Title: Matchmaking Services

Summary: Defining the term "matchmaking service provider"; providing certain notice requirements for matchmaking service providers; providing certain requirements for matchmaking service providers that choose to conduct background checks on members or users, etc.

Full Text:
An act relating to matchmaking services; defining the term  matchmaking service provider ; providing certain notice requirements for matchmaking service providers; providing certain requirements for matchmaking service providers that choose to conduct background checks on members or users; requiring certain disclosures to members or users of matchmaking service providers under certain circumstances; requiring that certain records be retained; creating a civil cause of action for a violation; providing for penalties and payment of court costs and attorney fees; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1.  (1)   For purposes of this section, the term  matchmaking service provider  means any person, agency, or software program that arranges or makes introductions for people seeking romantic partners or friends. The term includes online dating websites and mobile dating applications. (2)  A matchmaking service provider that contracts or conducts matchmaking services within this state must include in its written contract with a member or user and, if the matchmaking service provider advertises or provides its services through a website, on its home page one of the following statements in bold print and capital letters: (a) ...(Matchmaking service provider s name)... DOES NOT CONDUCT CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS. (b) ...(Matchmaking service provider s name)... CONDUCTS CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS. (3) A matchmaking service provider may elect to conduct criminal history records checks on members or users. (a) If a matchmaking service provider that conducts a criminal history records check finds that a member or user has been convicted of a felony or a sex offense, it must inform any member or user who attempts to communicate with the member or user who has been convicted of a felony or a sex offense of that member s or user s criminal history. (b) A matchmaking service provider that conducts a criminal history records check must annually update the profiles of members or users and must retain records of each background check it conducts. (4) If a matchmaking service provider fails to include the appropriate notice as required in subsection (2) or fails to inform its members or users as required in subsection (3), a member or user may bring a civil suit against the matchmaking service provider. If a court finds that the matchmaking service provider violated subsection (2) or subsection (3), the matchmaking service provider must refund all moneys paid to the matchmaking service provider by the member or user who brought the suit and pay any associated attorney fees and court costs. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2016.