Under the Federal Privacy Act, disclosure of a person’s Social Security number is voluntary unless a Federal statute specifically requires such disclosure or allows states to collect the number. In connection with employment, disclosure is required by 26 U.S.C. 6109, for tax withholding and payment reporting purposes. Various forms that must be completed in connection with the employment process request disclosure of the Social Security number, including, but not limited to, insurance applications, vehicle assignment forms and deferred compensation forms. Each form will specify whether disclosure is voluntary or required.

Under Section 119.071(5), Florida Statutes, an agency may collect Social Security numbers if it is imperative for the performance of the agency’s duties and responsibilities. Notice is hereby provided that it is imperative that the Lottery collect the Social Security numbers of applicants and employees in order to conduct the background investigations necessary to implement Section 24.105(19), Florida Statutes, because the Social Security number is used as an identifier in the databases searched.

The Lottery also uses the Social Security number for identification purposes. The Lottery may also provide Social Security numbers to law enforcement agencies to enforce criminal laws.