Cabinet meeting in Israel "could be a violation" of Florida's Sunshine Laws

Ron DeSantis Florida — Ron DeSantis in Brandon in 2015. By Samuel Johnson / WMNF News.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is leading a huge delegation to Israel beginning Saturday that includes a state Cabinet meeting inside the controversial new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

But is that meeting a violation of Florida’s open-meeting laws, known as “government in the Sunshine” laws?

WMNF asked Barbara Peterson. She’s president of the First Amendment Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for the public’s right to oversee the government through the application of Florida’s public meetings law.

“There are concerns, absolutely, and I am a bit worried about it, for all sorts of reasons. One, this meeting was announced back in April. Yesterday, an agenda of the meeting was finally provided, about a week before the actual meeting. We had been told initially not to worry, that the Cabinet would only be taking ceremonial action. But then, when you look at the agenda, they’re actually discussing some fairly substantial issues that Floridians care about.

“So, I was worried about the notice, the lack of notice, because if people do want to attend that meeting, they didn’t find out ‘til yesterday what the Cabinet is talking about. And now they’re going to be scrambling to try to find a flight reservation, a hotel reservation, assuming they can afford it.

“We still have not seen any substance of information on how the meeting is going to be webcast or video-cast. There’s a provision in Florida law that allows state-level agencies, like the Cabinet, to hold meetings by a video conferencing method. The Cabinet is allowed to do that. We just don’t know how they’re going to do it. We also don’t know exactly what time the meeting is going to commence. I saw 8:30, but the problem is, there’s a seven hour time difference, too.”

“…We have a constitutional right to participate in the [Florida Cabinet meeting in Israel.]”

SK: We’re hearing your concerns, but I just want to get to the bottom line. Do you think it’s a violation of the Florida Sunshine Laws?

“I think it could be a violation. Only the court can say there’s an actual violation of law. I think they’re pushing the line toward the violation.

“Whether that [agenda] notice that we got yesterday was reasonable under the law is a big question. There’s all sorts of case law and attorney generals’ opinions that say you’re supposed to — that an agency, a collegial body, which is what the Cabinet is — that the government collegial body should hold meetings in locations where it’s easy for people to attend. [Laughs] It’s not easy getting in Israel. And it may not be easy getting into the U.S. Embassy in Israel. So yes, there’s lots of Sunshine Law questions. I myself can’t say that there is a violation. Only the court can say that.”

Listen to the full interview here:

There was also a discussion of this topic on True Talk Friday. Listen here.

Below is a press release from the Governor’s office Friday afternoon:

Governor Ron DeSantis Outlines Bold Agenda for Upcoming Business Development Mission to Israel

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis outlined a bold agenda for his upcoming Business Development Mission to Israel from May 25-31, 2019. The mission includes several historic firsts for a governor’s business development mission, providing Florida with a unique opportunity to strengthen the economic bonds between Florida and Israel.

“I promised to be the most pro-Israel Governor in America and our bold agenda for my upcoming business development mission to Israel includes many historic firsts, strengthening Florida’s ties with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East,” said Governor DeSantis. “Our delegation will secure a historic number of memorandums of understanding for a governor’s business development mission. These agreements will benefit Florida students, businesses and residents for decades to come from securing high-wage jobs, to the development of environmental technology to research and academic opportunities.”

Governor-led missions are part of a global trade development and business recruitment strategy that involves leaders from business, government and economic development organizations throughout Florida. The missions provide a unique opportunity to promote Florida’s business advantages, assist exporters in meeting clients, and identify and attract foreign direct investment. Governor-led missions target markets where a significant opportunity exists to expand Florida’s economy.

Governor DeSantis’ bold agenda for the upcoming Business Development Mission to Israel features the following participants, agreements and events:

More than 90 delegates from Florida, representing every corner of the state
Meeting with Israeli government officials to strengthen the ties and synergy between Florida and Israel
The participation of more than 10 Florida institutions of higher education
More than 15 strategic Partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)
More than 10 business meetings to recruit new investments and bring high-wage jobs to Florida
Keynoting a business address to hundreds of American and Israeli business leaders and executives
Two policy-driven roundtables aimed to improve Florida’s environmental technology and public safety
More than six business and economic networking receptions
Ceremonial meeting of the Governor and members of the Florida Cabinet at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem
Cultural visits to strengthen the ties between Florida and Israeli residents

Additional information regarding the Governor’s Business Development Mission to Israel is available on the Enterprise Florida website. Pursuant to Florida Statute 119.071(2)d, certain information such as event locations and times will not be shared in advance for security purposes.

During his time in the U.S. Congress, Governor DeSantis led the successful charge to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem and advocated for U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty of the Golan Heights. Since taking office, Governor DeSantis followed through on his commitment to enhance security at Jewish Day Schools and took a strong position opposing the BDS movement including commercial discrimination against Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria by invoking Florida’s anti-BDS law against Airbnb.

Here’s a press release the Governor’s office sent out on May 22:

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Leadership and Delegation for Historic Business Development Mission to Israel

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the leadership and delegation for the Governor’s Business Development Mission to Israel, which takes place Saturday, May 25^th through Friday, May 31^st. Organized in conjunction with Enterprise Florida, Inc., the mission includes more than 90 delegation members and serves to strengthen the economic, academic and cultural bonds between Florida and Israel.

“This group of diverse Florida leaders will represent our state and nation proudly on this historic business development mission to Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East,”said Governor DeSantis. “Our delegation includes professionals and experts from a wide range of policy and business areas, representing every corner of our state. During this trip, we will affirm Florida as the most pro-Israel state in the nation and strengthen the bond between Florida and Israel for decades to come.”

Business Development Mission Leadership and Delegation

Co-Chairs

Ellyn Bogdanoff

Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff is a Shareholder and member of the Government Practice Group at the Becker Law Firm. She began her career over 30 years ago, owning her first insurance business by the age of 21. In 2003, Senator Bogdanoff began her legal career as a litigator and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2004, serving 9 sessions in both the Florida House and Senate. She retired from the Senate in 2012 as the only Jewish Republican member of the legislature.

Simon and Jana Falic

Simon Falic is the CEO and Chairman of Duty Free Americas, Inc. and Jana Falic is the Co-President of the Women’s International Zionist Organization. The Falics reside in South Florida.

Barbara Feingold

Mrs. Barbara Feingold has engaged in a lifelong pursuit of quality education for children, starting with her professional career as a speech and language pathologist and has served on the Florida State Board of Education. As a leader and philanthropist in the Jewish community, Mrs. Feingold and her husband dedicated The Dr. Jeffrey and Barbara Feingold Family Synagogue and Sefer Torah on the Mishmar Henegev Army Base in the Negev,Israel. She is currently on the Foundation Board of B’nai Torah Congregation where she and her husband recently established a STEM and Computer Coding Educational Center for the preschool, and sponsored the Feingold Family Inaugural Kids Concert Series.

The Honorable Dr. Jeffrey Feingold

The Honorable Dr. Jeffrey Feingold, a Florida-licensed periodontist, established MCNA Dental Plans in 1992, which has become the largest privately held dental managed care insurance company in America. Recently, the Hon. Dr. Feingold has been appointed to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council Board of Trustees by President Donald J. Trump. He also serves on the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees and is the Florida Chair and a national board member for the Republican Jewish Coalition. The Hon. Dr. Feingold attended the opening of the United States Embassy in Jerusalem, as a representative of the U.S. State Department along with then-Congressman Ron DeSantis.

Marc Goldman

As owner until 1999 of New Jersey’s Farmland Dairies, Marc was responsible for numerous industry developments. By opening the New York milk market to competition, he saved New York’s milk consumers hundreds of millions annually. Since 1999, Marc has studied with and is on the advisory board of the Jerusalem based Aish HaTorah and is a board member of the Republican Jewish Coalition. He was appointed by President Bush to the U.S. Holocaust Museum Council and is a recipient of the First Annual Crains New York Business All Stars, Who’s Who in Sales and Marketing, Who’s Who in the East 1989-90, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the 2016 King David Award by The Jewish Heritage Commission.

Carlyn and Lothar Mayer

Both born in South Africa, Carlyn and Lothar Mayer emigrated to the USA in 1977 and bought a company called Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. which they ran together until it was acquired by Masco, a stock exchange company in 1997. The Mayers are very involved in philanthropic endeavors and many projects. Carlyn has been on the American Israel Public Affairs National Board (AIPAC) while Lothar is on the AIEF (American Israel Foundation).

Delegation Members

Florida Cabinet and Elected Officials

Governor Ron DeSantis

Attorney General Ashley Moody
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (Jake Bergmann)
Senator Wilton Simpson (Kathryn Simpson)
Representative Chris Sprowls
Senator Lauren Book
Representative Randy Fine
Representative Chip LaMarca
Representative Joseph Geller
Broward County Mayor Marc Bogen
Bal Harbour Mayor Gabriel Groisman

Florida Department and Agency Personnel

Pamela Añez, Senior Executive Assistant, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Justin Caporale, Director of External Affairs, Executive Office of the Governor
Frank DiBello, President and CEO, Space Florida
Selma Fates, Director, International Strategic Initiatives, Enterprise Florida, Inc.
Helen Ferre, Communications Director, Executive Office of the Governor
Tony Gannon, Vice President, Research and Innovation, Enterprise Florida, Inc.
Fred Glickman, Senior Consultant, Enterprise Florida, Inc.
Richard Martin, General Counsel, Florida Office of the Attorney General
Manny Mencia, Senior Vice President, International Trade and Development, Enterprise Florida, Inc.
Robert Mons, Special Assistant to the Governor, Executive Office of the Governor
Jared Moskowitz, Director, Florida Division of Emergency Management
Christopher Munoz, Manager, International Trade and Development, Enterprise Florida, Inc.
Judith Rebollar, Manager, Administration and Export Compliance, Enterprise Florida, Inc.
Jared Rosenstein, Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Division of Emergency Management
Derek Silver, Deputy Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
Jamal Sowell, President and CEO, Enterprise Florida, Inc.
Shane Strum, Chief of Staff, Governor Ron DeSantis
Noah Valenstein, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection
Ryan West, Chief of Staff, CFO Jimmy Patronis
Dana Young, President and CEO, VISIT FLORIDA

Business

Susan Amat, Executive Director, Global Entrepreneurship Network
Alan Becker, Founding Shareholder, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
Philip Brown, CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Bob Diener, President, getaroom.com
Rachel Feinman, Executive Director, Florida-Israel Business Accelerator
Howard Goldstein, Senior Partner, Director of Business and Entrepreneurial Services, Appelrouth Farah and Co.
Marcy Goldstein, President, Marcy E. Goldstein, CPA PA
Margy Grant, CEO, Florida Realtors
Robert Grossman, Chair, Israel Practice, Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
Fred Karlinsky, Shareholder, Co-Chair, Insurance Regulatory & Transactions Practice, Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
Eytan Laor, Chairman, Electoral Strategies
Vicki Rabenou, President and CEO, StartUp Nation Ventures
Marc Reicher, Senior Vice President, Rida Associates, LP.
Aaron Ripin, COO, StartUp Nation Ventures
Ashley Ross, Senior Advisor, Rubin, Turnbull & Associates
Scott Ross, Consultant, Capital City Consulting
Mark Ruben, Executive Director, Palm Beach, Israel Bonds
Eric Sain, President, Florida Realtors
Domingo Sanchez (Thomasa Sanchez), Chairman, Aviation Authority Board, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Danielle Scoggins, Vice President of Public Policy, Florida Realtors
John Sholar, Florida Realtors
Eric Silagy, President and CEO, Florida Power & Light Co.
Sri Sridharan, Director, Cyber Florida
Jason Unger, Attorney, Tallahassee Managing Director, GrayRobinson PA
Melanie Weinstein, Interim Executive Director, Miami-Dade/Broward/West & Central Florida, Israel Bonds
Jonathan Weiss, Director of Strategic Innovation, INSIGHTEC, Inc.
Mark Wilson, President, Florida Chamber of Commerce

Academia

Dr. Charles Adams, Dean, Honors College, University of South Florida
Christina Bonarrigo Villamil, Project Manager, Full Sail University
Heather Duncan, Vice President of Government Affairs, University of North Florida
Dr. Brent Edington, Director, Office of Commercialization, Florida State University
Dr. Daniel Flynn, Vice President of Research, Florida Atlantic University
Dr. Melissa Friedman-Levine, Adjunct Professor of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University
Dr. Enrique Ginzburg, Professor of Surgery, University of Miami
Morgan Holmes, Director of Corporate Partnerships, University of South Florida
Dr. Max Hooper, Strategic Advisor – Business & Financial Modeling, University of Central Florida
Mimi Jankovits, Executive Director, Teach Florida
Dr. Jeff Jones, Vice Provost, UCF Connect and UCF Global, University of Central Florida
Dr. Sandra Kauanui, Director, Institute for Entrepreneurship, Florida Gulf Coast University
Dr. John Kelly, President, Florida Atlantic University
Brad Levine, Trustee, Florida Atlantic University
Dr. Mag Malek (Samia Abdel-Malek), Chair, Construction Management, College of Engineering, Computing and Construction, University of North Florida
Dr. T. Dwayne McCay, President and CEO, Florida Institute of Technology
Dr. David Metcalf, Director, Mixed Emerging Technologies Integration Lab, University of Central Florida
Dr. Dan Moon, Associate Provost and Professor of Biology, University of North Florida
Jamie Moon, Associate Lecturer, University of North Florida
Dr. Larry Robinson (Sharon Robinson), President, Florida A&M University
Dr. Lenore Rodicio, Executive Vice President and Provost, Miami Dade College
Dr. Mark Rosenberg, President, Florida International University
Dr. Jeffrey Senese, President, Saint Leo University
Dr. James Sullivan, Executive Director, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University