The bill CS/HB 1009 amends various sections of the Florida Statutes to enhance public notification requirements for governmental actions and processes. It expands the definition of "governmental agency" to include clerks of the circuit court, tax collectors, and water management districts, and clarifies the definition of "publicly accessible website" to encompass county official websites and designated private sites for legal notices. The bill mandates that legal notices published online must be in searchable form and continuously available for at least two weeks. It also allows certain counties and municipalities, particularly those with populations under 160,000, to publish legal notices on their websites under specific conditions. Additionally, governmental agencies are required to inform residents about their options to receive notices via mail or email and maintain a registry for those who opt in.

Moreover, the bill includes provisions for the establishment of court docket funds funded by a $1 mandatory court cost for civil actions, ensuring that designated publishers publish civil case filings without additional charges. It emphasizes the importance of timely and accessible publication of legal notices related to various governmental actions, including budget proposals and environmental assessments. The bill also introduces new requirements for the notification process for forfeiture complaints, mandating that agencies serve complaints to individuals with ownership interests and publish notices for two consecutive weeks. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency and public participation in governmental decision-making by ensuring citizens are adequately informed about significant matters affecting their communities, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1009 c1: 50.0311