Palm Bay City Manager office responds to the public concerns on new visitor check in requirements
Palm Bay, Fla. — Visitors to Palm Bay City Hall are now required to check in at the customer service desk with a valid photo ID before gaining access. As of Monday, January 13, the new procedure includes wearing a numbered Visitor Pass, which must be displayed visibly at all times.
The policy has sparked public debate, with some residents questioning its necessity and raising concerns about potential constitutional violations. In response to these concerns, Palm Bay Live reached out to the City Manager’s Office to better understand the rationale and legal basis for the change. We have included the responses below:
Click here to see the questions and the responses from the City Managers office
According to the City Manager’s Office, the policy was implemented administratively following recommendations from a third-party security analysis of city facilities. Officials explained that the City Manager, under the City Charter, has the authority to establish and maintain administrative policies.
“This measure ensures the safety of everyone while maintaining open access to government functions,” the office stated. “Identification is not required to prevent access to public records, meetings, or government services.”
The policy has raised concerns among some residents about potential violations of the First and Fourth Amendments. In response, city officials clarified that the policy is a “reasonable time, place, and manner restriction” aimed at ensuring security. They emphasized that requesting identification in this context does not constitute an unlawful search or seizure and is consistent with practices in other government facilities.
Florida has seen a trend toward stricter security measures in municipal buildings, often driven by heightened safety concerns. For example, the City of Sanford implemented a visitor management system requiring identification, citing similar goals of improving security without increasing staffing levels. However, such policies must balance security with Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, which ensures public access to governmental meetings.
In a 2003 opinion, the Florida Attorney General noted that while security measures are essential, they must not unreasonably restrict public access. Furthermore, a 2023 Florida law now provides residents with a legal mechanism to challenge local ordinances perceived as arbitrary or unreasonable.
The Office of the City Manager emphasized that the Palm Bay policy is applied uniformly and that administrative codes are reviewed biannually to incorporate public feedback and make improvements.
“The requirement to provide identification helps us monitor access, protect against potential threats, and ensure accountability for those within the building,” city officials stated.
The new check-in procedure has divided public opinion. While some residents view it as a practical safety measure, others argue it is unnecessary and infringes on their rights. Residents with concerns are encouraged to share their feedback with city officials as the policy continues to be implemented.
