FL H0745

Reduces Polk County Historical Commission membership from 13 to 9 members, including the Board of County Commissioners chairperson, five district representatives, two at-large members, and a Polk County Library Cooperative representative

Establishes staggered 3-year terms for members (with initial terms of 2, 3, or 4 years to create stagger), limits members to one additional reappointment, and provides automatic removal for three consecutive unexcused absences

Requires a quorum of five members and mandates the commission meet at least quarterly; requires the commission to select a chairperson and vice chairperson annually and adopt bylaws

Authorizes the commission to develop funding sources, serve as an advisory body, and apply for grants for the Polk County Historical Museum and Genealogical Library; allows the commission to solicit and act as trustee for bequests and donations

Creates a dedicated Historical Museum and Genealogical Library (HMGL) account to hold all funds from grants, gifts, donations, and county appropriations, with all moneys restricted solely to historical preservation purposes and prohibited from diversion

Eliminates provisions regarding the Polk County Historical Association and requires the Clerk of the Circuit Court to file and record historical materials without charge