Florida’s “Sunshine Law” and Governor DeSantis’s meeting in Israel
Bottom Line: Is this much ado about nothing, or a principal worth fighting for? That is the question. Governor Ron DeSantis’s ambitious mission of many firsts in Israel includes the state’s first cabinet meeting in the country as well. It’s set to happen today. But not if The First Amendment Foundation or a consortium of Florida’s news papers had it their way. A lawsuit filed citing Florida’s “Sunshine Law”, or transparency law, was attempted. First,here’s what Florida’s law actually states:
Public meetings and records; public inspection; criminal and civil penalties.—
(1) All meetings of any board or commission of any state agency or authority or of any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution, including meetings with or attended by any person elected to such board or commission, but who has not yet taken office, at which official acts are to be taken are declared to be public meetings open to the public at all times, and no resolution, rule, or formal action shall be considered binding except as taken or made at such meeting. The board or commission must provide reasonable notice of all such meetings.
The cabinet meeting must be open. Is it open? Check. There must be reasonable notice of the meeting. Is there? I guess that’s what the courts are supposed to decide. What the definition of “reasonable” is. First, note that initial opposition to the cabinet meeting included comments suggesting that a foreign meeting wasn’t fair and potentially violated the law. Clearly it doesn’t. In fact, by the letter of the law you could hold a cabinet meeting in Antarctica if there was “reasonable” notice provided. Whatever that might be for that type of meeting. I guess the good thing is that people are finally becoming educated about how government works and what the laws are in Florida. As for my thoughts. Televise the meeting and hold open an opportunity for public comment/input which could be done virtually and through digital communication.The lawsuit was dismissed because it wasn’t properly served. That means the meeting happens.
It seems to me that this is a little political posturing by Governor DeSantis and a bit of partisanship by those challenging. There’s middle ground here.Governor DeSantis said it’ll be streamed and made the prediction that more people will watch this meeting because it’s in Israel, than observe in Tallahassee. He’s probably right.