Bill > S0332

This bill creates a new section in Florida Statutes to allow government agencies to hold private meetings with their attorneys to discuss claims related to private property rights under the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act, which allows property owners to seek compensation when government actions diminish the value of their property. These private meetings, which are normally required to be public under Florida's open government laws (sections 286.011 and 119.07 of Florida Statutes, and Article I, Section 24 of the State Constitution), can be closed to the public only if the agency's attorney announces at a public meeting that they need to discuss a claim, the discussion is limited to settlement negotiations or strategy, the entire session is recorded by a court reporter and transcribed, and the agency provides public notice of the meeting's time, date, and attendees. The transcripts of these private meetings will become public records once the property rights claim is settled or if the statute of limitations expires without litigation or settlement, and the transcripts, recordings, minutes, and other records generated during these exempt meetings will also be kept confidential until that time. This exemption is intended to encourage settlement and is subject to a legislative review and repeal in 2031.

Government Affairs

Governmental Oversight and Accountability (Senate), Judiciary (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/332