Florida Privacy Bill Fails to Pass Before End of Legislative Session

Florida lawmakers failed to pass an expansive privacy law before the legislative session adjourned last Friday. As with the 2019, 2020, and 2021 versions of the Washington Privacy Act, the Florida bill stalled because of disagreement over the proper enforcement mechanism.

On April 21, the Florida House overwhelmingly passed House Bill 969, a comprehensive bill that would grant consumers a private right of action to sue businesses for privacy law violations. The Florida Senate, however, revised the bill to give exclusive enforcement authority to the Florida Attorney General. When the amended HB 969 went back to the Florida House, the House refused to concede the private right of action and the amended bill died in committee.

While Florida’s legislative session has adjourned, businesses should remain vigilant as Florida’s lawmakers may consider another expansive privacy bill in the near future.

For further information about Florida’s privacy bill or privacy laws in general, please contact John Landolfi, Christopher Ingram, Christopher LaRocco, Sarah Boudouris, Gretchen Rutz, Joe Jakubowski, or your Vorys attorney.