FL S0728

Creates a public records exemption for personal identifying information of applicants for president, provost, or dean positions at state universities and Florida College System institutions.

Exempts meetings held to identify or vet applicants for these positions from public meeting requirements, though meetings establishing qualifications or compensation frameworks remain public unless they would disclose applicant personal information.

Requires institutions to release the names of final applicants no later than 21 days before the meeting where final employment action is taken, after which applicant information becomes public record.

Applies the exemptions only during the screening and vetting phases; final selection meetings after a finalist group is established remain subject to open meetings and public records laws.

Sunsets the exemptions on October 2, 2019, unless the Legislature reenacts them, and cites the need to attract qualified applicants who might risk their current employment if identified during the search process.