FL H1317

Revises definition of "medical examiner" under Florida Statutes Section 406.135 to include employees, deputies, agents, and any person who obtains possession of autopsy reports or related written records in the course of assisting a medical examiner.

Grants legal guardians access to autopsy photographs, video, and audio recordings under the same conditions as surviving spouses, parents, and adult children, with reasonable notice requirements for court petitions.

Makes autopsy reports and related written records that personally identify the deceased confidential and exempt from public records requirements for 10 days after completion, with exemption subject to repeal on October 2, 2023 unless reenacted by the Legislature.

Establishes criminal penalties as third-degree felonies for custodians who willfully and knowingly violate confidentiality provisions or court orders related to autopsy records.

Applies the exemption retroactively to records held before, on, or after the effective date, citing family privacy protection as a public necessity.