This policy is reproduced from the Privacy Policy published by Central Florida Electric Cooperative at cfec.com/about-us-2/privacy-policy-2/. The authoritative version is the one published on cfec.com. Section 6 below governs the messaging program described on this site.
1. Scope of this policy
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- Applicants for electric service, members and former members
- Website and mobile application users
- Employees and job applicants
- Contractors and vendors
- Users of internal and external cooperative systems
This Policy governs information collected through electric service operations, billing and payment systems, websites and mobile applications, member communications, internal employee systems, and Human Resources processes.
2. Florida public records notice
CFEC is subject to applicable provisions of Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Under Florida law, certain communications and records may constitute public records. However, exemptions may apply, including but not limited to Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, utility customer account information, security system plans, and critical infrastructure information.
3. The information we collect
CFEC collects information directly from individuals, from third-party service providers, from credit reporting agencies (where permitted by law), and through automated technologies. The types of personal information we collect include, but are not limited to: name; service and mailing address; email address; telephone number; driver's license number; date of birth; Social Security number; payment and billing information; credit information (where permitted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act); electric usage and smart meter data; and account history and communications.
We may collect website and mobile application information, including IP address, browser type, cookies, device identifiers, and online payment activity.
We may record calls for quality assurance, training, dispute resolution, fraud prevention, and compliance purposes.
Information collected by this site specifically
When you submit the sign-up form or the opt-out form on this site, we collect only your name, mobile telephone number, and (if you choose to provide them) your CFEC account number and email address. We also retain the date and time of your request, the exact wording of the consent disclosure shown to you, the page you submitted it from, and the IP address of the device used. That record is kept as proof of consent or of opt-out. This site does not collect payment card information, Social Security numbers, or government identification numbers.
4. How we use this information
We use personal information for legitimate business purposes, including: providing electric service; billing and collections; credit evaluation; member communications; outage response and grid management; regulatory compliance; Human Resources administration; payroll and benefits administration; security and fraud prevention; system monitoring and cybersecurity; training and quality assurance; and marketing of cooperative services (where permitted by law).
We may use aggregated or de-identified information for operational and analytical purposes. If credit reports are used, such use complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
5. Who we share this information with
CFEC may disclose personal information to employees with a legitimate business need; contractors and service providers bound by confidentiality obligations; payment processors; IT and cybersecurity vendors; credit reporting agencies; government agencies or law enforcement when required by law; regulators; and successors in merger or asset acquisition transactions.
CFEC does not sell personal information.
6. Communications — TCPA, CAN-SPAM, SMS and text messaging
CFEC may send billing notices, outage alerts, newsletters, service updates, and SMS notifications.
In compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA):
- Consent may be required for certain automated calls or text messages.
- Consent may be revoked at any time.
- Message and data rates may apply.
In compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, marketing emails will include an unsubscribe mechanism.
In compliance with SMS and text messaging procedures:
CFEC operates two separate text messaging programs. Each requires its own opt-in and has its own opt-out.
(a) CFEC Text Alerts. An automated broadcast alert program that keeps members informed about outages, restoration updates, storm alerts, planned maintenance, account information, and cooperative news, sent from 352-493-2511. Participation is voluntary, and members may opt in by texting the keyword CFEC to 352-493-2511, by enrolling at cfec.com, or by checking the SMS consent box on the contact page at cfec.com/about-us-2/contact-us/.
(b) CFEC Representative Messaging. A customer care program that lets a CFEC lineman, service technician, or member services representative exchange one-to-one text messages with a member about work on that member's service — crew arrival notices, appointment scheduling, property access questions, and follow-up on a service request. Messages are sent from the CFEC business number assigned to that employee. Participation is voluntary and members opt in through the sign-up form on this site or by giving express consent to a CFEC representative. This program sends no marketing and no automated broadcasts.
Enrolling in one program does not enroll a member in the other, and opting out of one does not opt a member out of the other.
Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Members may opt out of either program at any time by replying STOP, END, QUIT, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, REVOKE, or OPTOUT to a message from that program. Members may contact our office at any time for assistance.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Information sharing with subcontractors that support our SMS program (such as our messaging platform provider) is permitted solely to deliver service. All other use case categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
7. Security
CFEC maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards consistent with applicable law, including the Florida Information Protection Act (§501.171, Fla. Stat.). Security measures include encryption, authentication controls, network monitoring, auditing, incident response planning, and secure disposal procedures. No system can guarantee absolute security.
8. Data breach notification
In the event of a breach of security involving personal information, CFEC will provide notice in accordance with our Breach Notification Policy, the Florida Information Protection Act, and other applicable federal or state laws.
9. Critical infrastructure protection
As an electric utility, CFEC maintains enhanced protections for grid operations, SCADA systems, operational technology, and critical infrastructure information. Certain infrastructure-related information may be exempt from public disclosure under Florida law.
10. Employee monitoring
CFEC reserves the right to monitor and access cooperative-owned devices, networks, email systems, and internal applications. Employees should have no expectation of privacy in cooperative-owned systems except as required by law.
11. Accessing information
Members may request access to or correction of their personal information by contacting Member Services. Employees and job applicants may request access to personnel records by contacting Human Resources.
12. Data retention and disposal
Personal information is retained in accordance with legal requirements, regulatory obligations, and business necessity. When no longer required, information is securely destroyed through shredding, secure deletion, or other approved methods. Records of text message opt-in consent and opt-out requests are retained for as long as the number is enrolled and for the period during which CFEC may be required to demonstrate that consent was properly obtained.
13. General
Continued use of CFEC services after updates constitutes acceptance where permitted by law.
14. Children's information
CFEC does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through its website.
15. Changes to this policy
CFEC may amend this policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.
16. Contact us
If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Central Florida Electric Cooperative, Inc.
11491 NW 50th Avenue, Chiefland, FL 32626
Toll-Free: (800) 227-1302
memberservices@cfec.com