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Commission adopts ordinance allowing legally required public notices to appear on county website instead of newspaper
Summary
The commission adopted an ordinance that updates the county code to permit legally required public notices to be posted on a county-maintained website in lieu of paid legal advertising, and asked staff to run notices in print through year‑end while the public is notified of the change.
The Hernando County Commission adopted an ordinance aligning the county’s public‑notice procedures with the recent change in state law that allows public agencies to post legally required notices on a county‑maintained website in lieu of paid newspaper advertisements.
Clerk staff explained that the state statute now permits a public agency to maintain a registry of property owners and to post notices online as long as the county maintains records and offers a mail or email opt‑in for citizens who request mailed notice. Commissioners also asked staff to run a public education notice in the county’s newspaper through the end of the year — including a QR code and a direct web link — to notify residents how to receive notices online or by mail while residents transition from print to digital.
Several commissioners said they supported the change as a cost‑saving measure. Staff confirmed that the county and several constitutional officers together spend roughly $50–60,000 per year on legal public notices; the ordinance is expected to reduce those costs. Commissioners also directed staff to ensure that the county’s engagement portal has subscription capabilities, and to maintain a printed‑notice option for residents who opt in by mail.
Ending: The board adopted the ordinance by roll call vote. Staff will publish transitional notices in print through December and finalize the county’s online notice subscription mechanism for January launch.
