By Heather Fisher Lindsay*
This Article explores whether Florida’s Public Whistleblower’s Act (“PWA”) is sufficiently effective to promote needed disclosures from honest public servants to ensure the integrity of government aligning with the State of Florida’s Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees. Consistent with the constitutional principle that a “public office is a public trust,” a whistleblower can ensure the integrity of government by disclosing information necessary for accountability by those who are violating the law or engaged in waste, fraud, or abuse of their position. Yet, the PWA does not apparently provide enough protection to honest public servants based on the recent decision, City of Hallandale Beach v. Rosemond, 388 So. 3d 826, 832 (Fla. 4th Dist. Ct. App.), review denied, No. SC2024-1265 (Fla. Dec. 20, 2024). This Article explores the pitfalls created by a stingy interpretation and application of the PWA as well as possible statutory amendments to address those pitfalls. The Article additionally suggests community engagement to establish ethical norms and means of enforcement at the local level.