FL H0273

Personal identifying information of individuals who foster, adopt, or otherwise receive legal custody of an animal from an animal shelter or animal control agency operated by a humane society or local government is exempt from public records requirements under s. 119.07(1) and the State Constitution.

The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will automatically repeal on October 2, 2029, unless reenacted by the Legislature.

The Legislature justified the exemption by citing concerns that prior owners who lost or surrendered animals could use adopters' personal information to engage in stalking, harassment, or intimidation to regain custody of the animals.

The stated public necessity is to encourage animal fostering and adoption and reduce euthanasia rates by protecting the identities of those who take legal custody of shelter animals.

The act takes effect upon becoming law and amends s. 823.15, Florida Statutes, by adding a new subsection (7).