FL S1816

Preempts to the state all authority over the removal, damage, or destruction of historic Florida monuments and memorials, defined as permanent displays on public property that have been in place for at least 25 years honoring significant persons, places, or events in state history

Declares void any existing or future local government ordinances, regulations, or executive actions authorizing removal or destruction of such monuments, with courts required to issue permanent injunctions; good faith reliance or advice of counsel is not a valid defense

Imposes civil fines of up to $1,000 on elected or appointed local government officials who knowingly and willfully violate the preemption, and prohibits the use of public funds to defend or reimburse those officials

Grants standing to groups involved in the design, erection, or care of a monument—or persons regularly using it for remembrance—to sue for declaratory or injunctive relief, attorney fees, and actual damages up to $100,000

Requires local governments that unlawfully remove or destroy a monument to restore or relocate it within 3 years; if they lack funds, the state must restore it and withhold all arts, cultural, and historic preservation funding from the local government until fully reimbursed