The proposed bill, titled the "Historic Florida Monuments and Memorials Protection Act," aims to safeguard historic monuments and memorials in Florida from removal, damage, or destruction by local governments. It establishes a new section in the Florida Statutes (s. 267.201) that defines key terms and outlines the legislative intent to preempt any local ordinances or regulations that contradict this protection. The bill stipulates that any such local actions are void and that local governments and officials who violate this preemption will be held liable. It also mandates that courts declare invalid any conflicting local regulations and provides for civil penalties against officials who knowingly violate the law.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for the temporary removal of monuments under specific circumstances, such as military necessity or construction projects, while ensuring that they are relocated to sites of similar prominence. It requires local governments to notify the relevant state departments regarding such removals and establishes a framework for restoring or relocating monuments if they are damaged or destroyed. The bill also allows specified individuals and organizations to file lawsuits for violations, with provisions for awarding attorney fees and damages to prevailing plaintiffs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.