FL H0551

Creates section 501.974, F.S., establishing requirements for vendors of copy machines, photocopiers, fax machines, and printers regarding data security and consumer warnings.

Requires copy machine vendors to affix warning labels stating that deleting or formatting files does not erase them from the hard drive, and to provide information on installing data-erasing software.

Authorizes the department to adopt rules on warning label requirements and mandates a brochure advising consumers that data is automatically stored on the machine's hard drive.

Requires copy machine vendors to destroy or render all records stored on machines unreadable and non-recreatable before selling, leasing, or purchasing machines.

Mandates that financial institutions implement written policies to erase, encrypt, or destroy hard drives or memory on copy machines before returning them to leasing companies, selling them, or disposing of them; prohibits willful removal or alteration of required warning labels; and allows recovery of punitive damages for violations.