Which act governs the disciplinary process when violations cannot be disposed of by informal measures?

• A. Administrative Procedure Act of F.S. 120
• B. Sunshine Law
• C. Open Records Act
• D. Administrative Rules

Answer: (A)

When informal measures won’t resolve a violation, the disciplinary process is governed by Florida's Administrative Procedure Act, F.S. 120. This statute provides the formal procedural framework for contested cases, including proper notice, the opportunity to present evidence and be heard, and a formal evidentiary hearing before an administrative law judge. The resulting order is subject to review and appeal within the agency and in court, ensuring due process throughout the process.

The other options address different aspects of government operations but do not set the formal hearing framework for disciplinary actions. The Sunshine Law governs open meetings, not how hearings are conducted. The Open Records Act deals with access to government records. Administrative Rules are the agency’s rules that implement statutes, but they operate under the overarching procedural structure of F.S. 120 and do not themselves establish the discipline process for unresolved violations.