The Diocese of St. Augustine said it will cooperate fully throughout the process, and that Bishop Felipe Estévez is supportive of the investigation.
"While the diocese supports a review of our safe environment program, we are pleased to hear that the Attorney General is not limiting this investigation to the Catholic Church, but all organizations and institutions who have access, directly or indirectly, to children and vulnerable adults," the diocese stated Oct. 4.
"I hope the outcome of this investigation and other acts of transparency by the dioceses in Florida will bring about greater trust in the Church. Our goals are similar – to ensure the safety of all children and vulnerable adults and to prevent perpetrators of abuse from serving in active ministry," Bishop Estévez stated.
The Diocese of Venice in Florida said it has met with a prosecutor "and welcomes the opportunity to cooperate with his investigation."
"While this statewide inquiry is not based on any new allegations, upon the conclusion of this review it is hoped that all institutions (public schools, nursing homes, universities, etc.) who have access directly, or indirectly with children and vulnerable adults, will review and evaluate safe environment policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all," the Venice diocese added.
Numerous state attorneys general have launched investigations into clergy sex abuse since the August release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report on the matter.
Editor's note, 2018 Oct. 8, 12:00: A previous version of this story stated that the St. Augustine diocese had not issued a statement regarding the attorney general's announcement. This was incorrect, and it has been amended.