The Florida Senate

267.061  Historic properties; state policy, responsibilities.--

(1)  STATE POLICY RELATIVE TO HISTORIC PROPERTIES.--

(a)  The rich and unique heritage of historic properties in this state, representing more than 10,000 years of human presence, is an important legacy to be valued and conserved for present and future generations. The destruction of these nonrenewable historical resources will engender a significant loss to the state's quality of life, economy, and cultural environment. It is therefore declared to be state policy to:

1.  Provide leadership in the preservation of the state's historic resources;

2.  Administer state-owned or state-controlled historic resources in a spirit of stewardship and trusteeship;

3.  Contribute to the preservation of non-state-owned historic resources and to give encouragement to organizations and individuals undertaking preservation by private means;

4.  Foster conditions, using measures that include financial and technical assistance, for a harmonious coexistence of society and state historic resources;

5.  Encourage the public and private preservation and utilization of elements of the state's historically built environment; and

6.  Assist local governments to expand and accelerate their historic preservation programs and activities.

(b)  It is further declared to be the public policy of the state that all treasure trove, artifacts, and such objects having intrinsic or historical and archaeological value which have been abandoned on state-owned lands or state-owned sovereignty submerged lands shall belong to the state with the title thereto vested in the Division of Historical Resources of the Department of State for the purposes of administration and protection.

(2)  RESPONSIBILITIES OF STATE AGENCIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH.--

(a)  Each state agency of the executive branch having direct or indirect jurisdiction over a proposed state or state-assisted undertaking shall, in accordance with state policy and prior to the approval of expenditure of any state funds on the undertaking, consider the effect of the undertaking on any historic property that is included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places. Each such agency shall afford the division a reasonable opportunity to comment with regard to such an undertaking.

(b)  Each state agency of the executive branch shall initiate measures in consultation with the division to assure that where, as a result of state action or assistance carried out by such agency, a historic property is to be demolished or substantially altered in a way which adversely affects the character, form, integrity, or other qualities which contribute to historical, architectural, or archaeological value of the property, timely steps are taken to determine that no feasible and prudent alternative to the proposed demolition or alteration exists, and, where no such alternative is determined to exist, to assure that timely steps are taken either to avoid or mitigate the adverse effects, or to undertake an appropriate archaeological salvage excavation or other recovery action to document the property as it existed prior to demolition or alteration.

(c)  In consultation with the division, each state agency of the executive branch shall establish a program to locate, inventory, and evaluate all historic properties under the agency's ownership or control that appear to qualify for the National Register. Each such agency shall exercise caution to assure that any such historic property is not inadvertently transferred, sold, demolished, substantially altered, or allowed to deteriorate significantly.

(d)  Each state agency of the executive branch shall assume responsibility for the preservation of historic resources which are owned or controlled by such agency. Prior to acquiring, constructing, or leasing buildings for the purpose of carrying out agency responsibilities, the agency shall use, to the maximum extent feasible, historic properties available to the agency. Each agency shall undertake, consistent with the preservation of such properties, the mission of the agency, and the professional standards established pursuant to paragraph (3)(k), any preservation actions necessary to carry out the intent of this paragraph.

(e)  Each state agency of the executive branch, in seeking to acquire additional space through new construction or lease, shall give preference to the acquisition or use of historic properties when such acquisition or use is determined to be feasible and prudent compared with available alternatives. The acquisition or use of historic properties is considered feasible and prudent if the cost of purchase or lease, the cost of rehabilitation, remodeling, or altering the building to meet compliance standards and the agency's needs, and the projected costs of maintaining the building and providing utilities and other services is less than or equal to the same costs for available alternatives. The agency shall request the division to assist in determining if the acquisition or use of a historic property is feasible and prudent. Within 60 days after making a determination that additional space is needed, the agency shall request the division to assist in identifying buildings within the appropriate geographic area that are historic properties suitable for acquisition or lease by the agency, whether or not such properties are in need of repair, alteration, or addition.

(f)  Consistent with the agency's mission and authority, all state agencies of the executive branch shall carry out agency programs and projects, including those under which any state assistance is provided, in a manner which is generally sensitive to the preservation of historic properties and shall give consideration to programs and projects which will further the purposes of this section.

(3)  DIVISION RESPONSIBILITY.--It is the responsibility of the division to:

(a)  Cooperate with federal and state agencies, local governments, and private organizations and individuals to direct and conduct a comprehensive statewide survey of historic resources and to maintain an inventory of such resources.

(b)  Develop a comprehensive statewide historic preservation plan.

(c)  Identify and nominate eligible properties to the National Register of Historic Places and otherwise administer applications for listing historic properties in the National Register.

(d)  Cooperate with federal and state agencies, local governments, and organizations and individuals to ensure that historic resources are taken into consideration at all levels of planning and development.

(e)  Advise and assist, as appropriate, federal and state agencies and local governments in carrying out their historic preservation responsibilities and programs.

(f)  Provide public information, education, and technical assistance relating to historic preservation programs.

(g)  Cooperate with local governments and organizations and individuals in the development of local historical preservation programs, including the Main Street Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, or any similar programs that may be developed by the division.

(h)  Carry out on behalf of the state the programs of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and to establish, maintain, and administer a state historic preservation program meeting the requirements of an approved program and fulfilling the responsibilities of state historic preservation programs as provided in subsection 101(b) of that act.

(i)  Take such other actions necessary or appropriate to locate, acquire, protect, preserve, operate, interpret, and promote the location, acquisition, protection, preservation, operation, and interpretation of historic resources to foster an appreciation of Florida history and culture. Prior to the acquisition, preservation, interpretation, or operation of a historic property by a state agency, the division shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the proposed undertaking and shall determine that there exists historical authenticity and a feasible means of providing for the preservation, interpretation, and operation of such property. Expenditures by the division to protect or preserve historical properties leased by the division from the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund may be exempt from the competitive bid requirements of chapters 255 and 287.

(j)  Cooperate and coordinate with the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Department of Environmental Protection in the operation and management of historic properties or resources subject to the Division of Historical Resources.

(k)  Establish professional standards for the preservation, exclusive of acquisition, of historic resources in state ownership or control.

(l)  Establish guidelines for state agency responsibilities under subsection (2).

(m)  Acquire, maintain, preserve, interpret, exhibit, and make available for study objects which have intrinsic historical or archaeological value relating to the history, government, or culture of the state. Such objects may include tangible personal property of historical or archaeological value. Objects acquired under this paragraph belong to the state, and title to such objects is vested in the division.

1.  Notwithstanding s. 273.02, the division shall maintain an adequate record of all objects in its custody which have a historical or archaeological value. Once each year, on July 1 or as soon thereafter as practicable, the division shall take a complete inventory of all such objects in its custody the value or cost of which is $500 or more and a sample inventory of such objects the value or cost of which is less than $500. Each inventory shall be compared with the property record, and all discrepancies shall be traced and reconciled. Objects of historical or archaeological value are not required to be identified by marking or other physical alteration of the objects.

2.  The division may arrange for the temporary or permanent loan of any object which has historical or archaeological value in its custody. Such loans shall be for the purpose of assisting historical, archaeological, or other studies; providing objects relating to interpretive exhibits and other educational programs which promote knowledge and appreciation of Florida history and the programs of the division; or assisting the division in carrying out its responsibility to ensure proper curation of the objects.

3.  The division may determine from time to time that an object which is in its custody and which is owned by the state has no further use or value for the research, exhibit, or educational programs of the division, or that such an object will receive more appropriate maintenance and preservation by another agency, institution, or organization, and may loan, exchange, sell, or otherwise transfer ownership and custody of such object to another agency, institution, or organization for the purpose of ensuring the continued maintenance and preservation of such object, or for the purpose of acquiring another object which better serves the interests of the state and is more appropriate for promoting knowledge and appreciation of Florida history and the programs of the division.

4.  For the purpose of the exchange, sale, or other transfer of objects of historical or archaeological value, the division is exempt from chapter 273.

5.  All moneys received from the sale of an object which has historical or archaeological value pursuant to subparagraph 3. shall be deposited in the Historical Resources Operating Trust Fund and shall be used exclusively for the acquisition of additional historical and archaeological objects or the preservation and maintenance of any such objects in the custody of the division.

6.  The division shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 120 that prescribe criteria for the inventory and for the loan, exchange, sale, transfer, or other disposal of state-owned objects of historical or archaeological value.

7.  Any custodian as defined in s. 273.01(1) who violates any provision of this paragraph or any rule adopted pursuant to this paragraph is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

8.  Notwithstanding any provision of s. 287.022 or s. 287.025(1)(e), the division may enter into contracts to insure museum collections, artifacts, relics, and fine arts to which it holds title.

9.  The division may implement a program to administer finds of isolated historic artifacts from state-owned river bottoms whereby the division may transfer ownership of such artifacts to the finder in exchange for information about the artifacts and the circumstances and location of their discovery.

(n)  Coordinate and direct the state historical marker program, which shall be a program of popular history and heritage designed to inform the general public about persons, events, structures, and other topics relating to the history and culture of the state; encourage interest in preserving the historical resources of the state and its localities; promote a sense of community and place among Florida citizens; and provide for the enjoyment and edification of tourists.

1.  The division shall install markers recognizing historic properties, as well as individuals, events, and other topics significant in Florida or American history, architecture, archaeology, or culture and shall keep a register of those markers.

2.a.  The division shall designate an approved marker as an Official Florida Historical Marker.

b.  To ensure a degree of uniformity and quality of historical markers, monuments, plaques, medallions, and similar devices in this state, and to avoid any confusion with or misrepresentation of an Official Florida Historical Marker, no such marker or reasonable facsimile thereof may be fabricated with any emblem, design, or logo signifying another organization. No other emblem, design, or marker size may be used in addition to or instead of those offered by the division for an Official Florida Historical Marker. Emblems, designs, or logos offered by the division are property of the state and may not be used for commercial advertising or copied for the use of any other agency, association, corporation, or individual without the express consent and authorization of the division.

3.  The division shall establish and maintain a central inventory of historic properties for the state which shall consist of all such properties as may be reported to the division. This inventory shall be known as the Florida Master Site File.

4.  The division shall also establish and maintain a central register of historic properties, to be known as the Florida Register of Heritage Landmarks, which generally shall consist of properties more than 50 years of age deemed worthy of preservation for their exceptional historical significance to the state as a whole or a region of the state and their architectural or archaeological integrity.

a.  The division shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 120 that prescribe criteria and a process for the identification, evaluation, and designation of Heritage Landmark properties, as well as for withdrawal of designation.

b.  The division may waive the age requirement of 50 years for properties of overwhelming state or national importance; however, it is the intent of the Legislature that exceptions shall rarely be given.

c.  The division shall undertake a program to identify and nominate properties eligible for designation as Heritage Landmarks.

d.  Designation of private property as a Heritage Landmark does not prohibit under Florida law or regulation any actions which may otherwise be taken by the property owner with respect to the property.

5.  By means of appropriate variations in marker design, the division shall distinguish the following categories of Official Florida Historical Markers:

a.  Florida Heritage Landmark markers, which shall be used to identify and interpret Heritage Landmark properties.

b.  State Historic Highway markers, which shall be used to identify state historic highways, as provided in general law.

c.  Florida Heritage markers, which shall be used to identify and interpret people, events, and places, including buildings and archaeological sites, which do not meet the criteria for a Florida Heritage Landmark, and other subjects relating to Florida history and culture.

d.  Other special series of markers which the division may establish to facilitate guiding the general public to places of historic interest and to facilitate identification and interpretation of topics of statewide interest, including, but not limited to, historic and scenic trails, byways, and greenways and anniversaries or other occasions of special significance to the history and culture of Florida.

The division may exercise the right of trademark over the terms "Florida Heritage" or "Heritage Florida" pursuant to s. 286.031.

6.  The division shall develop a comprehensive plan for the state historical marker program which shall be kept up to date and shall incorporate goals and objectives of the program, as well as policies, plans, and procedures relating to:

a.  Categories of Official Florida Historical Markers, criteria for their use, and specifications for design.

b.  Selection of subjects to be marked.

c.  Published guides to Official Florida Historical Markers, including methods for public distribution.

d.  Maintenance of markers.

e.  Removal or replacement of markers.

f.  Placement of markers at historic sites which shall be, in general, conspicuous and accessible to and easily reached by the public and where something associated with the person, historic property, event, or other subject being marked is still visible.

g.  Physical placement of the markers which shall be, in general, conspicuous and easily reached by the public.

7.  In order to enhance public participation and involvement in the identification and interpretation of subjects relating to the history and culture of Florida, there is created within the Department of State the "State Historical Marker Council."

a.  The council shall consist of five members who represent different areas of the state, are appointed by the Secretary of State, and are qualified through the demonstration of special interest, experience, or education in interpretation of the state's history and historical properties, as follows:

(I)  At least two members shall have professional training and experience in one or more of the following fields: history, historic preservation, architecture, architectural history, or archaeology.

(II)  At least two members shall be duly authorized representatives of a statewide or local historical, historic preservation, or archaeological organization.

b.  Members shall be appointed for 2-year terms, except for an appointment to fill an unexpired term, in which event the appointment shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term only. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms on the council.

c.  The director of the division or his or her designee shall serve without voting rights as secretary to the council. The division shall provide necessary staff assistance to the council.

d.  The council shall meet at the request of the division or at the request of a majority of its membership. To carry out its responsibilities, however, the council need not convene a meeting, but may give advice to the division by means of written or telephonic communication. Members shall serve without pay, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for their expenses in carrying out their official duties, as provided in s. 112.061.

e.  It shall be the responsibility of the council to provide assistance, advice, and recommendations to the division in evaluating proposals for Official Florida Historical Markers and identifying goals for the state historical marker program. The process of evaluation shall seek to establish the significance of the subject proposed for a marker, but neither the division nor the council shall make proposal or evaluation requirements so complex or onerous as to preclude private citizens from directly submitting proposals without professional assistance.

8.  The division may establish a reasonable fee to recover its costs arising from review of a proposal for a historical marker, monument, plaque, medallion, or similar device. Any fee established shall be payable by the applicant for the marker, monument, plaque, medallion, or similar device.

9.  The division shall encourage the initiation of proposals for Official Florida Historical Markers from departments or agencies of the state; units of county, municipal, or other local governments; corporations, partnerships, or other organizations, whether public or private or whether or not for profit; or any individual.

10.  Funds for the creation and placement of an Official Florida Historical Marker shall be provided by the agency, organization, individual, or other entity proposing the marker. The division may erect Official Florida Historical Markers at its own expense and may make competitive grants from the Historical Resources Operating Trust Fund, pursuant to s. 267.0617, to assist in funding the costs of Official Florida Historical Markers. All Official Florida Historical Markers shall be considered property of the state.

11.  The division shall seek cooperation from local volunteers throughout the state and, where appropriate, shall encourage the establishment of citizen support organizations, pursuant to s. 267.17, to assist in maintaining Official Florida Historical Markers and facilitating public access to places marked.

12.a.  The division is authorized and empowered to erect and maintain appropriate signs or markers indicating sites of historic interest and value upon public property as well as upon private property where permission is obtained.

b.  The Department of Transportation or the governing body of each county or municipality is authorized to permit and assist the division in erecting and maintaining said historic signs or markers within the right-of-way of any state highway, county road, or municipal street, or any other property under its jurisdiction and control, under such conditions and limitations as may be appropriate. The division is hereby vested with the exclusive authority and power to erect and maintain said historic signs or markers within the right-of-way of any state highway.

(o)  Establish regional offices for the purpose of assisting the division in the delivery of historic preservation services to the counties and municipalities of the state and to the citizens of the State of Florida. Historic preservation regional offices shall be established in St. Augustine, Tampa, Palm Beach County, and in other areas of the state which the division deems appropriate. For each regional office established, the division shall establish a citizen support organization in accordance with s. 267.17. The board of directors of each citizen support organization shall be appointed by the Secretary of State.

(4)  STATE ARCHAEOLOGIST.--The division shall employ a State Archaeologist, and such other archaeologists as deemed necessary, who shall possess such qualifications as the division may prescribe. The State Archaeologist shall serve at the pleasure of the division director and shall have his or her duties prescribed by the division director.

(5)  STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER.--The division shall employ a State Historic Preservation Officer, and such other specialists in the field of historic preservation as deemed necessary, who shall possess such qualifications as the division may prescribe. The State Historic Preservation Officer shall serve at the pleasure of the division director and shall have his or her duties prescribed by the division director.

(6)  DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES.--The Department of Management Services, in consultation with the division, shall adopt rules for the renovation of historic properties which are owned or leased by the state. Such rules shall be based on national guidelines for historic renovation, including the standards for rehabilitation adopted by the United States Secretary of the Interior.

History.--s. 6, ch. 67-50; ss. 10, 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 5, ch. 81-173; s. 19, ch. 83-216; s. 2, ch. 85-281; s. 47, ch. 86-163; s. 2, ch. 87-33; s. 1, ch. 88-351; s. 1, ch. 90-259; s. 243, ch. 91-224; s. 2, ch. 92-61; s. 197, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 3, ch. 94-190; s. 108, ch. 94-356; s. 854, ch. 95-148; s. 3, ch. 95-235; s. 9, ch. 96-418; s. 7, ch. 97-68.