TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 108, aiming to create transparency across the state and hold government agencies accountable.
The bill, which would also make sure the public is informed in a timely manner, has gained a lot of traction since January as lawmakers have pushed for a state-level “DOGE.”
Senate President Ben Albritton, explained that the bill makes small, technical changes to larger rules.
“This may be like watching paint dry,” Albritton said. “But at the end of the day, it is one of the boldest moves and important moves that the Florida Legislature will propose to state government.”
A key feature of SB 108 is its focus on increasing transparency in state licensing. It introduces new requirements for tracking how well agencies meet timeframes, ensuring that Floridians applying for licenses receive prompt responses.
The bill mandates a thorough review of existing agency rules to determine if they effectively implement the law or need to be kept, changed or repealed.
To promote transparency and public engagement, all materials related to rule reviews will be available online in an accessible format.
SB 108 amends the Administrative Procedures Act, which sets the standard procedures for Florida state agencies when exercising rulemaking authority.
The bill requires agencies to include existing rules in their annual regulatory plans and review 20% of all rules each year to identify necessary changes.
News4JAX Morning Show anchor Bruce Hamilton and his “Politics & Power” guests give you context and perspective on some of the most talked about stories that govern our world.
State agencies must submit a report every year by Jan. 1, detailing their intended actions for legislative review. These actions need to be completed or started by April 1.
The bill also sets a 90-day timeframe for agencies to publish notices of intended actions from the effective date of legislation.
All rules under review and adoption will be published electronically, with changes clearly marked for easy identification by the public.
Agencies must consider lower-cost alternatives and provide statements of estimated regulatory costs for rules with significant impacts.
Additionally, agencies can make emergency rules quickly if there is an urgent need, but these rules only last for a short time and must be posted online.
