Glossary
public records exemption
A law carving a category of government record out of Florida's public records requirements, so it no longer has to be released on request. Each exemption is passed as its own act and applies to a defined class of records.
Verified
Why it matters in Florida
Florida's open government law was once a national model. Exemptions have accumulated for decades, and each one moves a category of government activity out of public view without repealing the law itself.
Florida example
Article I, Section 24 sets three conditions on every exemption: a two-thirds vote of each house, a stated public necessity, and language no broader than necessary. Section 119.15 adds a fourth, an automatic repeal in the fifth year unless the Legislature reenacts it. Every exemption on the books has cleared all four.
Citations
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Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, access to public records
Every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body. The legislature may provide exemptions by general law passed by a two-thirds vote of each house, and such law shall state with specificity the public necessity justifying the exemption and shall be no broader than necessary to accomplish the stated purpose of the law.
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Florida Statutes section 119.15, Open Government Sunset Review Act
In the 5th year after enactment of a new exemption or substantial amendment of an existing exemption, the exemption shall be repealed on October 2nd of the 5th year, unless the Legislature acts to reenact the exemption.