CS/CS/HB 583 Summary

• Creates section 760.55, Florida Statutes, establishing privacy protections for single-sex public facilities including bathrooms, restrooms, locker rooms, and shower facilities.

• Defines "female" and "male" based on biological sex or identification on a valid driver license or United States passport; restricts single-sex facilities designated for each sex to persons of that sex only.

• Makes knowingly and willfully entering a single-sex facility designated for the opposite sex a second-degree misdemeanor punishable under sections 775.082 or 775.083.

• Provides private civil cause of action for persons lawfully using facilities and facility owners/operators who fail to take reasonable remedial measures, allowing recovery of damages plus reasonable attorney fees and costs.

• Includes exemptions for gender-neutral facilities, single-occupancy facilities, emergency situations where it is the only available facility, caregivers assisting those in need, cleaning/maintenance staff, and journalists covering athletic events; preempts local laws permitting opposite-sex facility use.

• Effective date: July 1, 2015.