Longwood commissioners approve ordinance restricting unauthorized access and recording in nonpublic areas

The Longwood City Commission on April 8 approved an ordinance that lets the city manager identify areas of city property as designated public forums, limited public forums, or nonpublic forums and prohibits audio and video recording in city areas that are not designated public forums.

Chief of Police David Douda told commissioners the proposal responds to increases in people recording public employees and members of the public in city-controlled spaces. "It is proper to prohibit the unauthorized public access to restricted non public areas and to prohibit video and or audio recording within any city building or property not classified as a designated public forum," Douda said during the meeting.

The ordinance text, read by title at the meeting, says it amends Longwood City Code chapter 2, article 1, to prohibit unauthorized access to nonpublic forums and to prohibit audio/video recording in areas other than designated public forums. City staff said the change is intended to allow reasonable time, place and manner restrictions while preserving First Amendment rights in traditional public forums such as parks and sidewalks.

Commissioners discussed privacy concerns for victims and other members of the public who interact with staff in areas such as police department lobbies, which staff said may be appropriately categorized as limited public forums. Mayor McMillan and other commissioners voiced support for the proposal; no commissioner raised a formal objection during the public discussion.

The motion to approve (agenda item 12A) passed on a roll-call vote, 5-0. Commissioner Boney made the motion and Deputy Mayor Sackett seconded it. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from Mayor McMillan, Deputy Mayor Sackett, Commissioner Shoemaker, Commissioner Boney and Commissioner Morgan.

The ordinance was scheduled for first reading and set for public hearing on April 21, 2025, per the staff recommendation. Staff said the ordinance gives the city manager authority to identify and classify forum types across city-owned or controlled property and to post or otherwise notify the public of forum designations where appropriate.

Commissioners and staff said they will provide clarifying signage and follow-up guidance so residents understand where recording is permitted and where it is restricted.

The measure takes effect according to the ordinance timeline and further implementation details provided at the public hearing and in staff guidance.