Advertising for competitive bids or proposals.

(1) The solicitation of competitive bids or proposals for any state construction project that is projected to cost more than $200,000 shall be publicly advertised once in the Florida Administrative Register at least 21 days prior to the established bid opening. For state construction projects that are projected to cost more than $500,000, the advertisement shall be published in the Florida Administrative Register at least 30 days prior to the established bid opening and at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the project is located at least 30 days prior to the established bid opening and at least 5 days prior to any scheduled prebid conference. The bids or proposals shall be received and opened publicly at the location, date, and time established in the bid or proposal advertisement. In cases of emergency, the Secretary of Management Services may alter the procedures required in this section in any manner that is reasonable under the emergency circumstances.

(2) The solicitation of competitive bids or proposals for any county, municipality, or other political subdivision construction project that is projected to cost more than $200,000 shall be publicly advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the project is located at least 21 days prior to the established bid opening and at least 5 days prior to any scheduled prebid conference. The solicitation of competitive bids or proposals for any county, municipality, or other political subdivision construction project that is projected to cost more than $500,000 shall be publicly advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the project is located at least 30 days prior to the established bid opening and at least 5 days prior to any scheduled prebid conference. Bids or proposals shall be received and opened at the location, date, and time established in the bid or proposal advertisement. In cases of emergency, the procedures required in this section may be altered by the local governmental entity in any manner that is reasonable under the emergency circumstances.

(3) If the location, date, or time of the bid opening changes, written notice of the change must be given, as soon as practicable after the change is made, to all persons who are registered to receive any addenda to the plans and specifications.

(4) A construction project may not be divided into more than one project for the purpose of evading the requirements in this section.

(5) As used in this section, the term “emergency” means an unexpected turn of events that causes:

(a) An immediate danger to the public health or safety;

(b) An immediate danger of loss of public or private property; or

(c) An interruption in the delivery of an essential governmental service.