Chapter 286 Florida Statutes
Public Business: Miscellaneous Provisions

§286.001 FS | REPORTS STATUTORILY REQUIRED; FILING, MAINTENANCE, RETRIEVAL, AND PROVISION OF COPIES

(1) For purposes of this section, the term “state entity” means any agency or officer of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of state government; the State Board of Education; the Board of Governors of the State University System; the Public Service Commission; or a water management district operating under the authority of chapter 373.

(2) A state entity required or authorized by law to make a regular or periodic report shall fulfill the requirement to submit the report by electronically filing one copy of the report with the Division of Library and Information Services of the Department of State. The report must be retained by the reporting agency or officer, and copies of the report must be provided to interested parties and the statutorily or administratively designated recipients of the report upon request.

(a) A state entity that submits a report pursuant to this section is solely responsible for redacting any portion of the report which is not subject to public inspection. The division or the department, or any contractor thereof, is not responsible for and may not be held liable for the failure of a state entity to redact exempt or confidential and exempt information from its reports.

(b) If a report is redacted, the state entity submitting the report must provide to the division an accompanying statement that identifies the specific statutory basis for the redaction.

(3) The state entity shall retain or archive each report in accordance with the applicable records retention schedule.

(4) With respect to reports statutorily required of state entities, it is the duty of the division to:

(a) By November 1, 2023, with assistance from the state entities, compile a list of statutorily required reports and their submission dates. The division shall update this list by each November 1 thereafter. The division shall publish the list on the Department of State’s publicly accessible website.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2024, compile bibliographic information on each statutorily required report it receives for publication in the system implemented and maintained under subsection (5). The division shall update the bibliographic information on a quarterly basis. The bibliographic information may be included in the bibliographies prepared by the division pursuant to s. 257.05(3).

(c) Beginning April 15, 2024, and each calendar quarter thereafter, distribute the most recently completed quarter’s bibliography created pursuant to paragraph (b) to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(5) The Legislature finds that statutory reporting requirements for state entities is of great value to the public for accountability and transparency in government. A single, modern, Internet-based repository is necessary to compile reports on government activities as well as to ensure that statutorily required reports are easily accessible and available to the public. The ability to search for a statutorily required report by specific information will save time for the requestor and reduce the workload of state entities that are required to respond to requests for reports. Therefore, the Legislature intends that the division receive statutorily required reports, and by January 1, 2024, the division shall implement and maintain a publicly available, Internet-based system that includes, but is not limited to, the following features and functions:

(a) A section or subsection that is dedicated to the cataloging of statutorily required reports;

(b) The ability for state entities to electronically file statutorily required reports and to receive electronic confirmation of those filings;

(c) The ability to search for and retrieve electronic versions of statutorily required reports by using the report’s designated recipient, the state entity that submitted the report, the date of the report’s submission, the law requiring the state entity to submit the report, the title or topic of the report, and identifiable keywords; and

(d) The ability for users to receive automated notifications of the filing of statutorily required reports based on user-defined criteria.

§286.0105 FS | NOTICES OF MEETINGS AND HEARINGS MUST ADVISE THAT A RECORD IS REQUIRED TO APPEAL

Each board, commission, or agency of this state or of any political subdivision thereof shall include in the notice of any meeting or hearing, if notice of the meeting or hearing is required, of such board, commission, or agency, conspicuously on such notice, the advice that, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board, agency, or commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. The requirements of this section do not apply to the notice provided in s. 200.065(3).

§286.011 FS | PUBLIC MEETINGS AND RECORDS; PUBLIC INSPECTION; CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PENALTIES

(1) All meetings of any board or commission of any state agency or authority or of any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution, including meetings with or attended by any person elected to such board or commission, but who has not yet taken office, at which official acts are to be taken are declared to be public meetings open to the public at all times, and no resolution, rule, or formal action shall be considered binding except as taken or made at such meeting. The board or commission must provide reasonable notice of all such meetings.

(2) The minutes of a meeting of any such board or commission of any such state agency or authority shall be promptly recorded, and such records shall be open to public inspection. The circuit courts of this state shall have jurisdiction to issue injunctions to enforce the purposes of this section upon application by any citizen of this state.

(3)

(a) Any public officer who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a noncriminal infraction, punishable by fine not exceeding $500.

(b) Any person who is a member of a board or commission or of any state agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision who knowingly violates the provisions of this section by attending a meeting not held in accordance with the provisions hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(c) Conduct which occurs outside the state which would constitute a knowing violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(4) Whenever an action has been filed against any board or commission of any state agency or authority or any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision to enforce the provisions of this section or to invalidate the actions of any such board, commission, agency, or authority, which action was taken in violation of this section, and the court determines that the defendant or defendants to such action acted in violation of this section, the court shall assess a reasonable attorney’s fee against such agency, and may assess a reasonable attorney’s fee against the individual filing such an action if the court finds it was filed in bad faith or was frivolous. Any fees so assessed may be assessed against the individual member or members of such board or commission; provided, that in any case where the board or commission seeks the advice of its attorney and such advice is followed, no such fees shall be assessed against the individual member or members of the board or commission. However, this subsection shall not apply to a state attorney or his or her duly authorized assistants or any officer charged with enforcing the provisions of this section.

(5) Whenever any board or commission of any state agency or authority or any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision appeals any court order which has found said board, commission, agency, or authority to have violated this section, and such order is affirmed, the court shall assess a reasonable attorney’s fee for the appeal against such board, commission, agency, or authority. Any fees so assessed may be assessed against the individual member or members of such board or commission; provided, that in any case where the board or commission seeks the advice of its attorney and such advice is followed, no such fees shall be assessed against the individual member or members of the board or commission.

(6) All persons subject to subsection (1) are prohibited from holding meetings at any facility or location which discriminates on the basis of sex, age, race, creed, color, origin, or economic status or which operates in such a manner as to unreasonably restrict public access to such a facility.

(7) Whenever any member of any board or commission of any state agency or authority or any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision is charged with a violation of this section and is subsequently acquitted, the board or commission is authorized to reimburse said member for any portion of his or her reasonable attorney’s fees.

(8) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), any board or commission of any state agency or authority or any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision, and the chief administrative or executive officer of the governmental entity, may meet in private with the entity’s attorney to discuss pending litigation to which the entity is presently a party before a court or administrative agency, provided that the following conditions are met:

(a) The entity’s attorney shall advise the entity at a public meeting that he or she desires advice concerning the litigation.

(b) The subject matter of the meeting shall be confined to settlement negotiations or strategy sessions related to litigation expenditures.

(c) The entire session shall be recorded by a certified court reporter. The reporter shall record the times of commencement and termination of the session, all discussion and proceedings, the names of all persons present at any time, and the names of all persons speaking. No portion of the session shall be off the record. The court reporter’s notes shall be fully transcribed and filed with the entity’s clerk within a reasonable time after the meeting.

(d) The entity shall give reasonable public notice of the time and date of the attorney-client session and the names of persons who will be attending the session. The session shall commence at an open meeting at which the persons chairing the meeting shall announce the commencement and estimated length of the attorney-client session and the names of the persons attending. At the conclusion of the attorney-client session, the meeting shall be reopened, and the person chairing the meeting shall announce the termination of the session.

(e) The transcript shall be made part of the public record upon conclusion of the litigation.

§286.0111 FS | LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FROM REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS AND RECORDKEEPING BY GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES

The provisions of s. 119.15, the Open Government Sunset Review Act, apply to the provisions of law which provide exemptions to s. 286.011, as provided in s. 119.15.

§286.0113 FS | GENERAL EXEMPTIONS FROM PUBLIC MEETINGS

(1) That portion of a meeting that would reveal a security or fire safety system plan or portion thereof made confidential and exempt by s. 119.071(3)(a) is exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24(b), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(2)

(a) For purposes of this subsection:

1. “Competitive solicitation” means the process of requesting and receiving sealed bids, proposals, or replies in accordance with the terms of a competitive process, regardless of the method of procurement.

2. “Team” means a group of members established by an agency for the purpose of conducting negotiations as part of a competitive solicitation.

(b)

1. Any portion of a meeting at which a negotiation with a vendor is conducted pursuant to a competitive solicitation, at which a vendor makes an oral presentation as part of a competitive solicitation, or at which a vendor answers questions as part of a competitive solicitation is exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24(b), Art. I of the State Constitution.

2. Any portion of a team meeting at which negotiation strategies are discussed is exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24(b), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(c)

1. A complete recording shall be made of any portion of an exempt meeting. No portion of the exempt meeting may be held off the record.

2. The recording of, and any records presented at, the exempt meeting are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as the agency provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the bids, proposals, or final replies, whichever occurs earlier.

3. If the agency rejects all bids, proposals, or replies and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue a competitive solicitation, the recording and any records presented at the exempt meeting remain exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as the agency provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued competitive solicitation or until the agency withdraws the reissued competitive solicitation. A recording and any records presented at an exempt meeting are not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial agency notice rejecting all bids, proposals, or replies.

(3)

(a) That portion of a meeting held by a utility owned or operated by a unit of local government which would reveal information that is exempt under s. 119.0713(5) is exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24(b), Art. I of the State Constitution. All exempt portions of such a meeting must be recorded and transcribed. The recording and transcript of the meeting are exempt from disclosure under s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution unless a court of competent jurisdiction, following an in camera review, determines that the meeting was not restricted to the discussion of data and information made exempt by this section. In the event of such a judicial determination, only the portion of the recording or transcript which reveals nonexempt data and information may be disclosed to a third party.

(b) This subsection is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2024, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

(4)

(a) Any portion of a meeting that would reveal building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, or diagrams, including draft, preliminary, and final formats, which depict the structural elements of 911, E911, or public safety radio communication system infra, including towers, antennae, equipment or facilities used to provide 911, E911, or public safety radio communication services, or other 911, E911, or public safety radio communication structures or facilities made exempt by s. 119.071(3)(e)1.a. is exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24, Art. I of the State Constitution.

(b) Any portion of a meeting that would reveal geographical maps indicating the actual or proposed locations of 911, E911, or public safety radio communication system infra, including towers, antennae, equipment or facilities used to provide 911, E911, or public safety radio communication services, or other 911, E911, or public safety radio communication structures or facilities made exempt by s. 119.071(3)(e)1.b. is exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24, Art. I of the State Constitution.

(c) No portion of an exempt meeting under paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) may be off the record. All exempt portions of such meeting shall be recorded and transcribed. Such recordings and transcripts are confidential and exempt from disclosure under s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution unless a court of competent jurisdiction, after an in camera review, determines that the meeting was not restricted to the discussion of the information made exempt by s. 119.071(3)(e)1.a. or b. In the event of such a judicial determination, only that portion of the recording and transcript which reveals nonexempt information may be disclosed to a third party.

(d) For purposes of this subsection, the term “public safety radio” is defined as the means of communication between and among 911 public safety answering points, dispatchers, and first responder agencies using those portions of the radio frequency spectrum designated by the Federal Communications Commission under 47 C.F.R. part 90 for public safety purposes.

(e) This subsection is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2025, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

§286.0114 FS | PUBLIC MEETINGS; REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD; ATTORNEY FEES

(1) For purposes of this section, “board or commission” means a board or commission of any state agency or authority or of any agency or authority of a county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision.

(2) Members of the public shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a proposition before a board or commission. The opportunity to be heard need not occur at the same meeting at which the board or commission takes official action on the proposition if the opportunity occurs at a meeting that is during the decision-making process and is within reasonable proximity in time before the meeting at which the board or commission takes the official action. This section does not prohibit a board or commission from maintaining orderly conduct or proper decorum in a public meeting. The opportunity to be heard is subject to rules or policies adopted by the board or commission, as provided in subsection (4).

(3) The requirements in subsection (2) do not apply to:

(a) An official act that must be taken to deal with an emergency situation affecting the public health, welfare, or safety, if compliance with the requirements would cause an unreasonable delay in the ability of the board or commission to act;

(b) An official act involving no more than a ministerial act, including, but not limited to, approval of minutes and ceremonial proclamations;

(c) A meeting that is exempt from s. 286.011; or

(d) A meeting during which the board or commission is acting in a quasi-judicial capacity. This paragraph does not affect the right of a person to be heard as otherwise provided by law.

(4) Rules or policies of a board or commission which govern the opportunity to be heard are limited to those that:

(a) Provide guidelines regarding the amount of time an individual has to address the board or commission;

(b) Prescribe procedures for allowing representatives of groups or factions on a proposition to address the board or commission, rather than all members of such groups or factions, at meetings in which a large number of individuals wish to be heard;

(c) Prescribe procedures or forms for an individual to use in order to inform the board or commission of a desire to be heard; to indicate his or her support, opposition, or neutrality on a proposition; and to indicate his or her designation of a representative to speak for him or her or his or her group on a proposition if he or she so chooses; or

(d) Designate a specified period of time for public comment.

(5) If a board or commission adopts rules or policies in compliance with this section and follows such rules or policies when providing an opportunity for members of the public to be heard, the board or commission is deemed to be acting in compliance with this section.

(6) A circuit court has jurisdiction to issue an injunction for the purpose of enforcing this section upon the filing of an application for such injunction by a citizen of this state.

(7)

(a) Whenever an action is filed against a board or commission to enforce this section, the court shall assess reasonable attorney fees against such board or commission if the court determines that the defendant to such action acted in violation of this section. The court may assess reasonable attorney fees against the individual filing such an action if the court finds that the action was filed in bad faith or was frivolous. This paragraph does not apply to a state attorney or his or her duly authorized assistants or an officer charged with enforcing this section.

(b) Whenever a board or commission appeals a court order that has found the board or commission to have violated this section, and such order is affirmed, the court shall assess reasonable attorney fees for the appeal against such board or commission.

(8) An action taken by a board or commission which is found to be in violation of this section is not void as a result of that violation.

§286.01141 FS | CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSIONS; PUBLIC MEETINGS EXEMPTION

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Duly constituted criminal justice commission” means an advisory commission created by municipal or county ordinance whose membership is comprised of individuals from the private sector and the public sector and whose purpose is to examine local criminal justice issues.

(b) “Active” has the same meaning as provided in s. 119.011.

(c) “Criminal intelligence information” has the same meaning as provided in s. 119.011.

(d) “Criminal investigative information” has the same meaning as provided in s. 119.011.

(2) That portion of a meeting of a duly constituted criminal justice commission at which members of the commission discuss active criminal intelligence information or active criminal investigative information that is currently being considered by, or which may foreseeably come before, the commission is exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24(b), Art. I of the State Constitution, provided that at any public meeting of the criminal justice commission at which such matter is being considered, the commission members publicly disclose the fact that the matter has been discussed.

§286.0115 FS | ACCESS TO LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICIALS; QUASI-JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAND USE MATTERS

(1)

(a) A county or municipality may adopt an ordinance or resolution removing the presumption of prejudice from ex parte communications with local public officials by establishing a process to disclose ex parte communications with such officials pursuant to this subsection or by adopting an alternative process for such disclosure. However, this subsection does not require a county or municipality to adopt any ordinance or resolution establishing a disclosure process.

(b) As used in this subsection, the term “local public official” means any elected or appointed public official holding a county or municipal office who recommends or takes quasi-judicial action as a member of a board or commission. The term does not include a member of the board or commission of any state agency or authority.

(c) Any person not otherwise prohibited by statute, charter provision, or ordinance may discuss with any local public official the merits of any matter on which action may be taken by any board or commission on which the local public official is a member. If adopted by county or municipal ordinance or resolution, adherence to the following procedures shall remove the presumption of prejudice arising from ex parte communications with local public officials.

1. The substance of any ex parte communication with a local public official which relates to quasi-judicial action pending before the official is not presumed prejudicial to the action if the subject of the communication and the identity of the person, group, or entity with whom the communication took place is disclosed and made a part of the record before final action on the matter.

2. A local public official may read a written communication from any person. However, a written communication that relates to quasi-judicial action pending before a local public official shall not be presumed prejudicial to the action, and such written communication shall be made a part of the record before final action on the matter.

3. Local public officials may conduct investigations and site visits and may receive expert opinions regarding quasi-judicial action pending before them. Such activities shall not be presumed prejudicial to the action if the existence of the investigation, site visit, or expert opinion is made a part of the record before final action on the matter.

4. Disclosure made pursuant to subparagraphs 1., 2., and 3. must be made before or during the public meeting at which a vote is taken on such matters, so that persons who have opinions contrary to those expressed in the ex parte communication are given a reasonable opportunity to refute or respond to the communication. This subsection does not subject local public officials to part III of chapter 112 for not complying with this paragraph.

(2)

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), a county or municipality may adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing the procedures and provisions of this subsection for quasi-judicial proceedings on local government land use matters. The ordinance or resolution shall provide procedures and provisions identical to this subsection. However, this subsection does not require a county or municipality to adopt such an ordinance or resolution.

(b) In a quasi-judicial proceeding on local government land use matters, a person who appears before the decision-making body who is not a party or party-intervenor shall be allowed to testify before the decision-making body, subject to control by the decision-making body, and may be requested to respond to questions from the decision-making body, but need not be sworn as a witness, is not required to be subject to cross-examination, and is not required to be qualified as an expert witness. The decision-making body shall assign weight and credibility to such testimony as it deems appropriate. A party or party-intervenor in a quasi-judicial proceeding on local government land use matters, upon request by another party or party-intervenor, shall be sworn as a witness, shall be subject to cross-examination by other parties or party-intervenors, and shall be required to be qualified as an expert witness, as appropriate.

(c) In a quasi-judicial proceeding on local government land use matters, a person may not be precluded from communicating directly with a member of the decision-making body by application of ex parte communication prohibitions. Disclosure of such communications by a member of the decision-making body is not required, and such nondisclosure shall not be presumed prejudicial to the decision of the decision-making body. All decisions of the decision-making body in a quasi-judicial proceeding on local government land use matters must be supported by substantial, competent evidence in the record pertinent to the proceeding, irrespective of such communications.

(3) This section does not restrict the authority of any board or commission to establish rules or procedures governing public hearings or contacts with local public officials.

§286.012 FS | VOTING REQUIREMENT AT MEETINGS OF GOVERNMENTAL BODIES

A member of a state, county, or municipal governmental board, commission, or agency who is present at a meeting of any such body at which an official decision, ruling, or other official act is to be taken or adopted may not abstain from voting in regard to any such decision, ruling, or act; and a vote shall be recorded or counted for each such member present, unless, with respect to any such member, there is, or appears to be, a possible conflict of interest under s. 112.311, s. 112.313, s. 112.3143, or additional or more stringent standards of conduct, if any, adopted pursuant to s. 112.326. If there is, or appears to be, a possible conflict under s. 112.311, s. 112.313, or s. 112.3143, the member shall comply with the disclosure requirements of s. 112.3143. If the only conflict or possible conflict is one arising from the additional or more stringent standards adopted pursuant to s. 112.326, the member shall comply with any disclosure requirements adopted pursuant to s. 112.326. If the official decision, ruling, or act occurs in the context of a quasi-judicial proceeding, a member may abstain from voting on such matter if the abstention is to assure a fair proceeding free from potential bias or prejudice.

§286.021 FS | DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO HOLD TITLE TO PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS, ETC

The legal title and every right, interest, claim or demand of any kind in and to any patent, trademark or copyright, or application for the same, now owned or held, or as may hereafter be acquired, owned and held by the state, or any of its boards, commissions or agencies, is hereby granted to and vested in the Department of State for the use and benefit of the state; and no person, firm or corporation shall be entitled to use the same without the written consent of said Department of State.

Footnotes

Note - (Former s. 272.01.)

§286.031 FS | AUTHORITY OF DEPARTMENT OF STATE IN CONNECTION WITH PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS, ETC

The Department of State is authorized to do and perform any and all things necessary to secure letters patent, copyright and trademark on any invention or otherwise, and to enforce the rights of the state therein; to license, lease, assign, or otherwise give written consent to any person, firm or corporation for the manufacture or use thereof, on a royalty basis, or for such other consideration as said department shall deem proper; to take any and all action necessary, including legal actions, to protect the same against improper or unlawful use or infringement, and to enforce the collection of any sums due the state and said department for the manufacture or use thereof by any other party; to sell any of the same and to execute any and all instruments on behalf of the state necessary to consummate any such sale; and to do any and all other acts necessary and proper for the execution of powers and duties herein conferred upon said department for the benefit of the state.

Footnotes

Note - (Former s. 272.02.)

§286.035 FS | CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION; POWERS OF CHAIR; ASSISTANCE BY STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES

(1) The chair of the Constitution Revision Commission, appointed pursuant to s. 2, Art. XI of the State Constitution, is authorized to employ personnel and to incur expenses related to the official operation of the commission or its committees, to sign vouchers, and to otherwise expend funds appropriated to the commission for carrying out its official duties.

(2) All state and local agencies are hereby authorized and directed to assist, in any manner necessary, the Constitution Revision Commission established pursuant to s. 2, Art. XI of the State Constitution upon its request or the request of its chair.

§286.036 FS | TAXATION AND BUDGET REFORM COMMISSION; POWERS

(1) The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission appointed pursuant to s. 6, Art. XI of the State Constitution, is authorized to employ personnel and to incur expenses related to the official operation of the commission or its committees, and to expend funds appropriated to the commission for carrying out its official duties. Commission members and staff are entitled to per diem and reimbursement of travel expenses incurred in carrying out their duties, as provided in s. 112.061.

(2) All state and regional agencies and governments are authorized and directed to assist, in any manner necessary, the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission upon its request.

(3) All local governments are authorized to assist the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission in any manner necessary. Municipal and county governments are encouraged to cooperate with the commission, examine their taxation and budgetary policies, and submit recommendations to the commission in the form and manner prescribed by the commission.

(4) Each Taxation and Budget Reform Commission established pursuant to s. 6, Art. XI of the State Constitution and this section may not act or operate later than June 30 of the third year following the year in which the commission is required to be established.

(5) The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is assigned, for administrative purposes, to the legislative branch. The Office of Legislative Services is directed to expedite, where possible, the business of the commission consistent with prudent financial and management practices.

(6) The Legislative Auditing Committee may at any time, without regard to whether the Legislature is then in session or out of session, take under consideration any matter within the scope of the duties of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, and in connection therewith may exercise the powers of subpoena by law vested in a standing committee of the Legislature.

§286.041 FS | PROHIBITED REQUIREMENTS OF BIDDERS ON CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS RELATIVE TO INCOME TAX RETURNS

(1) The state or any of its departments, agencies, bureaus, commissions, and officers and the counties, consolidated governments, municipalities, school districts, special districts, and other public bodies of this state, and the departments, agencies, bureaus, commissions, and officers thereof, shall not require, directly or indirectly, an audit or inspection of any federal or state income tax returns of any company, corporation, or person as a prior condition before entering into contracts with said company, corporation, or person to construct any public work or to supply any materials, labor, equipment or services, or any combination thereof.

(2) Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.083, except that the fine shall not be less than $100.

§286.043 FS | LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR DISCRIMINATORY CONTRACT OR BID SPECIFICATIONS RELATING TO CAR RENTAL CONCESSIONS AT AIRPORTS

No public funds shall be used by a unit of local government for the purpose of promulgating contract or bid specifications relating to car rental concessions at airports which would preclude a corporation authorized to do business in this state from submitting bids or entering into such contracts with such unit of local government. Nothing in this section shall prevent the local government from providing in such specifications a minimum annual guarantee of revenue to be paid to such unit of local government.

§286.101 FS | FOREIGN GIFTS AND CONTRACTS

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Contract” means any agreement for the direct benefit or use of any party to such agreement, including an agreement for the sale of commodities or services.

(b) “Foreign country of concern” means the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Cuba, the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro, or the Syrian Arab Republic, including any agency of or any other entity under significant control of such foreign country of concern.

(c) “Foreign government” means the government of any country, nation, or group of nations, or any province or other political subdivision of any country or nation, other than the government of the United States or the government of a state or political subdivision, including any agent of such foreign government.

(d) “Foreign source” means any of the following:

1. A foreign government or an agency of a foreign government.

2. A legal entity, governmental or otherwise, created solely under the laws of a foreign state or states.

3. An individual who is not a citizen or a national of the United States or a territory or protectorate of the United States.

4. An agent, including a subsidiary or an affiliate of a foreign legal entity, acting on behalf of a foreign source.

(e) “Gift” means any transfer of money or property from one entity to another without compensation.

(f) “Grant” means a transfer of money for a specified purpose, including a conditional gift.

(g) “Interest” in an entity means any direct or indirect investment in or loan to the entity valued at 5 percent or more of the entity’s net worth or any form of direct or indirect control exerting similar or greater influence on the governance of the entity.

(h) “State agency” means any agency or unit of state government created or established by law. For the purposes of this section only, the term does not include a state university or a state college.

(i) “State college” means any postsecondary educational institution under the supervision of the State Board of Education, including any entity under the control of or established for the benefit of a state college.

(j) “State university” means any state university under the supervision of the Board of Governors, including any entity under the control of or established for the benefit of a state university.

(2) Any state agency or political subdivision that receives directly or indirectly any gift or grant with a value of $50,000 or more from any foreign source shall disclose such gift or grant to the Department of Financial Services within 30 days after receiving such gift or grant. Such disclosure shall include the date of the gift or grant, the amount of the gift or grant, and the name and country of residence or domicile of the foreign source. Disclosure is not required if such gift or grant is disclosed under s. 1010.25.

(3)

(a) Any entity that applies to a state agency or political subdivision for a grant or proposes a contract having a value of $100,000 or more shall disclose to the state agency or political subdivision any current or prior interest of, any contract with, or any grant or gift received from a foreign country of concern if such interest, contract, or grant or gift has a value of $50,000 or more and such interest existed at any time or such contract or grant or gift was received or in force at any time during the previous 5 years. Such disclosure shall include the name and mailing address of the disclosing entity, the amount of the contract or grant or gift or the value of the interest disclosed, the applicable foreign country of concern and, if applicable, the date of termination of the contract or interest, the date of receipt of the grant or gift, and the name of the agent or controlled entity that is the source or interest holder. Within 1 year before applying for any grant or proposing any contract, such entity must provide a copy of such disclosure to the Department of Financial Services.

(b) Disclosure under this subsection is not required with respect to:

1. A proposal to sell commodities through the online procurement program established pursuant to s. 287.057(22);

2. A proposal to sell commodities to a university pursuant to Board of Governors Regulation 18.001;

3. An application or proposal from an entity that discloses foreign gifts or grants under subsection (2) or s. 1010.25;

4. An application or proposal from a foreign source that, if granted or accepted, would be disclosed under subsection (2) or s. 1010.25; or

5. An application or proposal from a public or not-for-profit research institution with respect to research funded by any federal agency.

(c) A disclosure published online pursuant to subsection (5) is deemed disclosed to every state agency and political subdivision for purposes of paragraph (a). From the time a disclosure is made under paragraph (a) through the term of any awarded state grant or contract, the entity must revise its disclosure within 30 days after entering into a contract with or receiving a grant or gift from a foreign country of concern or within 30 days after the acquisition of any interest in the entity by a foreign country of concern.

(4) At least once every 5 years, the Department of Management Services shall screen each vendor of commodities participating in the online procurement system if such vendor has the capacity to fill an order of $100,000 or more. Screening must be conducted through federal agencies responsible for identifying persons and organizations subject to trade sanctions, embargoes, or other restrictions under federal law. If a vendor is identified as being subject to any such sanctions, embargoes, or other restrictions, the vendor must make the disclosures required under subsection (3) until such restriction expires. A notification regarding the applicability of the disclosure requirement in subsection (3) to the vendor must be included on the online procurement system when applicable. The Department of Management Services must ensure that purchasers through the online procurement system may easily access all disclosures made by vendors participating in the system.

(5) The Department of Financial Services must establish and maintain an Internet website to publish the disclosures required under this section. The Department of Financial Services may establish an online system for making such disclosures. The Department of Management Services may coordinate with the Department of Financial Services to establish the online system.

(6)

(a) Upon receiving a referral from an inspector general or other compliance officer of a state agency or political subdivision or any sworn complaint based upon substantive information and reasonable belief, the Department of Financial Services must investigate an allegation of a violation of this section.

(b) The Department of Financial Services, an inspector general, or any other agent or compliance officer authorized by a state agency or political subdivision may request records relevant to any reasonable suspicion of a violation of this section. An entity must provide the required records within 30 days after such request or at a later time agreed to by the investigating state agency or political subdivision.

(7)

(a) Failure to make a disclosure required under this section or failure to provide records requested under paragraph (6)(b) constitutes a civil violation punishable upon a final order of the Department of Financial Services by an administrative fine of $5,000 for a first violation or $10,000 for any subsequent violation.

(b) In addition to any fine assessed under paragraph (a), a final order determining a third or subsequent violation by a state agency or political subdivision must include a determination of the identity of the officer responsible for acceptance of the undisclosed grant or gift. Such order must also include a referral by the Department of Financial Services to the Governor or other officer authorized to suspend or remove the officer responsible for acceptance of the undisclosed grant or gift from public office. A copy of such referral must be provided to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for oversight of such suspension and removal authority.

(c) In addition to any fine assessed under paragraph (a), a final order determining a third or subsequent violation by an entity other than a state agency or political subdivision shall automatically disqualify the entity from eligibility for any grant or contract funded by a state agency or any political subdivision until such ineligibility is lifted by the Administration Commission for good cause. The Department of Financial Services shall include and maintain an active and current list of such ineligible entities on the Internet website maintained under subsection (5).

(8) Information disclosed under subsections (2) and (3) is not confidential or exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

(9)

(a) The Department of Management Services may adopt rules necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this section. The rules may identify the federal agencies to be consulted under subsection (4) and the procedure for notifying a vendor of the disclosure requirements under this section when applicable. The Department of Management Services may also adopt rules providing for the application of this section to the online procurement system.

(b) The Department of Financial Services may adopt rules necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this section.

(c) Any rules necessary to implement this section must be published by December 31, 2021, unless the applicable department head certifies in writing that a delay is necessary and the date by which the proposed rules will be published. Such certification must be published in the Florida Administrative Register and a copy provided to the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee.

(10)

(a) A state university or state college, or any employee or representative of a state university or state college, may not solicit or accept any gift in its official capacity, including any physical object, loan, reward, promise of future employment, favor, or service, from a college or university based in a foreign country of concern or from a foreign principal as those terms are defined in s. 288.860.

(b) The Board of Governors and the State Board of Education shall adopt regulations and rules, respectively, to administer this subsection.

§286.23 FS | REAL PROPERTY CONVEYED TO PUBLIC AGENCY; DISCLOSURE OF BENEFICIAL INTERESTS; NOTICE; EXEMPTIONS

(1) Any person or entity holding real property in the form of a partnership, limited partnership, corporation, trust, or any form of representative capacity whatsoever for others, except as otherwise provided in this section, shall, before entering into any contract whereby such real property held in representative capacity is sold, leased, taken by eminent domain, or otherwise conveyed to the state or any local governmental unit, or an agency of either, make a public disclosure in writing, under oath and subject to the penalties prescribed for perjury, which shall state his or her name and address and the name and address of every person having a beneficial interest in the real property, however small or minimal. This written disclosure shall be made to the chief officer, or to his or her officially designated representative, of the state, local governmental unit, or agency of either, with which the transaction is made at least 10 days prior to the time of closing or, in the case of an eminent domain taking, within 48 hours after the time when the required sum is deposited in the registry of the court. Notice of the deposit shall be made to the person or entity by registered or certified mail before the 48-hour period begins.

(2) The state or local governmental unit, or an agency of either, shall send written notice by registered mail to the person required to make disclosures under this section, prior to the time when such disclosures are required to be made, which written request shall also inform the person required to make such disclosure that such disclosure must be made under oath, subject to the penalties prescribed for perjury.

(3)

(a) The beneficial interest in any entity registered with the Federal Securities Exchange Commission or registered pursuant to chapter 517, whose interest is for sale to the general public, is hereby exempt from the provisions of this section. When disclosure of persons having beneficial interests in nonpublic entities is required, the entity or person shall not be required by the provisions of this section to disclose persons or entities holding less than 5 percent of the beneficial interest in the disclosing entity.

(b) In the case of an eminent domain taking, any entity or person other than a public officer or public employee, holding real property in the form of a trust which was created more than 3 years prior to the deposit of the required sum in the registry of the court, is hereby exempt from the provisions of this section. However, in order to qualify for the exemption set forth in this section, the trustee of such trust shall be required to certify within 48 hours after such deposit, under penalty of perjury, that no public officer or public employee has any beneficial interest whatsoever in such trust. Disclosure of any changes in the trust instrument or of persons having beneficial interest in the trust shall be made if such changes occurred during the 3 years prior to the deposit of said sum in the registry of the court.

(4) This section shall be liberally construed to accomplish the purpose of requiring the identification of the actual parties benefiting from any transaction with a governmental unit or agency involving the procurement of the ownership or use of property by such governmental unit or agency.

§286.25 FS | PUBLICATION OR STATEMENT OF STATE SPONSORSHIP

Any nongovernmental organization which sponsors a program financed partially by state funds or funds obtained from a state agency shall, in publicizing, advertising, or describing the sponsorship of the program, state:

“Sponsored by (name of organization) and the State of Florida.”

If the sponsorship reference is in written material, the words “State of Florida” shall appear in the same size letters or type as the name of the organization.

§286.26 FS | ACCESSIBILITY OF PUBLIC MEETINGS TO THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

(1) Whenever any board or commission of any state agency or authority, or of any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision, which has scheduled a meeting at which official acts are to be taken receives, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting, a written request by a physically handicapped person to attend the meeting, directed to the chairperson or director of such board, commission, agency, or authority, such chairperson or director shall provide a manner by which such person may attend the meeting at its scheduled site or reschedule the meeting to a site which would be accessible to such person.

(2) If an affected handicapped person objects in the written request, nothing contained in the provisions of this section shall be construed or interpreted to permit the use of human physical assistance to the physically handicapped in lieu of the construction or use of ramps or other mechanical devices in order to comply with the provisions of this section.

§286.27 FS | USE OF STATE FUNDS FOR GREETING CARDS PROHIBITED

No state funds shall be expended for the purchase, preparation, printing, or mailing of any card the sole purpose of which is to convey holiday greetings.

§286.29 FS | CLIMATE-FRIENDLY PUBLIC BUSINESS

The Legislature recognizes the importance of leadership by state government in the area of energy efficiency and in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of state government operations. The following shall pertain to all state agencies when conducting public business:

(1) The Department of Management Services shall develop the “Florida Climate-Friendly Preferred Products List.” In maintaining that list, the department, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, shall continually assess products currently available for purchase under state term contracts to identify specific products and vendors that offer clear energy efficiency or other environmental benefits over competing products. When procuring products from state term contracts, state agencies shall first consult the Florida Climate-Friendly Preferred Products List and procure such products if the price is comparable.

(2) State agencies shall contract for meeting and conference space only with hotels or conference facilities that have received the “Green Lodging” designation from the Department of Environmental Protection for best practices in water, energy, and waste efficiency standards, unless the responsible state agency head makes a determination that no other viable alternative exists.

(3) Each state agency shall ensure that all maintained vehicles meet minimum maintenance schedules shown to reduce fuel consumption, which include: ensuring appropriate tire pressures and tread depth; replacing fuel filters and emission filters at recommended intervals; using proper motor oils; and performing timely motor maintenance. Each state agency shall measure and report compliance to the Department of Management Services through the Equipment Management Information System database.

(4) When procuring new vehicles, all state agencies, state universities, community colleges, and local governments that purchase vehicles under a state purchasing plan shall first define the intended purpose for the vehicle and determine which of the following use classes for which the vehicle is being procured:

(a) State business travel, designated operator;

(b) State business travel, pool operators;

(c) Construction, agricultural, or maintenance work;

(d) Conveyance of passengers;

(e) Conveyance of building or maintenance materials and supplies;

(f) Off-road vehicle, motorcycle, or all-terrain vehicle;

(g) Emergency response; or

(h) Other.

Vehicles described in paragraphs (a) through (h), when being processed for purchase or leasing agreements, must be selected for the greatest fuel efficiency available for a given use class when fuel economy data are available. Exceptions may be made for individual vehicles in paragraph (g) when accompanied, during the procurement process, by documentation indicating that the operator or operators will exclusively be emergency first responders or have special documented need for exceptional vehicle performance characteristics. Any request for an exception must be approved by the purchasing agency head and any exceptional performance characteristics denoted as a part of the procurement process prior to purchase.

(5) All state agencies shall use ethanol and biodiesel blended fuels when available. State agencies administering central fueling operations for state-owned vehicles shall procure biofuels for fleet needs to the greatest extent practicable.

§286.31 FS | PROHIBITED USE OF STATE FUNDS; TRAVEL TO ANOTHER STATE FOR PURPOSE OF ABORTION SERVICES¹

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Educational institution” means public institutions under the control of a district school board, a charter school, a state university, a developmental research school, a Florida College System institution, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Florida Virtual School, private school readiness programs, voluntary prekindergarten programs, private K-12 schools, and private colleges and universities.

(b) “Governmental entity” means the state or any political subdivision thereof, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government; the independent establishments of the state, counties, municipalities, districts, authorities, boards, or commissions; and any agencies that are subject to this chapter.

(2) Any person, governmental entity, or educational institution may not expend state funds as defined in s. 215.31 in any manner for a person to travel to another state to receive services that are intended to support an abortion as defined in s. 390.011, unless:

(a) The person, governmental entity, or educational institution is required by federal law to expend state funds for such a purpose; or

(b) There is a medical necessity for legitimate emergency medical procedures for termination of the pregnancy to save the pregnant woman’s life or to avert a serious risk of imminent substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman other than a psychological condition.

Notes

¹ Note - Section 9, ch. 2023-21, provides that

“[e]xcept as otherwise expressly provided in this act and except for this section, which shall take effect upon this act becoming a law, this act shall take effect 30 days after any of the following occurs:

a decision by the Florida Supreme Court holding that the right to privacy enshrined in s. 23, Article I of the State Constitution does not include a right to abortion;

a decision by the Florida Supreme Court in Planned Parenthood v. State, SC2022-1050, that allows the prohibition on abortions after 15 weeks in s. 390.0111(1), Florida Statutes, to remain in effect, including a decision approving, in whole or in part, the First District Court of Appeal’s decision under review or a decision discharging jurisdiction;

an amendment to the State Constitution clarifying that s. 23, Article I of the State Constitution does not include a right to abortion;

or a decision from the Florida Supreme Court after March 7, 2023, receding, in whole or in part, from In re T.W., 551 So. 2d 1186 (Fla. 1989), North Fla. Women’s Health v. State, 866 So. 2d 612 (Fla. 2003), or Gainesville Woman Care, LLC v. State, 210 So. 3d 1243 (Fla. 2017).”

§286.311 FS | PROHIBITED USE OF STATE FUNDS; SEX-REASSIGNMENT PRESCRIPTIONS OR PROCEDURES

(1) As used in this section, the term “governmental entity” means the state or any political subdivision thereof, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government; the independent establishments of the state, counties, municipalities, districts, authorities, boards, or commissions; and any agencies that are subject to this chapter.

(2) A governmental entity, a public postsecondary educational institution as described in s. 1000.04, the state group health insurance program, a managing entity as defined in s. 394.9082, or a managed care plan providing services under part IV of chapter 409 may not expend state funds as described in s. 215.31 for sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures as defined in s. 456.001.