FL H1195

Adds subsection (6) to section 83.626, Florida Statutes, making a defendant's name removed from the progress docket in eviction proceedings confidential and exempt from public records requirements under the Florida Constitution.

Seals any records related to eviction proceedings that fall under this exemption from public disclosure.

Establishes that the exemption is necessary because Florida has the third-highest homeless population in the United States and defendants in eviction proceedings are frequently blacklisted by landlords, preventing them from renting affordable housing.

States that protecting these records prevents increased homelessness and mitigates negative economic and public health impacts on the state and its residents.

Takes effect on the same date as HB 1193 or similar legislation, if adopted in the same legislative session and enacted into law.