§ 2-23.5. Permissible use of electronic signatures, records and transactions.

(a)

Intent purpose and intent. In accordance with F.S. §§ 668.001 through 668.06, and § 668.50, the Electronic Signature Act of 1996 and the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act, respectively, the City of Lauderhill intends to treat an electronic document as having the same force and effect as a document obtained by traditional, manual means. Electronic commerce, including the implementation and authorization of electronic signatures, records, and transactions, can benefit the City of Lauderhill. Electronic commerce has the potential to facilitate economic development and improve the efficiency of government services, expedite business transactions, decrease paper use and reduce costs associated with manual signatures.

(b)

Authorization. The charter officers of the city are authorized to use electronic signatures, records and transactions, and to conduct transactions electronically.

(c)

Use. The charter officers of the city are authorized. to the extent consistent with F.S. §§ 668.001 through 668.06. and 668.50, to:

(1)

Determine appropriate use of electronic signatures, records and electronic transactions; and

(2)

Produce, receive, accept, acquire, transmit, forward, store, preserve, or maintain records in electronic form; and

(3)

Conduct transactions in electronic form.

(d)

Force and effect of an electronic signature.

(1)

Unless otherwise provided by law, an electronic signature may be used to sign a writing and shall have the same force and effect as a manual signature.

(2)

The charter officers are authorized. to the extent consistent with F.S. §§ 668.001 through 668.06, and 668.50, when deemed appropriate:

a.

To determine the manner and format in which electronic signatures are used and accepted; and

b.

To adopt rules and regulations regarding the identification, security, confidentiality and use of electronic signatures to ensure the validity of electronic signatures.

(e)

Force and effect of an electronic record. Electronic records shall be considered and treated the same as any other records for any other purpose.

(Ord. No. 17O-06-125, § 1, 6-26-2017)