reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.09 - Not authorized to carry on gambling, etc.; forfeiture of charter for violations; annulment proceedings.

616.09 Not authorized to carry on gambling, etc.; forfeiture of charter for violations; annulment proceedings.—Nothing in this chapter shall be held or construed to authorize or permit any fair association to carry on, conduct, supervise, permit, or suffer any gambling or game of chance, lottery, betting, or other act in violation of the criminal laws of the state; and nothing in this chapter shall permit horseracing or dogracing or any other pari-mutuel wagering, for money or upon which money is placed. Any fair association which violates any such law or which knowingly permits the violation of any such law is subject to forfeiture of its charter; and if any citizen complains to the Department of Legal Affairs that the association was organized for or is being used as a cover to evade any of the laws of Florida against crime, and submits prima facie evidence to sustain the charge, the Department of Legal Affairs shall institute, and in due time prosecute to final judgment, such proceedings as may be necessary to annul the charter and incorporation of the association. A writ of injunction or other extraordinary process shall be issued by a court of competent jurisdiction on the application of the Department of Legal Affairs on complaint pending the annulment proceeding and in aid thereof, and the case shall be given precedence over all civil cases pending in that court and shall be heard and disposed of with as little delay as practicable.
History.—s. 7, ch. 7388, 1917; RGS 4525; CGL 6524; s. 2, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 4, ch. 63-247; ss. 11, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 11, 44, ch. 93-168.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.101 - Annual review of accounts and records.

616.101 Annual review of accounts and records.—The accounts and records of every fair association whose annual public fair has an annual attendance of more than 25,000 shall be reviewed annually by a qualified accountant licensed by the state. A fair association whose annual public fair has an annual attendance of 25,000 or fewer must submit an annual financial statement that has been signed by an officer of the county. The results of the reviews shall be kept in the official records of each association, available to all directors of the association. A certified copy of the review shall be filed with the department:
(1) On request by the department to certify expenditures of the premiums awarded to exhibitors of a fair or of building funds when there is evidence of violation of state laws; or
(2) When the association is applying for a fair permit.
History.—s. 7, ch. 63-247; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; s. 5, ch. 85-62; ss. 14, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 1, ch. 94-297; s. 24, ch. 96-231; s. 9, ch. 2012-204.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.11 - Association authorized to contract with municipality, county, or state for use of land; admission fees; state, counties, and municipalities authorized to make contributions.

616.11 Association authorized to contract with municipality, county, or state for use of land; admission fees; state, counties, and municipalities authorized to make contributions.—Any fair association may enter into any contract, lease, or agreement with any municipality or county in the state or with the state or agency or subdivision of the state for the donation to or the use and occupation by the association of any land owned, leased, or held by the county or municipality or the state or agency or subdivision of the state during a time and on the terms approved by the county or municipality or the state or agency or subdivision, with the right of the association to use the property for public exposition purposes. The state, the Department of Transportation and any other agency or subdivision of the state, the board of county commissioners of any county within which the fair or exhibition is held, and the mayor and city council of any municipality within the county may also make contributions of money, property, or services to fair associations to assist in carrying out the purposes of the associations under this chapter. The state or any agency or subdivision of the state, boards of county commissioners of the various counties of the state, and the mayor and city council of any municipality within the county may expend such sums of money as they deem necessary for the best interests of their counties and in aiding the development of the educational, agricultural, horticultural, livestock, charitable, historical, civic, cultural, scientific, and any other resources of their counties at and in connection with public fairs and expositions, including the offering and paying of premiums for the exhibitions of resources of the state, county, or municipality.
History.—s. 9, ch. 7388, 1917; RGS 4527; CGL 6526; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 15, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 10, ch. 2012-204.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.12 - Licenses upon certain shows; distribution of fees; exemptions.

616.12 Licenses upon certain shows; distribution of fees; exemptions.—
(1) Each person who operates any traveling show, exhibition, amusement enterprise, carnival, vaudeville, exhibit, minstrel, rodeo, theatrical, game or test of skill, riding device, dramatic repertoire, other show or amusement, or concession, including a concession operating in a tent, enclosure, or other temporary structure, within the grounds of, and in connection with, any annual public fair held by a fair association shall pay the license taxes provided by law. However, if the association satisfies the requirements of this chapter, including securing the required fair permit from the department, the license taxes and local business tax authorized in chapter 205 are waived and the department shall issue a tax exemption certificate. The department shall adopt the proper forms and rules to administer this section, including the necessary tax exemption certificate, showing that the fair association has met all requirements and that the traveling show, exhibition, amusement enterprise, carnival, vaudeville, exhibit, minstrel, rodeo, theatrical, game or test of skill, riding device, dramatic repertoire, other show or amusement, or concession is exempt.
(2) Any fair association securing the required annual fair permit from the department is exempt from local business tax as defined by chapter 205, occupational permit fees, or any occupational taxes assessed by any county, municipality, political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof.
History.—s. 1, ch. 17759, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 6526(1); s. 2, ch. 57-796; s. 2, ch. 59-166; s. 5, ch. 63-247; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 81-297; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 11, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; s. 6, ch. 85-62; ss. 16, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 11, ch. 2012-204.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.121 - Making false application.

616.121 Making false application.—Any person who, with fraudulent intent, makes or causes to be made any false statement in an application for a permit to hold an annual public fair or in an application for distribution of the amount paid for license taxes under the provisions of this chapter, and by that false statement obtains that permit or distribution, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 3, ch. 57-796; s. 3, ch. 59-166; s. 638, ch. 71-136; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 17, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 74, ch. 97-102; s. 12, ch. 2012-204.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.13 - Restrictions on other amusement rides.

616.13 Restrictions on other amusement rides.—A person may not engage in the business of providing temporary amusement rides, as defined in s. 616.242, within a 5-mile radius of and within 30 days before or during any public fair or exposition being operated by a fair association, when not operating in connection with that fair or exposition, except with the written consent of the affected fair association.
History.—s. 3, ch. 17759, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 6526(2); s. 4, ch. 59-166; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 12, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 18, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 4, ch. 98-133; s. 20, ch. 99-391.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.14 - Number of fairs; penalty.

616.14 Number of fairs; penalty.—
(1) A fair association may not conduct more than one annual public fair each calendar year. Any fair association that conducts more than one public fair during any one calendar year is subject to revocation of its charter by the court granting the charter.
(2) Any fair association that does not conduct an annual public fair for a period of 3 calendar years shall, upon the recommendation of the department, have its charter revoked by the court granting the charter.
History.—s. 2, ch. 17759, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 6526(3); s. 5, ch. 59-166; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 13, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 19, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 13, ch. 2012-204.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.165 - Rules.

616.165 Rules.—The department shall adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter.
History.—ss. 3, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 41, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 196, ch. 98-200.
Note.—Former s. 616.27.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.17 - Minimum exhibits.

616.17 Minimum exhibits.—
(1) An annual public fair conducted by a fair association may not be approved by the department for a tax exemption certificate unless the fair association displays at least the following exhibits:
(a) Three exhibits from 4-H Clubs or Future Farmers of America chapters which are officially approved by those clubs or chapters.
(b) Three exhibits of community, individual, or county farm displays.
(c) Three exhibits of field crops in at least three different crops.
(d) Three exhibits of horticultural products.
(e) Three culinary exhibits such as canned fruits, canned vegetables, canned pickles or juices, jams, jellies, cakes, bread, candies, or eggs.
(f) Three exhibits of household arts such as homemade spreads, towels, luncheon sets, rugs, clothing, or baby apparel.
(g) Three exhibits of fruit or vegetable crops in at least three different crops.
(h) Three exhibits of arts, crafts, photography, or antiques or of scout handiwork.
(i) Three exhibits from home demonstration, home economics, educational, religious, or civic groups.
(j) Three exhibits of livestock such as dairy cows, beef cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, horses, or mules.
(2) The provisions of subsection (1) do not apply to specialized livestock shows or fruit or vegetable festivals, the minimum exhibits of which shall be as follows:
(a) Each specialized livestock show shall consist of at least 50 head of animals or 300 head of poultry.
(b) Each specialized fruit, vegetable, or crop festival or exposition shall consist of at least 50 entries in the specialty, which shall occupy at least 1,000 square feet of display area.
(3) The department may provide a waiver to the minimum exhibit requirements of this section to any fair association that submits an application for the waiver to the department, at least 30 days before the annual public fair in need of the waiver, and shows good cause why the requirements of this section cannot be met.
(4) An authority or fair association as defined in this chapter that provides any of the exhibits set forth in subsection (1) or other exhibits or concessions, whether such exhibits or concessions are provided directly or through an agreement with a third party, is not subject to criminal penalties or civil damages arising out of the personal injury or death of any person, or property damage, resulting from such exhibits or concessions. This subsection does not apply if the personal injury, death, or property damage was due to an act or omission committed by the authority or fair association in bad faith, with malicious purpose, or with wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property. This subsection does not apply to third parties providing exhibits or concessions.
History.—s. 8, ch. 59-166; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 81-297; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 15, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; s. 7, ch. 85-62; ss. 21, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 60, ch. 2011-206; s. 15, ch. 2012-204.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.185 - Trespass upon grounds or facilities of public fair; penalty; arrests.

616.185 Trespass upon grounds or facilities of public fair; penalty; arrests.—
(1) For the purposes of this chapter, trespass upon the grounds of the Florida State Fair Authority or any other fair association permitted under s. 616.15 means:
(a) Entering and remaining upon any grounds or facilities owned, operated, or controlled by the Florida State Fair Authority or any other association permitted under s. 616.15 and committing any act that disrupts the orderly conduct of any authorized activity of the fair association in charge, or its lessees, licensees, or the general public on those grounds or facilities; or
(b) Entering and remaining on those grounds or facilities after being directed not to enter or to leave them by the executive director of the authority, chief administrative officer of the fair association, or any employee or agent of the association designated by the executive director or administrator to maintain order on those grounds and facilities, after a determination by the executive director, administrator, employee, or agent that the entering or remaining on those grounds or facilities is in violation of the rules and regulations of the Florida State Fair Authority or permitted fair association or is disrupting the orderly conduct of any authorized activity of the fair association in charge, or its lessees, licensees, or the general public on those grounds or facilities.
(2) Any person committing the offense of trespass upon the grounds of the Florida State Fair Authority or any other fair association permitted under s. 616.15 commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(3) A law enforcement officer may arrest any person on or off the premises, without a warrant, if the officer has probable cause for believing such person has committed the offense of trespass upon the grounds of the Florida State Fair Authority or any fair association permitted under s. 616.15. Such an arrest does not render the law enforcement officer criminally or civilly liable for false arrest, false imprisonment, or unlawful detention.
History.—s. 1, ch. 78-427; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; s. 152, ch. 91-224; ss. 40, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 16, ch. 2012-204.
Note.—Former s. 616.266.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.19 - Designation of fairs.

616.19 Designation of fairs.—Any fair association created pursuant to this chapter shall be designated by the name stated in the permit required or stated by its fair association and is recognized by the state as equal in dignity to the Florida State Fair and as fully recognized as the Florida State Fair.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 61-513; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 16, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 22, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 17, ch. 2012-204.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.21 - Agricultural and livestock exhibit buildings; conditions for expenditures.

616.21 Agricultural and livestock exhibit buildings; conditions for expenditures.— Appropriated funds may not be expended except upon approval and with the recommendation of the department. Further, the appropriation may not be expended for the construction of a building unless fee simple title to the land on which the building is to be constructed is vested in the county, municipality, or fair association for which the building is to be constructed.
History.—s. 2, ch. 29832, 1955; s. 1, ch. 59-367; s. 2, ch. 61-119; s. 2, ch. 63-393; ss. 3, 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 71-2; s. 260, ch. 71-377; s. 207, ch. 77-104; s. 17, ch. 77-108; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 4, 5, 6, ch. 81-297; s. 2, ch. 81-318; s. 1, ch. 82-46; ss. 17, 24, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; s. 7, ch. 85-75; s. 95, ch. 92-291; ss. 23, 44, 45, ch. 93-168; s. 2, ch. 97-93; s. 75, ch. 97-102; s. 38, ch. 97-307; s. 13, ch. 2000-272; s. 18, ch. 2012-204.
Note.—Former s. 603.21.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.22 - Exhibit buildings; matching funds for construction or repair.

616.22 Exhibit buildings; matching funds for construction or repair.—In the construction or repair of buildings as authorized by any annual appropriation, the money to be expended therefor from the appropriation shall be matched in an equal amount by the county, municipality, or fair association for which the buildings are to be constructed or repaired. The amount to be paid by the county, municipality, or fair association for the construction or repair shall be made available before the construction or repair is begun. In no event may an amount greater than $25,000 be expended from the appropriation for the construction or repair of exhibit buildings for any one county, municipality, or fair association, from funds appropriated for that purpose; however, any amount not greater than $25,000 may be expended from the appropriation for the construction or repair of exhibit buildings for any one county, municipality, or fair association from the unexpended balance of any appropriation regardless of the amount previously expended under any other legislative appropriation for that one county, municipality, or fair association.
History.—s. 3, ch. 29832, 1955; s. 2, ch. 59-367; s. 3, ch. 63-393; s. 207, ch. 77-104; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 18, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 24, 44, ch. 93-168.
Note.—Former s. 603.22.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.23 - Use of buildings.

616.23 Use of buildings.—The buildings authorized by ss. 616.21-616.23 may be used by the county, municipality, or fair association for public fair or exposition purposes. These buildings may be used as office space for agricultural agents; however, no more than 20 percent of the buildings may be so used.
History.—s. 4, ch. 29832, 1955; s. 3, ch. 59-367; s. 4, ch. 63-393; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 19, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 25, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 19, ch. 2012-204.
Note.—Former s. 603.23.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part I - General Provisions (Ss. 616.001-616.24) › 616.24 - Enforcement.

616.24 Enforcement.—
(1) The department shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant thereto.
(2) It is the duty of each state attorney, law enforcement officer as defined by chapter 943, and other appropriate county or municipal officer to enforce this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant thereto and to assist the department and its inspectors and agents in the enforcement of this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant thereto.
(3) The department may commence and maintain any necessary and proper action for the following purposes:
(a) To enforce this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant thereto.
(b) To seek to enjoin any violation of this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant thereto. The circuit court may, after a hearing and for good cause shown, temporarily or permanently enjoin any person from violating this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant thereto or failing to comply with the requirements of this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant thereto.
History.—ss. 2, 26, ch. 83-239; s. 96, ch. 92-291; ss. 42, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 20, ch. 2012-204.
Note.—Former s. 616.28.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.251 - Florida State Fair Authority; creation; responsibility for staging annual state fair.

616.251 Florida State Fair Authority; creation; responsibility for staging annual state fair.—
(1) There is created and constituted the “Florida State Fair Authority,” a public body corporate and politic, for the purposes and with the powers set forth in this part. Such instrumentality, hereinafter referred to as “the authority,” shall have perpetual succession. For the purposes of implementing the intent of this part, the authority shall be considered an instrumentality of the state, subject to the jurisdiction of the state. Any conflict with respect to that jurisdiction will be resolved by the authority and respective state agencies.
(2) The authority shall operate under the supervision of the Commissioner of Agriculture, which supervision may include, but is not limited to, assisting, advising, and making recommendations regarding the financing and operation of the authority. In assisting and advising the authority, the Commissioner of Agriculture may make appropriate staff of the department available to the authority.
(3) The authority is charged with the responsibility of staging an annual fair to serve the entire state. Cash premiums or awards may be given to exhibitors.
(4) The principal offices of the authority shall be in such place or places in or near the City of Tampa as the authority may from time to time designate.
History.—ss. 1, 5, ch. 74-322; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 1, 5, 6, ch. 81-81; s. 2, ch. 81-318; s. 1, ch. 82-46; ss. 20, 24, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; s. 8, ch. 85-62; ss. 26, 45, ch. 93-168; s. 26, ch. 96-231.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.252 - Florida State Fair Authority; membership; number, terms, compensation.

616.252 Florida State Fair Authority; membership; number, terms, compensation.—
(1)(a) The authority shall be composed of 22 members. The Commissioner of Agriculture, or her or his designee, shall serve as a voting member. There shall also be a member who is the member of the Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County representing the county commission district in which the Florida State Fairgrounds is located, who shall serve as a voting member. There shall also be an appointed youth member who is an active member of the Florida Future Farmers of America or a 4-H Club, who shall serve as a nonvoting member. The Commissioner of Agriculture shall appoint each other member of the authority. Each member appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture shall serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner of Agriculture. The term of each member appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture shall be 4 years, but the term of the nonvoting youth member shall be for 1 year. Members may be appointed for more than one term. Any vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term pursuant to the method provided in this section for appointment. Six of the members may be from Hillsborough County. The Commissioner of Agriculture shall appoint and set the compensation of an executive director. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner of Agriculture.
(b) Members of the authority may be persons who are or have been directors or officers of a fair association or who have otherwise actively participated in conducting a public fair, festival, show, exposition, or similar activity. Holding a commission as a member of another board or authority does not render a person ineligible to serve as a member of the fair authority so long as the common-law rule of incompatibility does not prohibit holding both commissions.
(2) The authority shall meet at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its membership, at the request of the Commissioner of Agriculture, or at such times as may be prescribed by its rules.
(3) Members of the authority are not entitled to compensation for their services as members but shall be reimbursed by the authority for per diem and travel expenses as provided in s. 112.061. Except for the nonvoting youth member, each member may be compensated for any special or full-time service performed in the authority’s behalf as officers or agents of the authority.
History.—s. 2, ch. 74-322; s. 1, ch. 78-409; s. 2, ch. 81-81; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 21, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 27, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 4, ch. 95-220; s. 13, ch. 95-317; s. 27, ch. 96-231; s. 1715, ch. 97-102; s. 61, ch. 2011-206; s. 52, ch. 2012-190.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.253 - Florida State Fair Authority; officers; quorum.

616.253 Florida State Fair Authority; officers; quorum.—The authority shall elect from among its members an executive committee to consist of a chair, who shall preside, a vice chair, a secretary, a treasurer, and such other officers as the authority may deem necessary or expedient in the performance of its functions. The same person may serve both as secretary and treasurer, if thus designated. The authority may delegate to any of its members, officers, agents, or employees any of its powers or duties, which delegation it deems necessary to fulfill its responsibilities, and shall establish bylaws and such rules of conduct and procedure as it may deem necessary to govern its own functioning. A majority of the members of the authority shall constitute a quorum. No vacancy in the membership shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all of the powers, functions, and duties of the authority.
History.—s. 3, ch. 74-322; s. 2, ch. 78-409; s. 3, ch. 81-81; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 28, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 5, ch. 95-220; s. 14, ch. 95-317.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.254 - Authority of Florida State Fair Authority to sue and be a party to suits.

616.254 Authority of Florida State Fair Authority to sue and be a party to suits.—The authority may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, and complain and defend in all courts of law and equity with respect to its contractual rights and obligations and its responsibility to carry out its proper purposes and functions.
History.—s. 4, ch. 74-322; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 29, 44, ch. 93-168.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.255 - Duties of authority; Florida State Fairgrounds.

616.255 Duties of authority; Florida State Fairgrounds.—The authority shall:
(1) Designate a suitable location in Hillsborough County as the Florida State Fairgrounds.
(2) Throughout each year, promote the progress of the state and stimulate public interest in the advantages and development of the state by providing facilities for agricultural and industrial exhibitions, public gatherings, cultural activities, and other functions intended to advance the educational, physical, economic, and cultural interests of the public. It is the intent of the Legislature that the authority, when contracting for concessions at functions held pursuant to this subsection, give consideration to increasing the number of concessionaires that are minority businesses.
(3) Hold an annual fair on the Florida State Fairgrounds for the exhibition of agricultural, industrial, mechanical, horticultural, dairy, forestry, poultry, livestock, mineral, cultural, and all other interests of the state, and establish rules of exhibition and operation for the fair. The fair shall be subject to the requirements of ss. 616.15 and 616.17.
(4) Erect and repair buildings on the Florida State Fairgrounds, make any and all necessary or proper improvements, and generally carry on a program of development and extension of facilities designed to accomplish the objectives set forth in this section.
(5) Develop and implement a master plan to remedy the infrastructure deficiencies on and surrounding the fairgrounds. The deficiencies shall include, but are not limited to, stormwater and drainage, internal and external traffic including parking and construction. The development of the plan shall include input from Hillsborough County.
History.—s. 6, ch. 74-322; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 22, 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 30, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 28, ch. 96-231.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.257 - Issuance of revenue bonds by authority.

616.257 Issuance of revenue bonds by authority.—
(1) Revenue bonds may be issued on behalf of and at the request of the authority, as provided in the State Bond Act. The proceeds of each issue of bonds shall be used solely for the payment of the cost of the state fair project or projects for which the bonds were issued, as provided in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds.
(2) No revenue bonds shall be issued under the provisions of this part unless the authority shall have found and determined:
(a) The estimated cost of the project for which the bonds are proposed to be issued.
(b) The estimated annual revenues of the project, and of any other special funds provided for in this part, which may be pledged as security for the bonds.
(c) The estimated annual cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the project.
(3) Revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this part shall not be deemed to be a debt of the state or to pledge the faith and credit or taxing power of the state, but such bonds shall be payable exclusively from the funds pledged for their payment as authorized in this part.
(4) All projects of the authority shall be deemed to be state fixed capital projects within the meaning of s. 11, Art. VII of the State Constitution.
History.—ss. 8, 9, ch. 74-322; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 32, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 30, ch. 96-231.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.258 - Revenues from projects of authority.

616.258 Revenues from projects of authority.—
(1) The authority shall fix and revise from time to time rates, fees, rentals, tolls, or other charges for the use of each project or for the services and facilities furnished thereby and charge and collect the same. Such rates, fees, rentals, tolls, or other charges shall be so fixed and adjusted, in respect of the aggregate of rates, fees, rentals, tolls, or other charges from the project or projects for which bonds are issued, as to provide a fund sufficient, together with any other special funds pledged therefor as provided in this part, to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating such project or projects and the principal of, and interest on, the revenue bonds as the same shall become due and to provide reserves for such purposes, and to make all such other payments required by the proceedings authorizing the issuance of such revenue bonds. The rates, fees, rentals, tolls, and other charges shall not be subject to supervision or regulations by any state commission, board, bureau, or agency other than the authority.
(2) All, or a sufficient amount of, the revenues derived from a project or projects for which revenue bonds have been issued shall be set aside, at such regular intervals as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, or in the trust agreement securing them, in a sinking fund for the payment of the principal and interest on the bonds as they become due and any premium upon bonds retired by call or purchase as therein provided, and for reserves therefor, and to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the project or projects and of providing reserves therefor, all in the order of priority and manner as shall be provided in the resolution or trust agreement. The use and disposition of the sinking fund shall be subject to such regulations as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust agreement.
History.—s. 10, ch. 74-322; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 33, 44, ch. 93-168.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.259 - Revenues of authority; trust funds.

616.259 Revenues of authority; trust funds.—All moneys received pursuant to the authority of this part, whether as proceeds from the sale of revenue bonds or as revenues, shall be deemed to be trust funds. Proceeds from the sale of revenue bonds shall be held and applied as provided by law. Revenues of the authority shall be held and applied, consistent with law, as provided by resolutions of the authority.
History.—s. 11, ch. 74-322; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 34, 44, ch. 93-168.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.260 - Tax exemption of authority.

616.260 Tax exemption of authority.—It is hereby found and determined that all of the projects authorized by this part constitute essential governmental purposes, and all of the properties, revenues, moneys, and other assets owned and used in the operation of those projects shall be exempt from all taxation, including special assessments, by the state or by any county, municipality, political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof. However, nothing in this section shall grant any person other than the authority an exemption from the tax imposed in chapter 220, and if property of the authority is leased, the property shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation only if the use by the lessee qualifies the property for exemption under s. 196.199. The exemption granted by this section shall not be applicable to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations. The property of the authority shall be subject to the provisions of s. 196.199.
History.—s. 12, ch. 74-322; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 35, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 23, ch. 99-391.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.261 - Finances of Florida State Fair.

616.261 Finances of Florida State Fair.—Operation of the Florida State Fair, and custody and maintenance of the buildings and grounds, shall be financed from the revenues derived from the state fair and other exhibits or events; revenue bonds; lease, rental, or other charges for the use of the buildings or grounds; and donations and other available sources of funds or revenues.
History.—s. 13, ch. 74-322; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 36, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 31, ch. 96-231; s. 20, ch. 96-420; s. 23, ch. 99-4.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.262 - Conveyance by the authority; option to acquire by Board of Trustees of Internal Improvement Trust Fund.

616.262 Conveyance by the authority; option to acquire by Board of Trustees of Internal Improvement Trust Fund.—Any provision of this part to the contrary notwithstanding, no transfer, lease, conveyance, or encumbrance of any land or interest therein inconsistent with the development of a state fair as provided in this part shall be made without prior approval from the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund or its successors. Prior to any lawful transfer of title to all or any part of the property owned by the authority by any public entity to any private person, individual, group, partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other private entity or entities, the board of trustees or its successors shall have an option to acquire the subject property without payment of consideration.
History.—s. 14, ch. 74-322; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 37, 44, ch. 93-168.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 616 - Public Fairs and Expositions › Part III - Florida State Fair Authority (Ss. 616.251-616.265) › 616.263 - Annual reports of authority.

616.263 Annual reports of authority.—
(1) The authority shall submit each year, at least 60 days prior to the convening of the Legislature in regular session, a comprehensive report to the Commissioner of Agriculture outlining the progress and the activities of the authority, including all land bought, leased, acquired, sold, mortgaged, or conveyed, and all buildings and improvements erected, in the preceding 12 months and, as ascertainable, purchases, leases, acquisitions, sales, mortgages, and conveyances of land, and buildings and improvements, proposed for the subsequent 12 months in the year preceding that session. The Commissioner of Agriculture shall transmit the report to the Legislature, together with a plan for oversight of the authority, including, but not limited to, program review, goal setting, objectives to be achieved, strategies, and any recommendations for legislation.
(2) The authority shall at all times maintain proper accounting systems and procedures and shall be subject to audit by the Auditor General.
History.—ss. 15, 16, ch. 74-322; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 25, 26, ch. 83-239; ss. 38, 44, ch. 93-168; s. 7, ch. 95-220; s. 16, ch. 95-317; s. 125, ch. 2001-266.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 617 - Corporations Not for Profit › 617.0102 - Reservation of Power to Amend or Repeal.

617.0102 Reservation of power to amend or repeal.—The Legislature has the power to amend or repeal all or part of this act at any time, and all domestic and foreign corporations subject to this act shall be governed by the amendment or repeal.
History.—s. 2, ch. 90-179.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 617 - Corporations Not for Profit › 617.01201 - Filing Requirements.

617.01201 Filing requirements.—
(1) A document must satisfy the requirements of this section and of any other section that adds to or varies these requirements to be entitled to filing by the Department of State.
(2) This act must require or permit filing the document in the office of the Department of State.
(3) The document must contain the information required by this act. It may contain other information as well.
(4) The document must be typewritten or printed and must be legible. If electronically transmitted, the document must be in a format that may be retrieved or reproduced in typewritten or printed form.
(5) The document must be in the English language. A corporate name need not be in English if written in English letters or Arabic or Roman numerals, and the certificate of authority required of foreign corporations need not be in English if accompanied by a reasonably authenticated English translation.
(6) The document must be executed:
(a) By a director of a domestic or foreign corporation, or by its president or by another of its officers;
(b) If directors or officers have not been selected or the corporation has not been formed, by an incorporator; or
(c) If the corporation is in the hands of a receiver, trustee, or other court-appointed fiduciary, by the fiduciary.
(7) The person executing the document shall sign it and state beneath or opposite his or her signature his or her name and the capacity in which he or she signs. The document may, but need not, contain:
(a) The corporate seal,
(b) An attestation by the secretary or an assistant secretary,
(c) An acknowledgment, verification, or proof.
(8) If the Department of State has prescribed a mandatory form for the document under s. 617.0121, the document must be in or on the prescribed form.
(9) The document must be delivered to the department for filing. Delivery may be made by electronic transmission if and to the extent allowed by the department. If the document is filed in typewritten or printed form and not transmitted electronically, the department may require that one exact or conformed copy be delivered with the document, except as provided in s. 617.1508. The document must be accompanied by the correct filing fee and any other tax or penalty required by law.
History.—s. 3, ch. 90-179; s. 44, ch. 93-281; s. 76, ch. 97-102; s. 7, ch. 2009-205.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 617 - Corporations Not for Profit › 617.0121 - Forms.

617.0121 Forms.—
(1) The Department of State may prescribe and furnish on request forms for:
(a) An application for certificate of status,
(b) A foreign corporation’s application for certificate of authority to conduct its affairs in the state,
(c) A foreign corporation’s application for certificate of withdrawal, and
(d) The annual report, for which the department may prescribe the use of the uniform business report, pursuant to s. 606.06.
If the Department of State so requires, the use of these forms shall be mandatory.
(2) The Department of State may prescribe and furnish on request forms for other documents required or permitted to be filed by this act, but their use shall not be mandatory.
History.—s. 4, ch. 90-179; s. 8, ch. 99-218.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 617 - Corporations Not for Profit › 617.0122 - Fees for Filing Documents and Issuing Certificates.

617.0122 Fees for filing documents and issuing certificates.—The Department of State shall collect the following fees on documents delivered to the department for filing:
(1) Articles of incorporation: $35.
(2) Application for registered name: $87.50.
(3) Application for renewal of registered name: $87.50.
(4) Corporation’s statement of change of registered agent or registered office or both if not included on the annual report: $35.
(5) Designation of and acceptance by registered agent: $35.
(6) Agent’s statement of resignation from active corporation: $87.50.
(7) Agent’s statement of resignation from inactive corporation: $35.
(8) Amendment of articles of incorporation: $35.
(9) Restatement of articles of incorporation with amendment of articles: $35.
(10) Articles of merger for each party thereto: $35.
(11) Articles of dissolution: $35.
(12) Articles of revocation of dissolution: $35.
(13) Application for reinstatement following administrative dissolution: $175.
(14) Application for certificate of authority to transact business in this state by a foreign corporation: $35.
(15) Application for amended certificate of authority: $35.
(16) Application for certificate of withdrawal by a foreign corporation: $35.
(17) Annual report: $61.25.
(18) Articles of correction: $35.
(19) Application for certificate of status: $8.75.
(20) Certified copy of document: $52.50.
(21) Serving as agent for substitute service of process: $87.50.
(22) Certificate of conversion of a limited agricultural association to a domestic corporation: $35.
(23) Any other document required or permitted to be filed by this chapter: $35.
Any citizen support organization that is required by rule of the Department of Environmental Protection to be formed as a nonprofit organization and is under contract with the department is exempt from any fees required for incorporation as a nonprofit organization, and the Secretary of State may not assess any such fees if the citizen support organization is certified by the Department of Environmental Protection to the Secretary of State as being under contract with the Department of Environmental Protection.
History.—s. 5, ch. 90-179; s. 45, ch. 93-281; ss. 25, 27, ch. 94-314; s. 469, ch. 94-356; s. 13, ch. 97-94; s. 15, ch. 98-101; s. 8, ch. 2009-205; s. 2, ch. 2012-71.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 617 - Corporations Not for Profit › 617.0123 - Effective Date of Document.

617.0123 Effective date of document.—
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) and in s. 617.0124(3), a document accepted for filing is effective at the time of filing on the date it is filed, as evidenced by the Department of State’s date and time endorsement on the original document.
(2) A document may specify a delayed effective date, and if it does the document shall become effective on the date specified. Unless otherwise permitted by this act, a delayed effective date for a document may not be later than the 90th day after the date on which it is filed.
(3) If a document is determined by the Department of State to be incomplete and inappropriate for filing, the Department of State may return the document to the person or corporation filing it, together with a brief written explanation of the reason for the refusal to file, in accordance with s. 617.0125(3). If the applicant returns the document with corrections in accordance with the rules of the department within 60 days after it was mailed to the applicant by the department, and if at the time of return the applicant so requests in writing, the filing date of the document will be the filing date that would have been applied had the original document not been deficient, except as to persons who relied on the record before correction and were adversely affected thereby.
(4) Corporate existence may predate the filing date, pursuant to s. 617.0203(1).
History.—s. 6, ch. 90-179; s. 47, ch. 93-281.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXVI - Business Organizations › Chapter 617 - Corporations Not for Profit › 617.0124 - Correcting Filed Document.

617.0124 Correcting filed document.—
(1) A domestic or foreign corporation may correct a document filed by the department within 30 days after filing if:
(a) The document contains an incorrect statement;
(b) The document contains false, misleading, or fraudulent information;
(c) The document was defectively executed, attested, sealed, verified, or acknowledged; or
(d) The electronic transmission of the document was defective.
(2) A document is corrected:
(a) By preparing articles of correction that:
1. Describe the document, including its filing date;
2. Specify the incorrect statement and the reason it is incorrect or the manner in which the execution was defective; and
3. Correct the incorrect statement or defective execution; and
(b) By delivering the executed articles of correction to the department for filing.
(3) Articles of correction are effective on the effective date of the document they correct except as to persons relying on the uncorrected document and who are adversely affected by the correction. As to those persons, articles of correction are effective when filed.
(4) Articles of correction that are filed to correct false, misleading, or fraudulent information are not subject to a fee of the department if the articles of correction are delivered to the department within 15 days after the notification of filing sent pursuant to s. 617.0125(2).
History.—s. 7, ch. 90-179; s. 48, ch. 93-281; s. 9, ch. 2009-205; s. 5, ch. 2018-58.