CHAPTER 15

15.01 Duties.

(1) The Secretary of State shall serve as the state protocol officer. In consultation with the Governor and other governmental officials, the Secretary of State shall develop, maintain, publish, and distribute the state protocol manual.

(2) The Department of State shall have the custody of the constitution and Great Seal of this state, and of the original statutes thereof, and of the resolutions of the Legislature, and of all the official correspondence of the Governor. The department shall keep in its office a register and an index of all official letters, orders, communications, messages, documents, and other official acts issued or received by the Governor or the Secretary of State, and record these in a book numbered in chronological order.

The Governor, before issuing any order or transmission of any official letter, communication, or document from the executive office or promulgation of any official act or proceeding, except military orders, shall deliver the same or a copy thereof to the Department of State to be recorded.

History. — s. 1, ch. 1, 1845; ch. 1845, 1871; RS 73; GS 74; RGS 88; CG; s. 1, ch. 28086, 1953; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 41, ch. 95-147; s. 2, ch. 2000-258; s. 1, ch. 2020-93.

15.012 State flag.

History. — s. 2, ch. 70-300.

15.02 Custodian of state flag; state papers; state laws and legislative documents.

History. — s. 3, ch. 1, 1845; RS 74; GS 75; RGS 89; CGL 111; s. 2, ch. 28086, 1953; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.

15.03 State seal.

(1) The great seal of the state shall be of the size of the American silver dollar, having in the center thereof a view of the sun’s rays over a highland in the distance, a sabal palmetto palm tree, a steamboat on water, and an Indian female scattering flowers in the foreground, encircled by the words “Great Seal of the State of Florida: In God We Trust.”

(2)(

a) The Department of State shall be the custodian of the great seal of the state.

(3) Only the Department of State shall be authorized to affix the seal to any document for the purpose of attesting, certifying, or otherwise formalizing such document. Any facsimile or reproduction of the great seal shall be manufactured, used, displayed, or otherwise employed by anyone only upon the approval of the Department of State. The Department of State may grant a certificate of approval upon application to it by any person showing good cause for the use of the seal for a proper purpose.

The Department of State may adopt reasonable rules for the manufacture or use of the great seal or any facsimile or reproduction thereof. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History. — s. 4, ch. 1, 1845; RS 75; GS 76; RGS 90; CGL 112; s. 1, ch. 29841, 1955; s. 1, ch. 65-209; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; (2)(

a) former s. 21, Art. IV of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended; converted to statutory law by s. 10, Art. XII of the State Constitution as revised in 1968; s. 1, ch. 70-300; s. 11, ch. 71-136; s. 1, ch. 80-59.

15.0301 State motto.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2006-282.

15.031 State tree.

(1) The sabal palmetto palm, which is also known as the cabbage palm, and sometimes as the cabbage palmetto, a tree native to Florida, is hereby designated as the Florida state tree.

(2) Said state tree being now extensively used for commercial purposes, the provisions of this

section shall not be construed to limit in any manner said use thereof in business, industry, commerce, for food, or for any other commercial purposes.

History. — ss. 1, 2, ch. 28126, 1953.

15.0315 State fruit.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2005-38.

15.032 State beverage.

History. — s. 1, ch. 67-4.

15.0325 Official citrus archive.

History. — s. 57, ch. 2001-279.

15.0326 State anthem.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2008-233.

15.0327 State song.

History. — s. 2, ch. 2008-233.

15.033 State shell.

History. — s. 1, ch. 69-107.

15.0336 State stone.

History. — s. 1, ch. 79-278.

15.034 State gem.

History. — s. 1, ch. 70-53.

15.0345 Official state wildflower.

History. — s. 1, ch. 91-10.

15.035 Official state play.

History. — s. 1, ch. 73-79.

15.0353 Official state animal.

History. — s. 1, ch. 82-61.

15.036 Official state freshwater fish.

History. — s. 1, ch. 75-1.

15.037 Official state saltwater fish.

History. — s. 2, ch. 75-1.

15.038 State marine mammal and state saltwater mammal.

(1) The manatee, also commonly known as the sea cow, is hereby designated the Florida state marine mammal.

(2) The porpoise, also commonly known as the dolphin, is hereby designated as the Florida state saltwater mammal.

History. — s. 1, ch. 75-75.

15.0382 Official state butterfly.

History. — s. 1, ch. 96-153.

15.0385 Official state reptile.

History. — s. 1, ch. 87-18.

15.0386 Official state saltwater reptile.

History. — s. 2, ch. 2008-34; s. 1, ch. 2018-43.

15.03861 Official state tortoise.

History. — s. 25, ch. 2008-229.

15.039 Official state air fair.

History. — s. 1, ch. 76-45.

15.0391 Official state rodeo.

History. — s. 5, ch. 94-97.

15.0395 Official festival.

History. — s. 1, ch. 80-82; s. 6, ch. 2008-4.

15.0396 Official state moving image center and archive.

History. — s. 1, ch. 89-251.

15.041 Official litter control symbol.

History. — s. 1, ch. 78-296; s. 36, ch. 93-207.

15.043 Official state pageant.

History. — s. 1, ch. 79-196.

15.044 Official state opera program.

History. — s. 2, ch. 83-64.

15.0445 Official state renaissance festival.

History. — s. 6, ch. 94-97.

15.045 Official state railroad museums.

(1) Prior to representing to the general public that it is a Florida state railroad museum, a railroad museum must be authorized under subsection (2) and meet the following standards and criteria:

(2) The following railroad museums are entitled to designation as provided in subsection (1) upon meeting the standards and criteria contained in that subsection:

History. — s. 1, ch. 84-162.

15.0455 Official state history museum.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2021-71.

15.046 Official state transportation museum.

History. — s. 1, ch. 85-358.

15.0465 Official state flagship.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2012-158.

15.047 Official state soil.

History. — s. 1, ch. 89-16.

15.048 Official state fiddle contest.

History. — s. 1, ch. 89-62.

15.049 Official state band.

History. — s. 1, ch. 90-146.

15.051 Official Sports Hall of Fame.

History. — s. 1, ch. 88-415.

15.052 Official state pie.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2006-236.

15.0521 Official state honey.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2016-61.

15.0522 Official state dessert.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2022-12.

15.0526 Official state horse.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2008-34; s. 2, ch. 2018-43.

15.0527 Official state heritage cattle breed.

History. — s. 3, ch. 2018-43.

15.07 Acts and papers of the Legislature to be deposited with the Department of State.

History. — s. 1, ch. 1904, 1872; RS 78; GS 79; s. 10, ch. 7838, 1919; RGS 94; CGL 116; s. 7, ch. 24337, 1947; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.

15.08 Not to issue commission until tax therefor is paid.

History. — s. 1, ch. 1936, 1873; RS 79; GS 80; RGS 95; CGL 117; s. 5, ch. 28086, 1953; s. 3, ch. 81-260; s. 42, ch. 95-147.

15.09 Fees.

(1) The fees, except as provided by law, to be collected by the Department of State, are:

(2) The department may in its discretion establish a reasonable fee for filing or copying any document or instrument not mentioned herein or provided for in other laws.

(3) All fees arising from certificates of election or appointment to office and from commissions to officers shall be paid to the Chief Financial Officer for deposit in the General Revenue Fund.

(4) All funds collected by the Division of Corporations of the department shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund.

History. — s. 1, ch. 2089, 1877; RS 80; GS 81; RGS 96; CGL 118; s. 6, ch. 28086, 1953; s. 2, ch. 29841, 1955; s. 1, ch. 69-292; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 71-114; s. 22, ch. 76-209; s. 4, ch. 81-260; s. 3, ch. 83-217; s. 1, ch. 84-147; s. 55, ch. 90-132; s. 2, ch. 90-267; s. 11, ch. 95-430; s. 22, ch. 96-420; s. 24, ch. 97-153; ss. 30, 38, ch. 98-46; s. 21, ch. 99-218; ss. 39, 53, ch. 99-228; s. 6, ch. 2000-118; s. 10, ch. 2003-261; s. 2, ch. 2003-401; s. 1, ch. 2008-141.

15.092 Fees; exemption for state attorney.

(1) Copies of any document or certificate under seal as provided in this chapter.

(2) Any of the services provided in this chapter.

History. — s. 1, ch. 79-344; s. 43, ch. 95-147.

15.13 Administration of certain laws.

History. — s. 7, ch. 28086, 1953; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.

15.15 Publication of summaries of documents; charge.

History. — s. 1, ch. 67-392; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.

15.155 Legislative documents; Department of State to classify, number, and furnish copies of general laws, special acts, resolutions, and memorials.

(1) Immediately after any act of the Legislature or any resolution or memorial is filed in the office of the Department of State, the department shall:

(2) The Department of State shall distribute pamphlet copies of the general laws upon requisition to any official of the legislative, judicial, or executive branches of state or county government in this state. Surplus copies may be distributed to practicing attorneys in the state upon their written request and payment of a nominal fee sufficient to pay for mailing.

History. — ss. 1, 6, ch. 83-252; s. 4, ch. 88-32; ss. 30, 44, ch. 90-335; s. 19, ch. 98-136.

15.16 Reproduction of records; admissibility in evidence; electronic receipt and transmission of records; certification; acknowledgment.

(1) The Department of State may cause to be made copies of any records maintained by it by miniature photographic microfilming or microphotographic processes or any other photographic, mechanical, or other process heretofore or hereafter devised, including electronic data processing.

(2) Photographs, nonerasable optical images, or microphotographs in the form of film, facsimiles, or prints of any records made in compliance with the provisions of this

section shall have the same force and effect as the originals thereof and shall be treated as originals for the purpose of their admissibility in evidence. Duly certified or authenticated reproductions of such photographs, nonerasable optical images, or microphotographs shall be admitted in evidence equally with the original photographs, nonerasable optical images, or microphotographs.

(3)(

a) The Department of State may cause to be received electronically any records that are required or authorized to be filed with it pursuant to

chapter 48,

chapter 55,

chapter 117,

chapter 118,

chapter 495,

chapter 605,

chapter 606,

chapter 607,

chapter 610,

chapter 617,

chapter 620,

chapter 621,

chapter 679,

chapter 713, or

chapter 865, through facsimile or other electronic transfers, for the purpose of filing such records. The originals of all such electronically transmitted records must be executed in the manner provided in paragraph (5)(b). The receipt of such electronic transfer constitutes delivery to the department as required by law. The department may use electronic transmissions for purposes of notice in the administration of chapters 48, 55, 117, 118, 495, 605, 606, 607, 610, 617, 620, 621, 679, and 713 and s. 865.09.

The Department of State may collect e-mail addresses for purposes of notice and communication in the performance of its duties and may require filers and registrants to furnish such e-mail addresses when presenting documents for filing.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department may certify or acknowledge and electronically transmit any record maintained by it. The certification must be evidenced by a certification code on each page transmitted which must include the filing number of the document, date of transmission, and page number of the total number of pages transmitted, and a sequential certification number assigned by the department which will identify the transmission and be available for verification of any transmitted acknowledgment or certified document.

(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of State shall determine for purposes of electronic filing of any document placed under its jurisdiction for filing or recordation:

(6) The Department of State may use government or private sector contractors in the promotion or provision of any electronic filing services.

(7) The Secretary of State may issue apostilles conforming to the requirements of the international treaty known as the Hague Convention of 1961 and may charge a fee for the issuance of apostilles not to exceed $10 per apostille. The Secretary of State has the sole authority in this state to establish, in accordance with the laws of the United States, the requirements and procedures for the issuance of apostilles.

(8) The Department of State may use government or private sector contractors in the promotion or provision of any electronic filing services and may discount the filing fee in an amount equal to the convenience charge for such electronic filings.

History. — s. 1, ch. 67-15; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 89-341; s. 1, ch. 93-281; s. 12, ch. 99-218; s. 72, ch. 99-251; s. 3, ch. 2001-195; s. 1, ch. 2001-200; s. 1, ch. 2009-72; s. 1, ch. 2009-129; s. 11, ch. 2012-116; s. 12, ch. 2015-148; s. 1, ch. 2022-190; s. 1, ch. 2023-52; s. 1, ch. 2023-53.

15.18 International and cultural relations.

(1) Disseminate any information pertaining to the State of Florida which promotes the state’s cultural assets.

(2) Plan and carry out activities designed to cause improved cultural and governmental programs and exchanges with foreign countries.

(3) Plan and implement cultural and social activities for visiting foreign heads of state, diplomats, dignitaries, and exchange groups.

(4) Encourage and cooperate with other public and private organizations or groups in their efforts to promote the cultural advantages of Florida.

(5) Serve as the liaison with all foreign consular and ambassadorial corps, as well as international organizations, that are consistent with the purposes of this section.

(6) Provide, arrange, and make expenditures for the achievement of any or all of the purposes specified in this section.

History. — s. 1, ch. 80-159; s. 1, ch. 83-64; s. 1, ch. 86-163; s. 87, ch. 90-201; s. 30, ch. 91-5; s. 76, ch. 99-251; s. 5, ch. 2002-1; s. 12, ch. 2012-116; s. 2, ch. 2021-71; s. 7, ch. 2023-173.

15.182 International travel by state-funded musical, cultural, or artistic organizations; notification to the Department of State.

(1) If a musical, cultural, or artistic organization that receives state funding is traveling internationally for a presentation, performance, or other significant public viewing, including an organization associated with a college or university, such organization shall notify the Department of State in writing of its intentions to travel, together with the date, time, and location of each appearance.

The notice shall be provided to the department at least 30 days prior to the date the international travel is to commence or, when an intention to travel internationally is not formed at least 30 days in advance of the date the travel is to commence, as soon as feasible after forming such travel intention. The department shall take an active role in informing such artistic organizations of the responsibility to provide notice of international travel intentions.

(2) The Department of State, in conjunction with the Department of Commerce, shall act as an intermediary between performing musical, cultural, and artistic organizations and Florida businesses to encourage and coordinate joint undertakings. Such coordination may include, but is not limited to, encouraging business and industry to sponsor cultural events, assistance with travel of such organizations, and coordinating travel schedules of cultural performance groups and international trade missions.

History. — s. 4, ch. 97-278; s. 4, ch. 99-2; s. 5, ch. 2004-242; s. 38, ch. 2011-142; s. 2, ch. 2020-93; s. 8, ch. 2023-173.

15.21 Initiative petitions; s. 3, Art. XI, State Constitution.

(1) The Secretary of State shall immediately submit an initiative petition to the Attorney General if the sponsor has:

(2) If the Secretary of State has submitted an initiative petition to the Attorney General pursuant to subsection (1) but the validity of the signatures for such initiative petition has expired pursuant to s. 100.371(14)(

a) before securing ballot placement, the Secretary of State must promptly notify the Attorney General. The Secretary of State may resubmit the initiative petition to the Attorney General if the initiative petition is later circulated for placement on the ballot of a subsequent general election and the criteria under subsection (1) are satisfied.

History. — s. 1, ch. 87-363; s. 1, ch. 2002-390; s. 1, ch. 2004-33; s. 1, ch. 2020-15; s. 1, ch. 2022-73; s. 2, ch. 2025-21.