Definitions

Learn the definitions of important terms used when describing personal, confidential, or sensitive information:

Confidential describes something that has the quality of being secret or privileged. If information is made confidential in the statutes, the information is not subject to inspection by the public and may be released only to the persons or organizations designated in the statute. For example, certain case types such as juvenile delinquency, or a specific document within a court case such as substance-abuse records, are confidential.

Exemption excludes items from the access requirements of Chapter 119.07, Florida Statutes or s. 24, Art. I of the State Constitution. For example, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers are exempt.

Court records are documents or pieces of information filed with the Clerk or Court which relate to a court case. For example, petitions, motions, and orders are examples of court documents.

Official records are documents or instruments recorded by the Clerk generally for public access relating to real or personal property interests. These records are described by Chapter 28.222, Florida Statutes. For example, deeds, liens, and judgments are official records.

Personal data or information contained in many legal filings that are personal in nature are dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, home addresses, and phone numbers.

Public records are documents or pieces of information made or received pursuant to law in connection with the transaction of official business of government agencies. These records are generally described in Chapter 119.07, Florida Statutes or s. 24, Art. I of the State Constitution

Redaction is when the content of a document is obscured to block confidential and sensitive information.

Sensitive information includes computer passwords, driver’s license numbers, and email addresses as examples identified in Rule 2.425, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. Sensitive information may be removed or redacted by court order.