Which Florida State Statute governs the "Sunshine Law"?

The Sunshine Law in Florida is governed by Statute 119, which is focused on open records and public access to government information. This law mandates that all public records be made available to the public unless specifically exempted. The intent behind the Sunshine Law is to promote transparency and ensure that citizens have the opportunity to observe the workings of government and hold officials accountable.

By ensuring access to records, individuals can be informed about government activities and decisions, thereby enhancing democratic engagement. This statute is essential in fostering accountability within public agencies. It also highlights the importance of maintaining a transparent government, where the publics’ right to know is protected, and government entities are required to disclose information to the public.

In contrast, the other statutes mentioned do not deal with the Sunshine Law. Statute 114 focuses on the powers and duties of the Florida Department of State, Statute 121 addresses retirement benefits for public employees, and Statute 111 pertains to the carrying of concealed weapons. Understanding the specific focus of each statute helps clarify why 119 is the correct answer as it specifically pertains to public access to records and government transparency.