2025 Florida Government in the Sunshine Manual

Recently updated to a larger size for easier reading!This 2025 edition of the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual is a practical and comprehensive guide to Florida’s extensive public records and open meetings laws. Prepared as a reference to help officials, attorneys, journalists, and citizens understand and comply with the state’s transparency requirements, it explains how Florida’s Public Records Act and Government in the Sunshine laws apply in real world situations.This edition covers the core requirements of Florida’s open meetings law, including section 286.011, such as:When meetings must be open to the publicWhat constitutes reasonable public noticeThe duty to take and maintain minutesThis manual also addresses the Public Records Act as it applies to modern government communication, including emails, text messages, and other electronic records, with guidance on access, retention, and disclosure obligations.This 2025 edition incorporates statutory changes and key court decisions through October 2024, giving readers up to date information on common questions and emerging issues in Florida transparency law. It also outlines the significant consequences of noncompliance, including potential removal from office and criminal penalties for knowing violations.This manual is intended as a detailed reference tool and should be used together with the advice of an attorney for guidance on specific facts or situations. Read more