State Attorney: Chamber Must Operate Under Sunshine Law

July 12, 2013

The State Attorney’s Office says the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce is the type of private entity that is subject to Florida’s Sushine Law.

In a letter from State Attorney Bill Eddins to Chamber President Jim Hizer, Eddins said the “Chamber is a private organization that must comply with all requirements of the Sunshine Law”. The letter came after concerns were raised in the community about the chamber’s status under the law.

The Chamber is subject to the Sunshine Law, Eddins said, due to the level of public funding provided to the private organization and whether the private entity is performing a public function.

The Pensacola Chamber receives over a half million dollars from the City of Pensacola and Escambia County to provide economic development services, plus $270,000 from the city and county through the Pensacola Economic Development Council.

“It is clear the Chamber receives a substantial level of public funds to provide economic development services,” Eddins wrote.

Eddins noted that the Greater Pensacola Chamber received more than $5.7 million from Escambia County in 2012 and 2013 for tourism promotion and operation of the Visitors Information Center.

Comments

2 Responses to “State Attorney: Chamber Must Operate Under Sunshine Law”

  1. Duke of Wawbeek on July 12th, 2013 3:11 pm

    5.7 Million.

    It would be interesting to see a detailed financial audit of chamber expenditures and a progress report for the last 18 months, to include all minutes and computer records.

  2. Jane on July 12th, 2013 6:52 am

    Guess the state has to make sure the laws are followed…someone has to.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News