AGENDA ITEM REPORT
TITLE:
title
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 517 AND SENATE BILL 840, URGING THE FLORIDA STATE LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC RECORDS EXEMPTION FOR MUNICIPAL CLERKS AND EMPLOYEES WHO PERFORM MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS WORK OR HAVE ANY PART IN CODE ENFORCEMENT FUNCTIONS OF A CITY.
body
BACKGROUND:
Many municipal staff, who perform duties that include, or result in, investigations into complaints regarding election fraud, legal enforcement of hearings related to neglect or abuse, or other activities that could lead to a criminal prosecution, are exposed to threats and other acts of violence.
Currently, public records exemptions in Florida include those for local personnel who either investigate, enforce, or otherwise provide a service that can result in contentious interactions when action is taken; however, these exemptions do not extend to municipal clerks and their staff.
DISCUSSION:
Municipal clerks oftentimes perform duties that may expose them to threats and other acts of violence, including the administration of elections and legal enforcement proceedings in actions related to violations of codes and ordinances, due to the nature of materials they are responsible for. Municipal clerks and their staff fall within the need for a window of greater protection not currently addressed within state law for public records exemption.
The Florida Association of City Clerks (FACC), and several municipalities across the state, are advocating for additional protections for municipal clerks and their staff through a public records exemption for personal identifying information. The City of Coconut Creek supports these efforts to further the safety and well-being of municipal clerks and their staffs, who oftentimes are the first contact of members of the public and their local government.
During the 2025 Legislative Session, the Florida State Legislature will consider the enactment of House Bill 517 and companion Senate Bill 840, which were filed this month to provide a public records exemption for the personal identifying and location information for municipal clerks, their staff, and spouses and children of municipal clerks and their staff. These bills align with the identified priorities in the City’s 2025 State Legislative Agenda, and the City urges the Florida State Legislature to enact this legislation as part of the City’s legislative advocacy efforts.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A