FL S0050

Creates section 286.0114, F.S., requiring boards and commissions of state, county, and local agencies to give members of the public a reasonable opportunity to be heard before taking official action on propositions.

Allows the opportunity to be heard to occur at a meeting during the decisionmaking process within reasonable proximity in time before official action, rather than requiring it at the same meeting.

Permits boards and commissions to adopt rules limiting public comment to guidelines on speaking time, group representation procedures, notification forms, and designated comment periods.

Authorizes circuit courts to issue injunctions enforcing this section and requires courts to assess reasonable attorney fees against boards or commissions found in violation, unless the board prevails and the plaintiff acted in bad faith or frivolously.

Exempts emergency actions, ministerial acts, exempt meetings under section 286.011, and quasi-judicial proceedings from the public hearing requirement; effective October 1, 2013.