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Bill Summary · SB 210

Summary of SB 210: Public Records/Petitions for Injunctions for Protection Against Serious Violence by a Known Person

Bill Number: SB 210
Introduced: April 4, 2025
Status: On Committee Agenda - Criminal Justice, November 18, 2025, 10:00 AM, 37 Senate Building
Sponsor: Senator Sharief

Purpose and Intent

SB 210 aims to amend Florida's public records laws to provide specific exemptions for petitions and related documents concerning injunctions for protection against serious violence by a known person. The bill seeks to protect the privacy and safety of individuals involved in such legal proceedings by limiting public access to sensitive information.

Key Provisions

  1. Exemption from Public Records:

    • The bill amends section 119.0714 of the Florida Statutes to exempt:
      • Petitions for injunctions against serious violence by a known person, including their contents, from public records requirements.
      • Information that could identify either the petitioner or the respondent in such petitions.

  2. Confidentiality of Information:

    • Any information that can identify a petitioner or respondent, along with affidavits, notices of hearing, and temporary injunctions, will be confidential until the respondent has been personally served with the relevant documents.

  3. Public Necessity Statement:

    • The bill includes a statement of public necessity, asserting that:
      • Unverified allegations in dismissed petitions could harm the reputation of individuals named in them.
      • Protecting the confidentiality of such records is essential to safeguard the physical safety of petitioners and their families.

  4. Contingent Effective Date:

    • The act will take effect on the same date as SB 32 or similar legislation, provided that such legislation is adopted in the same session or an extension thereof.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Individuals seeking injunctions for protection against serious violence, as well as those named in such petitions, will benefit from enhanced privacy protections.
    • Law enforcement agencies will also be impacted, as the confidentiality of these documents may affect how they serve injunctions.

  • Potential Consequences:

    • The bill aims to reduce the risk of reputational damage to individuals involved in legal proceedings that do not result in an injunction.
    • It also seeks to enhance the safety of petitioners by preventing the premature release of sensitive information that could endanger them or their families.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 4, 2025: Bill prefiled and referred to the Committee on Education.
  • April 14, 2025: Read by title; rules suspended; referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice.
  • April 30, 2025: Reported with amendments.
  • May 5, 2025: Passed by a vote of 36 yeas and 0 nays; sent to the House.
  • November 3, 2025: Referred to Criminal Justice and other committees.
  • November 10, 2025: Scheduled for committee agenda.

This summary provides an overview of SB 210, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on individuals and law enforcement in Florida.

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

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