FL S1504

Defines "proprietary confidential business information" as information designated confidential by its owner that includes business plans, internal audits, external audits of private companies, or trade secrets, and would cause business harm if disclosed.

Makes proprietary confidential business information held by agencies confidential and exempt from Florida public records law and the state constitution's public records provision, effective July 1, 2017.

Requires agencies to notify the proprietor of a public records request and allows the proprietor to block release by filing a written declaration verifying the information meets confidentiality requirements within a reasonable timeframe.

Allows any person to petition a court for public release of confidential records only if the court finds the information is not a trade secret, a compelling public interest exceeds the necessity for confidentiality, and release will not harm the proprietor or agency.

Repeals section 815.045 regarding trade secret information and sunsets this exemption on October 2, 2022, unless the Legislature reenacts it.