FL S0520

Creates a public records exemption for personal identifying information of applicants for president of state universities or Florida College System institutions until the final group of applicants is established or 21 days before interviews and employment votes occur.

Exempts the age, race, and gender of all qualified applicants and personal information of final-group applicants from confidentiality beginning at the earlier of when the final applicant group is established or 21 days before relevant meetings.

Exempts closed meetings held to identify or vet presidential applicants from public meetings requirements, but requires complete recordings of closed portions that cannot be held off the record; recordings remain confidential.

Carves out exceptions for meetings establishing job qualifications or compensation frameworks and all meetings held after a final applicant group is established, which remain subject to public meetings requirements.

Sunsets the exemptions on October 2, 2027, unless the Legislature reenacts them, citing the need to protect applicants' current employment from jeopardy when seeking higher education leadership positions.