Public Records Rules for Twitter, Facebook and Social Media

From Sun Sentinel:

Every time local-government officials in Florida use social media in their public position they are creating a public record, something they're required to keep and produce upon request. More Broward and Palm Beach county public officials are turning to social media to spread their message directly to digital "friends" and "followers."

On one hand, social media and the access to local officials that it can provide the public fits in with the spirit of Florida's open government laws, intended to assure public access to government documents and meetings. On the other hand, it offers another avenue for communication between elected officials of the same boards and commissions, a no-no under Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law if those officials discuss public business outside of a public meeting.