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 asserting the state's preemption over any local ordinances or regulations that would contradict this protection. The bill declares that any such local actions are void and outlines the liability of local governments and officials who violate this preemption. It also stipulates that courts must invalidate any conflicting local regulations and may impose civil penalties on officials who knowingly violate the law.
Additionally, the bill allows for civil actions to be brought against local governments or officials by specified individuals or organizations, with provisions for awarding attorney fees and damages to prevailing plaintiffs. It mandates that local governments restore or relocate any monuments or memorials they unlawfully remove or damage, with the state stepping in if local governments lack the necessary funds. The bill also permits temporary removal of monuments under specific circumstances, such as military necessity or construction projects, provided that certain conditions are met. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure the preservation of Florida's historical monuments and memorials while establishing strict penalties for non-compliance.