COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
SUBJECT:
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Resolution No. 2025-R-71 Authorize Participation SB 180 Lawsuit
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DEPARTMENT:
City Manager
SUMMARY:
Authorize participation of the City in a lawsuit seeking declaratory, injunctive, and other appropriate relief from the provisions of SB 180. On June 26, 2025, Senate Bill 180 (“SB 180”), titled “Emergencies,” was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis and became effective immediately as Chapter 2025-190, Florida Statutes. The city intends to retain Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, PL (the "Firm") to represent the City in the Lawsuit, at both the trial and appellate levels. The Firm will charge a flat fee, inclusive of attorneys' fees and costs, of $10,000.00 to represent the City in the Lawsuit in the trial court, which shall be payable within ten days of the effective date of this Resolution. The City shall also pay $5,000.00 to the Firm to represent it in any appeal related to the Lawsuit that is filed at the District Court of Appeal within 30 days of the filing of such appeal, and $5,000.00 to the Firm to represent it in any appeal that is filed at the Florida Supreme Court within 30 days of the filing of such appeal. The City acknowledges that the Firm will be representing other local governments in the Lawsuit and waives any conflicts related to such representation. The City also acknowledges that the Firm may represent other entities, private or public, and that the representation of City in this Lawsuit alone, because it is part of a coalition, will not constitute a conflict of interest and, to the extent it does, waives such conflict of interest.
BUDGETED ITEM: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Not Applicable
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not Applicable
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to approve Resolution No. 2025-R-71