FL S0496

Preempts to the state all decisions regarding 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 or events in state history

Voids all existing and future local government ordinances, regulations, or rules that authorize removal or destruction of protected monuments, and imposes civil fines up to $1,000 on local officials who knowingly violate the preemption

Allows groups or individuals involved in designing, erecting, maintaining, or regularly using a monument to sue local governments for declaratory or injunctive relief, attorney fees, and actual damages up to $100,000

Requires local governments that unlawfully remove or destroy monuments to restore or relocate them within 3 years; if unable to pay, the state will fund restoration and withhold all arts, cultural, and historic preservation funding from that locality until reimbursed

Permits temporary removal only for military necessity or construction projects, requiring local governments to place funds in escrow and return the monument to its original or a comparably prominent location upon completion