In Orange County, Florida, the process for proposing and enacting a county ordinance, including one for e-bike safety, involves engaging with the public and the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Florida state law sets minimum requirements for the ordinance process, but additional local steps are often part of the procedure.
Steps to propose an e-bike ordinance
1. Plan and research
Write a clear proposal. Draft a clear and descriptive proposal outlining the regulations you want to see enacted. This could include requirements for mandatory training, helmet usage for certain ages, or registration for minors.
Conduct research. Gather data and evidence to support the need for the ordinance. This may involve collecting information on local e-bike accidents, interviewing affected residents, and studying similar ordinances in other jurisdictions.
Draft the business impact statement. Florida law requires a "business impact estimate" for most new ordinances. The estimate must include:A summary of the proposed ordinance and its public purpose.
An estimate of the direct economic impact on private for-profit businesses.
Estimates of direct compliance costs and regulatory costs.
2. Build public support
Contact your County Commissioner. Reach out to your local Orange County Commissioner to discuss your concerns and propose your ideas. You can find your district commissioner's contact information on the Orange County Government website.
Gather support from community groups. Partner with local advocacy organizations likeBike/Walk Central Florida, neighborhood associations, and school parent-teacher associations. A united voice from the community will have a more significant impact.
Launch a petition. Organize an online or paper petition to demonstrate broad public support for the ordinance. This can be a powerful tool to bring to a BCC meeting.
Attend and speak at meetings. Attend public BCC meetings and committee hearings to speak during public comment periods. This shows your dedication and puts the issue directly in front of the BCC.
3. Engage the Board of County Commissioners
Secure a sponsor. The most direct path is to get a Commissioner to formally sponsor your proposed ordinance. This requires working closely with them and their staff to refine the draft.
Staff review and recommendation. Once a Commissioner sponsors the ordinance, it will be reviewed by county staff and legal departments. Staff may analyze the proposal's feasibility and costs, then make a recommendation to the BCC.
BCC meeting for initial consideration. The BCC will consider the proposed ordinance during a public meeting.
Publish notice of intent. Florida law requires that notice of the meeting to consider the ordinance be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least 10 days in advance. The public must also be advised that they can appear and be heard at the meeting.
4. The ordinance process
Public hearing. The BCC will hold a public hearing where interested parties can voice their opinions on the ordinance. The BCC will take testimony and evidence into consideration.
BCC vote. A majority vote of a quorum of the BCC is required for the ordinance to be passed.
Filing with the state. After enactment, a certified copy of the ordinance must be filed with the Florida Department of State within 10 days to take effect. An ordinance may specify a later effective date.
Key contacts
Orange County Board of County Commissioners:201 S. Rosalind Ave., 5th Floor, Orlando, FL 32801. Phone: (407) 836-7350.
Bike/Walk Central Florida: A nonprofit organization dedicated to improving pedestrian and bicycle safety in the area. They have been directly involved in e-bike safety initiatives with Orange County.