FL H1351

Personal identifying information of wards and petitioners held in the guardianship database established under s. 744.2112 by the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation and clerks of court is made confidential and exempt from public records requirements.

Confidential information may be released to other governmental entities for use in performing their official duties and responsibilities.

The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will stand repealed on October 2, 2027, unless reenacted by the Legislature.

The Legislature justifies the exemption as a public necessity, citing the risk that disclosure of sensitive personal information could lead to abuse or exploitation of vulnerable citizens involved in guardianship proceedings.

The act's effective date is contingent on HB 1349 (establishing the guardianship transparency database) or similar legislation being adopted in the same legislative session and becoming law.