Overlapping Board Membership and the Sunshine Law

In AGO 2007-13, the Attorney General addressed the recurring issue of overlapping board membership and the implications of the Sunshine Law. Here, two Washington County Commissioners served as board members of the West Florida Regional Planning Council. A concern was raised that discuss at a planning council meeting a matter that might later come before them at the County.

After discussing the applicable provisions of the Florida Regional Planning Council Act, including the provisions that expressly require members of the local general purpose governments to serve on such councils, the Attorney General concluded that the two County Commissioners could take part in the regional planning council meetings without violating the Sunshine Law.

If you're interested in this issue, you'll also want to read AGO 98-14.