Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill shielding gambling regulators' personal information

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill creating a public-records exemption for personal information about members of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, a move aimed at protecting commissioners from potential harm.

The bill (SB 692), which passed unanimously through the Legislature this year with little public attention, will shield the home addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth of current and former commissioners and their family members from public disclosure.

"The release of such personal identifying and location information might place the commission’s current or former commissioners and their family members in danger of physical and emotional harm from disgruntled individuals whose businesses or professional practices have come under the scrutiny of the commission," the bill states. "In addition, such personnel may be subject to threats or acts of revenge because of the duties they perform."

The Florida Gaming Control Commission, established in 2021, is responsible for regulating the state's gambling industry. DeSantis' office announced late Friday that he had signed the bill, along with 13 other pieces of legislation from this year's session.