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SB 298

Public Records/Victims of Domestic and Dating Violence

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lori Berman and 2 co-sponsors

Bill restricts public access to personal information of domestic and dating violence victims to enhance their safety and prevent perpetrator harassment.

Chapter No. 2026-138
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 298

Legislative bill overview

SB 298 modifies Florida's public records laws to provide enhanced privacy protections for victims of domestic and dating violence. The bill allows these victims to restrict access to their personal information in public records, including addresses, phone numbers, and other identifying details that could enable contact or location by perpetrators.

Why is this important

Domestic and dating violence victims often face serious safety risks if abusers can access their whereabouts or contact information through public records. This bill addresses a concrete gap in victim protection by preventing such information from being readily available to the public or, by extension, to potential abusers seeking to track or harass victims.

Potential points of contention

  • Balancing transparency with safety: Critics may argue that broad public records exemptions reduce government transparency and the public's right to information, even when justified by safety concerns
  • Implementation costs and feasibility: Determining which records qualify, processing exemption requests, and managing redacted documents will require administrative resources and potential appropriations
  • Definition scope: Disagreement may arise over what constitutes a "victim" eligible for protections and what specific information qualifies for exemption under the bill's language

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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