Bill > H0655

This bill creates a new section in Florida Statutes to provide an exemption from public meetings requirements for meetings or portions of meetings between government agencies and their attorneys when discussing claims related to private property rights under the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act. This exemption applies during the initial 90-day notice period for such claims and is intended to allow agencies to freely discuss settlement negotiations or strategy sessions without public scrutiny, thereby encouraging pre-litigation resolution and limiting attorney fees. To ensure accountability, these meetings must be recorded by a certified court reporter, with the transcript becoming a public record upon settlement of the claim or expiration of the statute of limitations if no litigation is filed. The bill also exempts the transcripts, recordings, minutes, and other records generated during these exempt meetings from public records requirements until they become public. This exemption is subject to future legislative review and will automatically be repealed on October 2, 2031, unless reenacted by the Legislature, and the bill states that these provisions are a public necessity to foster settlement and limit costs.

Government Affairs, Justice

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

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