title
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES AND ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS (B)
Ordinance No. 0-08-81
An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, relating to Electronic Signatures and Documents; creating and adding Sections 2-439 and 2-440 to the Code of Ordinances; authorizing the use of electronic signatures and electronic transactions and records; providing directions to the codifier, providing a severability clause, providing a repealing clause and providing an immediate effective date.
recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.
explanation
In 1996, the legislature of the State of Florida adopted F.S. §668.01, known as the Electronic Signature Act, and F.S. §668.50, known as the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. These laws were enacted to facilitate economic development and expedite governmental services, reduce costs associated with manual transactions, and demonstrate the validity of electronic signatures. The Act authorizes local governments to send, accept, and rely on electronic records and signatures.
The City of Gainesville can benefit from the use of these electronic signatures and records to facilitate the conduct of its business in appropriate transactions. This ordinance does not require use of electronic signatures, records, and transactions. However, when electronic means are used, the City intends to treat an electronic signature, record, or transaction as having the same force and effect as if obtained by traditional means. This ordinance allows the Charter Offices to adopt rules and regulations relating to the use of electronic signatures, records, and electronic transactions.
This ordinance requires two hearings. Should the City Commission pass this ordinance on first reading, second and final reading will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2008.