May 14, 2008
Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual
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Download an Abridged Edition

The electronic edition of the manual is an abridged version of the 2008 Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual and reflects changes to the statutes and caselaw which occurred prior to October 2007.

a) Introductory Information
Introduction
2007 Legislative Highlights
b) Part I - Government in the Sunshine
What is the Scope of the Sunshine Law?
What agencies are covered by the Sunshine Law?
What is a meeting subject to the Sunshine Law?
What types of discussions are covered by the Sunshine Law?
Does the Sunshine Law apply to:
What are the notice and procedural requirements of the Sunshine Law?
What are the statutory exceptions to the Law?
What are the consequences if a public board or commission fails to comply with the Sunshine Law?
c) Part II - The Public Records Law
What is a public record which is open to inspection and Copying?
What agencies are subject to the Public Records Act?
What kinds of agency records are subject to the Public Records Act?
To what extent may an agency regulate or limit inspection and copying of Public Records?
What is the legal effect of statutory exemptions from disclosure?
What are the statutory exemptions relating to law enforcement records?
What are the statutory exemptions relating to birth and death records?
What are the statutory exemptions relating to hospital and medical records?
What are the statutory exemptions relating to education records?
What are the statutory exemptions relating to abuse records?
To what extent does federal law preempt state law regarding public inspection of records?
What fees may lawfully be imposed for inspecting and copying public records?
What are the options if an agency refuses to produce public records for inspection and copying?
How long must an agency retain a public record?
d) Appendices
A. Public records and Meetings Constitutional Amendment
B. Government in the Sunshine Law and Related Statutes
C. The Public Records Act
D. Exempt, confidential and limited access public documents and meetings--exemption summaries
E. Rule 2.420 , Public Access to Judicial Branch Records, Fla. Rules of Judicial Administration
F. Section 11.0431, Florida Statutes - Legislative Records; Exemptions from Public Disclosure
G. Table of Cases (Government in the Sunshine Law and the Public Records Act)