FL S0966

Creates a public records exemption making property photographs and personal identifying information confidential when provided by applicants or participants in federal, state, or local housing assistance programs for disaster recovery following presidentially declared disasters

Applies to records held by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, counties, municipalities, and local housing finance agencies

Allows governmental entities and their agents to access the confidential information for auditing housing programs, and permits use in administrative or judicial proceedings if kept confidential

Exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will automatically repeal on October 2, 2025, unless reenacted by the Legislature

Justification states the exemption protects vulnerable disaster victims from fraudulent contractors, predatory lenders, thieves, and others who might exploit displaced property owners or tenants