For anyone who is considering buying real estate in Florida, this is usually an intriguing subject. The state of Florida has a long-held tradition for openness regarding the public's right to access governmental meetings and records. The emphasis on the public's right to know is not only upheld in the Florida statutes, but also in the Florida state Constitution. Here's a brief overview of how Florida's Sunshine Law came to where it is today.

• In 1909, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes went into effect, in what is now known as the "Public Records Law". This law provided that any records made or received by any public agency, during the course of official business, would be available for inspection, unless it was specifically exempted by the Legislature. Over the years, the definition of what can be considered "public records" has come to include not only written documents, but also tapes, photographs, film, sound recordings and computer records.

• In 1967, the Florida's Government-in-the Sunshine Law was enacted. The Sunshine Law can now be found in Chapter 286 of the Florida Statutes. This law grants a basic, public right of access to most meetings of boards, commissions and other governing bodies of state and local governmental agencies and authorities.

• Then in 1990, a Constitutional Amendment was passed, by an overwhelming vote, for open meetings in the legislative branch of government. In 1991, a Florida Supreme Court decision threatened this state's long-held belief in the public's right to know. So in 1992, the Attorney General's Office extended the open government application to the judiciary branch, by making these laws part of the Constitution.

Being born and raised in Central Florida, this type of public access is the only way I've ever known. I like knowing that I can walk into the courthouse and ask for documentation of all the meetings, or related information pertaining to a certain subject, and they have to give them to me. There is no organization on earth that could remain "For the people" instead of "for those in control", without accountability.

Here's a handy Pocket Guide to help further define "open meetings" and "public records".

Make a "Smart Choice" and call Lisa Hill when you're ready to buy real estate in the Daytona Beach area.