Florida Bar News by Gary Blankenship
June 24, 2019
Florida’s clerks of court say they lack the authority to keep confidential information under the recently approved victims’ rights constitutional amendment, known as Marsy’s Law, and have asked the Florida Supreme Court for help by July 1.
In a June 17 letter to Chief Justice Charles Canady, Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers Chief Executive Officer Chris Hart said clerks are also struggling with two statutory public records law exemptions created by the Legislature last spring affecting protective injunctions and voluntary and involuntary admissions for mental-health treatment.
Hart also said even if clerks had the authority on their own to remove information under Marsy’s Law, it would be nearly impossible unless filers notify the clerks when submitting documents.
Canady said the court is looking at the request.
“The Court is reviewing the issues raised in the letter with the help of staff and of the appropriate Bar committees,” Canady said. “We understand that these are serious issues that require careful and expeditious consideration.”