§ 1-2. Rules of construction.

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

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

Computation of time. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this Code, 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 (7) days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation.

State Law reference— Similar provisions, Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.090.

County. The words "the county" or "this county" shall mean the County of Volusia in the State of Florida.

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.

Joint authority. All words giving a joint authority to three (3) or more persons or officers shall be construed as giving such authority to a majority of such persons or officers.

Keeper and proprietor. The words "keeper" and "proprietor" shall mean and include persons, firms, associations, corporations, clubs and copartnerships, whether acting by themselves or a servant, agent or employee.

Nontechnical and technical words. Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of the language; but technical words and phrases and such others as may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be construed and understood according to such meaning.

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 case the words "swear" and "sworn" shall be equivalent to the words "affirm" and "affirmed."

Officers. Whenever reference is made to any officer, board or agency, such as "mayor," "city council," "city clerk," "police department," or the like, it shall be construed to mean such officer, board or agency of the city, and shall include any duly authorized deputy of such officer, board or agency.

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, shall include 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.

State. The words "the state" or "this state" shall be construed to mean the State of Florida.

Tenant. The words "tenant" or "occupant," applied to a building or land, shall include any person holding a written or oral lease of or who occupies the whole or a part of such buildings or land, either alone or with others.

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

(Code 1966, § 1-2)

State law reference

Definitions of terms, F.S. § 1.01.