HomeMy WebLinkAbout25-068 RESOLUTION NO.2025-068
A RESOLUTION BY THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ADOPTING POLICIES FOR
COMMISSION MEETING PROTOCOL, PROCEDURES &
DECORUM AND RULES OF DECORUM FOR PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION AT COMMISSION MEETINGS.
WHEREAS, Section 125.01(1)(a), F.S., provides the governing body of a county shall have the
power to carry on county government and the power to adopt its own rules of procedure,select its officers,
and set the time and place of its official meetings; and
WHEREAS, Section 286.011, F.S., provides that all meetings of any board or commission at
which official acts are to be taken are declared to be public meetings open to the public at all times, and
no resolution,rule,or formal action shall be considered binding except as taken or made at such meeting;
and
WHEREAS, Section 286.0114(2), F.S., provides that members of the public shall be given a
reasonable opportunity to be heard on a proposition before a board or commission and the opportunity to
be heard is subject to rules or policies adopted by the board or commission; and
WHEREAS, Section 286.0114(4), F.S., provides that rules or policies of a board or commission
which govern the opportunity to be heard can include guidelines regarding the amount of time an
individual has to address the board or commission; procedures for allowing representatives of groups or
factions on a proposition to address the board or commission (rather than all members of such groups or
factions, at meetings in which a large number of individuals wish to be heard); and designate a specified
period of time for public comment; and
WHEREAS,the Board finds that adopting policies and procedures governing all meetings of the
BOCC will ensure good order and discipline, proper decorum, as well as orderly and efficient meetings
so that BOCC business may be completed efficiently, effectively, and timely.
WHEREAS, the Board finds that it is in the best interest of the general public to adopt its own
rules and policies in compliance with state statutes and follow such rules and policies when providing an
opportunity for members of the public to be heard.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners for St. Lucie
County,Florida:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.
2. The Policies attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit"A", St. Lucie County Board of
County Commissioners Commission Meeting Protocol, Procedures & Decorum, and Exhibit "B", Rules
of Decorum for Public Participation at Commission Meetings, are hereby adopted.
3. Except as amended herein, the remaining terms of Resolutions 95-236 and 17-166 (policy
concerning ex parte communications) and Resolution 13-243 (policy concerning opportunity to be heard
before Advisory Boards, Commission, and Committees) shall remain in full force and effect.
4. This Resolution shall be effective upon adoption.
After motion and second,the vote on this resolution was as follows:
Jamie Fowler, Chair Yes
Larry Leet,Vice Chair Yes
James Clasby, Commissioner Yes
Erin Lowry, Commissioner Yes
Cathy Townsend, Commissioner Yes
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this ig day of inoAtt , 2025.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: ST. LUCIE COUNTY,FLORIDA
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Deputy Clerk GDM M/ac, Chair
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ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COMMISSION MEETING PROTOCOL, PROCEDURES &
DECORUM
BOCC POLICY ADOPTED ON MARCH 18,2025
A. BOARD AUTHORITY:
Pursuant to Sections 125.01(1)(a) and 286.0114, F.S., the St. Lucie County Board of County
Commissioners(BOCC)has the authority to adopt its own rules of procedure and decorum for the conduct
of its meetings. It is the policy of the BOCC that these protocols and procedures shall govern all meetings
of the BOCC to ensure good order and discipline, proper decorum, and adherence to the local, state and
federal laws governing public meetings.
B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
1. Open to the public; exemptions. All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public in
accordance with Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, Section 286.011, F.S., with the
exception of those meetings statutorily exempt such as meetings relating to collective bargaining
conducted pursuant to Section 447.605,F.S. and litigation sessions conducted pursuant to Section
286.011(8), F.S.
2. Seating Capacity.Due to the need to comply with seating capacity and safety requirements,there
may be occasions when entrance by the public to the BOCC Chambers or other meeting rooms
shall be limited. When the seating capacity in the BOCC Chambers or other meeting rooms has
been met, the County shall endeavor to accommodate overflow seating elsewhere in the meeting
vicinity.
3. Accessibility. All BOCC meetings will be conducted in a publicly accessible building.
C. QUORUM:
1. Quorum required. The BOCC Chair will call the meeting to order, having ascertained that a
quorum is present. A quorum must be present for business to be conducted. At minimum, three
Commissioners must be physically present to constitute a quorum and proceed with Board action.
2. Participation by Absent BOCC Member at Regular Meetings. Upon the determination by an
affirmative vote of at least three (3) Board Members present in the BOCC Chambers or other
meeting room that extraordinary circumstances exist to justify the absence of any BOCC Member
from said meeting, and assuming a quorum of the BOCC is otherwise present, the BOCC may
allow the participation of the physically absent BOCC Member. The decision of the BOCC shall
Ex. A to Resolution 2025-068 Page 1 of 9
take place prior to or at the beginning of the subject meeting and shall be based upon the facts and
circumstances of each request.The physically absent BOCC Member may not vote on any motion
authorizing such participation.The physically absent BOCC Member must take all steps necessary
to provide an interactive communication between the meeting location and the location of the
physically absent BOCC Member, and at a minimum must provide interactive voice
communication, but should also endeavor to provide interactive video communication whenever
possible. In instances in which the physically absent BOCC Member participates in the meeting,
said BOCC Member shall also be allowed to cast his/her vote. Virtual attendance shall also be
allowed if the in-person requirement for constituting a quorum is lawfully suspended during a state
of emergency or otherwise waived by law.
3. Loss of Quorum.In the event that quorum is lost after a meeting has commenced because a BOCC
Member leaves the BOCC Chambers or other meeting room temporarily, or a BOCC Member is
required to depart a BOCC meeting prior to adjournment that causes a loss of quorum, no further
official action may be taken until or unless a quorum is restored, other than adjournment.
4. No Quorum. If the BOCC is unable to constitute a quorum,the Chair,the Vice Chair, or in their
absence, another BOCC Member, in order of seniority, shall adjourn the meeting. The Deputy
Clerk shall record in the minutes the names of the BOCC Members present and their action at such
meeting.
D. ROLE OF OFFICERS:
1. Chair. The BOCC Chair presides at all meetings of the BOCC.The Chair's responsibilities shall
include, but are not be solely limited to:
a. Open the meeting at the appointed time and call the meeting to order, having ascertained that
a quorum is present.
b. Recognize all BOCC Members who seek the floor under correct procedure. All questions and
comments are to be directed through the Chair,and the Chair declares all votes.
c. Preserve decorum and order, and in case of disturbance or disorderly conduct in the BOCC
Chambers or other meeting room, may cause the same to be cleared or cause any disruptive
individual to be removed.
d. Call to order any BOCC Member who violates any of these rules.
e. Expedite business in every way compatible with the rights of the BOCC Members.
f. For the Chair to make a motion,the gavel must be relinquished.The gavel shall be relinquished
in the following order:
i. to the Vice Chair;
ii. to other BOCC Members based upon seniority.
The Presiding Officer who relinquishes the chair should not return to it until the pending main
question has been disposed of.
Ex. A to Resolution 2025-068 Page 2 of 9
g. Declare the BOCC meeting adjourned when all agenda items have been introduced and
disposed of by the BOCC, or at any time in the event of an emergency affecting the safety of
those present.
h. Execute contracts and other instruments in writing necessary whenever required.
2. Vice Chair. In the absence of the Chair or in the event of the Chair's inability to serve by reason
of illness or accident or emergency situations,the Vice Chair shall perform the duties and functions
of the Chair until the Chair is available and able to resume the responsibilities of the Presiding
Officer.
3. Deputy Clerk. The Deputy Clerk designated by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
shall attend all meetings of the BOCC and is responsible for maintaining the minutes of the
proceedings of each Regular, Informal, Special and Emergency meeting. Minutes from prior
meetings will be approved by a majority of the Commissioners present during the Approval of the
Minutes portion of the Regular meeting, and upon such approval shall become official minutes.
E. RULES OF DEBATE:
1. BOCC Decorum.
a. While all BOCC Members have equal rights and privileges, a BOCC Member shall not speak
until recognized by the Chair.
b. A BOCC Member once recognized shall not be interrupted when speaking.
c. Only one question at a time may be considered,and only one person may have the floor at any
one time.
d. BOCC Members have a right to know what the pending question is and to have it restated
before a vote is taken.
e. Personal remarks or side discussions during a meeting are out of order.
f. A BOCC Member will be deemed to have yielded the floor when he or she has finished
speaking. A BOCC Member may claim the floor only when recognized by the Chair.
2. Motions.
a. All motions shall be made and seconded for deliberation. If a motion is not carried by at least
a majority of the BOCC Members present, or as otherwise required by law,the motion fails.
b. When the Chair calls for a vote on a motion, every BOCC Member who was in the BOCC
chambers or other meeting room must give her/his vote,unless the BOCC Member has publicly
stated that she/he is abstaining from voting due to a conflict of interest, pursuant to Section
Ex. A to Resolution 2025-068 Page 3 of 9
112.3143 or Section 286.012,F.S., or other Florida law.
F.PUBLIC DECORUM:
Individuals wishing to speak during Public Comment or a Public Hearing must abide by the Rules of
Decorum for Public Participation at Commission Meetings adopted by the BOCC.
G. REGULAR MEETING ORDER OF BUSINESS:
1. Agenda Format for Regular Meetings. The following summarizes the formal Board proceedings
in the order presented.
a. Call to order.
The meeting is called to order by the Chair,which officially begins the proceedings.
b. Invocation.
Participation is voluntary.
c. Pledge of allegiance.
Patriotic recited verse that pays homage and allegiance to the flag of the United States and the
republic of the United States of America. Participation is voluntary.
d. Recess for special district meetings.
Special district meetings consist of Mosquito District,Erosion District, Sustainability District,
and Environmental Control District. A recess is conducted only if special district meetings are
scheduled. If not,the Chair will proceed to approval of the agenda.
e. Approval of agenda.
The BOCC will approve the proposed additions, deletions, and revisions to the published
agenda. Only items listed on the official agenda will be acted upon unless additional items are
authorized by a majority of the BOCC Members present.
f. Presentations.
Presentations during this portion of the Board meeting recognize a variety of subjects to
include special recognition (staff/community), constituent engagement, outside and
government agency discussions, and similar items as approved by the County Administrator
and Chair. Presentations are limited to two (2)per meeting and fifteen (15) minutes in length
unless special circumstances dictate otherwise.All presentations must be submitted for review
and approval ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting. This presentation portion of the
meeting excludes public hearing and regular agenda items. Those presentations are provided
during Public Hearing and the Regular Agenda.
g. Public comment(excluding Public Hearing Items).
The BOCC recognizes the important right of individuals to express their opinions on the
operation of the County government and encourages participation in the local government
process by expressing opinions on BOCC business. The BOCC also recognizes the necessity
for conducting orderly and efficient meetings so that BOCC business may be completed
Ex.A to Resolution 2025-068 Page 4 of 9
efficiently,effectively,and timely.Members of the public wishing to speak at BOCC meetings
shall comply with the procedures set forth below and the St. Lucie County Board of County
Commissioner Rules of Decorum for Public Participation at Commission Meetings,as adopted
by the BOCC.
Time is allotted at each meeting for general public comment. Comments may pertain to any
matter related to the BOCC's duties as the County's governing body or proposition before the
BOCC.To provide a mutual respect between the Board Members and the public,speakers will
be requested that comments not be directed personally against a BOCC Member or staff
member but rather directed at the issue. Individual speakers have three(3)minutes to address
the BOCC.An authorized representative of an organization has five(5)minutes to address the
BOCC. These time limits are established to keep meeting discussions focused, maximize
participation, and to accommodate as much input as possible from those in attendance. The
Chair has the discretion to either extend or reduce the time limits for public comment based on
the number of speakers. To ensure the orderly conduct of meetings, if a large number of
individuals wish to speak for public comment on a topic, the BOCC may require that one
representative of a group or faction on a specific proposition be permitted to address the BOCC,
rather than all members of such groups or factions, and/or the Chair may designate a specified
period of time for public comment.
As outlined in Section 286.0114, F.S., members of the public shall be given a reasonable
opportunity to be heard on a proposition before the Board. The opportunity to be heard is
subject to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioner Rules of Decorum for Public
Participation at Commission Meetings, as adopted by the BOCC and as provided in Section
286.0114(4), F.S. Comments in support or opposition to candidates for public office are not
pertinent to the Board's duties.This includes any speaker identifying themselves as a candidate
for public office.
Individuals who are not able to attend a scheduled meeting may submit a public comment via
the St. Lucie County Web Page at:
https://stluciecounty.formstack.com/forms/public comment form.
h. Proclamations approval.
The Chair or a designee shall present a Proclamation to the requestor or recipient who will be
provided three(3)minutes to speak.The number of proclamations presented during a Regular
Meeting shall be limited to two (2)unless approved by the Chair. Proclamation requests must
be submitted at a minimum of 30 days in advance and via the St. Lucie County web page.
https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/board-of-county-
commissioners/proclamation-request.
i. Approval of minutes.
Minutes from past meetings (as listed on the official agenda) will be presented and approved
by a majority vote. Upon request from a commissioner, minutes may be pulled for discussion
prior to voting for approval. Once all items are addressed, a motion can be made to approve
the minutes with changes, if presented.
Ex. A to Resolution 2025-068 Page 5 of 9
j. Consent agenda.
These items are considered routine in nature, are reviewed by Board members in advance,and
typically do not require BOCC comment and may be voted on with one motion. There is no
separate discussion or individual vote on these items unless requested by a BOCC Member.
k. Public hearings.
Public hearings will commence at or as soon as possible after the advertised time. In no event
will public hearings commence prior to the advertised time. These items are heard at Regular
or Special BOCC meetings and are normally scheduled for the first and third Tuesday of the
month, or as soon thereafter as possible. The first Tuesday meeting is set for 6 p.m., and the
third Tuesday is set for 9 a.m., unless otherwise noticed and advertised.
The Chair will open each public hearing and oversee the following format:
• Staff presentation
Staff provides a presentation for each public hearing agenda item. The BOCC may ask
questions of staff during or after the presentation or request the applicant (if applicable)
to provide their presentation first.
• Applicants' presentation
The applicant is provided with an opportunity to speak and make their presentation. The
BOCC may ask questions of the applicant and/or staff during or after the presentation.
The applicant may be provided time for rebuttal after public comment.
• Public Hearing comment
The Chair will provide the public an opportunity to speak for each public hearing item
presented. The Chair will direct speakers to the podium. Speakers will proceed to the
podium, speak directly into the microphone, state their names, provide their address or
organization (whichever is applicable), and address the BOCC directly. Individual
speakers are limited to three(3)minutes and authorized representatives of an organization
have five (5) minutes to address the BOCC to keep meeting discussions focused,
maximize participation, and promote fairness by preventing a single member from
monopolizing the available discussion time.
All members of the public must adhere to the St. Lucie County Board of County
Commissioner Rules of Decorum for Public Participation at Commission Meetings
adopted by the BOCC.
• Close Public Hearing comment
After seeing no further members of the public requesting to speak, the Chair will close
public comment and come back to the BOCC.
• BOCC Discussion and Final address
BOCC Members shall have an opportunity to speak in the discussion/debate and shall
provide comments after being recognized by the Chair. The Board may direct any final
questions to staff and/or the applicant.
Ex.A to Resolution 2025-068 Page 6 of 9
• Vote
Upon final address of staff and/or the applicant, a BOCC Member may make a motion.
Once the Chair has heard the motion, any other BOCC Member may second. A motion
may not be discussed or voted on unless it is seconded. The vote may be by voice or roll
call as decided by the Chair. The Deputy Clerk will capture a record each BOCC
Member's vote. The vote will close discussion on the motion.
Special Note for Public Hearings: Quasi-judicial proceedings shall be conducted consistent
with the provisions of Section 286.0115, F.S.
If an item is considered Quasi-Judicial, each BOCC Member is required to follow the
disclosure procedures set forth in Resolution No. 95-236, as amended by Resolution No. 17-
166, including stating on the record if they received any oral or written communications
regarding the quasi-judicial item, including expert opinions, and identibiing the person making
the communication, and whether any investigations or site visits have occurred. Pursuant to
Section 286.0115, F.S., the substance of any ex parte communication with a local public
official which relates to quasi-judicial action pending before the official is not presumed
prejudicial to the action if the subject of the communication and the identity of the person,
group, or entity with whom the communication took place is disclosed and made a part of the
record before final action on the matter.
1. Regular agenda.
Items appearing on the Regular Agenda require BOCC direction, a policy decision, or are
otherwise of significance necessitating separate attention and action.Agenda items may consist
of proposals for new County policies, adjustment of budgets, requests to approve contracts
with vendors for services, and items as requested for presentation and approved through
County Administration and the BOCC.
Special Note for Regular Agenda Items: Quasi-judicial proceedings shall be conducted
consistent with the provisions of Section 286.0115, F.S.
If an item is considered Quasi-Judicial, each BOCC Member is required to follow the
disclosure procedures set forth in Resolution No. 95-236, as amended by Resolution No. 17-
166, including stating on the record if they received any oral or written communications
regarding the quasi-judicial item, including expert opinions, and identifying the person making
the communication, and whether any investigations or site visits have occurred. Pursuant to
Section 286.0115, F.S., the substance of any ex parte communication with a local public
official which relates to quasi-judicial action pending before the official is not presumed
prejudicial to the action if the subject of the communication and the identity of the person,
group, or entity with whom the communication took place is disclosed and made a part of the
record before final action on the matter.
m. Commissioner updates.
These items are presented by an individual BOCC Members as necessary. BOCC Members
will use this time to highlight items of interest that impact their districts or special items of
interest they feel warrants the attention of the St. Lucie County community.
Ex. A to Resolution 2025-068 Page 7 of 9
n. Upcoming meeting(s).
Scheduled public meetings are announced and placed on the record, providing the type of
meeting, date,time and location.
o. Announcements.
Upcoming County events are announced to the public providing details of the event, dates,
times and location.
p. Motion to adjourn.
Chair makes a motion to adjourn the meeting, and with a second the meeting is closed.
2. Order of Agenda. The Chair may change the order of business set forth in the agenda at his or
her discretion.
H. BOCC MEETING PREPARATION AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES:
1. Typically, at the beginning of the calendar year, a meeting schedule will be distributed listing the
dates and times of all anticipated meetings of the BOCC.
2. Unless otherwise advertised,regular meetings of the BOCC typically will commence at 6:00 P.M.
on the first Tuesday of the month and at 9:00 A.M. on the third Tuesday of the month.
3. All BOCC Regular meetings are televised and recorded except for the BOCC informal(workshop)
meetings. Informal meetings are audio recorded.
4. Downloadable files, including but not limited to agendas,agenda request documents, staff reports,
resolutions, ordinances, are available on the St. Lucie County Meeting Portal Page for the
published meeting agenda. Files are available at: https://stluciecofl.portal.civicclerk.com/.
5. The County Administrator's office shall prepare the agenda and make every effort to deliver
complete agenda materials to the BOCC no later than 5:00 P.M. on the Wednesday prior to the
regular meeting. Agenda materials for special and emergency meetings will be distributed in as
timely a manner as possible.
6. The approved agenda for a BOCC meeting is typically released five (5) business days before a
regularly scheduled meeting. An electronic version of the agenda is available on the St. Lucie
County Meeting Portal Page (https://stluciecofl.portal.civicclerk.comn and can be downloaded,
and a paper copy will be available in the BOCC Chamber the day of the meeting.
7. Regular, Special and Emergency meetings are primarily held in the Commissioner Chambers at
the Roger Poitras Administration Annex, 2300 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34982, unless
otherwise directed by the BOCC.
8. Occasionally a need may be presented that requires the rescheduling, continuation or cancellation
of a previously scheduled BOCC meeting. Further, the BOCC may schedule additional special
meetings throughout the year for specific topics and as needed to accomplish their responsibilities
Ex.A to Resolution 2025-068 Page 8 of 9
and commitments. BOCC meeting additions, changes and cancellations will be noticed in
accordance with Section 286.011,F.S.
9. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing special
accommodations to participate in the BOCC meeting should contact the Human Resources
Department at 772-462-1456, HumanResources@stlucieco.org or TDD 772-462-1428 at least 48
hours prior to the meeting.
•
10. Meetings that extend past 11 p.m.may be stopped and carried over to the following day,typically
at 6 p.m. the next day. If the BOCC is in the middle of an agenda item, the agenda item will be
finalized, and the remainder of the meeting will typically be carried over to the next day at 6 p.m.
or continued to another date certain.
I. DEFINITIONS:
Agenda: A list of items to be heard by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
Agenda item: A proposition, presentation, hearing, or other matter considered, heard, or conducted by
the BOCC during a meeting.
Motion: A formal proposal made to bring a subject before an assembly for its consideration and action.
Typically begins with"I move that..."
Proclamations and Special Presentations: Documents of goodwill used to recognize a group,
organization,or event.
Quasi-judicial: In a quasi-judicial proceeding, a decision-making body applies existing laws to specific
facts presented.This is different from legislative action,which involves creating new laws or policies that
apply to an entire community.
Second: A statement by a Board Member who agrees that the motion made by another Board Member
be considered. Stated as "Second,"or"I second the motion."
Ex. A to Resolution 2025-068 Page 9 of 9
Exhibit B
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ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER
RULES OF DECORUM FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
AT COMMISSION MEETINGS
BOCC POLICY ADOPTED ON MARCH 18,2025
RULES OF DECORUM FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
PURPOSE:
Pursuant to Sections 125.01(1)(a)and 286.0114,F.S.,this policy sets forth the rules of decorum for public
participation at the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners Meetings (Rules of Decorum).
These Rules of Decorum are adopted to ensure a positive and productive environment that is conducive
to good order and discipline which in turn will enhance the democratic process, individual rights of
expression, engaging conversations and mutual respect for shared ideas.
As used in these Rules of Decorum, decorum means propriety and good taste in conduct or behavior.
The St. Lucie Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has numerous public meetings that include, but
are limited to, Regular, Informal (Workshops), and Special meetings. Having set rules, policies, and
guidelines are paramount in maintaining a civil, respectful, and a courteous environment during
government proceedings, which ensure support of and respect for an open, fair, transparent decision-
making process.
Observance of these Rules of Decorum is expected, appreciated and will be enforced. The Rules of
Decorum will be posted on the St. Lucie County webpage, summarized within published agendas and
publicly displayed at the start of each BOCC meeting.
A. General Guidelines for Appearance Before the Commission
1. Individuals may participate in the public meeting process.
2. Individuals wishing to speak must adhere to these Rules of Decorum.
3. Individuals will be recognized by the BOCC Chair.
4. Individuals will approach the podium and provide their name, address, and/or associated
organization(if applicable).
5. Individuals will be provided with three(3)minutes and a representative of an organization has
five(5)minutes to speak during Public Comment and during Public Hearings.
Ex.B to Resolution 2025-068 Page 1 of 4
6. Individuals will direct all comments directly to the BOCC. All remarks will be directed to the
BOCC as a body and not to any one person or commissioner.
7. Individuals will address all BOCC Members by their proper title.
8. Individuals will limit comments to a proposition before the BOCC, or a subject matter related
to county government related items. Individuals should make comments concise and to the
point and present any data or evidence they wish the BOCC to consider.
9. Comments in support or opposition to candidates for public office are not pertinent to the
BOCC's duties. This includes any speaker identifying himself or herself as a candidate for
public office.
10. No person may speak more than once on the same subject unless granted permission by the
Chair.
11. Individuals will observe the timer device located directly under the microphone at the podium.
Lights indicate the following:
Indicates commencement of addressing the BOCC.
Yellow: Indicates the individual has one (1) minute left and should begin to close their
comments.
®Indicates time has expired and the individual needs to end their remarks.
12. Once time has expired individuals must cordially leave the podium and return to their seat.
13. The Chair has the discretion to either extend or reduce the time limits for public comment
based on the number of speakers. To ensure the orderly conduct of meetings, if a large number
of individuals wish to speak for public comment on a topic, the BOCC may require that one
representative of a group or faction on a specific proposition be permitted to address the BOCC,
rather than all members of such groups or factions, and/or the Chair may designate a specified
period of time for public comment.
14. Individuals who are not able to attend a scheduled meeting may submit a public comment via
the St. Lucie County Web Page at
https://stluciecounty.formstack.com/forms/public comment form.
B. Speakers Decorum
I. Speakers will:
a. Conduct themselves in a respectful manner.
b. Be clear and concise.
c. Be civil in nature(polite, courteous and respectful).
d. Address the BOCC directly.
Ex.B to Resolution 2025-068 Page 2 of 4
e. Speak into the microphone.
2. Speakers will NOT:
a. Make comments of a personal nature regarding others.
b. Shout,yell, or/scream.
c. Use obscene or disruptive language.
d. Make complaints,remarks,personal attacks or inflammatory comments against any public
official or staff member.
e. Members of the audience will not be allowed to enter the public meeting discussion from
their seats. Individuals wishing to speak must follow the proper etiquette, approach the
podium, and be recognized by the Chair.
f. Individuals in attendance may not interfere with or interrupt the orderly procedure of the
BOCC, any BOCC Member, or the person speaking whom the Chair has properly
recognized.
C. Audience Decorum
1. Turn off or silence all devices.
2. Refrain from inappropriate and/or disruptive behavior.
3. Refrain from private conversations.
4. Restrict disruptive commotion when transiting meeting spaces.
5. To ensure the safety of the public, campaign placards,banners or signs will NOT be permitted
in the Chambers.
6. Refrain from disorderly or boisterous conduct to include but not be limited to:
a. Applause
b. Whistling
c. Stamping of feet
d. Booing
e. Threatening dialogue
f. Slanderous utterance
g. Actions that impede the orderly conduct of a meeting
D. Enforcement of the Rules of Decorum
1. The BOCC Chair is responsible for maintaining and enforcing the Rules of Decorum.
2. Individuals who do not adhere to the Rules of Decorum will receive an initial warning from
the Chair to cease and desist in order to restore order.
3. If an individual continues to breach the Rules of Decorum,the Chair may order the individual
to relinquish the podium and/or leave the public meeting.
Ex.B to Resolution 2025-068 Page 3 of 4
4. If any person refuses to leave following an order to leave, the Chair may order the Law
Enforcement on duty to remove them from the public meeting.
Any person who disrupts or interrupts a BOCC meeting by violation of these Rules of Decorum, including
the use of profane language or the threat of physical violence, or who makes personal, impertinent
remarks or who exhibits loud or boisterous behavior while the BOCC is in session, may be removed from
the meeting by the Sheriff's office. Removal may be requested at the direction of the Chair or by consensus
of the BOCC, or by the Sheriff's office, if there is perceived to be an immediate threat to any person.
Ex.B to Resolution 2025-068 Page 4 of 4