Puerto Rico law

Municipal Laws in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico local government operates under the Commonwealth Constitution (1952) and the Autonomous Municipalities Act of 1991 (Act No. 81-1991). Puerto Rico has 78 municipios (municipalities), each with elected mayors and municipal assemblies. Puerto Rico does NOT have counties. Municipalities have home-rule authority under the Autonomous Municipalities Act. The Open Government Act and Freedom of Information provisions govern transparency. Sovereign immunity is partially waived under Act No. 104 of 1955 (Claims and Lawsuits Against the Commonwealth) with notice and cap requirements.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Autonomous Municipalities Act21 L.P.R.A. §§ 4001 et seq. (Act No. 81-1991)

Governs organization, powers, and home rule of Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities. Provides for elected mayors, municipal assemblies (legislatura municipal), and broad municipal authority.

No CountiesPR Constitution and municipal framework

Puerto Rico does not have counties. The 78 municipalities are the primary local government units below the Commonwealth level.

Claims Against the Commonwealth32 L.P.R.A. §§ 3077 et seq. (Act No. 104-1955)

Limited waiver of sovereign immunity for claims against the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. 90-day notice-of-claim requirement; damages cap of $75,000 (except for specified higher limits in specific circumstances).

Transparency and Public Records3 L.P.R.A. §§ 9901 et seq. (Act No. 141-2019 Open Government Act)

2019 comprehensive open-government statute. Public records presumed disclosable; public meetings generally open; proactive disclosure mandates.

State law

Official Sources

PR Office of Management and Budget PR Federation of Mayors

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Puerto Rico.

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Municipal Laws in Puerto Rico.

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Official Sources

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