Public Records/Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form Database
Summary
CS for SB 1658 creates a public-records exemption for certain information submitted electronically to the statewide uniform mitigation verification inspection form database. The bill makes confidential and exempt from disclosure the electronic submissions and associated data, including a policyholder’s name, identity, phone number, email address, insurance company, and insurance policy number, when entered into the database used for hurricane loss mitigation premium discounts.
The exemption applies to records held in the database operated by the Office of Insurance Regulation and is tied to the bill’s companion legislation, SB 1656, which addresses the underlying database and inspection form process. The bill also includes a public necessity statement explaining that the information is highly sensitive, could expose trade secret-related information in aggregate, and could create privacy and security risks if publicly released. The exemption is temporary and will sunset on October 2, 2030, unless reenacted by the Legislature after review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act.
Impact
The bill amends section 627.711, Florida Statutes, by adding a new public-records exemption for personal identifying information contained in electronic uniform mitigation verification inspection form submissions. It limits access under Florida’s public records law and the state constitutional right of access for the specified data, while preserving the broader database framework for insurer-submitted mitigation information. The measure affects policyholders, insurers, and the Office of Insurance Regulation by restricting disclosure of sensitive records associated with hurricane mitigation discounts and insurance policy administration.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests clear support for the bill, with the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee approving it unanimously 7-0. No committee transcript is provided, but the bill’s findings and structure indicate a policy consensus around protecting personal and insurance-related information from public disclosure. The inclusion of a sunset date also suggests an effort to balance privacy concerns with future legislative oversight.
Contention
The main point of contention is the tension between Florida’s strong public-records tradition and the desire to shield sensitive insurance and personal identifying information from disclosure. Supporters emphasize privacy, security, and the protection of trade-secret-related information, while any opposition would likely focus on reduced transparency and access to records in a state with broad open-government laws. The bill’s temporary exemption and mandatory future review appear designed to address those concerns by limiting the duration of the carve-out.