119.07 Inspection, examination, and duplication of records; exemptions.--

(1)(a) Every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and examined by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public record or the custodian's designee. The custodian shall furnish a copy or a certified copy of the record upon payment of the fee prescribed by law or, if a fee is not prescribed by law, for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 81/2 inches, upon payment of not more than 15 cents per one-sided copy, and for all other copies, upon payment of the actual cost of duplication of the record. An agency may charge no more than an additional 5 cents for each two-sided duplicated copy. For purposes of this section, duplicated copies shall mean new copies produced by duplicating, as defined in s. 283.30. The phrase "actual cost of duplication" means the cost of the material and supplies used to duplicate the record, but it does not include the labor cost or overhead cost associated with such duplication. However, the charge for copies of county maps or aerial photographs supplied by county constitutional officers may also include a reasonable charge for the labor and overhead associated with their duplication. Unless otherwise provided by law, the fees to be charged for duplication of public records shall be collected, deposited, and accounted for in the manner prescribed for other operating funds of the agency. An agency may charge up to $1 per copy for a certified copy of a public record.

(b) If the nature or volume of public records requested to be inspected, examined, or copied pursuant to this subsection is such as to require extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance by personnel of the agency involved, or both, the agency may charge, in addition to the actual cost of duplication, a special service charge, which shall be reasonable and shall be based on the cost incurred for such extensive use of information technology resources or the labor cost of the personnel providing the service that is actually incurred by the agency or attributable to the agency for the clerical and supervisory assistance required, or both. "Information technology resources" means data processing hardware and software and services, communications, supplies, personnel, facility resources, maintenance, and training.

(c) When ballots are produced under this section for inspection or examination, no persons other than the supervisor of elections or the supervisor's employees shall touch the ballots. The supervisor of elections shall make a reasonable effort to notify all candidates by telephone or otherwise of the time and place of the inspection or examination. All such candidates, or their representatives, shall be allowed to be present during the inspection or examination.

(2)(a) A person who has custody of a public record and who asserts that an exemption provided in subsection (3) or in a general or special law applies to a particular public record or part of such record shall delete or excise from the record only that portion of the record with respect to which an exemption has been asserted and validly applies, and such person shall produce the remainder of such record for inspection and examination. If the person who has custody of a public record contends that the record or part of it is exempt from inspection and examination, he or she shall state the basis of the exemption which he or she contends is applicable to the record, including the statutory citation to an exemption created or afforded by statute, and, if requested by the person seeking the right under this subsection to inspect, examine, or copy the record, he or she shall state in writing and with particularity the reasons for the conclusion that the record is exempt.

(b) In any civil action in which an exemption to subsection (1) is asserted, if the exemption is alleged to exist under or by virtue of paragraph (c), paragraph (d), paragraph (e), paragraph (k), paragraph (l), or paragraph (o) of subsection (3), the public record or part thereof in question shall be submitted to the court for an inspection in camera. If an exemption is alleged to exist under or by virtue of paragraph (b) of subsection (3), an inspection in camera will be discretionary with the court. If the court finds that the asserted exemption is not applicable, it shall order the public record or part thereof in question to be immediately produced for inspection, examination, or copying as requested by the person seeking such access.

(c) Even if an assertion is made by the custodian of a public record that a requested record is not a public record subject to public inspection and examination under subsection (1), the requested record shall, nevertheless, not be disposed of for a period of 30 days after the date on which a written request requesting the right to inspect, examine, or copy the record was served on or otherwise made to the custodian of the record by the person seeking access to the record. If a civil action is instituted within the 30-day period to enforce the provisions of this section with respect to the requested record, the custodian shall not dispose of the record except by order of a court of competent jurisdiction after notice to all affected parties.

(d) The absence of a civil action instituted for the purpose stated in paragraph (c) will not relieve the custodian of the duty to maintain the record as a public record if the record is in fact a public record subject to public inspection and examination under subsection (1) and will not otherwise excuse or exonerate the custodian from any unauthorized or unlawful disposition of such record.

(3)(a) Examination questions and answer sheets of examinations administered by a governmental agency for the purpose of licensure, certification, or employment are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. A person who has taken such an examination shall have the right to review his or her own completed examination.

(b) Active criminal intelligence information and active criminal investigative information are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(c) Any information revealing the identity of a confidential informant or a confidential source is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(d) Any information revealing surveillance techniques or procedures or personnel is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Any comprehensive inventory of state and local law enforcement resources compiled pursuant to part I, chapter 23, and any comprehensive policies or plans compiled by a criminal justice agency pertaining to the mobilization, deployment, or tactical operations involved in responding to emergencies, as defined in s. 252.34(3), are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution and unavailable for inspection, except by personnel authorized by a state or local law enforcement agency, the office of the Governor, the Department of Legal Affairs, the Department of Law Enforcement, or the Department of Community Affairs as having an official need for access to the inventory or comprehensive policies or plans.

(e) Any information revealing undercover personnel of any criminal justice agency is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(f) Any criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information including the photograph, name, address, or other fact or information which reveals the identity of the victim of the crime of sexual battery as defined in chapter 794; the identity of the victim of a lewd or lascivious offense committed upon or in the presence of a person less than 16 years of age, as defined in chapter 800; or the identity of the victim of the crime of child abuse as defined by chapter 827 and any criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information or other criminal record, including those portions of court records and court proceedings, which may reveal the identity of a person who is a victim of any sexual offense, including a sexual offense proscribed in chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(g) Any criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information which reveals the personal assets of the victim of a crime, other than property stolen or destroyed during the commission of the crime, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(h) All criminal intelligence and criminal investigative information received by a criminal justice agency prior to January 25, 1979, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(i)1. The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of active or former law enforcement personnel, including correctional and correctional probation officers, personnel of the Department of Children and Family Services whose duties include the investigation of abuse, neglect, exploitation, fraud, theft, or other criminal activities, personnel of the Department of Health whose duties are to support the investigation of child abuse or neglect, and personnel of the Department of Revenue or local governments whose responsibilities include revenue collection and enforcement or child support enforcement; the home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of such personnel; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of such personnel are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1). The home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of firefighters certified in compliance with s. 633.35; the home addresses, telephone numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of such firefighters; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of such firefighters are exempt from subsection (1). The home addresses and telephone numbers of justices of the Supreme Court, district court of appeal judges, circuit court judges, and county court judges; the home addresses, telephone numbers, and places of employment of the spouses and children of justices and judges; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of justices and judges are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1). The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of current or former state attorneys, assistant state attorneys, statewide prosecutors, or assistant statewide prosecutors; the home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of current or former state attorneys, assistant state attorneys, statewide prosecutors, or assistant statewide prosecutors; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of current or former state attorneys, assistant state attorneys, statewide prosecutors, or assistant statewide prosecutors are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

2. The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of current or former human resource, labor relations, or employee relations directors, assistant directors, managers, or assistant managers of any local government agency or water management district whose duties include hiring and firing employees, labor contract negotiation, administration, or other personnel-related duties; the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of such personnel; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of such personnel are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2006, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

3. The home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, and photographs of current or former code enforcement officers; the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, photographs, and places of employment of the spouses and children of such persons; and the names and locations of schools and day care facilities attended by the children of such persons are exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2006, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

4. An agency that is the custodian of the personal information specified in subparagraph 1., subparagraph 2., or subparagraph 3. and that is not the employer of the officer, employee, justice, judge, or other person specified in subparagraph 1., subparagraph 2., or subparagraph 3. shall maintain the confidentiality of the personal information only if the officer, employee, justice, judge, other person, or employing agency of the designated employee submits a written request for confidentiality to the custodial agency.

(j) Any information provided to an agency of state government or to an agency of a political subdivision of the state for the purpose of forming ridesharing arrangements, which information reveals the identity of an individual who has provided his or her name for ridesharing, as defined in s. 341.031, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(k) Any information revealing the substance of a confession of a person arrested is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, until such time as the criminal case is finally determined by adjudication, dismissal, or other final disposition.

(l)1. A public record which was prepared by an agency attorney (including an attorney employed or retained by the agency or employed or retained by another public officer or agency to protect or represent the interests of the agency having custody of the record) or prepared at the attorney's express direction, which reflects a mental impression, conclusion, litigation strategy, or legal theory of the attorney or the agency, and which was prepared exclusively for civil or criminal litigation or for adversarial administrative proceedings, or which was prepared in anticipation of imminent civil or criminal litigation or imminent adversarial administrative proceedings, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until the conclusion of the litigation or adversarial administrative proceedings. For purposes of capital collateral litigation as set forth in s. 27.7001, the Attorney General's office is entitled to claim this exemption for those public records prepared for direct appeal as well as for all capital collateral litigation after direct appeal until execution of sentence or imposition of a life sentence.

2. This exemption is not waived by the release of such public record to another public employee or officer of the same agency or any person consulted by the agency attorney. When asserting the right to withhold a public record pursuant to this paragraph, the agency shall identify the potential parties to any such criminal or civil litigation or adversarial administrative proceedings. If a court finds that the document or other record has been improperly withheld under this paragraph, the party seeking access to such document or record shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs in addition to any other remedy ordered by the court.

(m) Sealed bids or proposals received by an agency pursuant to invitations to bid or requests for proposals are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as the agency provides notice of a decision or intended decision pursuant to s. 120.57(3)(a) or within 10 days after bid or proposal opening, whichever is earlier.

(n) When an agency of the executive branch of state government seeks to acquire real property by purchase or through the exercise of the power of eminent domain all appraisals, other reports relating to value, offers, and counteroffers must be in writing and are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until execution of a valid option contract or a written offer to sell that has been conditionally accepted by the agency, at which time the exemption shall expire. The agency shall not finally accept the offer for a period of 30 days in order to allow public review of the transaction. The agency may give conditional acceptance to any option or offer subject only to final acceptance by the agency after the 30-day review period. If a valid option contract is not executed, or if a written offer to sell is not conditionally accepted by the agency, then the exemption from the provisions of this chapter shall expire at the conclusion of the condemnation litigation of the subject property. An agency of the executive branch may exempt title information, including names and addresses of property owners whose property is subject to acquisition by purchase or through the exercise of the power of eminent domain, from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution to the same extent as appraisals, other reports relating to value, offers, and counteroffers. For the purpose of this paragraph, "option contract" means an agreement of an agency of the executive branch of state government to purchase real property subject to final agency approval. This paragraph shall have no application to other exemptions from the provisions of subsection (1) which are contained in other provisions of law and shall not be construed to be an express or implied repeal thereof.

(o) Data processing software obtained by an agency under a licensing agreement which prohibits its disclosure and which software is a trade secret, as defined in s. 812.081, and agency-produced data processing software which is sensitive are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. The designation of agency-produced software as sensitive shall not prohibit an agency head from sharing or exchanging such software with another public agency. As used in this paragraph:

1. "Data processing software" means the programs and routines used to employ and control the capabilities of data processing hardware, including, but not limited to, operating systems, compilers, assemblers, utilities, library routines, maintenance routines, applications, and computer networking programs.

2. "Sensitive" means only those portions of data processing software, including the specifications and documentation, used to:

a. Collect, process, store, and retrieve information which is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1);

b. Collect, process, store, and retrieve financial management information of the agency, such as payroll and accounting records; or

c. Control and direct access authorizations and security measures for automated systems.

(p) All complaints and other records in the custody of any unit of local government which relate to a complaint of discrimination relating to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, marital status, sale or rental of housing, the provision of brokerage services, or the financing of housing are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until a finding is made relating to probable cause, the investigation of the complaint becomes inactive, or the complaint or other record is made part of the official record of any hearing or court proceeding. This provision shall not affect any function or activity of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Any state or federal agency which is authorized to have access to such complaints or records by any provision of law shall be granted such access in the furtherance of such agency's statutory duties, notwithstanding the provisions of this section. This paragraph shall not be construed to modify or repeal any special or local act.

(q) All complaints and other records in the custody of any agency in the executive branch of state government which relate to a complaint of discrimination relating to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status in connection with hiring practices, position classifications, salary, benefits, discipline, discharge, employee performance, evaluation, or other related activities are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until a finding is made relating to probable cause, the investigation of the complaint becomes inactive, or the complaint or other record is made part of the official record of any hearing or court proceeding. This provision shall not affect any function or activity of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Any state or federal agency which is authorized to have access to such complaints or records by any provision of law shall be granted such access in the furtherance of such agency's statutory duties, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

(r) All records supplied by a telecommunications company, as defined by s. 364.02, to a state or local governmental agency which contain the name, address, and telephone number of subscribers are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(s)1. Any document that reveals the identity, home or employment telephone number, home or employment address, or personal assets of the victim of a crime and identifies that person as the victim of a crime, which document is received by any agency that regularly receives information from or concerning the victims of crime, is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Any information not otherwise held confidential or exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) which reveals the home or employment telephone number, home or employment address, or personal assets of a person who has been the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, upon written request by the victim, which must include official verification that an applicable crime has occurred. Such information shall cease to be exempt 5 years after the receipt of the written request. Any state or federal agency that is authorized to have access to such documents by any provision of law shall be granted such access in the furtherance of such agency's statutory duties, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

2. Any information in a videotaped statement of a minor who is alleged to be or who is a victim of sexual battery, lewd acts, or other sexual misconduct proscribed in chapter 800 or in s. 794.011, s. 827.071, s. 847.012, s. 847.0125, s. 847.013, s. 847.0133, or s. 847.0145, which reveals that minor's identity, including, but not limited to, the minor's face; the minor's home, school, church, or employment telephone number; the minor's home, school, church, or employment address; the name of the minor's school, church, or place of employment; or the personal assets of the minor; and which identifies that minor as the victim of a crime described in this subparagraph, is confidential and exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Any governmental agency that is authorized to have access to such statements by any provision of law shall be granted such access in the furtherance of the agency's statutory duties, notwithstanding the provisions of this section. This subparagraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2003.

3. A public employee or officer who has access to the videotaped statement of a minor who is alleged to be or who is a victim of sexual battery, lewd acts, or other sexual misconduct proscribed in chapter 800 or in s. 794.011, s. 827.071, s. 847.012, s. 847.0125, s. 847.013, s. 847.0133, or s. 847.0145, may not willfully and knowingly disclose videotaped information that reveals that minor's identity to a person who is not assisting in the investigation or prosecution of the alleged offense or to any person other than the defendant, the defendant's attorney, or a person specified in an order entered by the court having jurisdiction of the alleged offense.

4. A person who violates subparagraph 3. commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(t) Any financial statement which an agency requires a prospective bidder to submit in order to prequalify for bidding or for responding to a proposal for a road or any other public works project is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(u) Where the alleged victim chooses not to file a complaint and requests that records of the complaint remain confidential, all records relating to an allegation of employment discrimination are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(v) Medical information pertaining to a prospective, current, or former officer or employee of an agency which, if disclosed, would identify that officer or employee is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. However, such information may be disclosed if the person to whom the information pertains or the person's legal representative provides written permission or pursuant to court order.

(w)1. If certified pursuant to subparagraph 2., an investigatory record of the Chief Inspector General within the Executive Office of the Governor or of the employee designated by an agency head as the agency inspector general under s. 112.3189 is exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until the investigation ceases to be active, or a report detailing the investigation is provided to the Governor or the agency head, or 60 days from the inception of the investigation for which the record was made or received, whichever first occurs. Investigatory records are those records which are related to the investigation of an alleged, specific act or omission or other wrongdoing, with respect to an identifiable person or group of persons, based on information compiled by the Chief Inspector General or by an agency inspector general, as named under the provisions of s. 112.3189, in the course of an investigation. An investigation is active if it is continuing with a reasonable, good faith anticipation of resolution and with reasonable dispatch.

2. The Governor, in the case of the Chief Inspector General, or agency head, in the case of an employee designated as the agency inspector general under s. 112.3189, may certify such investigatory records require an exemption to protect the integrity of the investigation or avoid unwarranted damage to an individual's good name or reputation. The certification shall specify the nature and purpose of the investigation and shall be kept with the exempt records and made public when the records are made public.

3. The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to whistle-blower investigations conducted pursuant to the provisions of ss. 112.3187, 112.3188, 112.3189, and 112.31895.

(x) The social security numbers of all current and former agency employees which numbers are contained in agency employment records are exempt from subsection (1) and exempt from s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. As used in this paragraph, the term "agency" means an agency as defined in s. 119.011.

(y) The audit report of an internal auditor prepared for or on behalf of a unit of local government becomes a public record when the audit becomes final. As used in this paragraph, "unit of local government" means a county, municipality, special district, local agency, authority, consolidated city-county government, or any other local governmental body or public body corporate or politic authorized or created by general or special law. An audit becomes final when the audit report is presented to the unit of local government. Audit workpapers and notes related to such audit report are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until the audit is completed and the audit report becomes final.

(z) Bank account numbers or debit, charge, or credit card numbers given to an agency for the purpose of payment of any fee or debt owing are confidential and exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. However, such numbers may be used by an agency, as needed, in any administrative or judicial proceeding, provided such numbers are kept confidential and exempt, unless otherwise ordered by the court. This paragraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2001, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

(aa) Any data, record, or document used directly or solely by a municipally owned utility to prepare and submit a bid relative to the sale, distribution, or use of any service, commodity, or tangible personal property to any customer or prospective customer shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This exemption commences when a municipal utility identifies in writing a specific bid to which it intends to respond. This exemption no longer applies when the contract for sale, distribution, or use of the service, commodity, or tangible personal property is executed, a decision is made not to execute such contract, or the project is no longer under active consideration. The exemption in this paragraph includes the bid documents actually furnished in response to the request for bids. However, the exemption for the bid documents submitted no longer applies after the bids are opened by the customer or prospective customer.

(bb) Upon a request made in a form designated by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, personal information contained in a motor vehicle record that identifies the requester is exempt from subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution except as provided in this paragraph. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, the requester's social security number, driver identification number, name, address, telephone number, and medical or disability information. For purposes of this paragraph, personal information does not include information relating to vehicular crashes, driving violations, and driver's status. Such request may be made only by the person who is the subject of the motor vehicle record. For purposes of this paragraph, "motor vehicle record" means any record that pertains to a motor vehicle operator's permit, motor vehicle title, motor vehicle registration, or identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Personal information contained in motor vehicle records exempted by an individual's request pursuant to this paragraph shall be released by the department for any of the following uses:

1. For use in connection with matters of motor vehicle or driver safety and theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicles and dealers by motor vehicle manufacturers; and removal of nonowner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers, to carry out the purposes of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Saving Act, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992, and the Clean Air Act.

2. For use by any government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf of a federal, state, or local agency in carrying out its functions.

3. For use in connection with matters of motor vehicle or driver safety and theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, and dealers; motor vehicle market research activities, including survey research; and removal of nonowner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers.

4. For use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or its agents, employees, or contractors, but only:

a. To verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by the individual to the business or its agents, employees, or contractors; and

b. If such information as so submitted is not correct or is no longer correct, to obtain the correct information, but only for the purposes of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against, the individual.

5. For use in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding in any court or agency or before any self-regulatory body for:

a. Service of process by any certified process server, special process server, or other person authorized to serve process in this state.

b. Investigation in anticipation of litigation by an attorney licensed to practice law in this state or the agent of the attorney.

c. Investigation by any person in connection with any filed proceeding.

d. Execution or enforcement of judgments and orders.

e. Compliance with an order of any court.

6. For use in research activities and for use in producing statistical reports, so long as the personal information is not published, redisclosed, or used to contact individuals.

7. For use by any insurer or insurance support organization, or by a self-insured entity, or its agents, employees, or contractors, in connection with claims investigation activities, anti-fraud activities, rating, or underwriting.

8. For use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles.

9. For use by any licensed private investigative agency or licensed security service for any purpose permitted under this paragraph. Personal information obtained based on an exempt driver's record may not be provided to a client who cannot demonstrate a need based on a police report, court order, or a business or personal relationship with the subject of the investigation.

10. For use by an employer or its agent or insurer to obtain or verify information relating to a holder of a commercial driver's license that is required under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, 49 U.S.C. App. 2710 et seq.

11. For use in connection with the operation of private toll transportation facilities.

12. For bulk distribution for surveys, marketing, or solicitations when the department has implemented methods and procedures to ensure that:

a. Individuals are provided an opportunity, in a clear and conspicuous manner, to prohibit such uses; and

b. The information will be used, rented, or sold solely for bulk distribution for survey, marketing, and solicitations, and that surveys, marketing, and solicitations will not be directed at those individuals who have timely requested that they not be directed at them.

13. For any use if the requesting person demonstrates that he or she has obtained the written consent of the person who is the subject of the motor vehicle record.

14. For any other use specifically authorized by state law, if such use is related to the operation of a motor vehicle or public safety.

Personal information exempted from public disclosure according to this paragraph may be disclosed by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to an individual, firm, corporation, or similar business entity whose primary business interest is to resell or redisclose the personal information to persons who are authorized to receive such information. Prior to the department's disclosure of personal information, such individual, firm, corporation, or similar business entity must first enter into a contract with the department regarding the care, custody, and control of the personal information to ensure compliance with the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 and applicable state laws. An authorized recipient of personal information contained in a motor vehicle record, except a recipient under subparagraph 12., may contract with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to resell or redisclose the information for any use permitted under this paragraph. However, only authorized recipients of personal information under subparagraph 12. may resell or redisclose personal information pursuant to subparagraph 12. Any authorized recipient who resells or rediscloses personal information shall maintain, for a period of 5 years, records identifying each person or entity that receives the personal information and the permitted purpose for which it will be used. Such records shall be made available for inspection upon request by the department. The department shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this paragraph and the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994, Title XXX, Pub. L. No. 103-322. Rules adopted by the department shall provide for the payment of applicable fees and, prior to the disclosure of personal information pursuant to this paragraph, shall require the meeting of conditions by the requesting person for the purposes of obtaining reasonable assurance concerning the identity of such requesting person, and, to the extent required, assurance that the use will be only as authorized or that the consent of the person who is the subject of the personal information has been obtained. Such conditions may include, but need not be limited to, the making and filing of a written application in such form and containing such information and certification requirements as the department requires.

(cc)1. Medical history records, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, telephone numbers, and information related to health or property insurance furnished by an individual to any agency pursuant to federal, state, or local housing assistance programs are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Any other information produced or received by any private or public entity in direct connection with federal, state, or local housing assistance programs, unless the subject of another federal or state exemption, is subject to subsection (1).

2. Governmental agencies or their agents are entitled to access to the records specified in this paragraph for the purposes of auditing federal, state, or local housing programs or housing assistance programs. Such records may be used by an agency, as needed, in any administrative or judicial proceeding, provided such records are kept confidential and exempt, unless otherwise ordered by a court.

3. This paragraph is repealed effective October 2, 2003, and must be reviewed by the Legislature before that date in accordance with s. 119.15, the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995.

(dd) All personal identifying information; bank account numbers; and debit, charge, and credit card numbers contained in records relating to an individual's personal health or eligibility for health-related services made or received by the Department of Health or its service providers are confidential and exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, except as otherwise provided in this paragraph. Information made confidential and exempt by this paragraph shall be disclosed:

1. With the express written consent of the individual or the individual's legally authorized representative.

2. In a medical emergency, but only to the extent necessary to protect the health or life of the individual.

3. By court order upon a showing of good cause.

4. To a health research entity, if the entity seeks the records or data pursuant to a research protocol approved by the department, maintains the records or data in accordance with the approved protocol, and enters into a purchase and data-use agreement with the department, the fee provisions of which are consistent with paragraph (1)(a). The department may deny a request for records or data if the protocol provides for intrusive follow-back contacts, has not been approved by a human studies institutional review board, does not plan for the destruction of confidential records after the research is concluded, is administratively burdensome, or does not have scientific merit. The agreement must restrict the release of any information, which would permit the identification of persons, limit the use of records or data to the approved research protocol, and prohibit any other use of the records or data. Copies of records or data issued pursuant to this subparagraph remain the property of the department.

This paragraph is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act of 1995, in accordance with s. 119.15, and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2006, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt from subsection (1) a public record which was made a part of a court file and which is not specifically closed by order of court, except as provided in paragraphs (c), (d), (e), (k), (l), and (o) of subsection (3) and except information or records which may reveal the identity of a person who is a victim of a sexual offense as provided in paragraph (f) of subsection (3).

(5) An exemption from this section does not imply an exemption from or exception to s. 286.011. The exemption from or exception to s. 286.011 must be expressly provided.

(6) Nothing in subsection (3) or any other general or special law shall limit the access of the Auditor General, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, or any state, county, municipal, university, board of community college, school district, or special district internal auditor to public records when such person states in writing that such records are needed for a properly authorized audit, examination, or investigation. Such person shall maintain the confidentiality of any public records that are confidential or exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) and shall be subject to the same penalties as the custodians of those public records for violating confidentiality.

(7)(a) Any person or organization, including the Department of Children and Family Services, may petition the court for an order making public the records of the Department of Children and Family Services that pertain to investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation of a child or a vulnerable adult. The court shall determine if good cause exists for public access to the records sought or a portion thereof. In making this determination, the court shall balance the best interest of the vulnerable adult or child who is the focus of the investigation, and in the case of the child, the interest of that child's siblings, together with the privacy right of other persons identified in the reports against the public interest. The public interest in access to such records is reflected in s. 119.01(1), and includes the need for citizens to know of and adequately evaluate the actions of the Department of Children and Family Services and the court system in providing vulnerable adults and children of this state with the protections enumerated in ss. 39.001 and 415.101. However, this subsection does not contravene ss. 39.202 and 415.107, which protect the name of any person reporting the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or a vulnerable adult.

(b) In cases involving serious bodily injury to a child or a vulnerable adult, the Department of Children and Family Services may petition the court for an order for the immediate public release of records of the department which pertain to the protective investigation. The petition must be personally served upon the child or vulnerable adult, the child's parents or guardian, the legal guardian of that person, if any, and any person named as an alleged perpetrator in the report of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation. The court must determine if good cause exists for the public release of the records sought no later than 24 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the date the department filed the petition with the court. If the court has neither granted nor denied the petition within the 24-hour time period, the department may release to the public summary information including:

1. A confirmation that an investigation has been conducted concerning the alleged victim.

2. The dates and brief description of procedural activities undertaken during the department's investigation.

3. The date of each judicial proceeding, a summary of each participant's recommendations made at the judicial proceedings, and the rulings of the court.

The summary information may not include the name of, or other identifying information with respect to, any person identified in any investigation. In making a determination to release confidential information, the court shall balance the best interests of the vulnerable adult or child who is the focus of the investigation and, in the case of the child, the interests of that child's siblings, together with the privacy rights of other persons identified in the reports against the public interest for access to public records. However, this paragraph does not contravene ss. 39.202 and 415.107, which protect the name of any person reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or a vulnerable adult.

(c) When the court determines that good cause for public access exists, the court shall direct that the department redact the name of and other identifying information with respect to any person identified in any protective investigation report until such time as the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the person identified committed an act of alleged abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

(8) The provisions of this section are not intended to expand or limit the provisions of Rule 3.220, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, regarding the right and extent of discovery by the state or by a defendant in a criminal prosecution or in collateral postconviction proceedings. This section may not be used by any inmate as the basis for failing to timely litigate any postconviction action.

History.--s. 7, ch. 67-125; s. 4, ch. 75-225; s. 2, ch. 77-60; s. 2, ch. 77-75; s. 2, ch. 77-94; s. 2, ch. 77-156; s. 2, ch. 78-81; ss. 2, 4, 6, ch. 79-187; s. 2, ch. 80-273; s. 1, ch. 81-245; s. 1, ch. 82-95; s. 36, ch. 82-243; s. 6, ch. 83-215; s. 2, ch. 83-269; s. 1, ch. 83-286; s. 5, ch. 84-298; s. 1, ch. 85-18; s. 1, ch. 85-45; s. 1, ch. 85-73; s. 1, ch. 85-86; s. 7, ch. 85-152; s. 1, ch. 85-177; s. 4, ch. 85-301; s. 2, ch. 86-11; s. 1, ch. 86-21; s. 1, ch. 86-109; s. 2, ch. 87-399; s. 2, ch. 88-188; s. 1, ch. 88-384; s. 1, ch. 89-29; s. 7, ch. 89-55; s. 1, ch. 89-80; s. 1, ch. 89-275; s. 2, ch. 89-283; s. 2, ch. 89-350; s. 1, ch. 89-531; s. 1, ch. 90-43; s. 63, ch. 90-136; s. 2, ch. 90-196; s. 4, ch. 90-211; s. 24, ch. 90-306; ss. 22, 26, ch. 90-344; s. 116, ch. 90-360; s. 78, ch. 91-45; s. 11, ch. 91-57; s. 1, ch. 91-71; s. 1, ch. 91-96; s. 1, ch. 91-130; s. 1, ch. 91-149; s. 1, ch. 91-219; s. 1, ch. 91-288; ss. 43, 45, ch. 92-58; s. 90, ch. 92-152; s. 59, ch. 92-289; s. 217, ch. 92-303; s. 1, ch. 93-87; s. 2, ch. 93-232; s. 3, ch. 93-404; s. 4, ch. 93-405; s. 4, ch. 94-73; s. 1, ch. 94-128; s. 3, ch. 94-130; s. 67, ch. 94-164; s. 1, ch. 94-176; s. 1419, ch. 95-147; ss. 1, 3, ch. 95-170; s. 4, ch. 95-207; s. 1, ch. 95-320; ss. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, ch. 95-398; s. 1, ch. 95-399; s. 121, ch. 95-418; s. 3, ch. 96-178; s. 1, ch. 96-230; s. 5, ch. 96-268; s. 4, ch. 96-290; s. 41, ch. 96-406; s. 18, ch. 96-410; s. 1, ch. 97-185; s. 1, ch. 98-9; s. 7, ch. 98-137; s. 1, ch. 98-255; s. 1, ch. 98-259; s. 128, ch. 98-403; s. 2, ch. 99-201; s. 27, ch. 2000-164; s. 54, ch. 2000-349; s. 1, ch. 2001-87; s. 1, ch. 2001-108; s. 1, ch. 2001-249; s. 29, ch. 2001-261; s. 33, ch. 2001-266.

Note.--Additional exemptions from the application of this section are indexed in Volume 6 of this edition in the General Index under the heading "Public Records."