Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers is celebrating 2021 Sunshine Week through March 20, recognizing Florida’s commitment to transparency and government in the sunshine.
“We have long been dedicated to protecting the public trust by enhancing access to records in ways that benefit all residents and providing services that promote local accountability. While Sunshine Week is only a weeklong recognition, our work on transparency and access is constant, and we look forward to further building on our efforts,” said Tara Green, Clay County clerk of court and comptroller and FCCC president, in a news release.
“This past year has further emphasized the importance of open, accessible government,”said Polk County Clerk of Court and Comptroller and immediate past FCCC President Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA, in the release.
“Focusing on online and over-the-phone services during the pandemic allowed Clerks to continue promoting transparency and accountability, as we navigated COVID-19 restrictions and prioritized the safety of our communities.”
Clerks uphold government transparency with accurate record-keeping and reporting and are committed to serving the public and maintaining open access to records and information.
Clerks perform services that include:
• Providing citizens access to public documents like court records, Board of County Commission meeting minutes, audits and more.
• Ensuring access to county financial information, including financial records, expenses and contracts.
• Offering services for the public to report and shed light on allegations of fraud, waste and other abuses in county or municipal government.
• Enhancing access to public information by providing more official documents and services online.
Florida has a history of protecting citizens’ rights to have access to public information. Beginning in 1909 with the Public Records Law and evolving to the Sunshine Law, Florida supports providing access and the ability to participate in government.
Florida’s Sunshine Laws rank among the strongest in the U.S., demonstrating the state’s commitment to protecting residents’ rights to remain informed and engaged.
Clerks and comptrollers encourage constituents to take advantage of the information they have at their disposal year-round. Visit www.flclerks.com/page/SunshineWeek or www.sunshineweek.org for more information about Sunshine Week.