FL S1974

Allows respondents to a domestic violence injunction petition to request the court seal the petition and related records if the petition was withdrawn, dismissed, or ruled in favor of the respondent.

Makes sealed petitions, records, and documents confidential and exempt from public records requirements under Florida law and the State Constitution.

Establishes that the public records exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will be repealed on October 2, 2026 unless the Legislature reenacts it.

States the public necessity for the exemption is to protect respondents accused of domestic violence from employment barriers and discrimination when no injunction was actually granted.

Takes effect on the same date as SB 1972 or similar legislation, if adopted in the same legislative session and enacted into law.