(1) Before any geophysical operation in search of oil, gas, or minerals shall be conducted, the person desiring to conduct such operation shall make application to the department upon such forms as it may prescribe and shall pay a reasonable fee for processing.
(2) Each application shall contain a statement, in general terms, of the location in which such operation is intended to be conducted.
(3) Any information relating to the location of the operation and other information relating to leasing plans, exploration budgets, and other proprietary information that could provide an economic advantage to competitors shall be kept confidential by the department for 10 years and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1), and shall not be released to the public without the consent of the person submitting the application. 
