.0041, F.S.; deleting and revising definitions; defining the terms “DIGIT” and “technical debt”; amending s. 282.00515, F.S.; authorizing the Department of Legal Affairs, the Department of Financial Services, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to adopt alternative standards that must be based on best practices and certain standards; requiring the departments to evaluate the adoption of such standards on a case-by-case basis; requiring the departments to follow specified standards under certain circumstances; requiring the departments to conduct a certain full baseline needs assessment; authorizing the departments to contract with DIGIT to assist or complete such assessment; requiring the departments to each produce certain phased roadmaps that must be submitted annually with specified budget requests; authorizing the departments to contract with DIGIT to assist or complete such roadmaps; authorizing the departments to contract with DIGIT for specified services; requiring the departments to use certain information technology reports and follow a specified reporting process; requiring the departments to submit a certain report annually by a specified date to the Governor and the Legislature; revising applicability; authorizing DIGIT to perform project oversight on information technology projects of the departments which have a specified project cost; requiring that such projects comply with certain standards; requiring DIGIT to report periodically to the Legislature high risk information technology projects; specifying report requirements; requiring DIGIT to consult with applicable departments under specified circumstances; revising cross references; creating s. 282.006, F.S.; requiring DIGIT to operate as the state enterprise organization for information technology governance and as the lead entity responsible for understanding needs and environments, creating standards and strategy, supporting state agency technology efforts, and reporting on the state of information technology in this state; providing legislative intent; requiring DIGIT to establish the strategic direction of information technology in the state; requiring DIGIT to develop and publish an information technology policy for a specified purpose; requiring that such policy be updated as necessary to meet certain requirements and reflect advancements in technology; requiring DIGIT, in coordination with certain subject matter experts, to develop, publish, and maintain specified enterprise architecture; requiring DIGIT to take specified actions related to oversight of the state’s technology enterprise; requiring DIGIT to develop open data standards and technologies for use by state agencies; requiring DIGIT to develop certain testing, best practices, and standards; specifying such best practices and standards; requiring DIGIT to produce specified reports and provide the reports to the Governor and the Legislature by specified dates and at specified intervals; specifying requirements for such reports; requiring DIGIT to conduct a market analysis at a certain interval beginning on a specified date; specifying requirements for the market analysis; requiring that each market analysis be used to prepare a strategic plan for specified purposes; requiring that the market analysis and strategic plan be submitted by a specified date; requiring DIGIT to develop, implement, and maintain a certain library; specifying requirements for the library; requiring DIGIT to establish procedures that ensure the integrity, security, and availability of the library; requiring DIGIT to regularly update documents and materials in the library to reflect current state and federal requirements, industry best practices, and emerging technologies; requiring DIGIT to create mechanisms for state agencies to submit feedback, request clarification, and recommend updates; requiring state agencies to actively participate and collaborate with DIGIT to achieve certain objectives and to reference and adhere to the policies, standards, and guidelines of the library in specified tasks; authorizing state agencies to request exemptions to specific policies, standards, or guidelines under specified circumstances; providing the mechanism for a state agency to request such exemption; requiring DIGIT to review the request and make a recommendation to the state chief information officer; requiring the state chief information officer to present the exemption to the chief information officer workgroup; requiring that approval of the exemption be by majority vote; requiring that state agencies granted an exemption be reviewed periodically to determine whether such exemption is necessary or whether compliance can be achieved; authorizing DIGIT to adopt rules; creating s. 282.0061, F.S.; providing legislative intent; requiring DIGIT to complete a certain full baseline needs assessment of state agencies, develop a specified plan to conduct such assessments, and submit the plan to the Governor and the Legislature within a specified timeframe; requiring DIGIT to support state agency strategic planning efforts and assist agencies with production of a certain phased roadmap; specifying requirements for such roadmaps; requiring DIGIT to make recommendations for standardizing data across state agencies for a specified purpose, identify any opportunities for standardization and consolidation of information technology services across state agencies, and support specified functions; requiring DIGIT to develop standards for use by state agencies which support specified best practices for data management at the state agency level; requiring DIGIT to provide a certain report to the Governor and the Legislature by a specified date; specifying requirements for the report; providing the duties and responsibilities of DIGIT related to state agency technology projects; requiring DIGIT, in consultation with state agencies, to create a methodology, approach, and applicable templates and formats for identifying and collecting information technology expenditure data at the state agency level; requiring DIGIT to continuously obtain, review, and maintain records of the appropriations, expenditures, and revenues for information technology for each state agency; requiring DIGIT to prescribe the format for state agencies to provide financial information to DIGIT for inclusion in a certain annual report; requiring state agencies to submit such information by a specified date annually; requiring DIGIT to work with state agencies to provide alternative standards, policies, or requirements under specified circumstances; creating s. 282.0062, F.S.; establishing workgroups within DIGIT to facilitate coordination with state agencies; providing for the membership and duties of such workgroups; requiring the appropriate staff of the Department of Legal Affairs, the Department of Financial Services, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to participate in specified workgroups; authorizing such staff to participate in specified workgroups and any other workgroups as authorized by their respective elected official; creating s. 282.0063, F.S.; requiring DIGIT to perform specified actions to develop and manage career paths, progressions, and training programs for the benefit of state agency personnel; requiring DIGIT to consult with specified entities to implement specified provisions; creating s. 282.0064, F.S.; requiring DIGIT, in coordination with the Department of Management Services, to establish a policy for all information technology related solicitations, contracts, and procurements; specifying requirements for the policy related to state term contracts, all contracts, and information technology projects that require oversight; prohibiting entities providing independent verification and validation from having certain interests, responsibilities, or other participation in the project; providing the primary objective of independent verification and validation; requiring the entity performing such verification and validation to provide specified regular reports and assessments; requiring the Division of State Purchasing within the Department of Management Services to coordinate with DIGIT on state term contract solicitations and invitations to negotiate; requiring DIGIT to evaluate vendor responses and assist with answers to vendor questions on such solicitations and invitations; authorizing the Department of Legal Affairs, the Department of Financial Services, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to adopt alternative information technology policy; providing requirements for adopting such alternative policy; amending s. 282.318, F.S.; providing that DIGIT is the lead entity responsible for establishing enterprise technology and cybersecurity standards and processes and security measures that comply with specified standards; requiring DIGIT to adopt specified rules; requiring DIGIT to take specified actions; revising the responsibilities of the state chief information security officer; requiring state agencies to report all ransomware incidents to the state chief information security officer instead of the Cybersecurity Operations Center; requiring state agencies to also notify the Northwest Regional Data Center of such incidents under specified conditions; requiring the state chief information security officer, instead of the Cybersecurity Operations Center, to notify the Legislature of certain incidents; requiring state agencies to notify the state chief information security officer within specified timeframes after the discovery of a specified cybersecurity incident or ransomware incident; requiring state agencies to also notify the Northwest Regional Data Center of such incidents under specified conditions; requiring the state chief information security officer, instead of the Cybersecurity Operations Center, to provide a certain report on a quarterly basis to the Legislature; revising the actions that state agency heads are required to perform relating to cybersecurity; revising the timeframe that the state agency strategic cybersecurity plan must cover; requiring that a specified comprehensive risk assessment be completed biennially; specifying requirements for such assessment; providing that confidential and exempt records be made available to the state chief information security officer and Legislature; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 282.3185, F.S.; requiring the state chief information security officer to perform specified actions relating to cybersecurity training for state employees; deleting obsolete language; requiring local governments to notify the state chief information security officer of compliance with specified provisions as soon as possible; requiring local governments to notify the state chief information security officer, instead of the Cybersecurity Operations Center, of cybersecurity or ransomware incidents; revising the timeframes in which such notifications must be made; requiring the state chief information security officer to notify the Governor and the Legislature of certain incidents within a specified timeframe; authorizing local governments to report certain cybersecurity incidents to the state chief information security officer instead of the Cybersecurity Operations Center; requiring the state chief information security officer to provide a certain consolidated incident report within a specified timeframe to the Legislature; requiring the state chief information security officer to establish certain guidelines and processes by a specified date; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; conforming cross-references; repealing s. 282.319, F.S., relating to the Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council; amending s. 282.201, F.S.; establishing the state data center within the Northwest Regional Data Center; requiring the Northwest Regional Data Center to meet or exceed specified information technology standards; revising requirements of the state data center; abrogating the scheduled repeal of the Division of Emergency Management’s exemption from using the state data center; deleting the Department of Management Services’ responsibilities related to the state data center; deleting provisions relating to contracting with the Northwest Regional Data Center; creating s. 282.2011, F.S.; designating the Northwest Regional Data Center as the state data center for all state agencies; requiring the data center to engage in specified actions; prohibiting state agencies from terminating services with the data center without giving written notice within a specified timeframe, procuring third-party cloud-computing services without evaluating the data center’s cloud-computing services, and exceeding a specified timeframe to remit payments for services provided by the data center; specifying circumstances under which the data center’s authorization to provide services may be terminated; providing that the data center has a specified timeframe to provide for the transition of state agency customers to a qualified alternative cloud based data center that meets specified standards; providing that the data center is the lead entity responsible for creating, operating, and managing the Florida Behavioral Health Care Data Repository; providing the purpose of the repository; requiring the data center, in collaboration with the Data Analysis Committee of the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, to develop a specified plan; requiring, beginning on a specified date, the data center to submit a certain report annually to the Governor and the Legislature; providing for a transition to an alternative cloud-based data center under specified circumstances; amending s. 282.206, F.S.; requiring state agencies to submit a certain strategic plan to DIGIT and the Northwest Regional Data Center annually by a specified date; amending s. 1004.649, F.S.; creating the Northwest Regional Data Center at Florida State University; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 20.22, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 282.802, F.S.; providing that the Government Technology Modernization Council is located within DIGIT; providing that the state chief information officer, rather than the Secretary of Management Services, is the ex officio head of the council; requiring the council to submit a certain recommendation to the Governor, the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Chief Financial Officer, the Attorney General, and the Legislature; conforming a cross reference; amending s. 282.604, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 287.0591, F.S.; requiring the state chief information officer, rather than the Florida Digital Service, to participate in certain solicitations; amending s. 443.1113, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 943.0415, F.S.; requiring the state chief information security officer, rather than the Florida Digital Service, to consult with the Department of Law Enforcement’s Cybercrime Office in the adoption of certain rules; amending s. 1004.444, F.S.; revising the list of who may request certain assistance from the Florida Center for Cybersecurity; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/12/2026
• Added: 01/13/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Gayle Harrell (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/12/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government; Appropriations

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S1662 • Last Action 01/16/2026

Prohibited Preferences

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill significantly alters Florida law by removing provisions related to diversity and minority participation in various state functions and contracts. It eliminates requirements for considering racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in appointments to the Florida Gaming Control Commission and advisory boards for small businesses and the Florida Sports Foundation. The bill also repeals numerous sections of Florida Statutes that mandated minority business enterprise (MBE) participation in public construction contracts, defined and certified MBEs, and encouraged agencies to use minority status in selecting outside firms. Furthermore, it prohibits executive agencies from using racial or gender set-asides, preferences, or quotas in employment decisions and removes requirements for state entities to develop affirmative action plans. The Office of Supplier Diversity is renamed the Office of Supplier Development, with its purpose shifted to assisting Florida-based small businesses rather than focusing on minority participation. Conforming changes are made throughout various statutes to reflect these removals and redefinitions, impacting areas from state procurement and contracting to educational outreach programs and health care initiatives.

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Bill Summary: An act relating to prohibited preferences; amending s. 16.71, F.S.; deleting a provision requiring the Governor to consider appointees to the Florida Gaming Control Commission who reflect Florida’s racial, ethnic, and gender diversity; amending s. 17.11, F.S.; revising the information required to be reported periodically by the Chief Financial Officer; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; repealing s. 24.113, F.S., relating to minority participation; amending s. 110.112, F.S.; revising state policy; prohibiting executive agencies from using racial or gender set-asides, preferences, or quotas when making certain decisions; deleting provisions requiring state entities to develop and implement affirmative action plans; amending s. 110.211, F.S.; revising a phrase that is required to be included in all recruitment literature for state position vacancies; amending s. 110.605, F.S.; deleting a provision requiring the Department of Management Services to develop a certain program of affirmative and positive actions; repealing s. 255.101, F.S., relating to utilization of minority business enterprises in contracts for public construction works; repealing s. 255.102, F.S., relating to contractor utilization of minority business enterprises; amending s. 255.20, F.S.; revising factors local governments are authorized to consider in making decisions regarding local bids and contracts for public construction works; amending s. 287.012, F.S.; deleting the definition of the term “minority business enterprise”; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 287.042, F.S.; revising the powers, duties, and functions of the Department of Management Services to delete provisions regarding the Office of Supplier Diversity; amending s. 287.055, F.S.; revising the criteria each agency uses to evaluate professional services; revising the criteria used to determine whether a firm is qualified to provide such services; amending s. 287.057, F.S.; deleting a provision authorizing the Office of Supplier Diversity to request certain information from agencies; deleting provisions authorizing agencies to reserve contracts for competitive solicitation among certified minority business enterprises; deleting a provision requiring agencies to enter into a contract with a certified minority business enterprise under a specified condition; amending s. 287.059, F.S.; deleting a provision encouraging agencies to use a firm’s minority status when selecting outside firms for attorney services; repealing s. 287.093, F.S., relating to minority business enterprises and procurement of personal property and services from funds set aside for such purpose; repealing s. 287.0931, F.S., relating to minority business enterprise participation in bond underwriting; repealing s. 287.0943, F.S., relating to certification of minority business enterprises; repealing s. 287.09431, F.S., relating to statewide and interlocal agreement on certification of business concerns for the status of minority business enterprise; amending s. 287.09451, F.S.; deleting legislative findings; renaming the Office of Supplier Diversity as the Office of Supplier Development; revising the purpose of the office; revising the powers, duties, and functions of the office; deleting provisions providing a process for the Office of Supplier Diversity to assist minority business enterprises in the state procurement process; deleting provisions requiring each state agency to coordinate its minority business enterprise procurement with the office; repealing s. 287.0947, F.S., relating to the Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development; amending s. 288.001, F.S.; deleting a provision requiring consideration of minority and gender representation when making appointments to the statewide advisory board for the Florida Small Business Development Center Network; repealing s. 288.1167, F.S., relating to sports franchise contract provisions for food and beverage concession and contract awards to minority business enterprises; amending s. 288.1229, F.S.; deleting a requirement that the board membership of the Florida Sports Foundation represent ethnic and gender diversity; amending s. 288.124, F.S.; deleting provisions requiring that preferences be given to specified entities seeking to attract minority conventions to Florida; amending s. 288.7015, F.S.; revising the duties of the rules ombudsman regarding reviewing state agency rules that adversely or disproportionately impact businesses; amending s. 288.703, F.S.; deleting the definitions of the terms “certified minority business enterprise” and “minority business enterprise”; revising the definition of the term “ombudsman”; amending s. 288.7031, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 288.776, F.S.; deleting a requirement that minority and gender representation be considered for appointments to the board of directors of the Florida Export Finance Corporation; amending s. 290.0057, F.S.; revising requirements for strategic plans that accompany an application for designating a new enterprise zone; amending s. 290.046, F.S.; revising factors that may be taken into consideration when scoring certain applications for grants; amending s. 320.63, F.S.; deleting a requirement that applicants or licensees for certain licenses report annually to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation on efforts to add minority dealer points; amending s. 376.84, F.S.; deleting a provision authorizing financial and local incentives for brownfield redevelopment to include certain minority business enterprise programs; amending s. 383.216, F.S.; deleting a requirement that each prenatal and infant health care coalition represent the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of the community; repealing s. 395.807, F.S., relating to retention of family practice residents; amending s. 409.901, F.S.; deleting the definition of the term “minority physician network”; amending s. 409.920, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “managed care plans”; amending s. 430.502, F.S.; revising criteria on which incentive funding of memory disorder clinics is based; amending s. 440.45, F.S.; revising the composition of the statewide nominating commission for judges of compensation claims to no longer require members from minority groups; amending s. 445.007, F.S.; deleting provisions requiring consideration of the importance of minority and gender representation for local workforce development boards and committees established by such boards; amending s. 446.041, F.S.; revising the duties of the Department of Commerce to no longer ensure consideration of minority and gender diversity in a certain program; amending s. 489.111, F.S.; deleting provisions relating to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation establishing certain sensitivity review committees; amending s. 627.3511, F.S.; deleting provisions authorizing certain property or casualty insurers to exempt a specified amount from escrow requirements and to simultaneously file the proposed take-out plan with the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation; repealing s. 641.217, F.S., relating to required minority recruitment and retention plans; revising the title of chapter 760, F.S.; repealing s. 760.80, F.S., relating to minority representation on boards, commissions, councils, and committees; redesignating part V of chapter 760, F.S., Environmental Equity and Justice, as part IV of that chapter; amending s. 1001.706, F.S.; deleting provisions requiring the Board of Governors of the State University System to ensure compliance with specified procurement provisions and rules; amending s. 1004.42, F.S.; deleting a requirement of the Florida State University College of Medicine to continue specified outreach efforts to middle and high school minority students; amending s. 1004.435, F.S.; revising membership criteria for the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council; repealing s. 1007.34, F.S., relating to the college reach-out program; repealing s. 1007.35, F.S., relating to the Florida Partnership for Minority and Underrepresented Student Achievement Act; repealing s. 1011.86, F.S., relating to educational leadership enhancement grants; amending s. 1013.46, F.S.; deleting provisions authorizing counties, municipalities, and boards to set aside a specified percentage of funds allocated for the purpose of entering into construction capital project contracts with minority business enterprises; amending ss. 43.16, 212.096, 215.971, 282.201, 282.709, 286.101, 287.0571, 288.0001, 288.706, 290.004, 295.187, 337.11, 339.63, 376.3072, 381.986, 394.47865, 402.7305, 408.045, 409.910, 570.07, 627.351, 1001.216, 1007.27, 1008.23, and 1008.24, F.S.; conforming cross references and provisions to changes made by the act; reenacting s. 311.07(4), F.S., relating to Florida seaport transportation and economic development funding, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 110.112, F.S., in a reference thereto; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 01/09/2026
• Added: 01/10/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Stan McClain (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/09/2026
• Last Action: Referred to Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government; Fiscal Policy

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H0679 • Last Action 01/15/2026

Registration of Trademarks

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill modernizes the trademark registration process in Florida by requiring the Department of State to use the internationally recognized schedule of classes of goods and services for classifying trademarks, replacing the previous state-specific list. It also mandates the creation of a secure online portal by July 1, 2027, where applicants can submit trademark registration and renewal applications electronically, including uploading required documents like specimens and drawings, and making fee payments. Furthermore, the bill allows for electronic verification of applications, aligning with existing laws for electronic signatures and transactions, and specifies that online applications must include an electronic specimen of the mark's use.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to registration of trademarks; amending s. 495.111, F.S.; removing provisions relating to the classification of goods and services for trademark purposes; requiring the Department of State to use the international schedule of classes of goods and services; creating s. 495.0315, F.S.; requiring the department to establish and maintain a secure Internet website that allows submission of an online trademark registration application and renewal application; providing website requirements; requiring the department to make the online application system available by a specified date; amending s. 495.031, F.S.; providing online application requirements; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 12/08/2025
• Added: 12/09/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee, Sam Greco (R)*
• Versions: 2 • Votes: 1 • Actions: 14
• Last Amended: 01/14/2026
• Last Action: 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #H7023 • Last Action 01/15/2026

OGSR/Cybersecurity

Status: Introduced

AI-generated Summary: This bill, titled OGSR/Cybersecurity, aims to strengthen cybersecurity protections for government agencies by expanding exemptions from public records and public meetings requirements. It defines key terms like "breach" and "cybersecurity" and creates new exemptions for various types of sensitive information, including network schematics, security practices, risk assessments, login credentials, and data related to user access of public portals. The bill also revises existing exemptions for cybersecurity insurance and agency-produced software, while removing some previous exemptions for specific login credentials and cybersecurity information held by certain departments. Additionally, it makes portions of public meetings that would reveal this sensitive cybersecurity information exempt from public access, with provisions for recording and transcribing these closed sessions. The exemptions are subject to future legislative review and repeal, with some set to expire in 2031. The bill also repeals certain existing provisions related to data security in educational institutions and insurance corporations.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to a review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act; amending s. 119.0725, F.S.; providing and revising definitions; providing an exemption from public records requirements for certain cybersecurity processes or practices, certain cybersecurity program reports, login credentials, and certain information associated with access to a public-facing portal held by an agency; revising an exemption from public records requirements for certain cybersecurity insurance information and certain cybersecurity-related information held by an agency; consolidating a public record exemption for certain agency-produced data processing software held by an agency; expanding an exemption from public meetings requirements for portions of a meeting that would reveal certain cybersecurity-related information held by an agency; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemptions; amending s. 15.16, F.S.; removing an exemption from public records requirements for certain secure login credentials held by the Department of State; amending s. 24.1051, F.S.; removing an exemption from public records requirements for certain cybersecurity-related information held by the Department of the Lottery; amending s. 101.5607, F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made by the act; amending s. 106.0706, F.S.; removing an exemption from public records requirements for certain user identifications and passwords held by the Department of State; amending s. 112.31446, F.S.; removing an exemption from public records requirements for certain secure login credentials held by the Commission on Ethics; amending s. 119.07, F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made by the act; amending s. 119.071, F.S.; removing an exemption from public records requirements for certain agency-produced data processing software; amending s. 119.0712, F.S.; removing an exemption from public records requirements for certain secure login credentials and certain information associated with access to a public-facing portal held by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; amending s. 119.0713, F.S.; removing an exemption from public records requirements for certain cybersecurity-related information held by a utility owned or operated by a unit of local government; amending s. 119.0714, F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made by the act; amending s. 282.318, F.S.; removing an exemption from public records requirements for a comprehensive risk assessment held by an agency; removing exemptions from public records requirements for certain cybersecurity- related internal policies and procedures, certain cybersecurity-related internal audits and evaluations held by an agency, and certain cybersecurity-related reports held by an agency; repealing s. 627.352, F.S., relating to security of data and information technology in Citizens Property Insurance Corporation; repealing s. 1004.055, F.S., relating to security of data and information technology in state postsecondary education institutions; providing a statement of public necessity; providing an effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 01/15/2026
• Added: 01/16/2026
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Government Operations Subcommittee, William Conerly (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 2
• Last Amended: 01/15/2026
• Last Action: 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0296 • Last Action 01/15/2026

Victims of Domestic Violence and Dating Violence

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill expands protections and services for victims of both domestic and dating violence by establishing several key provisions. The bill requires the Division of Telecommunications to conduct a feasibility study for creating a web-based 911 alert system specifically designed for domestic and dating violence victims, which would include features like real-time data-sharing between public safety answering points (PSAPs) and law enforcement, unique telephone numbers for users, and the ability to transmit specific data during emergency calls. The bill formally defines "dating violence" as a range of harmful acts committed by someone with a significant romantic or intimate relationship with the victim, and extends the existing Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. This means that victims of dating violence can now apply to have a confidential address designated by the Attorney General to help protect their safety, and the Attorney General must designate state, local, and nonprofit agencies to assist these applicants. Additionally, the bill updates various statutes to consistently recognize dating violence alongside domestic violence, ensuring that victims of dating violence receive similar protections, information, and support within the criminal justice system. The feasibility study results are to be reported to the Legislature by January 31, 2027, and the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to victims of domestic violence and dating violence; defining terms; requiring the Division of Telecommunications within the Department of Management Services to consult with certain entities to conduct a feasibility study regarding a specified alert system; providing requirements for such alert system; requiring the division to report to the Legislature the results of the feasibility study by a specified date; amending s. 741.401, F.S.; revising legislative findings to include victims of dating violence; reordering and amending s. 741.402, F.S.; defining the term “dating violence”; amending s. 741.403, F.S.; authorizing victims of dating violence to apply to participate in the Attorney General’s address confidentiality program; amending s. 741.408, F.S.; requiring the Attorney General to designate certain entities to assist victims of dating violence applying to be address confidentiality program participants; amending ss. 741.4651 and 960.001, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

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• Introduced: 10/28/2025
• Added: 10/28/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 2 : Criminal Justice, Lori Berman (D)*, Carlos Smith (D)
• Versions: 2 • Votes: 2 • Actions: 14
• Last Amended: 12/10/2025
• Last Action: Now in Rules

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

FL bill #S0298 • Last Action 01/15/2026

Public Records/Victims of Domestic and Dating Violence

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill expands the existing Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) for Victims of Domestic and Dating Violence to provide additional privacy protections for dating violence victims. Specifically, the bill creates public records exemptions for certain identifying information of dating violence program participants, including their addresses, telephone numbers, and social security numbers, which will be kept confidential and exempt from public disclosure requirements. The exemptions apply to records held by the Office of the Attorney General, supervisors of elections, and the Department of State. The bill includes provisions allowing limited disclosure of this information in specific circumstances, such as executing arrest warrants or through court orders. The legislation is designed to enhance the safety of dating violence victims by preventing potential assailants from accessing their personal contact information. The exemptions are retroactive and will be subject to future legislative review, with a scheduled repeal date of October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature specifically reenacts the provisions. The bill's effective date is contingent on the passage of another related piece of legislation (SB 296) in the same legislative session.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: An act relating to public records; amending s. 741.465, F.S.; providing that certain identifying information of victims of dating violence who participate in the Address Confidentiality Program for Victims of Domestic and Dating Violence which are held by the Office of the Attorney General or contained in voter registration or voting records held by the supervisor of elections or the Department of State are exempt from public records requirements; providing for retroactive application; providing for future legislative review and repeal; providing statements of public necessity; providing a contingent effective date.

Show Bill Summary

• Introduced: 10/28/2025
• Added: 10/28/2025
• Session: 2026 Regular Session
• Sponsors: 1 : Criminal Justice, Lori Berman (D)*
• Versions: 2 • Votes: 2 • Actions: 14
• Last Amended: 12/10/2025
• Last Action: Now in Rules