Legislation that would require some businesses that collect personal identifying information from consumers to disclose if and when they sell or otherwise sell that information to others, has been passed by the State Senate’s Rules Committee. Under the measure, personal identifying information includes physical and email addresses, telephone numbers first and last names.
Filed in February and sponsored by State Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island), SB1734, Florida Privacy Protection Act would also prohibit the sale of personal information of consumers younger than 16 years-of-age unless they have or their guardians have authorized the sale.
SB1734 was passed by the Senate’s Rules Committee on April 6, by an 11 – 5 margin.
According to its website, the Florida Chamber of Commerce has discussed the importance of protecting consumer data, and how the bill’s passage would affect businesses.
Meanwhile, the Florida Justice Reform Institute, a nonprofit group that opposes wasteful civil litigation through legislation, promotes fair and equitable legal practices, and provides information about the state of civil justice in Florida, has opposed the bill.
According to that organization, if passed the Act would, among other things, require businesses covered by it to make major and costly investments in order to comply with it.
SB1734 remains pending.
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Editor’s note: On April 16, 2021, this article was amended to correct the description of the Florida Justice Reform Institute.
