Deltona Residents Accuse City of Sunshine Law Violations, Plan Lawsuit

Residents claim city commission held a public meeting that was supposed to be canceled, violating state transparency laws.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A group of Deltona, Florida residents is preparing to sue the city, alleging the city commission violated state sunshine laws by holding a public meeting that was supposed to be canceled. The residents were planning to speak out against a proposed affordable housing project, but believed the meeting had been canceled. However, the meeting took place with only a few commissioners present, which the residents claim did not follow proper protocol.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of government transparency and adherence to open meeting laws, known as "sunshine laws" in Florida. Residents are concerned that the city is not properly informing the public and allowing for meaningful participation in decisions that impact the community, such as a major affordable housing development.

The details

According to the residents, the city had announced the public hearing on the 'New Hope' affordable housing project was canceled last week. However, the meeting technically took place with only the vice mayor and one other commissioner present. The residents' lawyer has sent a notice threatening to sue, arguing the meeting was called to order under direction from the city manager despite the lack of a quorum. During the meeting, one commissioner expressed concerns about the legality of holding the meeting after it had been canceled.

  • On February 2, the city said the meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum.
  • On February 17, the city plans to discuss the affordable housing project again.

The players

David Sosa

One of the Deltona residents involved in the lawsuit against the city.

Dori Howington

A Deltona city commissioner who expressed concerns about the legality of holding the meeting after it had been canceled.

Deltona City Commission

The governing body of the city of Deltona, Florida that is accused of violating state sunshine laws.

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What they’re saying

“The city can't put a meeting out, notice it, and then cancel it two hours or three hours before, and then call a couple commissioners — the vice mayor and the one commissioner. I feel sorry for them because now they're in the hot seat.”

— David Sosa, Deltona Resident (clickorlando.com)

“That meeting was canceled. And then called to order. As a result, I'm not comfortable voting in the affirmative on any of these items.”

— Dori Howington, Deltona City Commissioner (clickorlando.com)

What’s next

The residents' lawyer presented their case at a special Deltona city meeting on Monday. The city's attorney argued the commission followed the rules, but the residents are demanding the housing project discussion be removed from the agenda until it is properly advertised for 30 days as required by law.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the importance of local governments strictly adhering to open meeting laws and providing ample public notice and opportunity for input, even on controversial development projects. The residents' lawsuit could set an important precedent for transparency in Deltona and other Florida communities.