§ 70-172. Rules of construction.

(a)

This article shall be liberally construed to effectively carry out its purpose in the interest of promoting and protecting the public health, safety and welfare.

(b)

For the purposes of administration and enforcement of this article, the following rules of construction shall apply to the text of this article, unless otherwise stated in this article:

(1)

In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this article and any caption, illustration, summary table, or illustrative table, the text shall control.

(2)

The word "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary; the word "may" is permissive.

(3)

Words used in the present tense shall include the future; and words used in the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.

(4)

The phrase "used for" includes "arranged for," "designed for," "maintained for," or "occupied for."

(5)

Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, where a regulation involves two or more items, conditions, provisions, or events connected by the conjunction "and," "or" or "either…or," the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows:

a.

"And" indicates that all the connected shall apply.

b.

"Or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events may apply singly or in any combination.

c.

"Either…or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events shall apply singly but not in combination.

(6)

The word "includes" shall not limit a term to the specific example but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances or circumstances of like kind or character.

(c)

Nothing in this article shall be construed or interpreted to include the county in the definition of "agency" in F.S. § 120.52, or to otherwise subject the county to the application of the Florida Administrative Procedure Act, F.S. ch. 120.

(Ord. No. 97-7, § IV, 5-15-97)