Attorney General Bill McCollum Press Release

March 17, 2009
Media Contact: Jenn Meale (850) 245-0150
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McCollum Unveils Sunshine Training Resources for Local Governments, Law Enforcement and Others

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today unveiled a series of new resources designed to provide training and information to local governments, boards and associations and law enforcement agencies on the requirements of Florida’s Sunshine and public records laws. The Attorney General launched a new website, http://www.myflsunshine.com, which will host a series of online training videos on topics related to the Sunshine law, including meeting notice requirements, rules for assessing fees and costs when responding to records requests, and exemption and redaction guidelines.

“It is vitally important that Florida’s citizens have access to their government and can hold government accountable. Our Sunshine laws were created to provide that transparency and accountability, and our public entities should strive for nothing less than full compliance,” said Attorney General McCollum. “MyFLSunshine.com will be the guidebook for operating in the Sunshine, and I urge our public entities to make use of this resource.”

In December, the Attorney General called on local governments, sheriffs and school districts to make government transparency their New Year’s Resolution and to commit to providing enhanced access to information. To better assist these public entities, the Attorney General’s online training resources will provide an expedient, efficient and cost-effective manner for public employees to further compliance with the public records and open government laws.

“MyFloridaSunshine.com is great -- simple and easy-to-use, the site provides an opportunity for citizens and government officials to gain vitally important information on Florida's open government laws,” said Barbara Petersen, President of the First Amendment Foundation.

In addition to five training videos, the website will offer a searchable database of official Attorney General Opinions issued on matters related to the Sunshine law, public records, and other open government questions. Citizens will also be provided with answers to frequently asked questions such as what qualifies as a meeting, what types of law enforcement records may be public record, and how much an agency can charges for public records. Information on the Attorney General’s mediation program is also available.

NOTE: The Attorney General will be available to discuss this initiative today at 11:00 a.m. in his Capitol Office.