FL H1453

Arrest booking photographs are made confidential and exempt from public records requirements under Florida Statutes section 119.07(1) and the Florida Constitution.

Criminal justice agencies may disclose arrest booking photographs only if there is an immediate threat to the public, a need to alert victims or witnesses to aid an investigation, or if disclosure serves a specific law enforcement purpose.

The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and automatically repeals on October 2, 2026, unless the Legislature votes to reenact it.

The Legislature finds that arrest booking photographs posted online can cause persistent and permanent damage to individuals even after charges are dropped, acquittals are issued, or records are sealed or expunged.

The bill takes effect on the same date that HB 1451 or similar legislation becomes law.