FL H0455

State preemption of all removal, damage, or destruction of historic Florida monuments and memorials that have been displayed on public property for at least 25 years, voiding any existing or future local government ordinances to the contrary

Civil fines of up to $1,000 against local officials who knowingly violate the preemption, with public funds prohibited from defending or reimbursing such officials

Private right of action allowing groups involved in monument design, erection, or maintenance to sue for declaratory/injunctive relief and actual damages up to $100,000, plus attorney fees

Local governments that unlawfully remove monuments must restore or relocate them within 3 years; if unable, the state will do so and withhold all arts, cultural, and historic preservation funding until reimbursed

Temporary removal permitted only for military necessity or construction projects, requiring escrow funding and relocation to a site of similar prominence within the same county or municipality