In order to put up a display or signage in a so-called “free speech zone” in Bartow, Fla, you’d better bring your checkbook.

County officials say they have not received a single application to use a small space outside the county administration building for public displays, not even from religious organizations wanting to erect a Nativity scene there this Christmas.

Why’s that, do you suppose?

Among other things, the county requires each group to have a $500,000 insurance policy to cover liability — a condition that has stopped at least one local group from applying to use the space. . . .

In addition to the insurance condition, the county also stipulates that the person or group applying must pay a $50 application fee and another $100 if the application is approved to cover the county’s maintenance costs.

Some groups may have also been put off by another clause in the county’s policy requiring that the content of each display undergo review by county officials. Displays cannot include any profanity or pornography, commercial speech or lights or sound effects, the policy says. — The Ledger

Free speech, if you have the money, and if the county commissioners approve of your speech. And they wonder why not a single person has filed an application to use the space.

(Hat tip: Hit and Run)