§ 41-1. Authority; applicability; purpose and intent.

(a)

Authority. This article is adopted pursuant to article VIII, section 1(g), Florida Constitution, F.S. ch. 125, as amended, and the county Home Rule Charter (Laws of Fla. Ch. 70-966, as amended).

(b)

Applicability. This article shall apply throughout the county, both within incorporated municipalities and the unincorporated area.

(c)

Purpose and intent.

(1)

The county council finds that there are many individuals who establish and maintain a significant personal and economic relationship with another individual. Individuals forming such domestic partnerships often live in a committed domestic relationship. Domestic partners are often denied certain benefits and rights because there is no established system for such relationships to be registered or recognized.

(2)

The provisions of this article shall be liberally construed to promote the public safety, health and general welfare of the residents of the county and to further the general policies and purposes stated herein. However, this article shall not be construed to supersede, alter, affect or contravene any federal or state laws or regulations. Nothing in this article shall be construed as recognizing or treating a registered domestic partnership as a marriage.

(Ord. No. 2012-09, § I, 5-17-12)