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City considers moving legal notices online; clerk to research costs and accessibility
Summary
Assistant City Attorney Stephen Conteaguero outlined steps to meet Florida Statutes for online publication of legal notices, including a required public hearing, an interlocal agreement with the county, and a registrant database; the City Clerk will research costs and staffing impacts for council review.
Assistant City Attorney Stephen Conteaguero presented a one‑page summary describing steps the city must take to publish legal notices online under Florida Statutes. The steps outlined at the March 17 meeting include: (1) hold a public hearing to determine whether residents have sufficient internet access so online notices will not unreasonably restrict access; (2) set up an Online Notice System using the county website and enter an interlocal agreement with the county to provide searchable notices and a conspicuous link on the City's homepage; (3) publish notices annually in the newspaper or mail/email to residents and property owners who opt into a registry; and (4) ensure electronic distribution and acceptance for bid notices and proposals, requiring registry software and staff responsibilities.
City Clerk Lane Gamiotea requested time to research software costs, confirm staff responsibilities, and clarify which notices would still require newspaper publication. The council unanimously agreed by consensus to have the clerk complete the research and have the City Attorney review the county's materials regarding resident internet access; staff will return with findings before any decision is made to adopt the method.
