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, defining key terms and outlining the legislative intent to preempt any local ordinances or regulations that contradict this protection. The bill declares that any such local actions are void and imposes liability on local governments and officials who violate this preemption. It also mandates that courts declare invalid any local regulations that infringe upon this law and provides for civil penalties against officials who knowingly violate it.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a historic monument or memorial is unlawfully removed or damaged, the local government is responsible for restoring or relocating it within three years. If the local government lacks the necessary funds, the state will step in to restore or relocate the monument, withholding certain funding from the local government until reimbursement is made. The bill allows for temporary removal of monuments under specific circumstances, such as military necessity or construction projects, but requires adherence to strict guidelines for relocation and notification. The Department of State is authorized to adopt rules to implement these provisions, ensuring the protection and preservation of Florida's historic monuments and memorials.