Local Law-Making Process

How Laws are Made in Florida’s Cities

What is a City?

• Independent municipal governments founded by citizens who choose its name.

• A legislature approves the municipality charter approved by citizens

• City charter = constitution • Ordinances = laws that govern cities

How do Cities govern?

• Home rule – Self government by citizens at the local level – Every city is run by people who were elected to

make and change laws – Laws cannot conflict with state or federal law

Who Governs a City?

• The people elected to run the city are usually called mayor, councilmember, or commissioner.

• Greg Oravec, Mayor of Port St. Lucie

How are Ordinances Made?

• In order to vote on ordinances, city councils and commissions create a meeting schedule. – Most meet monthly or bi-monthly

Local Law-Making Part I

• Proposed ordinances must be presented to the council or commission in writing – Can only be about one (clear) subject

• 10 days prior to a vote on proposed ordinance, a notice must be posted for citizens – Date, time, place of meeting of vote – Title of ordinance – View full text of ordinance – Citizens have chance to be heard during meeting

Local Law-Making Part II

• Majority of council or commission members required to be present (quorum).

• Majority of quorum must vote in favor • Votes kept as official record • Ordinance becomes effective as outlined in

proposal or 10 days after the vote

Now that you know ALL about the lawmaking process…

• Write a paragraph (or two) comparing and contrasting the lawmaking processes at the local, state, and federal levels.

• Can be on the same sheet of paper as your notes or a new sheet of paper.