Bill > H0655

This bill creates a new section in Florida Statutes to exempt certain meetings between government agencies and their attorneys from public meeting requirements when discussing claims related to private property rights under the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act. Specifically, during the 90-day notice period for such claims, meetings or parts of meetings can be closed to the public if the agency's attorney publicly states the need for advice on a claim, the discussion is limited to settlement negotiations or strategy, the entire session is recorded by a court reporter and transcribed, and public notice of the meeting time, date, and attendees is given, with the meeting commencing and concluding in an open session. The transcripts of these exempt meetings will become public records once the claim is settled or the statute of limitations expires without litigation. Furthermore, the transcripts, recordings, minutes, and other records generated during these exempt meetings are also exempt from public records requirements. This exemption is subject to a future legislative review and will be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless reenacted. The bill's stated purpose is to encourage pre-litigation settlement by allowing agencies to develop negotiation strategies confidentially, similar to how ongoing litigation is handled, thereby potentially limiting legal costs for all parties.

Government Affairs, Justice

Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (House), Government Operations Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/655