From the Florida First Amendment Foundation:
(January 17, 2013) – It’s here! And it has an extra bonus this year. Links to the Florida Statutes and Attorney General Opinions are now embedded in the manual! No need to waste hours searching all over the web for the information. Just click on the link and go directly to that website. All of this and it is still only $9.99! Why wait for the printed version – click on this link and get yours today!
Introduction
Upon learning that the delegates to the Constitutional Convention had begun the proceedings by adopting a secrecy requirement, Thomas Jefferson decried their decision as an "abominable precedent" and added: "Nothing can justify this example but the innocence of their intentions, and ignorance of the value of public discussions."
Florida's constitution and laws unambiguously reflect the open government philosophy underlying Jefferson's comments. In our state, Transparency is not up to the whim or grace of public officials. Instead, it is an enforceable right of the people.
The benefits of open government are frequently acknowledged — transparency promotes accountability, aids the search for truth, and fosters consistency and fairness in governmental decision making. Fortunately, though, Florida's laws do not require that open government be justified by reference to these desirable consequences. We live in a state that values open government for its own sake, and for that we should all be thankful.
This year's edition of the Government in the Sunshine Manual incorporates laws, judicial decisions, and Attorney General opinions in place as of October 2012. Additional information about Florida's Sunshine Laws, including answers to frequently asked questions, is available through the Office of Attorney General's Internet homepage, which may be reached at www.myfloridalegal.com.
Suggestions from those who use this Manual are welcome and appreciated. Please forward comments to: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, PL-01, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
Pam BondiAttorney General
Also see FAF warned City of Naples against public records changes.
The Florida First Amendment Foundation is a member of NFOIC. — eds