The Vice President, Communications, Government and External
Affairs, or his or her designee, is designated as the contact for the purpose
of obtaining information as to the location and method of acquiring or
reviewing any form, publication, or documents which Space Florida makes
available to the public. All public information requests shall be submitted in
writing to the Vice President, Communications, Government and External Affairs,
or his or her designee, who will serve as the clerk and will normally be found
at the headquarters office of Space Florida during regular business hours (8:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Subject to the exceptions and exemptions set forth in
Sections 331.326 and 288.075, and other applicable, F.S., Space Florida shall
make and retain records and comply with the applicable sections in Chapter 119,
F.S.
(1) All material which has been
classified confidential, proprietary or trade secret shall be exempt from
Chapter 119, F.S., and will be accorded stringent internal procedural
safeguards against public disclosure.
(2) Space Florida, under provisions of the
Space Florida Act, Section 331.326, as well other applicable, F.S., is extended
exemptions to Chapter 119, F.S.
(a) Given
Space Florida's extensive close interaction with aerospace-related businesses
operating both within and outside of Space Florida territories, and given Space
Florida's regulatory capacity on its territories, the transfer of confidential,
proprietary or trade secret information in implicit confidence to Space Florida
is a common occurrence. Space Florida, in compliance with its statutory duties,
will keep such information from the public record.
(b) Space Florida also interacts on a
frequent basis with the Air Force, other Federal agencies, and international
government agencies, often discussing their sensitive or confidential
information. In consideration of the proprietary status given such information
by those organizations, Space Florida will classify it as confidential,
proprietary or trade secret on a case by case basis as provided for in Sections
812.081,
288.075 and
331.326, F.S. or other
applicable.
(c) To maintain the
proprietary status of any sensitive information, Space Florida's managerial
staff is authorized to officially classify any information as confidential,
proprietary or trade secret on a case by case basis in accordance with
statutory provisions, including but not limited to Sections
812.081,
288.075 and
331.326,
F.S.
(3) Unless exempted
by statute Space Florida's documents and records, including correspondence,
reports, planning documents, reference documents, maps, and computer files,
shall be open and kept for public access.
(4) Space Florida's preparation and provision
of responses to public information requests shall be subject to the charges
that are permitted under Chapter 119, F.S.
