§ 1-2. Definitions and rules of construction.

The following definitions and rules of construction shall apply to this Code and to all ordinances and resolutions unless the context requires otherwise:

Generally. When provisions conflict, the specific shall prevail over the general. All provisions shall be liberally construed so that the intent of the board of county commissioners may be effectuated. Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language, but technical words, technical phrases and words and phrases that have acquired peculiar and appropriate meanings in law shall be construed according to such meanings.

Board of county commissioners, county board, board, county commission and commission. The terms "board of county commissioners," "county board," "board," "county commission" and "commission" mean the board of county commissioners of Taylor County, Florida.

Circuit court. The term "circuit court" means the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial Circuit in and for Taylor County, Florida.

Clerk of the circuit court, county clerk, clerk of the board of county commissioners. The terms "clerk of the circuit court," "county clerk" and "clerk of the board of county commissioners" mean the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial Circuit in and for Taylor County, Florida.

Code. The term "Code" means the Code of Ordinances of Taylor County, Florida, as designated in section 1-1.

Computation of time. In computing a period of time, the day of the act, event or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which event the period shall run until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation.

Conjunctions. In a provision involving two or more items, conditions, provisions or events, which items, conditions, provisions or events are connected by the conjunction "and," "or" or "either…or," the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows:

(1)

"And" indicates that all the connected terms, conditions, provisions or events apply.

(2)

"Or" indicates that the connected terms, conditions, provisions or events apply singly or in any combination.

(3)

"Either…or" indicates that the connected terms, conditions, provisions or events apply singly but not in combination.

County. The term "county" means Taylor County, Florida.

Delegation of authority. A provision that authorizes or requires a county officer or county employee to perform an act or make a decision and authorizes such officer or employee to act or make a decision through subordinates.

F.A.C. The abbreviation "F.A.C." refers to the Florida Administrative Code.

F.S. The abbreviation "F.S." means the latest edition of the Florida Statutes.

Following. The term "following" means next after.

Gender. Words of one gender include the other genders.

Includes. The term "includes" does not limit a term to a specified example.

Joint authority. Words giving a joint authority to three or more persons give such authority to a majority of such persons.

May. The term "may" is to be construed as being permissive and not mandatory.

May not. The term "may not" states a prohibition.

Month. The term "month" means a calendar month.

Must. The term "must" is to be construed as being mandatory and not permissive.

Number. Words in the singular include the plural. Words in the plural include the singular.

Oath. A solemn affirmation is equivalent to an oath and a person shall be deemed to have sworn if such person makes such an affirmation.

Officers, departments, etc. References to officers, departments, boards, commissions or employees are to county officers, county departments, county boards, county commissions and county employees.

Owner. The term "owner," as applied to property, includes any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, tenant in partnership, joint tenant or tenant by the entirety of the whole or part of such property.

Person. The term "person" means any human being, any governmental or political subdivision or public agency, any public or private corporation, any partnership, any firm, association or other organization, any receiver, trustee, assignee, agent or other legal representative of any of the foregoing or any other legal entity.

Personal property. The term "personal property" means any property other than real property.

Preceding. The term "preceding" means next before.

Premises. The term "premises," as applied to real property, includes land and structures.

Property. The term "property" means real and personal property and mixed property.

Real property. The term "real property" includes land, tenements and hereditaments.

Road. The term "road" means any alley, avenue, boulevard, highway, road, lane, viaduct, bridge and the approach thereto, and any other public thoroughfare in the county. The term "road" also means the entire width thereof between abutting property lines. The term "road" includes a sidewalk or footpath.

Shall. The term "shall" is to be construed as being mandatory and not permissive.

Signature and subscription by mark. The terms "signature" and "subscription by mark" include a mark when the signer or subscriber cannot write. In such situations, such person's name shall be written near the mark by a witness who writes his own name near such person's name.

State. The term "state" means the State of Florida.

Tenant, occupant. The terms "tenant" and "occupant," as applied to a building or land, includes:

(1)

Any person holding either alone or with others a written or oral lease of such building or land.

(2)

Any person who either alone or with others occupies such building or land.

Tense. The present tense includes the past and future tenses. The future tense includes the present tense.

Week. The term "week" means a period of seven consecutive days.

Writing. The term "writing" includes any form of recorded message capable of comprehension by ordinary visual means.

Year. The term "year" means a calendar year.