Ordinances and resolutions are defined by Section 166.041(1), Florida Statutes:

  • Ordinance means an official, legislative action of a governing body, which action is a regulation of a general and permanent nature and enforceable as a local law.
  • Resolution means an expression of a governing body concerning matters of administration, expression of a temporary character, or a provision for the disposition of a particular item of the administrative business of the governing body.

Procedures for Adoption

  • Each ordinance or resolution is introduced in writing and embraces  one subject only, and that subject shall be clearly stated in the title.
  • The majority of the members of the governing body shall constitute a quorum.  The affirmative vote of the majority of a quorum present shall be necessary to enact any ordinance or adopt any resolution, except a two-thirds vote is necessary to pass an emergency ordinance.
  • All ordinances or resolutions shall become effective as provided therein.
  • Every ordinance or resolution shall, upon its final passage, be recorded in a book specifically for that purpose and shall be signed by the mayor and the city clerk.

Ordinances

  • No ordinance shall be revised or amended by reference to its title only; the ordinances shall set out in full the revised or amended act or section or subsection or paragraph of a section or subsection.
  • A proposed ordinance may be read by title, or in full, on at least two separate days and shall be noticed once in the newspaper or general circulation in the municipality at least 10 days prior to adoption.  The notice of proposed enactment shall state the date, time, and place of the meeting, the title or titles of proposed ordinances and the place and where the proposed ordinances may be inspected by the public.
  • The notice shall also advise that interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.