The bill establishes a new section, 70.90, in the Florida Statutes, which provides an exemption from public meeting requirements for meetings between agencies and their attorneys regarding claims related to private property rights under the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act. During these meetings, which occur within a 90-day notice period, discussions are limited to settlement negotiations or strategy sessions concerning submitted claims. The bill mandates that these meetings be recorded by a certified court reporter, and the transcripts must be made part of the public record once a claim is settled or the statute of limitations expires without litigation.

Additionally, the bill exempts the transcripts, recordings, minutes, and records generated during these exempt meetings from public records requirements. It includes provisions for future legislative review and potential repeal of these exemptions, emphasizing the necessity of confidentiality during negotiations to encourage prelitigation resolutions while ensuring public access to records once claims are settled. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 655 Filed: 286.011