CHAPTER 14

14.01 Governor; residence; office; authority to protect life, liberty, and property.

History. — ch. 1660, 1868; RS 68; GS 69; RGS 83; CGL 104; s. 1, ch. 65-54; s. 32, ch. 95-147.

14.02 Governor may preserve peace and order by military force.

History. — s. 1, ch. 1745, 1870; RS 69; GS 70; RGS 84; CGL 105.

14.021 Governor; promulgation and enforcement of emergency rules and regulations.

(1) The Governor of Florida is hereby authorized and empowered to promulgate and enforce such emergency rules and regulations as are necessary to prevent, control, or quell violence, threatened or actual, during any emergency lawfully declared by the Governor to exist.

In order to protect the public welfare, persons and property of citizens against violence, public property damage, overt threats of violence, and to maintain peace, tranquillity, and good order in the state, these rules and regulations may control public parks, public buildings, or any other public facility in Florida and shall regulate the manner of use, the time of use, and persons using the facility during any emergency.

These rules and regulations shall have the same force and effect as law during any emergency and shall affect such persons, public buildings, and public facilities as in the judgment of the Governor shall best provide a safeguard for protection of persons and property where danger, violence, and threats exist or are threatened among the citizens of Florida.

(2) Whenever the Governor shall promulgate emergency rules and regulations, such rules and regulations shall be published and posted during the emergency in the area affected, in addition to any other notice required by law.

(3) The Governor shall have emergency power to call upon the military forces of the state or any other law enforcement agency, state or county, to enforce the rules and regulations authorized by this law.

(4) The powers herein granted are supplemental to and in aid of powers now vested in the Governor of this state under the constitution, statutory laws, and police powers of said state.

(5) The provisions of this

section shall continue in full force and effect until otherwise amended.

History. — ss. 1-4, 6, ch. 31389, 1956; s. 1, ch. 61-239; s. 1, ch. 65-95; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 18, ch. 78-95; s. 33, ch. 95-147.

14.022 Governor; emergency powers to quell violence.

(1) The Governor of Florida is hereby authorized and empowered to take such measures and to do all and every act and thing which she or he may deem necessary in order to prevent overt threats of violence or violence, to the person or property of citizens of the state and to maintain peace, tranquillity, and good order in the state, and in any political subdivision thereof, and in any area of the state designated by the Governor.

(2) The Governor when, in her or his opinion, the facts warrant, shall, by proclamation, declare that, because of unlawful assemblage, violence, overt threats of violence, or otherwise, a danger exists to the person or property of any citizen or citizens of the state and that the peace and tranquillity of the state, or any political subdivision thereof, or any area of the state designated by the Governor, is threatened, and because thereof an emergency, with reference to said threats and danger, exists.

In all such cases when the Governor shall issue a proclamation as herein provided she or he shall be and is hereby further authorized and empowered, to cope with said threats and danger, to order and direct any individual person, corporation, association, or group of persons to do any act which would in the Governor’s opinion prevent danger to life, limb, or property, prevent a breach of the peace or the Governor may order such individual person, corporation, association, or group of persons to refrain from doing any act or thing which would, in the Governor’s opinion, endanger life, limb, or property, or cause, or tend to cause, a breach of the peace, or endanger the peace and good order of society, and shall have full power by appropriate means to enforce such order or proclamation.

(3) The Governor, upon the issuance of a proclamation as provided for in subsection (2), is hereby authorized and empowered to take and exercise any, either, or all of the following actions, powers, and prerogatives:

(4) The Governor is hereby authorized and empowered to intervene in any situation where there exists violence, overt threats of violence to persons or property and take complete control thereof to prevent violence, or to quell violence or any disturbance or disorder which threatens the peace and good order of society.

(5) The powers herein granted are supplemental to and in aid of powers now vested in the Governor under the constitution, statutory laws and police powers of said state.

(6) The provisions of this

section shall continue in full force and effect until otherwise amended.

History. — ss. 1-6, ch. 31390, 1956; s. 2, ch. 61-239; s. 2, ch. 65-95; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 18, ch. 78-95; s. 2, ch. 91-95; s. 34, ch. 95-147.

14.03 Governor’s private secretary.

History. — s. 3, ch. 3, 1845; RS 71; GS 72; RGS 86; CGL 107; s. 35, ch. 95-147.

14.055 Succession to office of Governor.

History. — s. 1, ch. 70-171; s. 1, ch. 2003-171; s. 1, ch. 2006-53.

14.056 Succession as Acting Governor.

History. — s. 2, ch. 70-171; s. 36, ch. 95-147.

14.057 Governor-elect; establishment of operating fund.

(1) There is established an operating fund for the use of the Governor-elect during the period dating from the certification of his or her election by the Elections Canvassing Commission to his or her inauguration as Governor. The Governor-elect during this period may allocate the fund to travel, expenses, his or her salary, and the salaries of the Governor-elect’s staff as he or she determines. Such staff may include, but not be limited to, a chief administrative assistant, a legal adviser, a fiscal expert, and a public relations and information adviser.

The salary of the Governor-elect and each member of the Governor-elect’s staff during this period shall be determined by the Governor-elect, except that the total expenditures chargeable to the state under this section, including salaries, shall not exceed the amount appropriated to the operating fund. The Executive Office of the Governor shall supply to the Governor-elect suitable forms to provide for the expenditure of the fund and suitable forms to provide for the reporting of all expenditures therefrom.

The Chief Financial Officer shall release moneys from this fund upon the request of the Governor-elect properly filed.

(2) The Department of Management Services shall provide for the Governor-elect, the Governor-elect’s staff, and the inauguration staff temporary office facilities in the capitol center for the period extending from the day of the certification of the Governor-elect’s election by the Elections Canvassing Commission to the day of his or her inauguration.

(3) In the event an incumbent Governor is reelected for a second consecutive term the moneys appropriated hereby to the operating fund for the Governor-elect shall revert to the general revenue fund. An incumbent Governor reelected for a second consecutive term shall not be considered a Governor-elect for the purposes of expending the operating fund established in subsection (1).

History. — ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 70-1006; s. 59, ch. 79-190; s. 137, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 37, ch. 95-147; s. 7, ch. 2003-261.

14.058 Inauguration expense fund.

History. — s. 4, ch. 70-1006; s. 60, ch. 79-190; s. 38, ch. 95-147; s. 8, ch. 2003-261.

14.06 Governor authorized to employ clerical assistance for departments of state.

History. — s. 1, ch. 11369, 1925; CGL 109.

14.2001 Votes by Governor and Cabinet.

History. — s. 2, ch. 2003-6.

14.201 Executive Office of the Governor.

History. — s. 1, ch. 79-190.

14.2016 Division of Emergency Management.

History. — s. 11, ch. 2011-142.

14.2019 Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention.

(1) The Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention is created within the Department of Children and Families.

(2) The statewide office shall, within available resources:

(3) The Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention may seek and accept grants or funds from any federal, state, or local source to support the operation and defray the authorized expenses of the office and the Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council. Revenues from grants shall be deposited in the Grants and Donations Trust Fund within the Department of Children and Families. In accordance with s. 216.181(11), the Executive Office of the Governor may request changes to the approved operating budget to allow the expenditure of any additional grant funds collected pursuant to this subsection.

(4) Agencies under the control of the Governor or the Governor and Cabinet are directed, and all others are encouraged, to provide information and support to the Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention as requested.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2007-46; s. 1, ch. 2011-51; s. 1, ch. 2014-19.

14.20195 Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council; creation; membership; duties.

(1) SCOPE OF ACTIVITY. —

(2) MEMBERSHIP. —

(3) MEETINGS. —

History. — s. 2, ch. 2007-46; s. 1, ch. 2008-6; s. 2, ch. 2010-159; s. 1, ch. 2010-204; s. 2, ch. 2011-51; s. 37, ch. 2011-142; s. 2, ch. 2014-19.

14.202 Administration Commission.

History. — s. 1, ch. 79-190; s. 39, ch. 95-147; s. 6, ch. 98-200; s. 3, ch. 2003-6.

14.23 State-Federal relations.

(1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT. —

(2) CREATION OF THE OFFICE OF STATE-FEDERAL RELATIONS. —

(3) COOPERATION. —

(4) ANNUAL REPORT. —

(5)(

a) NOMINATIONS TO FEDERAL REGIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT COUNCILS.—The Governor is prohibited from nominating for appointment to any one of the federal fisheries management councils established under 16 U.S.C. ss. 1801 et seq., as amended, the name of any person who is, or who has been at any time during the 24 months preceding such nomination, a lobbyist for any entity of any kind whatsoever whose interests are or could be affected by actions or decisions of such fisheries management councils.

History. — ss. 5, 6, ch. 77-419; s. 9, ch. 79-190; s. 1, ch. 95-303; s. 1, ch. 98-188; s. 2, ch. 2011-155.

14.235 Federal Grants Trust Fund; Executive Office of the Governor.

(1) The Federal Grants Trust Fund is created within the Executive Office of the Governor.

(2) The trust fund is established for use as a depository for funds to be used for allowable grant activities funded by restricted program revenues from federal sources. Moneys to be credited to the trust fund shall consist of grants and funding from the Federal Government, interest earnings, and cash advances from other trust funds. Funds shall be expended only pursuant to legislative appropriation or an approved amendment to the office’s operating budget pursuant to the provisions of

chapter 216.

(3) Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, any balance in the trust fund at the end of any fiscal year shall remain in the trust fund at the end of the year and shall be available for carrying out the purposes of the trust fund.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2011-65; s. 2, ch. 2014-48.

14.24 Florida Commission on the Status of Women.

(1) There is established in the Office of the Attorney General the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, consisting of 22 members. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Attorney General, and the Governor shall each appoint four members, and the Chief Financial Officer and the Commissioner of Agriculture shall each appoint three members, for a term of 4 years. The members appointed shall include persons who represent rural and urban interests and the ethnic and cultural diversity of the state’s population.

No member shall serve more than 8 consecutive years on the commission. A vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

(2) The commission shall meet once in the first, second, and fourth quarters of each year and upon the call of the chairperson or two other officers. Annually, at the meeting in the first quarter, officers consisting of a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, and treasurer shall be elected. Each officer shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified. No officer shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

(3) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses in accordance with s. 112.061.

(4) It shall be the duty of the commission to study the changing and developing roles of women in American society. The study shall include, but not be limited to, the following areas:

(5) The commission may apply for and accept funds, grants, gifts, and services from the state, the government of the United States or any of its agencies, or any other public or private source for the purpose of defraying clerical and administrative costs as may be necessary in carrying out its duties under this section.

(6) Beginning January 1, 1993, the commission shall report annually on January 1 to the Governor, the Attorney General, the Cabinet, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the minority leaders of the House and Senate on the study carried out under the provisions of this section.

History. — ss. 1, 2, ch. 91-77; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 4, ch. 2003-6.

14.26 Citizen’s Assistance Office.

(1) There is created in the Executive Office of the Governor the Citizen’s Assistance Office. The head of the Citizen’s Assistance Office shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

(2) The Citizen’s Assistance Office may:

(3) The Citizen’s Assistance Office shall report to the Governor on:

(4) The Citizen’s Assistance Office shall refer consumer-oriented complaints to the Division of Consumer Services of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

(5) The Citizen’s Assistance Office shall perform such other duties as the Executive Office of the Governor shall direct.

History. — s. 7, ch. 79-190; s. 27, ch. 2010-102.

14.28 Executive clemency.

History. — s. 6, ch. 93-405; s. 1, ch. 95-356; s. 2, ch. 96-406.

14.29 Florida Commission on Community Service.

(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to provide a means by which the state may develop a coordinated, unified plan in response to the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. Toward this end, the state may establish policies and procedures relating to the expenditure of funds to develop and facilitate community outreach initiatives. Such efforts shall be geared towards promoting community service in conjunction with any existing programs in an effort to address the state’s human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs by fostering greater civic responsibility.

(2) There is established the Florida Commission on Community Service, which is assigned to the Executive Office of the Governor. The commission shall be administratively housed within the Executive Office of the Governor, but it shall independently exercise the responsibilities assigned herein or as required to comply with the terms and conditions of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The commission shall serve as an advisory board to the Governor and Cabinet, the Legislature, and appropriate state agencies and entities on matters relating to volunteerism and community service.

(3)(

a) The commission shall consist of no less than 15 and no more than 25 voting members to be appointed on a bipartisan basis by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Any number of nonvoting members may be appointed by the Governor. Voting members may represent one, or any combination of the following categories, so long as each of the respective categories is represented:

(4) Members of the commission shall serve for terms of 3 years. Members may be reappointed for successive terms. A vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

(5) The commission shall meet at the call of its chair or at the request of a majority of its total voting membership, but shall meet at least biannually. A majority of the total voting membership shall constitute a quorum, and the affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum is necessary to take official action.

(6) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but voting members shall be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses in accordance with s. 112.061.

(7) The commission shall:

(8) The commission may:

(9)(

a) The commission may establish a direct-support organization which is:

History. — s. 1, ch. 94-221; s. 1311, ch. 95-147; s. 2, ch. 95-196; s. 2, ch. 2001-84; s. 20, ch. 2001-266; s. 3, ch. 2002-1; s. 1, ch. 2014-96.

14.295 Florida Volunteer and Community Service Act of 2001.

(1) This act may be cited as the “Florida Volunteer and Community Service Act of 2001.”

(2) It is the intent of the Legislature to promote the development of better communities by fostering greater civic responsibility through volunteerism and service to the community. Toward this end, the Executive Office of the Governor may establish policies and procedures which provide for the expenditure of funds to develop and facilitate initiatives by public agencies, scholastic institutions, private institutions, and individuals that establish and implement programs that encourage and reward volunteerism.

(3) Initiatives and programs developed pursuant to this act shall have the following purposes and objectives:

History. — s. 1, ch. 2001-84.

14.31 Florida Faith-based and Community-based Advisory Council.

(1) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS. —

(2) LEGISLATIVE INTENT. —

(3) ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL. —

(4) MEETINGS; ORGANIZATION. —

(5) SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES. —

(6) RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES. —

(7) REPORT. —

History. — s. 1, ch. 2006-9; s. 1, ch. 2011-155.

14.32 Office of Chief Inspector General.

(1) There is created in the Executive Office of the Governor the Office of Chief Inspector General. The Chief Inspector General is responsible for promoting accountability, integrity, and efficiency in the agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor. The Chief Inspector General shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. However, upon a change in Governors or reelection of the Governor, the Governor shall appoint, or may reappoint, a Chief Inspector General before adjournment sine die of the first regular session of the Legislature that convenes after such change in Governors or reelection of the Governor.

(2) The Chief Inspector General shall:

(3) Related to public-private partnerships, the Chief Inspector General:

(4) The Chief Inspector General shall serve as the inspector general for the Executive Office of the Governor.

(5) In exercising authority under this section, the Chief Inspector General or his or her designee may:

History. — s. 9, ch. 94-235; s. 14, ch. 2011-142; s. 1, ch. 2014-144; s. 2, ch. 2015-173.

14.33 Medal of Heroism.

(1) The Governor may award a Medal of Heroism of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer, as defined in s. 943.10(14); a firefighter, as defined in s. 112.191(1)(b); an emergency medical technician, as defined in s. 401.23(11); or a paramedic, as defined in s. 401.23(17).

A recipient must have distinguished himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity, must have risked his or her life deliberately above and beyond the call of duty while performing duty in his or her respective position, and must have engaged in hazardous or perilous activities to preserve lives with the knowledge that such activities might result in great personal harm.

(2) A candidate or person seeking to nominate a candidate for the award must make written application to the Governor. The Governor may refer an application to any public or private entity for advice and recommendations regarding the application.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2003-51.

14.34 Governor’s Medal of Merit.

(1) The Governor may present, in the name of the State of Florida, a medal to be known as the “Governor’s Medal of Merit,” which shall bear a suitable inscription and ribbon of appropriate design, to:

(2)(

a) In the event of the death of an individual who has been chosen to receive the Governor’s Medal of Merit, the medal shall be presented to a designated representative of the chosen recipient.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2004-228; s. 10, ch. 2012-116; s. 1, ch. 2012-159.