2025-01_Public Records Exemtion for City Clerks and Employees RESOLUTION NO. 2025-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; URGING THE FLORIDA
STATE LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC RECORDS
• EXEMPTION FOR MUNICIPAL CLERKS AND EMPLOYEES WHO PERFORM
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS WORK OR HAVE ANY PART IN CODE ENFORCEMENT
FUNCTIONS OF A CITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, many municipal staff who perform duties that include, or result in, investigations into complaints
regarding election fraud, legal enforcement of hearings that could lead to a criminal prosecution or
code enforcement actions are exposed to threats and other acts of violence; and
WHEREAS, municipal clerks often administer elections and some election workers have been targeted for
threats and violence due to the nature of materials they are responsible for; and
WHEREAS, municipal clerks are often involved in legal enforcement proceedings in actions related to
violations of codes and ordinances and, occasionally, these proceedings have led to retaliation and
threats by defendants; and
WHEREAS, currently public records exemptions in Florida include those for local personnel who either
investigate, enforce, or otherwise provide a service that can result in contentious interactions when
action is taken and municipal clerks and their staffs fall within the need for a window for greater
protection; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Association of City Clerks is very concerned for the safety and well-being of the
municipal clerks and their staffs who serve the public on a daily basis and are, oftentimes, the first
contact of citizens with cities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee has complied with all requirements and procedures of Florida Law in
processing and adopting this Resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented
at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council; and properly
executed by the Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City:
SECTION 1. RECITALS ADOPTED. The foregoing "whereas" clauses are incorporated herein as
legislative findings by this reference and made a part hereof for all intents and purposes.
SECTION 2. The Mayor and Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, hereby urges and
encourages the Florida State Legislature to enact legislation to provide a public records exemption
for municipal clerks and employees who perform municipal elections work or have any part in code
enforcement functions of a municipality.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk is hereby directed and authorized to send a certified copy of this
Resolution to Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Erin Grail and Representative Kaylee Tuck, the
Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities, and the Florida League of Cities.
SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in Regular Session this 4th day of February 2025.
Dowling R.`Watford, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
ne Ga iotea, Cl�u , C ty Clerk
• REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SU ICIENCY:
J n J. Fumero, City A ne
Nason Yeager Gerso arris & Fumero, P.A.
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