Statement of Agency Organization and Operation

(1) The agency head shall maintain a current Statement of Agency Organization and Operation. The statement shall describe the organization of the agency and outline the general course of the agency’s operations. The purpose of the statement is:

(a) To inform the public, in a complete and concise manner, of the nature of the agency’s business, operations, delegation of authority, internal organization and other related matters;

(b) To provide assistance to the public when dealing with the agency; and

(c) To expedite the processing of agency matters on behalf of the public.

(2) The Statement of Agency Organization and Operation shall:

(a) Describe the agency head and his or her duties, as well as state the method of selection or appointment of the agency head, and the length of his or her term.

(b) Describe the organizational units and sub-units within the agency, including their assigned functions, duties, responsibilities, statutory authority, and statutes and rules they are charged with implementing. The designation of units and sub-units shall be consistent with Section 20.04, F.S., or as otherwise provided by law.

(c) Describe the manner by which publications, documents, forms, applications for licenses, permits and other similar certifications or rights granted by the agency, or other information, may be obtained.

(d) Identify the agency clerk by name, position, address, e-mail address, and telephone number; and set out his or her duties and responsibilities.

(e) State whether documents can be filed by electronic mail or facsimile transmission, including applicable telephone numbers and electronic mail addresses where filings may be submitted, and set forth the acceptable nature and scope of such filings, including the following:

That the filing date for a document transmitted by electronic mail or by facsimile shall be the date the agency receives the complete document. Any document received by the office of the agency clerk after 5:00 p.m. shall be filed as of 8:00 a.m. on the next regular business day.

(f) Identify the name, address, and e-mail address of the appropriate contact person for obtaining information about variances from or waivers of agency rules, and indicate how to file a petition for variance or waiver.

(g) Set forth the agency’s hours of operation during which filings will be accepted.

(h) Set forth where and how agency index of final orders can be accessed.

(3) The agency clerk shall provide a copy of its Statement of Agency Organization and Operation to any person upon request.

(4) An agency shall publish a statement of organization and operation on the agency’s website.