§ 1-2. Definitions and rules of construction.

In the construction of this Code, and of all ordinances, the following definitions and rules of construction shall be observed, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Charter, this Charter. The terms "Charter" and "this Charter," when used in this Code, mean and refer to the Charter as adopted by Laws of Fla., ch. 9875(1923), as amended.

City. The terms "the city" and "this city" shall be construed as if the words "of Palatka" followed the word city, and shall extend to and include its several officers, agents and employees.

City commission. The term "city commission" means the city commission of the City of Palatka.

Code of Ordinances, Code. The terms "Code of Ordinances" and "Code" mean the Palatka Municipal Code.

Computation of time. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this Code, by order of court, or by any applicable ordinance, 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, a Sunday nor a 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.

County. The terms "the county" and "this county" mean the County of Putnam.

F.S. The abbreviation "F.S." means the Florida Statutes, as amended.

Gender. A word importing the masculine gender only shall extend and be applied to females and to firms, partnerships and corporations as well as to males.

Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of any provision of this Code, it shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. Where any provision of the Code imposes greater restrictions upon the subject matter than the general provisions imposed by the Code, the provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling. All city ordinances regulating the conduct of persons on land shall apply to persons using waterways, insofar as such ordinances are properly applicable.

Number. A word importing the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons and things as well as to one person and thing.

Oath. The word "oath" shall be construed to include an affirmation in all cases in which, by law, an affirmation may be substituted for an oath, and in such cases the words "swear" and "sworn" shall be equivalent to the words "affirm" and "affirmed."

Officer, employee, department, board, commission or agency. Whenever a reference to an officer, employee, department, board, commission or agency appears, it shall be construed as if followed by the words "of the City of Palatka, Florida."

Or, and. "Or" may be read "and," and "and" may be read "or," if the sense requires it.

Owner. The word "owner," applied to a building or land, includes any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, tenant in partnership, joint tenant, or tenant by the entirety, of the whole or of a part of such building or land.

Person. The word "person" shall extend and be applied to associations, clubs, societies, firms, partnerships and bodies politic and corporate as well as to individuals.

Personal property. The term "personal property" includes every species of property except real property.

Shall, may. The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive.

State. The terms "the state" and "this state" mean the State of Florida.

Tense. Words used in the present or past tense include the future as well as the present or past.

Time. A reference to a specific time shall mean Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Savings Time, as may then be in effect.

(Code 1981, § 1-2)

State law reference

Definitions, F.S. § 1.01 et seq.