House Bill 1009 amends section 50.0311 of the Florida Statutes to broaden the definition of "governmental agency" to include clerks of court, comptrollers, and tax collectors, alongside existing entities. The bill revises the definition of "publicly accessible website" to specifically refer to a governmental agency's official website, rather than a county's website. It also eliminates the requirement for governmental agencies to maintain a registry of individuals requesting public notices by first-class mail, thereby streamlining the process for publishing legally required advertisements and public notices. The bill further ensures that legal notices can be published on governmental agency websites when no newspaper is available in the county, emphasizing that all advertisements must be in searchable form and indicate the date of first publication.
In addition to these changes, the bill outlines procedures for public hearings and notifications related to community development districts, tax assessments, and school district budget hearings, stressing the need for adequate public notice. It mandates that public-private partnership proposals be publicly advertised in accordance with chapter 50, ensuring transparency and community engagement in transportation project planning. The act also includes provisions for environmental assessments, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to review the feasibility of proposed turnpike projects and publish a public notice for a 30-day comment period. Overall, HB 1009 aims to enhance public notice requirements and streamline communication processes for various governmental entities, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.