Before and After

Below are some examples of actual government documents before they were re-written with clearer language. Examples of improvements to letters and notices to Floridians will be provided and updated on a regular basis. The goal of Governor Charlie Crist’s Plain Language Initiative is to make state government speak with Floridians, not at them.

Before
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a half hour or more of moderate physical activity on most days, preferably every day. The activity can include brisk walking, calisthenics, home care, gardening, moderate sports exercise, and dancing.

After
Do at least 30 minutes of exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week.
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Before
Add truncated dome detectable warning surface on existing sidewalk curb ramps. Replace existing concrete strain pole signal systems with new mast arm signal systems.

After
Install detectable warning surface on existing sidewalk curb ramps. Replace existing traffic signals with new mast arm signals.
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Before
The following summary is intended only to highlight certain information contained elsewhere in this report.

After
This summary highlights information contained in the report.

More Examples

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Before and After