FL S1748

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

Exempts these records from section 24(a), Article I of the State Constitution, which typically requires public access to court records.

Establishes that Florida's third-highest homeless population in the United States and defendants being blacklisted by landlords after eviction proceedings creates a public necessity for the exemption.

States that protecting eviction records is necessary to prevent increased homelessness and reduce negative economic and public health impacts on the state.

Effective date is contingent on the simultaneous enactment of SB ____ or similar legislation in the same legislative session.