Posted: September 16, 2010 - 12:08am
There's no question that Florida's Sunshine laws have opened access to state and local governments for more than a century.
The Florida Legislature annually acts on access laws, creating some new protections but sometimes blocking access, too. The maze of access laws and the exemptions that are carved out at times can frustrate the public in their access to their governments.
On Monday, Oct. 4, The First Amendment Foundation and The St. Augustine Record will host a Sunshine Seminar led by Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation, a non-profit organization that fights to protect public access to government.
The First Amendment Foundation was founded in 1984 by The Florida Press Association, the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors, and the Florida Association of Broadcasters "to ensure that public commitment and progress in the areas of free speech, free press, and open government do not become checked and diluted during Florida's changing times," according to its premise. It also offers open government education and training, legal aid and information services.
Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119, was signed into law in 1909 opening up records access to all citizens.
In 1967, Chapter 286, the state's open meetings law took effect, likewise allowing the public to be present for government meetings at which decisions are made from the local City Hall to the state Capital in Tallahassee. A few exceptions are allowed by law for "shade" meetings regarding legal settlements and collective bargaining;
In 1992, voters further strengthened access to public records and meetings by adopting an amendment to the Florida constitution.
Before Chapter 286 became law, the business of government was pretty much conducted behind closed doors. Though the people making the decisions were elected by the people, their decisions were often decided outside the public meeting room. Open meetings tended to be rubber stamps.
Public officials today know that it is against the law for two or more members of the same board to discuss issues coming up in the foreseeable future before their boards, without official notice to the public in advance. Those who still try to skirt the law are investigated, may be suspended, and put on trial. If found guilty, they are fined and removed from public office.
In St. Johns County, the School Board, and the municipalities of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach and Hastings, public officials are committed to access and ensure that their staffs know the rules. They want to share their inner workings with the public to gain more support for their decisions.
If you are public officials, citizen access advocates, or lawyers working in media law, this seminar is for you. Petersen is the expert on leading you through the laws on government and access. Time will be allowed for questions and answers. The Florida Bar Media and Communications Law Committee will make a presentation in the afternoon.
Nominal fees are charged to cover the seminar costs. Participants receive, as part of their registration, a copy of Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law manual.
Those trusted with ensuring public access and citizen advocates for access should not miss this opportunity to get to know better Florida's Sunshine Laws.
More information
The Sunshine Law seminar is on Monday, Oct. 4, at the St. Johns County Convention Center at the World Golf Village. Registration is available at www.floridafaf.org and click on the link to 2010 Sunshine Seminars.
Pre-payment is as follows:
FAF members, $10; nonmembers, $25; students, $10 (student ID required); government employees, $15. The seminar is approved for continuing education credits for various associations. Please see the seminar information for details and additional charges.
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