Social Media Terms of Use

Public members who post, comment, or otherwise submit content to any City of Tarpon Springs social media site agree they have read, understand, and explicitly agree to the following policy, terms, and conditions.

To better serve its residents, the City of Tarpon Springs ("City") may, at its sole discretion, utilize online user engagement tools and websites, including social media platforms, to provide residents with timely information in more accessible and interactive ways. All content, including, but not limited to text, comments, responses, posts, videos, live video streams, writings, materials, documents, photographs, graphics, or other information considered public record under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

This policy defines social media platforms as publicly accessible websites or applications used to consume and share audio, video, photo, or written communication. Examples include, but are not limited to: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, Nextdoor, LinkedIn, blogs with commenting capabilities, and public forums.

By posting or commenting on any social media platform used by the city, you participate by your own choice, taking personal responsibility for your comments, username, and any information you provide. This policy applies to all official City social media sites, including those managed by individual departments or public safety services. The City reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.

Privacy and Public Record

  • Do not post sensitive personal information such as social security numbers, addresses, or financial information.
  • City-hosted tools and websites are not guaranteed to be secure.
  • All content posted may be retained or disclosed as a public record.

Content Removal and Moderation: The City reserves the right to remove (or hide) content in a viewpoint-neutral manner, including but not limited to:

  • Comments not directly related to the topic.
  • Obscene, indecent, or profane language or imagery.
  • Direct threats or promotion of violence.
  • Content promoting discrimination.
  • Promotion of commercial products or services.
  • Malware, spam, or automated bot content.
  • Promotion or endorsement of political candidates or campaigns.
  • Content that compromises investigations or public safety.
  • Violations of intellectual property rights.

Limited Public Forum: All City social media accounts are designated as Limited Public Forums. Comments should remain on-topic and relevant to the City's original posts. By submitting content, users agree that:

  • They are posting voluntarily and on their own behalf.
  • Their comments reflect their original thoughts.
  • Their comments may be subject to public record disclosure.
  • City social media sites are not proper channels for public records requests.
  • Comments may be archived or removed by this policy.

External Content and Endorsements

  • Links or shares from official City pages do not imply endorsement.
  • The city is not responsible for the accuracy or security of external links.
  • Opinions expressed by the public do not represent the views of the city.

Emergency Services Disclaimer

  • Social media is not a substitute for emergency or non-emergency services.
  • In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Denial of Access The City reserves the right to restrict or block individuals who repeatedly violate these Terms of Use.

Compliance with Platform Standards Users must comply with the community standards and terms of service of each respective platform (e.g., Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn).

Waiver of Liability By posting, users agree to release and hold harmless the City, its officers, employees, and agents from any liability arising from their use of City social media sites.

Ownership of Content The City retains ownership rights to content it creates and posts. Content composed or posted by City employees in their official capacity is City property.

Use of City Seal or Logo: Use of the official City seal or logo is prohibited without express written permission.

Questions: If you have questions regarding this policy or need to contact the City, please call (727) 938-3711 or visit https://www.ctsfl.us.

Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to the city. Instead, contact us by phone or by writing. Fla. Stat. § 668.6076.