Who does the Sunshine Law apply to?
The Sunshine Law applies to “any board or commission of any state agency or authority or of any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation or political subdivision.” Section 286.011, Florida Statutes.
What states have the Sunshine Law?
State legislation
The provisions of these laws vary considerably by state. Florida, Ohio, and Vermont are known for having pro-access freedom of information laws. Florida was one of the first states to enact an open-government “Sunshine Law”. (Florida’s nickname is “The Sunshine State”.)
Why is it called Sunshine Law?
Open records laws often referred to as Sunshine Laws, are laws that promote transparency; requiring certain proceedings of government agencies to be open or available to the public. The term sunshine law can be traced back to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, which was enacted in 1967.
What are sunshine laws and how do they impact democracy?
Sunshine laws provide the basis for the democratic process in the United States as people know it. Without open government and freedom of information requirements enforced by Sunshine laws, citizens would suffer from lack of knowledge, lack of access and lack of control in their own government.
Does Florida Sunshine Law apply to condo boards?
We are frequently asked the question, “What is the Sunshine Law?” Although Florida’s Sunshine in Government Act does not apply to community associations, the statutes applicable to condominiums, cooperatives, and homeowners’ associations each contain their own “sunshine” requirements.
How is a sunshine law different from a sunset law?
What is the difference between a sunset law and a sunshine law? Sunset law is provision in a law that sets an automatic end date for that law. Sunshine prohibits public officials from holding official meetings that are closed to pubic.
What is Florida public records law?
Florida began its tradition of openness back in 1909 with the passage of Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes or the “Public Records Law.” This law provides that any records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by the …
Does Georgia have a sunshine law?
The Georgia Open Records Act, or Georgia Sunshine Law, is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies at all levels in Georgia. The Georgia Open Meetings Act legislates the methods by which public meetings are conducted.
What are public records in Florida?
You are entitled to inspect and copy “public records,” including all documents, maps, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the official business of any agency. Fla. Stat. § 119.011(11).