2020 Elected Officials Orientation Handbook - Binder
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT TAB
Welcome A
Forms of Government B
Understanding Your City Government C
Commission & Charter Officers D
Rules of Conduct and Procedure E
Commission Actions - Motions, Proclamations, Ordinances Resolutions F
Public Comment at Commission Meetings G
Agendas and Deadlines H
Meetings - Dates, Times and Attendance I
Commission Salary and Pay Dates J
Miscellaneous Schedules: K
2021 Invocation and Newsletter
2021 Holiday Dates
2020 Commission Priorities L
Standing Boards and Committees M
Department Overviews N
Directories: O
Telephone Listing of Department Heads
Telephone Listing by Departments
Guide to the Sunshine Amendment and Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees P
WELCOME TO ATLANTIC BEACH
FOR NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS OF
ATLANTIC BEACH, FL 2020
CITY FACILITIES
CITY HALL
POLICE AND FIRE
CITY FACILITIES
PUBLIC WORKS
WASTE WATER
TREATMENT PLANT
CITY FACILITIES
PUBLIC WORKS
WATER PLANT #1
CITY FACILITIES
PUBLIC WORKS WATER PLANT #2
CITY FACILITIES
PUBLIC WORKS
WATER PLANT #3
CITY FACILITIES
PUBLIC WORKS
WATER PLANT #4
CITY PARKS
LAND USE / ZONING
CODE OF ETHICS FOR PUBLIC
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES CH.
112, FLORIDA STATUTES
ETHICS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Florida's elected municipal officers are required to take
a minimum of four hours of ethics training each year.
Section 112.3142,Florida Statutes.Your term of office
begins after March 31.This means the four hours of
ethics training must be completed by December 31 of
the following year.(i.e.,elected 2020 ethics training
must be completed by December 31,2021).
ETHICS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Four hours annually of training which includes
some component from ALL FOUR of the following topics:
•Article II, Section 8, Florida Constitution, “Ethics in
Government”
•Chapter 112, Part III, Florida Statutes, “Code of Ethics for
Public Officers and Employees”
•Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, “Public Records Law”
•Chapter 286, Florida Statutes, “Public Meetings Law”
ETHICS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
The Florida Commission on Ethics has prepared
several audio and video presentations. These
audio/video presentations are free and can be
viewed directly from their web site. Go to
http://www.ethics.state.fl.us/and click on “Training”
along the top banner then “Training Opportunities.”
Click on the desired topic tutorial to view or listen.
ETHICS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Topics include:
•Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees,and
the Public Records and Public Meetings Laws –a three-
hour presentation on three of the four required topics.
•Voting Conflicts -Local Officers
•Gifts for Local Government Officials
•Post-Public-Service Restrictions
•Ethics Laws
•Financial Disclosure Laws
•Gift Laws
Section 112.317(1)(a),Florida Statutes,provides,in part,
“Any violation…may be punishable by, one or more of the
following:
1.Impeachment.
2.Removal from office.
3.Suspension from office.
4.Public censure and reprimand.
5.Forfeiture of no more than one-third of his or her salary per
month for no more than 12 months.
6.A civil penalty not to exceed $10,000.
7.Restitution of any pecuniary benefits received because of
the violation committed.…”
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
ETHICS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Elected municipal officials must file Form 1 Statement of
Financial Interests disclosing financial interest for the
preceding tax year.This form is due within 30 days from the
date of appointment,then by July 1 annually.
Part G –Training on Form 1 contains a box for certification of
the completed training.This certifies that you have completed
your training for the prior calendar year.For example,a form
signed and returned by July 1,2021 certifies you took the four
hours of training between January 1,2021 –December 31,
2021.
MISUSE OF PUBLIC OFFICE
SECTION 112.313(6),FLORIDA STATUTES
No public officer,employee of an agency,or local
government attorney shall corruptly use or attempt to
use his or her official position or any property or
resource which may be within his or her trust,or
perform his or her official duties,to secure a special
privilege,benefit,or exemption for himself,herself,or
others.
Corruptly means conduct that is:
•Inconsistent with proper performance of public duties
•Done with wrongful intent
•And knowledge that it is wrong
•In order to obtain a private benefit
MISUSE OF PUBLIC OFFICE
Misuse is not MERELY:
•Poor judgment
•Misrepresentation, incompetence, or negligence
•Wasting Resources
•Rude or unprofessional behavior
MISUSE OF PUBLIC OFFICE
•Voting conflicts of interest occur when the elected or
appointed official stands to gain or lose financially by their
vote.
•It does not include:personal opinion or viewpoint,emotional
conflict,or political position.If present,they have to vote.
•A benefit or burden that is more generally shared by the
public in general is not sufficient to trigger the voting
official’s financial conflict.
VOTING CONFLICTS
VOTING CONFLICTS
SECTION 286.012, FLORIDA STATUTES
REQUIRES THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT AT A COUNCIL
MEETING MUST VOTE ON EVERY OFFICIAL DECISION,RULING,OR
OTHER OFFICIAL ACT THAT IS TO BE TAKEN OR ADOPTED,UNLESS
THERE IS,OR APPEARS TO BE,A POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF
INTEREST UNDER F.S.112.311,F.S.112.313,F.S.112.3143,OR
ADDITIONAL OR MORE STRINGENT STANDARDS OF CONDUCT.
If the official abstains,the official must follow all disclosure requirements
set forth in Section 112.3143,Florida Statutes.
SECTION 112.3143(3)(a), FLORIDA STATUTES
No municipal public officer shall vote in an official capacity
upon any measure which would inure to his or her special
private gain or loss;which he or she knows would inure to
the special private gain or loss of any principal by whom he
or she is retained or to the parent organization or
subsidiary of a corporate principal by which he or she is
retained,other than an agency as defined in s.112.312(2);
or which he or she knows would inure to the special private
gain or loss of a relative or business associate of the public
officer.
VOTING CONFLICTS
SECTION 112.3143(3)(a), FLORIDA STATUTES
All local officers with a voting conflict shall abstain from
voting,and prior to the vote being taken,publicly state to
the assembly the nature of the officer's interest in the
matter from which he or she is abstaining from voting and,
within 15 days after the vote occurs,disclose the nature of
his or her interest as a public record in a memorandum
filed with the person responsible for recording the minutes
of the meeting,who shall incorporate the memorandum in
the minutes.File Florida Commission on Ethics Form 8B
within 15 days after the vote.
VOTING CONFLICTS
CONFLICTING EMPLOYMENT OR
CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS
•A public officer is prohibited from holding any employment
or contract with any business entity or agency regulated by
or doing business with his or her public agency.Section
112.313(7),Florida Statutes
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
•Sunshine Law is broadly construed
•Exemptions are narrowly construed
•Circulation of written reports between Commissioners is
prohibited
•A staff member, friend, family member, etc. may not serve
as a conduit to exchange information between
Commissioners outside of public meetings
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
•Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law provides a
right of access to governmental proceedings at both the
state and local levels.
•In the absence of statutory exemption,it applies to any
gathering of two or more members of the same board to
discuss some matter which will foreseeably come before
that board for action.
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
•Commissioners may not engage in private discussions with each other
about board business,either in person or by telephoning,emailing,
texting or any other type of electronic communication (i.e.Facebook,
Twitter,or blogs).
•While a Commission member is not prohibited from discussing City
business with a non-Commission member,these individuals may not be
used as a liaison to communicate information between Commission
members.For example,a Commissioner cannot ask staff to poll the
other Commission members to determine their views on City business.
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
The Sunshine law applies to all discussions or deliberations as well as
the formal action taken by a board or commission.The law,in essence,
is applicable to any gathering,whether formal or casual,of two or more
members of the same board or commission to discuss some matter on
which foreseeable action will be taken by the public,board,or
commission.There is no requirement that a quorum be present for
a meeting to be covered under the law.*
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
A Commission member may communicate with a City Board
member about business that is or may come before either
the Commission or the Board.But in that circumstance,
another Commission member or Board member,must not
be involved in the communication.
One Commission member;one Board member.ONLY.
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
1.Meetings of public boards or commissions must be
open to the public;
2.Reasonable notice of such meetings must be provided;
and
3.Minutes of the meetings must be prepared and open to
public inspection.
Minutes are not required to be verbatim transcripts of the
proceedings.
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
COMMISSIONERS DON’TS TO LIVE BY
•Don’t talk about matters before meetings
•Don’t talk about matters during recesses
•Don’t talk about matters after meetings
•Don’t talk about matters in between meetings
(even at City Hall)
•Don’t whisper or pass notes during meetings
•Don’t talk about City business at private gatherings
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
•You may send informational emails (e.g.,“here is the
information we will discuss at the meeting”),but DON’T
respond to this type of email (that sets up a
“discussion,”which is not allowed).
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
TEXTING AND USE OF ELECTRONICS
•Do not call,text,or email other Commission members on
City-related business.Discussions must occur in an open
noticed meeting.Avoid using any electronic devices to
communicate with anyone during meetings.
•Do not use text messages during a Commission meeting.
This is not government in the Sunshine.
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
If you have a Facebook page,a blog,a twitter account,or
any other social media,be careful that other Commission
members are not communicating about City business on it.
Example:You post an idea on an issue concerning a new
business in town or idea for downtown improvement…you
get a “like”(thumbs up)from another Commission member.
This is a potential violation of Sunshine Laws!!!
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
•Do not communicate with other Commission members
publicly or privately on social media with regard to City
business.
•Do not engage on other Commission members’social
media with regard to City business.
SUNSHINE LAW AND
OPEN MEETINGS
•Second degree misdemeanor to knowingly violate
Sunshine Law
•Possible removal from position
•Fine of $500 or less
•Reasonable attorneys’fees
•Declaratory and injunctive relief
EX-PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO PROPERLY HANDLE IT
Ex-Parte Communication is any discussion with local public officials
regarding the merits of any matter on which action may be taken by the
local public official outside of a publicly noticed meeting.
“Discussions”include all email,phone calls,text messages,as well as
face to face meetings.
EX-PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
“Local Public Officials”include any elected or appointed member of City
Council,Commissions,or Boards who recommend or take action on the
matter discussed.
Fla.Stat.286.0115(1)(c)allows that,unless otherwise prohibited by law
or ordinance “any person…may discuss with any local public official the
merits of any matter on which action may be taken by any board or
commission on which the local public official is a member.”
EX-PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
In other words,the law allows that local public officials may
discuss matters with any interested party which may come before
them for action.However,such communications and discussions
create a rebuttable presumption of prejudice,or bias,by the local
public official.
EX-PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
To remove the presumption of prejudice or bias in a quasi-judicial
hearing and in the interest of transparency in decision-making in a
quasi-legislative meeting,the disclosure of any ex-parte communication
is encouraged.
Proper disclosure of ex-parte communications includes announcing,on
the record,the subject and identity of persons,groups,or entities which
have communicated with the public official before final action on the
matter.This allows other interested parties to address and rebut such
communications.
BUDGET PROCESS/FUNDS REVIEW
Annual Budget Preparation and Adoption
•March –staff begins development of individual
department budgets
•May –departmental budgets presented to City Manager
•July –proposed budget is published and distributed
•August –budget workshops with Commission
•September –budget and millage adoption
PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Florida Statutes Chapter 119 defines “public records”as:
•All documents,papers,letters,maps,books,tapes,
photographs,films,sound recordings,data processing
software,or other material
•Regardless of physical form or means of transmission
•Made or received in connection with a transaction of
official business or to perpetuate City business
PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
•Public Records Law applies to Commission records
•Applies to all types of written records including letters,
notes, e-mails, and text messages
•Law to be broadly construed, exemptions narrowly
construed
PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
PUBLIC RECORDS:WHAT ARE THEY?
Any “thing”prepared or received by employees or officials
that has to do with the official business of the City is a
public record.
That includes emails,texts,letters,pictures,diagrams,
petitions,videos,reports.
PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Unless you want your personal phone becoming
subject to public records,don’t text anyone about City
business!
You are responsible for ensuring any communications
on your phone are maintained!
BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
•Board Member Advisory Committee
•Recruits,reviews and recommends board appointments
•Community Development Board
•Variance,use-by-exception and zone change requests
•Cultural Arts and Recreation Advisory Committee
•Various events,grants and programs
•Environmental Stewardship Committee
•Trees,parks and LEED for Cities
•General Employees’Pension Board of Trustees
•Police Officers’Pension Board of Trustees
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT
The City of Atlantic Beach has a Commission-Manager form of government which is enacted by our City
Charter Sec. 3. The City Manager, as the Chief Administrative Officer, heads the administrative branch of city
government. The powers and duties of the City Manager are outlined in the City’s Charter Sec. 23 and
throughout the City Code.
(Charter) Sec. 3. Form of government.
“The municipal government provided by this Charter shall be known as "Commission-Manager
Government." Subject only to the limitations imposed by the Constitution and laws of this state and by
this Charter, all powers of the city shall be vested in an elective commission, hereinafter referred to as
"the city commission."
(Charter) Sec. 23. Powers and duties.
The city manager shall be the chief administrative officer and as such, head the administrative branch
of the city government. The powers and duties of the city manager shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Establish and maintain a line of communication with the city clerk; and
(2) Administering and enforcing all enactments of the city commission; and
(3) Preparing and forwarding agenda materials to the city clerk for every commission meeting;
and
(4) Preparing the budget annually and submitting it to the city commission, and being responsible
for its administration after adoption; and
(5) Preparing and submitting to the city commission at the end of each fiscal year, a complete
report on the finances and administrative activities of the city for the year just completed.
The City Commission consists of five (5) Commissioners, elected at-large by the citizens. The seats are known
as 1 through 5. Seat 1 is designed as the mayor-commissioner (a.k.a. Mayor); Seats 2 through 5 are designated
as district commissioners, with each commissioner required to reside within the district from which he or she is
elected. The mayor-commissioner shall be elected for two-year terms and the terms for seats 2 through 5 shall
each be four years. The mayor-commissioner shall not serve more than four (4) consecutive two-year terms;
and any commissioner (seats 2 through 5) shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive four-year terms.
Serving any part of a term shall be considered a full term. (See Charter Sec. 5)
The Mayor presides at all meeting of the city commission and is recognized as head of the city government for
all ceremonial purposes and by the governor for all purposes of military law. In the temporary absence or
disability of the Mayor, all duties of the Mayor shall be performed by the Mayor Pro Tempore. The Mayor Pro
Tempore is appointed by the City Commission. Powers of the City are vested in the Commission except as
otherwise provided by law or charter. The Commission provides for the exercise of such powers and for the
performance of all duties and obligations imposed on the City by law. (See Charter Secs. 8 and 9) On most
matters, the affirmative vote of three (3) or more members of the City Commission is required to adopt any
action of the Commission, except as may otherwise be provided by emergency management matter ordinances.
(Charter) Sec. 8. Presiding officer: Mayor.
“The mayor-commissioner shall preside at all meetings of the city commission and shall be recognized
as head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes and by the governor for all purposes of
military law. When directed to do so by the city commission the mayor-commissioner shall execute all
instruments to which the city is a party, unless otherwise provided by the Charter or by ordinance. The
mayor-commissioner shall have no regular administrative duties except as authorized in this Charter
but may appoint, from time to time, such special or select committees as in his or her discretion he or
she deems desirable to expedite the handling of the business and affairs of the city. Other members of
the city commission may on occasion appoint special or select committees with the approval of a
majority of the commission. In the temporary absence or disability of the mayor-commissioner, all
duties of the mayor-commissioner shall be performed by the mayor pro tempore.”
(Charter) Sec. 9. Powers.
“Except as may be otherwise provided in this Charter, all powers of the city and the determination of
all matters of policy shall be vested in the city commission. Without limitation of the foregoing, the city
commission shall have power to:
(1) Adopt a budget;
(2) Authorize the issuance of bonds, revenue certificates, and other evidences of indebtedness;
(3) Establish or abolish official boards and elect the members thereof as recommended by the
mayor;
(4) Adopt and modify the official map of the city;
(5) Regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures,
the percentage of a lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces,
the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land and water
for trade, industry, residence or other purposes;
(6) Provide for an independent audit;
(7) Pass ordinances and laws for the preservation of the public peace and order and impose
penalties for the violation thereof; provided that the maximum penalty to be imposed shall be a
fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and imprisonment for a period of time
not longer than ninety (90) days, or as otherwise provided for by Florida Statutes;
(8) Lease golf courses, hospitals and airports, or any portion thereof, after the city commission has
passed an ordinance authorizing any such lease;
(9) Sell golf courses and the public utility system, or any portion thereof, now owned by the city or
hereafter acquired by it after the city commission has passed an ordinance that: (a) there is a
finding that public welfare no longer requires the operation of any such facility; and (b) the
terms of sale of real property within the city limits are stated; and (c) after such ordinance has
been submitted to the qualified voters of the city at an election called for that purpose;
(10) Provide rules and regulations for all purchases and sales made for and in behalf of the city;
(11) Appoint, remove and fix the compensation of all officers and employees appointed by the city
commission as hereinafter provided; the city commission shall perform an annual performance
review of the city clerk, city manager and city attorney;
(12) Exercise any right or authority given or permitted by the Constitution and the laws of the State
of Florida to city commissions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter.
(13) The mayor pro tempore shall be appointed by the city commission from its members.
(14) Provide for the protection and preservation of parks as follow: Any real property owned by the
city which is used principally or held out for use as a public park, shall be used only as a public
park; and parks shall not be sold, leased long term, gifted, changed in description or use, or
otherwise disposed of; and no structure shall be built in any such park to accommodate
activities not customarily associated with park use or outdoor recreation; unless such sale,
lease disposal, gift or structure is approved by unanimous vote of the entire city commission.”
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION
Mayor- 2 year term; 4 consecutive term limit;
Commissioners- 4 year terms; 2 consecutive term limit.
(Please Note: The 2017 Commission’s terms were extended by one year in order to transition
to even-numbered year elections per Ordinance No. 33-17-23)
Regular meetings are held in the Commission Chamber at 6:30 pm on the second and fourth Monday of each month except in
December where there is only one meeting which is on the second Monday.
Please Note: If the second or fourth Monday is a holiday, then the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.
NAME & ADDRESS POSITION/
EXP. DATE
BUSINESS HOME / CELL / EMAIL
Ellen Glasser
2060 Beach Avenue
Atlantic Beach, FL. 32233
Mayor
Seat 1-At Large
11/2022
(904) 472-6262 Cell
eglasser@coab.us
Bruce Bole
79 Shell Street
Atlantic Beach, FL. 32233
Commissioner
Seat 2-District 1308
11/2024
(904) 874-0019
bbole@coab.us
Michael “Mike” L. Waters
1849 Beachside Court
Atlantic Beach, FL. 32233
Commissioner
Seat 3-District 1307
11/2024
(904) 504-4656
mwaters@coab.us
Candace Kelly
149 Belvedere Street
Atlantic Beach, FL. 32233
Commissioner
Seat 4-District 1306
11/2022
(904) 247-3550 Home
(904) 859-4387 Cell
ckelly@coab.us
Brittany Norris
1183 Violet Street
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Commissioner
Seat 5-District 1312
11/2022
(904) 452-5066 Cell
bnorris@coab.us
Shane Corbin
City Manager
Appointed
(904) 247-5817 scorbin@coab.us
Brenna Durden
Lewis Longman & Walker,
P.A.
City Attorney
Appointed
(904) 353-6410 bdurden@coab.us
bdurden@llw-law.com
Donna L. Bartle
City Clerk
Appointed
(904) 247-5809
(904) 247-5846 Fax
dbartle@coab.us
If Official Correspondence is being mailed, please address it to:
City of Atlantic Beach
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
RULES OF CONDUCT AND PROCEDURE
(Charter) Sec. 16. Rules of procedure; journal of minutes.
“The City Commission shall determine its own rules and order of business. It shall require that minutes of
its proceedings to be kept. The minutes shall be open and remotely available to the public in a timely manner,
through commonly accepted methods."
(City Code) Sec. 2-19. Rules of conduct and procedure at meetings.
“The following rules shall govern procedure and conduct of city commission meetings:
(1) Rule 1. The mayor-commission shall preside at all meetings of the city commission, call the members
to order at the hour appointed for each meeting and, upon the appearance of a quorum, proceed to
business. He shall have general control of the chamber and in case of disturbance or disorderly conduct
therein, he may cause the same to be cleared. The mayor shall preserve decorum and order, may
speak to points of order in preference to other members, and shall decide all questions relating to the
priority of business or of order, without debate, subject to appeal to the city commission by any member
as a matter of course, and on the appeal, it shall require a majority vote of the members to sustain the
appeal.
(2) Rule 2. The mayor-commissioner shall declare all votes. A roll call of the yeas and nays on any question
shall be taken upon the request of any one (1) member. The roll call shall be conducted as follows: The
city clerk shall arrange the names of the members of the city commission in alphabetical order, and
each call of the roll shall be restated in a manner so that upon each call thereof, he will commence with
the member's name that was called second upon the preceding roll call, and thereafter proceed to call
the roll according to alphabetical order; except, that the mayor-commissioner's name shall be called
last.
(3) Rule 3. When a member is called to order, he shall immediately take his seat, and the presiding officer
shall pass upon the point of order.
(4) Rule 4. No member shall speak at any meeting more than twice on the same question, or more than
five (5) minutes at any one time.
(5) Rule 5. No member shall be interrupted by another without the consent of the member who has the
floor, except by rising to a question of order.
(6) Rule 6. No member shall absent himself from the meeting before adjournment for more than five (5)
minutes at a time without leave of the presiding officer.
(7) Rule 7. The order of business shall be as follows:
a. Approval of minutes of preceding meetings;
b. Courtesy of floor to any visitors who desire to bring a matter to the city commission's attention;
c. City manager reports;
d. Reports and/or requests from city commissioners;
e. Unfinished business of preceding meeting;
f. Consent agenda;
g. Report of committees;
h. Action on resolutions;
i. Action on ordinances;
j. Miscellaneous business;
k. City Attorney/city clerk reports and/or requests; and
l. Closing comments by city commissioners and city manager, if desired.
(8) Rule 8. The mayor-commissioner may appoint, from time to time, such special or select committees as
in his discretion he deems desirable, or as may be desired by the city commission, to expedite the
handling of the business and affairs of the city.
(9) Rule 9. It shall be the duty of all committees to report on every subject referred to them at the next
regular meeting following the reference; provided, the city commission may direct a report to be made
at an intervening adjourned meeting. If any committee fails to report on any matter as required, they
may be relieved of further consideration of the matter, and it be otherwise disposed of by the city
commission.
(10) Rule 10. Upon every matter referred to a committee, the committee or a majority thereof shall meet
for inquiry or deliberation, and no report of or concerning the matter shall be made unless a majority of
the committee shall have signed the same.
(11) Rule 11. It shall be the duty of the chairman or vice-chairman of all committees to which any pending
matters have been referred to cause their committee to meet to consider and dispose of its pending
business, and as far as practicable, to give advance notice of the time and place of such meeting to all
members of the city commission, the city clerk, city manager and other persons known to be interested
in favor of, or opposed to, the particular matters proposed to be considered.
(12) Rule 12. All reports of committees shall be in writing and shall be filed by the city clerk. All special
reports shall state the facts substantially appearing before the committee.
(13) Rule 13. Upon the reading of petitions and communications and upon introduction of bills and
resolutions other than those appearing upon the official agenda, the presiding officer shall order same
received or filed or referred to proper committees, and the order made shall prevail unless motion for
other disposition of the matter in question shall be made and prevail.
(14) Rule 14. Every petition or other paper shall, previous to presentation, be so endorsed as to clearly
indicate the substance of the contents. Its reference or other disposition shall be endorsed on it by the
city clerk.
(15) Rule 15. Proposed ordinances may be introduced at any meeting of the city commission, provided
the same are prepared in written or printed form. Unless copies of the proposed ordinances shall have
been previously delivered to the mayor-commissioner and each member of the city commission at least
three (3) days prior to the meeting at which they are introduced, no action on the passage of the same
shall be taken at the meeting at which introduced except by unanimous consent of all members of the
city commission present. The city manager, city clerk and city attorney shall, when requested by the
mayor-commissioner or any member of the city commission, exert their best efforts to assist in the
preparation of proposed ordinances and cause copies thereof to be delivered to the mayor-
commissioner and each member of the city commission at least three (3) days prior to the next
scheduled meeting of the city commission following the request.
(16) Rule 16. In acting upon all proposed ordinances or resolutions, the yeas and nays shall be taken upon
the disposition made at each reading thereof, and shall be entered upon the journal of the proceedings
of the city commission.
(17) Rule 17. Any proposed motion, resolution, ordinance or suggested amendment thereto may be
withdrawn by the mover or the proposer at any time before amendment or putting it to a vo te.
(18) Rule 18. The city manager shall furnish each member of the city commission with a list of unfinished
business of the preceding meetings, and a separate list of unfinished business generally, in the order
of its introduction, and a separate list of new matters expected to be presented at the meeting, prior to
every meeting.
(19) Rule 19. The city manager shall submit regular written monthly reports to the city commission.
(20) Rule 20. After the decision of any question, it shall be in order only for a member voting on the
prevailing side to move a reconsideration at the same or next regular meeting. If a motion to reconsider
is lost, it shall not be renewed and reconsidered without the unanimous consent of the city commission
in attendance at the meeting at which reconsideration is requested.
(21) Rule 21. Any rule, except Rules 16 and 17, may be temporarily suspended for special reasons by a
vote of the majority of the members of the city commission present.
(22) Rule 22. In all cases involving points of parliamentary law, "Robert's Rules of Order" shall be the book
of reference, and its rules, so far as they are applicable and not in conflict with the provisions of the
city's Charter, this Code or other city ordinances, shall be the rules of the city commission.
(23) Rule 23. The mayor pro tem shall exercise the duties and powers of the mayor-commissioner during
his absence or disability.
(24) Rule 24. It shall be the duty of the city clerk or her/his designee to attend all meetings of the city
commission and to record and keep the minutes and records thereof. The minutes of such meetings
shall be promptly recorded for public inspection as required by state law. It shall be the duty of the
mayor-commissioner, and in his absence, the mayor pro tem or other city commissioner, to see that the
proceedings of every meeting are properly and promptly recorded by the city clerk or her/his designee,
and the record of every meeting shall be signed, when approved, by the city clerk or her/his designee
and the mayor-commissioner or the mayor pro tem or other city commissioner who presided thereat.
(25) Rule 25. Any city commissioner or charter officer may request that any motion be presented in writing.
(26) Rule 26. The city commission may take action on a matter which, because of time constraints, has
not been included on the agenda for their meeting, if such matter is declared to be an emergency by
the affirmative votes of the majority of the members of the city commission. The passage of emergency
ordinances and resolutions, however, shall be in accordance with Section 18 of the City Charter.
(27) Rule 27. It shall be the duty of a city commissioner who will be absent from any city commission
meeting to notify the other commissioners of any such anticipated absence. Said notice shall be given
as far in advance as possible, either orally at a meeting prior to the one which the commissioner will be
absent from, or by e-mail to the city clerk, who will then forward the notice to the other commissioners.
If the notice includes a request for an excused absence, it shall state briefly the reasons why the
excused absence is being requested, and the other commissioners shall vote on the request at the
meeting at which it is orally requested or as an agenda item at a subsequent meeting following notice
by e-mail.
(28) Rule 28. City commissioners shall be prohibited from accepting or sending any electronic
communications via cell phone or other device during the course of a city commission meeting.
Electronic communications include, but are not limited to, emails, Blackberry PINs, SMS
communications (text messaging), MMS communications (multimedia content), and instant messaging.
City commissioners may have cell phones turned on during city commission meetings, to be used only
in the event of an emergency.”
(Charter) Sec. 20. Attendance of city manager and other officers in city commission.
“The city manager, and any such other officers of the city as may be designated by vote of the city commission,
shall be required to attend city commission meetings. The city manager shall have the right to take part in the
discussion of all matters coming before the city commission, and the other officers shall be entitled to take part
in all discussions of the city commission relating to their respective offices, departments, boards, commissions,
or agencies.”
COMMISSION ACTIONS
MOTIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
The City Commission has legislative and executive powers to adopt motions, resolutions and ordinances. The
actions taken by the City Commission range from those of simple motions to major considerations. State law
recognizes two types of formal enactments by the City Commission – ordinances and resolutions. The
Commission may also conduct business via motions and proclamations.
Motions
A motion is the formal adoption of Commission action.
Proclamation
A declaration and/or an announcement of the City Commission.
Ordinances
An ordinance is an official legislative action which establishes “a regulation of a general and permanent
nature” and is enforceable as a local law. City Ordinance procedures are set in the Florida State Statutes
Chapter 166 and in the City Code. They must be introduced in writing. Limited to one subject. The subject
must be clearly stated in the title. It may not be revised or amended by reference to the title only. It must
be read in title, or in full, at a public meeting on at least two separate days. Notice must be issued in a
newspaper of general circulation.
Resolutions
A resolution is a less substantial action and may be an expression concerning matters of administration,
an expression of a temporary character or a provision of, or the disposition of a particular item of the
administrative business of the Commission. Resolutions are usually read once at a public meeting, read
by title only, and receive a voice vote.
Requirement to Vote
Each member of a City Board and City Commission who is present at a meeting must vote on each official action
before them. Abstentions to voting are provided for in Florida Statutes Sections 112.3143 and 159.414.
Requirements to abstaining apply when a Board or Commission Member stands to privately gain or lose when
voting. When abstaining from voting, the nature of the interest needs to be disclosed, prior to the vote and needs
to be made a public record via a designated form.
(AB Charter) Sec. 17. Ordinances.
“In addition to such acts of the city commission as are required by statute or by this Charter to be by
ordinance, every act of the City Commission establishing a fine or other penalty, a fee for service,
appropriation of funds, the contracting of indebtedness, or the sale of real property shall be by ordinance.
The enacting clause of all ordinances shall be: "BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON
BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA."
(AB Charter) Sec. 18. Procedure for passage of ordinances and resolutions.
“The minimum procedures for adoption of ordinances and resolutions as set forth in F.S. Section
166.041 shall in its entirety constitute the process for such by the Atlantic Beach City Commission.”
PUBLIC COMMENT AT REGULAR COMMISSION MEETINGS
Each audience member wishing to address the Commission is requested to complete a speaker form (shown
below) and submit it to the City Clerk in time to be recognized by the Mayor/Chair before the Courtesy of the
Floor to Visitors and/or Public Hearings are closed. When recognized by the Mayor or City Clerk, speakers shall
approach the podium, state their name, and proceed to make their comments. In most cases, the speaker is given
five (5) minutes to speak; however, the Mayor may decide to limit comments to a lesser time. The City Clerk
operates the timer.
WELCOME
To the Atlantic Beach City Commission Meeting
We will conduct meetings of the City Commission with a level of civility and respect that the democratic process deserves. This allows
for better public input and supports making the best decisions for the citizens who we are here to serve. We ask that everyone in the
meeting practice the following principles of Respect for each other.
RESPECT
Refrain from putdowns, criticism and personal attacks.
Encourage others to state their views.
Support each other, even if you don’t agree.
Practice active listening.
Express yourself assertively, not aggressively, not submissively.
Collaborate, do not compete or collude.
Trust each other, unless and until such trust is violated.
***********************************************************************************************************
SPEAKER REQUEST FORM
Date: ___________________________ Name: __________________________________________
Please Note: Florida has a very broad Public Records Law. Most written and recorded communications to or from State and Local
Officials and agencies regarding State or Local business are public records available to the public and media upon request.
PROVIDING YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION BELOW IS OPTIONAL:
Address: City: _____________________________________
Phone No.: E-mail: _____________________________________________________
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PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY: (OPTIONAL)
Atlantic Beach Resident Atlantic Beach Property Owner Atlantic Beach Business Owner
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE COMPLETE AND CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:
□ I wish to address the Commission during Courtesy of the Floor on:
□ Agenda Item No. ________________________
and/or
□ Topic not on the agenda: ______________________________________________________
□ I wish to address the Commission during the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. _________________
□ I am in support of the above agenda item. □ I am opposed to the above agenda item.
□ I do not wish to address the Commission, but I am in support of agenda item ______________________
□ I do not wish to address the Commission, but I am opposed to agenda item _______________________
REGULAR COMMISSION AGENDAS
City Staff, the City Attorney, and City Commissioners can request items be placed on a City Commission agenda
by submitting a request to the City Manager prior to the applicable agenda deadline as shown on the attached
chart.
Once the items have been reviewed by the City Manager and are ready to be included in the packet, the City
Manager and City Clerk work together to determine the placement of the agenda items using the Order of
Business outlined in City Code Sec. 2-19(7).
City Code Sec. 2-19(7)
“(7) Rule 7. The order of business shall be as follows:
a. Approval of minutes of preceding meetings;
b. Courtesy of floor to any visitors who desire to bring a matter to the city commission's attention;
c. City manager reports;
d. Reports and/or requests from city commissioners;
e. Unfinished business of preceding meeting;
f. Consent agenda;
g. Report of committees;
h. Action on resolutions;
i. Action on ordinances;
j. Miscellaneous business;
k. City Attorney/city clerk reports and/or requests; and
l. Closing comments by city commissioners and city manager, if desired.”
Draft Agenda Packets:
The City Clerk’s Office prepares, publishes, and distributes the draft agenda packet at least ten (10) days prior to
the regular meeting.
A notification which includes the link to the electronic packet is emailed to individuals on a distribution list,
maintained by the City Clerk’s Office, which includes elected officials, appointed officials, department heads,
representatives from the media, and any citizens who requests to be added.
The electronic packet is posted to Laserfiche and becomes accessible to the public from the City’s website
through Weblink.
A link to the packet is posted to the City’s website Calendar item.
Hard copies of the agenda page(s) are available in the lobby at City Hall for those who would like to take a
copy.
Final Agenda Packets:
The City Clerk’s Office prepares, publishes, and distributes the final agenda packet five (5) days prior to the regular
meeting. Items that are added or amended from the previous version will have an asterick (*) next to the item
number, whenever possible.
A notification which includes the link to the electronic packet is emailed to individuals on a distribution list,
maintained by the City Clerk’s Office, which includes elected officials, appointed officials, department heads,
representatives from the media, and any citizens who requests to be added.
The electronic packet is posted to Laserfiche which becomes accessible to the public from the City’s website
through Weblink.
The link to the packet remains available on the City’s website Calendar item.
Hard copies of the full packet are printed and distributed to the city manager, deputy city manager, city clerk,
and any commissioner interested.
Hard copies of the agenda page(s) are available in the north lobby at City Hall for anyone interested in taking
a copy.
One bound copy of the entire final agenda packet is kept on the front counter for public inspection.
MEETINGS - DATES, TIMES AND ATTENDANCE
(City Code) Sec. 2-16. - Time and place of regular meetings.
“The regular meetings of the city commission shall be held on the second and fourth Mondays of
each month, except December, in city hall, at 6:30 p.m. If the second or fourth Monday falls on a holiday,
the regular meeting shall be held on Tuesday immediately following the holiday. In the month of
December, the regular meeting shall be held on the second Monday of the month.” (See Ordinance No.
5-14-61)
(City Code) Sec. 2-17. Calling special meetings.
“The mayor-commissioner, city manager or a majority of the city commission may call a special
meeting of the city commission on twenty-four (24) hours' notice.”
(Resolution No. 13-08) The City Commission holds regular Town Hall meetings quarterly in the
months of January, April, July and October. The location for the Town Hall meetings will alternate
quarterly between locations east and west of Mayport Road.
Commission Workshops are tentatively scheduled for the 3rd Mondays in the months of March through
November at 6:00 p.m.
(City Code) Sec. 2-18. Quorum.
“Three (3) members of the city commission shall constitute a quorum, but a less number may
adjourn from time to time until a quorum is present.”
(City Code) Sec. 6. - Qualifications and disqualifications.
“Members of the city commission shall have been full-time residents of the city for at least two
years immediately prior to qualifying. They shall be electors in the city. Full-time residency shall be
defined as the person's principal place of abode during the year. Members of the city commission shall
not hold any other elective office. Any member of the city commission ceasing to possess the foregoing
qualifications or who shall have been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one (1) year of
imprisonment or a crime involving moral turpitude, shall forfeit the seat prior to the next meeting of the
city commission. Absence from four consecutive regular meetings of the city commission shall operate
to vacate the seat of a member, unless the member's absence is excused by the city commission by a
resolution setting forth the fact of such excuse duly entered upon the minutes.”
Commission Salary
(AB Charter) Sec. 7. Salary.
“The salary of the members of the city commission shall be set by ordinance.”
(AB Code) Sec. 2-20. - Salary of members.
“(a) The annual salary of the mayor and commissioners shall be made in twelve (12) equal monthly
payments.
(b) Effective August 1 each year the basic salary of the mayor-commissioner and city commissioners
shall be reviewed and adjusted by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U)
released in August. Adjustments, if any, shall not exceed the cost of living adjustment provided to
general employees and shall be effective on October 1 of each year. A reduction of ten (10) percent,
effective October 1, 2009, shall be made to reduce the annual salary of the mayor to nine thousand
three hundred ninety-two dollars and four cents ($9,392.04) and to reduce the annual salary of the
commissioners to five thousand seven hundred sixteen dollars and thirty-two cents ($5,716.32) with
the next pay adjustment under this section being on October 1, 2010, if appropriate.
(c) This review and increase in basic salary does not negate an annual cost of living increase that
might be awarded each year to all city employees.”
The Director of Human Resources calculates the new pay for Commissioners each year based on the
above-referenced Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
2021 Pay Dates (for Elected Officials)
January 1, 2021
February 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
April 9, 2021
May 7, 2021
June 4, 2021
July 2, 2021
August 13, 2021
September 10, 2021
October 8, 2021
November 5, 2021
December 3, 2021
Deputy City Manager
Kevin Hogencamp was hired as Atlantic Beach’s interim city manager in January 2017, and served
dually as interim and deputy city manager from May to August 2017. The deputy city manager serves
as the city manager’s second-in-command and performs functions including administrative leadership
and project management. Currently, the deputy city manager currently serves as the city’s chief
communications officer. The deputy city manager’s hiring by the city manager is approved by the City
Commission per the Atlantic Beach City Charter (Article II, Section 11).
Kevin formerly served as public information manager and assistant city manager in Albany, Ga. As
assistant city manager, he guided the City of Albany’s day-to-day affairs for nine months while the city
manager position was vacant.
Kevin’s career in local government communications and administration followed a journalism career,
which culminated with him owning The Albany, Ga., Journal, a weekly newspaper. He has a
communications degree from the University of Alabama.
Kevin has held many servant leadership roles through the years. He currently serves on the boards of
directors of the Beaches Division of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Municipal
Communicators Association, an affiliate of the Florida League of Cities. He also has served as an ethics-
in-government and government communications presenter for the Georgia Municipal Associa tion.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Is acting City Manager in the City Manager’s absence;
Has supervisory authority over department heads and primary responsibility for assisting the City Manager in
overseeing the day-to-day operations of the City and providing expert advice and assistance to the City
Manager, department heads, and other City personnel;
Guides and assists departmental heads and coordinates, troubleshoots and oversees specialized projects and
programs;
Schedules, coordinates, and assigns personnel to projects; reviews staff work and provide training as
appropriate.
Researches grant opportunities and ensures that appropriate grants are submitted;
Serves as the City’s chief communications officer and spokesperson, and prepares correspondence, news
releases and speaks to civic and community groups to represent the City and promote and explain City
policies and programs;
Responds to and resolves difficult, complex, and sensitive City Commission and citizen inquiries and
complaints; interprets, analyzes, defends, and explains City policies, procedures, programs and activities;
Participates in the evaluation, update, and finalization of City Manager’s agenda for City Commission
meetings; evaluates reports from departments for consistency, accuracy, fiscal feasibility, and political
sensitivity; and makes presentations to the City Commission;
Acts as the City representative on major projects affecting City government and/or the citizens of Atlantic
Beach;
Participates in budget preparation and administration; helps develop and control the operating budgets and
directs the expenditure of funds for major programs and justify departmental needs.
Monitors the selection, training, promotion, and disciplinary practices to ensure compliance with applicable
contracts and laws; evaluate subordinates’ performance and productivity through review of reports,
observations, and results obtained; authorizes major personnel actions and organizational changes;
administers disciplinary actions in accordance with union contracts and personnel policies and procedures;
Establishes goals and objectives, formulates comprehensive plans, provides guidance and direction, and
monitors operation to ensure proper development and successful implementation of services and related
programs;
Serves as liaison between City Manager and various boards, committees and agencies, as directed by the
City Manager;
Performs liaison activities to local and governmental agencies and organizations;
Directs planning and research activities and establishes policies, procedures, and new/revised programs;
conducts evaluation of existing systems and programs and develops proposals for improvements;
Attends various business, civic, and social events to represent the City. Makes presentations as needed to
promote public awareness of City programs;
Performs related work as needed to ensure the accomplishment of City goals and objectives.
City Clerk
Purpose:
The City Clerk’s Department is responsible for a variety of duties including, but not limited to
the following:
Performing administrative functions of the City Commission; preparing meeting notices,
agendas and minutes for Commission meetings; setting up meeting room; recording and
preserving the legislative actions of the Commission; advertising notices of public
hearing for ordinances; receiving documents addressed to the Commission.
Custodian of the City Seal.
Administering oaths.
Acting as the City’s filing officer for municipal elections; providing election information
and timelines to citizens and candidates, qualifying the candidates, monitoring required
reports, advertising, and declaring the results.
Custodian of official City records in accordance with State guidelines.
Receiving, processing and coordinating records requests in accordance with F.S. 119
and City policies.
Updating the City’s Code of Ordinances and providing code supplements to City staff.
Notarizing City documents.
Preparing, maintaining, certifying, and recording city liens with the County Clerk of the
Courts.
Researching property and preparing lien letters.
Acting as liaison and performing all necessary administrative duties for the Board
Member Review Committee and Code Enforcement Special Magistrate such as
preparing/publishing notices and agendas, coordinating meeting schedules, setting up
meeting room, attending meetings, and preparing minutes.
Updating board and committee membership lists; monitoring terms and vacancies;
accepting board and committee applications; and preparing required paperwork for
appointments.
Coordinating with appropriate board members and City officials regarding Financial
Disclosure requirements and submitting the names and addresses to the State.
Purchasing tags and titles for City vehicles.
Attending bid openings
City Website maintenance
Key Objective:
To increase the amount of information made available electronically.
To provide timely and efficient support to elected officials, staff and board/committee
members.
To provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
To ensure that records are properly recorded and retained or destroyed.
Atlantic Beach Police Department
The Atlantic Beach Police Department is a full service agency consisting of 84 full and part time
personnel who carry out the duties of Law Enforcement, Support Services, Crossing Guard,
Animal Control and Lifeguard. The budget for FY 20-21 for the ABPD is just over $6 million
dollars.
The Police Department and Animal Control are located at 850 Seminole Rd. The 30 sworn
officers of the Atlantic Beach Police Department provide 24/7/365 coverage to the
approximately 13,000 citizens who live in the 3.2 square mile city of Atlantic Beach and a large
visitor influx during the summer and weekends. In 2019 ABPD handled 22,077 calls for service.
There are 40 part time lifeguards who report to a full-time Lifeguard Captain. The lifeguards
work March through September staffing 10 lifeguard towers along our beachfront June - August.
The lifeguards work out of their lifeguard station located at 1 Ahern St.
The Police Department received Accreditation from the State of Florida’s Commission on
Accreditation in 2019. In 2020 the ABPD Emergency Communications Division is researching
additional options to increase their professional affiliations through additional accreditation or
affiliation with another professional Emergency Communications organization.
The members of the Atlantic Beach Police Department are men and women of integrity, courage,
and excellence. They are dedicated public servants who are committed to providing a high level
of professionalism and courteous service to our community. Your officers understand the
importance of working with the community to continue to make Atlantic Beach a safe place to
live and work.
We look forward to giving you a tour of our station, introducing you to key members of our
ABPD staff and answering any questions you may have.
FLORIDA COMMISSION ON
ETHICS
GUIDE
to the
SUNSHINE AMENDMENT
and
CODE of ETHICS
for Public Officers and Employees
_____________________________2020
State of Florida
COMMISSION ON ETHICS
Kimberly Bonder Rezanka, Chair
Cocoa
Daniel Brady, PH.D., Vice Chair
Miami Shores
Jason David Berger
Palm City
Antonio Carvajal
Tallahassee
Glenton “Glen” Gilzean, JR.
Orlando
John Grant
Tampa
Joanne Leznoff
Fernandina Beach
F. Shields McManus
Stuart
William “Willie” N. Meggs
Tallahassee
C. Christopher Anderson
Executive Director
P.O. Drawer 15709
Tallahassee, FL 32317‐5709
www.ethics.state.fl.us
(850) 488‐7864*
*Please direct all requests for information to this number.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. HISTORY OF FLORIDA’S ETHICS LAWS ...................................................................................... 1
II. ROLE OF THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS .................................................................................. 2
III. THE ETHICS LAWS ..................................................................................................................... 2
A. PROHIBITED ACTIONS OR CONDUCT .................................................................................. 3
1. Solicitation or Acceptance of Gifts .................................................................................. 3
2. Unauthorized Compensation .......................................................................................... 3
3. Misuse of Public Position ................................................................................................ 4
4. Disclosure or Use of Certain Information........................................................................ 4
5. Solicitation or Acceptance of Honoraria ......................................................................... 4
B. PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT AND .. BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS.......................................... 5
1. Doing Business With One’s Agency ................................................................................. 5
2. Conflicting Employment or Contractual Relationship ..................................................... 5
3. Exemptions ...................................................................................................................... 5
4. Additional Exemption ...................................................................................................... 6
5. Lobbying State Agencies by Legislators........................................................................... 7
6. Employees Holding Office ............................................................................................... 7
7. Professional & Occupational Licensing Board Members ................................................ 7
8. Contractual Services: Prohibited Employment ............................................................... 7
9. Local Government Attorneys .......................................................................................... 7
10. Dual Public Employment ............................................................................................... 7
C. RESTRICTIONS ON APPOINTING, EMPLOYING, AND CONTRACTING
WITH RELATIVES .................................................................................................................. 8
1. Anti‐Nepotism Law .......................................................................................................... 8
2. Additional Restrictions .................................................................................................... 8
D. POST OFFICEHOLDING & EMPLOYMENT (REVOLVING DOOR) RESTRICTIONS ................................ 8
1. Lobbying By Former Legislators, Statewide Elected Officers,
and Appointed State Officers ........................................................................................... 8
2. Lobbying By Former State Employees ............................................................................. 8
3. Additional Restrictions on Former State Employees ...................................................... 9
4. Lobbying By Former Local Government Officers and Employees ................................. 10
E. VOTING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ..................................................................................... 10
F. DISCLOSURES .................................................................................................................... 11
1. Form 1 ‐ Limited Financial Disclosure ........................................................................... 11
2. Form 1F ‐ Final Form 1................................................................................................... 14
3. Form 2 ‐ Quarterly Client Disclosure ............................................................................. 15
4. Form 6 ‐ Full and Public Disclosure ............................................................................... 15
5. Form 6F ‐ Final Form 6................................................................................................... 16
6. Form 9 ‐ Quarterly Gift Disclosure ................................................................................ 16
7. Form 10 ‐ Annual Disclosure of Gifts from Governmental Entities and
Direct Support Organizations and Honorarium Event‐Related Expenses ..................... 16
8. Form 30 ‐ Donor’s Quarterly Gift Disclosure ................................................................. 17
9. Forms 1X and 6X – Amendments .................................................................................. 18
IV. AVAILABILITY OF FORMS ........................................................................................................ 18
V. PENALTIES.......................................................................................................................... 19
A. For Violations of the Code of Ethics .................................................................................. 19
B. For Violations by Candidates ............................................................................................. 19
C. For Violations by Former Officers and Employees ............................................................ 19
D. For Lobbyists and Others ................................................................................................... 19
E. Felony Convictions: Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits ..................................................... 20
F. Automatic Penalties for Failure to File Annual Disclosure ................................................. 20
VI. ADVISORY OPINIONS .............................................................................................................. 20
A. Who Can Request an Opinion ............................................................................................ 20
B. How to Request an Opinion ............................................................................................... 20
C. How to Obtain Published Opinions .................................................................................... 21
VII. COMPLAINTS .......................................................................................................................... 21
A. Citizen Involvement ........................................................................................................... 21
B. Referrals ............................................................................................................................. 21
C. Confidentiality .................................................................................................................... 21
D. How the Complaint Process Works ................................................................................... 22
E. Dismissal of Complaint at Any Stage of Disposition .......................................................... 23
F. Statute of Limitations ......................................................................................................... 23
VIII. EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYING ............................................................................................. 23
IX. WHISTLE‐BLOWER’S ACT ....................................................................................................... 24
X. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................. 24
XI. ONLINE TRAINING ............................................................................................................. 25
1
I. HISTORY OF FLORIDA’S ETHICS LAWS
Florida has been a leader among the states in establishing ethics standards for public officials
and recognizing the right of citizens to protect the public trust against abuse. Our state Constitution
was revised in 1968 to require a code of ethics, prescribed by law, for all state employees and non‐
judicial officers prohibiting conflict between public duty and private interests.
Florida’s first successful constitutional initiative resulted in the adoption of the Sunshine
Amendment in 1976, providing additional constitutional guarantees concerning ethics in government.
In the area of enforcement, the Sunshine Amendment requires that there be an independent
commission (the Commission on Ethics) to investigate complaints concerning breaches of public trust
by public officers and employees other than judges.
The Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees is found in Chapter 112 (Part III) of the Florida
Statutes. Foremost among the goals of the Code is to promote the public interest and maintain the
respect of the people for their government. The Code is also intended to ensure that public officials
conduct themselves independently and impartially, not using their offices for private gain other than
compensation provided by law. While seeking to protect the integrity of government, the Code also
seeks to avoid the creation of unnecessary barriers to public service.
Criminal penalties, which initially applied to violations of the Code, were eliminated in 1974 in favor
of administrative enforcement. The Legislature created the Commission on Ethics that year “to serve
as guardian of the standards of conduct” for public officials, state and local. Five of the Commission’s
nine members are appointed by the Governor, and two each are appointed by the President of the
Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives. No more than five Commission members may be
members of the same political party, and none may be lobbyists, or hold any public employment during
their two‐year terms of office. A chair is selected from among the members to serve a one‐year term
and may not succeed himself or herself.
In 2018, Florida’s Constitutional Revision Commission proposed, and the voters adopted, changes
to Article II, Section 8. The earliest of the changes will take effect December 31, 2020, and will prohibit
officials from abusing their position to obtain a disproportionate benefit for themselves or their
spouse, child, or employer, or for a business with which the official contracts or is an officer, partner,
director, sole proprietor, or in which the official owns an interest. Other changes made to the
Constitution place restrictions on lobbying by certain officeholders and employees, and put additional
limits on lobbying by former public officers and employees. These changes will become effective
December 31, 2022.
2
II. ROLE OF THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS
In addition to its constitutional duties regarding the investigation of complaints, the Commission:
• Renders advisory opinions to public officials;
• Prescribes forms for public disclosure;
• Prepares mailing lists of public officials subject to financial disclosure for use by Supervisors of
Elections and the Commission in distributing forms and notifying delinquent filers;
• Makes recommendations to disciplinary officials when appropriate for violations of ethics and
disclosure laws, since it does not impose penalties;
• Administers the Executive Branch Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Law;
• Maintains financial disclosure filings of constitutional officers and state officers and employees; and,
• Administers automatic fines for public officers and employees who fail to timely file required annual
financial disclosure.
III. THE ETHICS LAWS
The ethics laws generally consist of two types of provisions, those prohibiting certain actions or
conduct and those requiring that certain disclosures be made to the public. The following descriptions
of these laws have been simplified in an effort to provide notice of their requirements. Therefore, we
suggest that you also review the wording of the actual law. Citations to the appropriate laws are in
brackets.
The laws summarized below apply generally to all public officers and employees, state and local,
including members of advisory bodies. The principal exception to this broad coverage is the exclusion
of judges, as they fall within the jurisdiction of the Judicial Qualifications Commission.
Public Service Commission (PSC) members and employees, as well as members of the PSC
Nominating Council, are subject to additional ethics standards that are enforced by the Commission
on Ethics under Chapter 350, Florida Statutes. Further, members of the governing boards of charter
schools are subject to some of the provisions of the Code of Ethics [Sec. 1002.33(26), Fla. Stat.], as are
the officers, directors, chief executive officers and some employees of business entities that serve as
the chief administrative or executive officer or employee of a political subdivision. [Sec. 112.3136, Fla.
Stat.].
3
A. PROHIBITED ACTIONS OR CONDUCT
1. Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts
Public officers, employees, local government attorneys, and candidates are prohibited from
soliciting or accepting anything of value, such as a gift, loan, reward, promise of future employment,
favor, or service, that is based on an understanding that their vote, official action, or judgment would
be influenced by such gift. [Sec. 112.313(2), Fla. Stat.]
Persons required to file financial disclosure FORM 1 or FORM 6 (see Part III F of this brochure), and
state procurement employees, are prohibited from soliciting any gift from a political committee,
lobbyist who has lobbied the official or his or her agency within the past 12 months, or the partner,
firm, employer, or principal of such a lobbyist or from a vendor doing business with the official’s
agency. [Sec. 112.3148, Fla. Stat.]
Persons required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6, and state procurement employees are prohibited from
directly or indirectly accepting a gift worth more than $100 from such a lobbyist, from a partner, firm,
employer, or principal of the lobbyist, or from a political committee or vendor doing business with
their agency. [Sec.112.3148, Fla. Stat.]
However, notwithstanding Sec. 112.3148, Fla. Stat., no Executive Branch lobbyist or principal shall
make, directly or indirectly, and no Executive Branch agency official who files FORM 1 or FORM 6 shall
knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any expenditure made for the purpose of lobbying. [Sec.
112.3215, Fla. Stat.] Typically, this would include gifts valued at less than $100 that formerly were
permitted under Section 112.3148, Fla. Stat. Similar rules apply to members and employees of the
Legislature. However, these laws are not administered by the Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 11.045, Fla.
Stat.]
Also, persons required to file Form 1 or Form 6, and state procurement employees and members
of their immediate families, are prohibited from accepting any gift from a political committee. [Sec.
112.31485, Fla. Stat.]
2. Unauthorized Compensation
Public officers or employees, local government attorneys, and their spouses and minor children are
prohibited from accepting any compensation, payment, or thing of value when they know, or with the
exercise of reasonable care should know, that it is given to influence a vote or other official action.
[Sec. 112.313(4), Fla. Stat.]
4
3. Misuse of Public Position
Public officers and employees, and local government attorneys are prohibited from corruptly using
or attempting to use their official positions or the resources thereof to obtain a special privilege or
benefit for themselves or others. [Sec. 112.313(6), Fla. Stat.]
4. Disclosure or Use of Certain Information
Public officers and employees and local government attorneys are prohibited from disclosing or
using information not available to the public and obtained by reason of their public position, for the
personal benefit of themselves or others. [Sec. 112.313(8), Fla. Stat.]
5. Solicitation or Acceptance of Honoraria
Persons required to file financial disclosure FORM 1 or FORM 6 (see Part III F of this brochure), and
state procurement employees, are prohibited from soliciting honoraria related to their public offices
or duties. [Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat.]
Persons required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6, and state procurement employees, are prohibited from
knowingly accepting an honorarium from a political committee, lobbyist who has lobbied the person’s
agency within the past 12 months, or the partner, firm, employer, or principal of such a lobbyist, or
from a vendor doing business with the official’s agency. However, they may accept the payment of
expenses related to an honorarium event from such individuals or entities, provided that the expenses
are disclosed. See Part III F of this brochure. [Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat.]
Lobbyists and their partners, firms, employers, and principals, as well as political committees and
vendors, are prohibited from giving an honorarium to persons required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6 and
to state procurement employees. Violations of this law may result in fines of up to $5,000 and
prohibitions against lobbying for up to two years. [Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat.]
However, notwithstanding Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat., no Executive Branch or legislative lobbyist or
principal shall make, directly or indirectly, and no Executive Branch agency official who files FORM 1
or FORM 6 shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any expenditure made for the purpose of
lobbying. [Sec. 112.3215, Fla. Stat.] This may include honorarium event related expenses that formerly
were permitted under Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat. Similar rules apply to members and employees of the
Legislature. However, these laws are not administered by the Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 11.045, Fla.
Stat.]
5
B. PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
1. Doing Business With One’s Agency
(a) A public employee acting as a purchasing agent, or public officer acting in an official capacity,
is prohibited from purchasing, renting, or leasing any realty, goods, or services for his or her agency
from a business entity in which the officer or employee or his or her spouse or child owns more than
a 5% interest. [Sec. 112.313(3), Fla. Stat.]
(b) A public officer or employee, acting in a private capacity, also is prohibited from renting,
leasing, or selling any realty, goods, or services to his or her own agency if the officer or employee is a
state officer or employee, or, if he or she is an officer or employee of a political subdivision, to that
subdivision or any of its agencies. [Sec. 112.313(3), Fla. Stat.]
2. Conflicting Employment or Contractual Relationship
(a) A public officer or employee is prohibited from holding any employment or contract with any
business entity or agency regulated by or doing business with his or her public agency. [Sec. 112.313(7),
Fla. Stat.]
(b) A public officer or employee also is prohibited from holding any employment or having a
contractual relationship which will pose a frequently recurring conflict between the official’s private
interests and public duties or which will impede the full and faithful discharge of the official’s public
duties. [Sec. 112.313(7), Fla. Stat.]
(c) Limited exceptions to this prohibition have been created in the law for legislative bodies, certain
special tax districts, drainage districts, and persons whose professions or occupations qualify them to
hold their public positions. [Sec. 112.313(7)(a) and (b), Fla. Stat.]
3. Exemptions—Pursuant to Sec. 112.313(12), Fla. Stat., the prohibitions against doing business
with one’s agency and having conflicting employment may not apply:
(a) When the business is rotated among all qualified suppliers in a city or county.
(b) When the business is awarded by sealed, competitive bidding and neither the official nor his
or her spouse or child have attempted to persuade agency personnel to enter the contract. NOTE:
Disclosure of the interest of the official, spouse, or child and the nature of the business must be filed
prior to or at the time of submission of the bid on Commission FORM 3A with the Commission on Ethics
or Supervisor of Elections, depending on whether the official serves at the state or local level.
6
(c) When the purchase or sale is for legal advertising, utilities service, or for passage on a common
carrier.
(d) When an emergency purchase must be made to protect the public health, safety, or welfare.
(e) When the business entity is the only source of supply within the political subdivision and there
is full disclosure of the official’s interest to the governing body on Commission FORM 4A.
(f) When the aggregate of any such transactions does not exceed $500 in a calendar year.
(g) When the business transacted is the deposit of agency funds in a bank of which a county, city,
or district official is an officer, director, or stockholder, so long as agency records show that the
governing body has determined that the member did not favor his or her bank over other qualified
banks.
(h) When the prohibitions are waived in the case of ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS by the appointing
person or by a two‐thirds vote of the appointing body (after disclosure on Commission FORM 4A).
(i) When the public officer or employee purchases in a private capacity goods or services, at a
price and upon terms available to similarly situated members of the general public, from a business
entity which is doing business with his or her agency.
(j) When the public officer or employee in a private capacity purchases goods or services from a
business entity which is subject to the regulation of his or her agency where the price and terms of the
transaction are available to similarly situated members of the general public and the officer or
employee makes full disclosure of the relationship to the agency head or governing body prior to the
transaction.
4. Additional Exemptions
No elected public officer is in violation of the conflicting employment prohibition when employed
by a tax exempt organization contracting with his or her agency so long as the officer is not directly or
indirectly compensated as a result of the contract, does not participate in any way in the decision to
enter into the contract, abstains from voting on any matter involving the employer, and makes certain
disclosures. [Sec. 112.313(15), Fla. Stat.]
7
5. Legislators Lobbying State Agencies
A member of the Legislature is prohibited from representing another person or entity for
compensation during his or her term of office before any state agency other than judicial tribunals.
[Art. II, Sec. 8(e), Fla. Const., and Sec. 112.313(9), Fla. Stat.]
6. Employees Holding Office
A public employee is prohibited from being a member of the governing body which serves as his or
her employer. [Sec. 112.313(10), Fla. Stat.]
7. Professional and Occupational Licensing Board Members
An officer, director, or administrator of a state, county, or regional professional or occupational
organization or association, while holding such position, may not serve as a member of a state
examining or licensing board for the profession or occupation. [Sec. 112.313(11), Fla. Stat.]
8. Contractual Services: Prohibited Employment
A state employee of the executive or judicial branch who participates in the decision‐making
process involving a purchase request, who influences the content of any specification or procurement
standard, or who renders advice, investigation, or auditing, regarding his or her agency’s contract for
services, is prohibited from being employed with a person holding such a contract with his or her
agency. [Sec. 112.3185(2), Fla. Stat.]
9. Local Government Attorneys
Local government attorneys, such as the city attorney or county attorney, and their law firms are
prohibited from representing private individuals and entities before the unit of local government
which they serve. A local government attorney cannot recommend or otherwise refer to his or her
firm legal work involving the local government unit unless the attorney’s contract authorizes or
mandates the use of that firm. [Sec. 112.313(16), Fla. Stat.]
10. Dual Public Employment
Candidates and elected officers are prohibited from accepting public employment if they know or
should know it is being offered for the purpose of influence. Further, public employment may not be
accepted unless the position was already in existence or was created without the anticipation of the
official’s interest, was publicly advertised, and the officer had to meet the same qualifications and go
through the same hiring process as other applicants. For elected public officers already holding public
8
employment, no promotion given for the purpose of influence may be accepted, nor may promotions
that are inconsistent with those given other similarly situated employees. [Sec. 112.3125, Fla. Stat.]
C. RESTRICTIONS ON APPOINTING, EMPLOYING, AND CONTRACTING WITH RELATIVES
1. Anti‐Nepotism Law
A public official is prohibited from seeking for a relative any appointment, employment, promotion,
or advancement in the agency in which he or she is serving or over which the official exercises
jurisdiction or control. No person may be appointed, employed, promoted, or advanced in or to a
position in an agency if such action has been advocated by a related public official who is serving in or
exercising jurisdiction or control over the agency; this includes relatives of members of collegial
government bodies. NOTE: This prohibition does not apply to school districts (except as provided in
Sec. 1012.23, Fla. Stat.), community colleges and state universities, or to appointments of boards,
other than those with land‐planning or zoning responsibilities, in municipalities of fewer than 35,000
residents. Also, the approval of budgets does not constitute “jurisdiction or control” for the purposes
of this prohibition. This provision does not apply to volunteer emergency medical, firefighting, or
police service providers. [Sec. 112.3135, Fla. Stat.]
2. Additional Restrictions
A state employee of the executive or judicial branch or the PSC is prohibited from directly or
indirectly procuring contractual services for his or her agency from a business entity of which a relative
is an officer, partner, director, or proprietor, or in which the employee, or his or her spouse, or children
own more than a 5% interest. [Sec. 112.3185(6), Fla. Stat.]
D. POST OFFICE HOLDING AND EMPLOYMENT (REVOLVING DOOR) RESTRICTIONS
1. Lobbying by Former Legislators, Statewide Elected Officers, and Appointed State Officers
A member of the Legislature or a statewide elected or appointed state official is prohibited for two
years following vacation of office from representing another person or entity for compensation before
the government body or agency of which the individual was an officer or member. Former members
of the Legislature are also prohibited for two years from lobbying the executive branch. [Art. II, Sec.
8(e), Fla. Const. and Sec. 112.313(9), Fla. Stat.]
2. Lobbying by Former State Employees
Certain employees of the executive and legislative branches of state government are prohibited
from personally representing another person or entity for compensation before the agency with which
9
they were employed for a period of two years after leaving their positions, unless employed by another
agency of state government. [Sec. 112.313(9), Fla. Stat.] These employees include the following:
(a) Executive and legislative branch employees serving in the Senior Management Service and
Selected Exempt Service, as well as any person employed by the Department of the Lottery having
authority over policy or procurement.
(b) Persons serving in the following position classifications: the Auditor General; the director of
the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA); the Sergeant at Arms
and Secretary of the Senate; the Sergeant at Arms and Clerk of the House of Representatives; the
executive director and deputy executive director of the Commission on Ethics; an executive director,
staff director, or deputy staff director of each joint committee, standing committee, or select
committee of the Legislature; an executive director, staff director, executive assistant, legislative
analyst, or attorney serving in the Office of the President of the Senate, the Office of the Speaker of
the House of Representatives, the Senate Majority Party Office, the Senate Minority Party Office, the
House Majority Party Office, or the House Minority Party Office; the Chancellor and Vice‐Chancellors
of the State University System; the general counsel to the Board of Regents; the president, vice
presidents, and deans of each state university; any person hired on a contractual basis and having the
power normally conferred upon such persons, by whatever title; and any person having the power
normally conferred upon the above positions.
This prohibition does not apply to a person who was employed by the Legislature or other agency
prior to July 1, 1989; who was a defined employee of the State University System or the Public Service
Commission who held such employment on December 31, 1994; or who reached normal retirement
age and retired by July 1, 1991. It does apply to OPS employees.
PENALTIES: Persons found in violation of this section are subject to the penalties contained in the
Code (see PENALTIES, Part V) as well as a civil penalty in an amount equal to the compensation which
the person received for the prohibited conduct. [Sec. 112.313(9)(a)5, Fla. Stat.]
3. Additional Restrictions on Former State Employees
A former executive or judicial branch employee or PSC employee is prohibited from having
employment or a contractual relationship, at any time after retirement or termination of employment,
with any business entity (other than a public agency) in connection with a contract in which the
employee participated personally and substantially by recommendation or decision while a public
employee. [Sec. 112.3185(3), Fla. Stat.]
A former executive or judicial branch employee or PSC employee who has retired or terminated
employment is prohibited from having any employment or contractual relationship for two years with
10
any business entity (other than a public agency) in connection with a contract for services which was
within his or her responsibility while serving as a state employee. [Sec.112.3185(4), Fla. Stat.]
Unless waived by the agency head, a former executive or judicial branch employee or PSC employee
may not be paid more for contractual services provided by him or her to the former agency during the
first year after leaving the agency than his or her annual salary before leaving. [Sec. 112.3185(5), Fla.
Stat.]
These prohibitions do not apply to PSC employees who were so employed on or before Dec. 31,
1994.
4. Lobbying by Former Local Government Officers and Employees
A person elected to county, municipal, school district, or special district office is prohibited from
representing another person or entity for compensation before the government body or agency of
which he or she was an officer for two years after leaving office. Appointed officers and employees of
counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts may be subject to a similar restriction by
local ordinance or resolution. [Sec. 112.313(13) and (14), Fla. Stat.]
E. VOTING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
State public officers are prohibited from voting in an official capacity on any measure which they know
would inure to their own special private gain or loss. A state public officer who abstains, or who votes on a
measure which the officer knows would inure to the special private gain or loss of any principal by whom he
or she is retained, of the parent organization or subsidiary or sibling of a corporate principal by which he or
she is retained, of a relative, or of a business associate, must make every reasonable effort to file a
memorandum of voting conflict with the recording secretary in advance of the vote. If that is not possible,
it must be filed within 15 days after the vote occurs. The memorandum must disclose the nature of the
officer’s interest in the matter.
No county, municipal, or other local public officer shall vote in an official capacity upon any measure
which would inure to his or her special private gain or loss, or which the officer knows would inure to the
special private gain or loss of any principal by whom he or she is retained, of the parent organization or
subsidiary or sibling of a corporate principal by which he or she is retained, of a relative, or of a business
associate. The officer must publicly announce the nature of his or her interest before the vote and must file
a memorandum of voting conflict on Commission Form 8B with the meeting’s recording officer within 15
days after the vote occurs disclosing the nature of his or her interest in the matter. However, members of
community redevelopment agencies and district officers elected on a one‐acre, one‐vote basis are not
required to abstain when voting in that capacity.
11
No appointed state or local officer shall participate in any matter which would inure to the officer’s
special private gain or loss, the special private gain or loss of any principal by whom he or she is
retained, of the parent organization or subsidiary or sibling of a corporate principal by which he or she
is retained, of a relative, or of a business associate, without first disclosing the nature of his or her
interest in the matter. The memorandum of voting conflict (Commission Form 8A or 8B) must be filed
with the meeting’s recording officer, be provided to the other members of the agency, and be read
publicly at the next meeting.
If the conflict is unknown or not disclosed prior to the meeting, the appointed official must orally
disclose the conflict at the meeting when the conflict becomes known. Also, a written memorandum
of voting conflict must be filed with the meeting’s recording officer within 15 days of the disclosure
being made and must be provided to the other members of the agency, with the disclosure being read
publicly at the next scheduled meeting. [Sec. 112.3143, Fla. Stat.]
F. DISCLOSURES
Conflicts of interest may occur when public officials are in a position to make decisions that affect
their personal financial interests. This is why public officers and employees, as well as candidates who
run for public office, are required to publicly disclose their financial interests. The disclosure process
serves to remind officials of their obligation to put the public interest above personal considerations.
It also helps citizens to monitor the considerations of those who spend their tax dollars and participate
in public policy decisions or administration.
All public officials and candidates do not file the same degree of disclosure; nor do they all file at
the same time or place. Thus, care must be taken to determine which disclosure forms a particular
official or candidate is required to file.
The following forms are described below to set forth the requirements of the various disclosures
and the steps for correctly providing the information in a timely manner.
1. FORM 1 ‐ Limited Financial Disclosure
Who Must File:
Persons required to file FORM 1 include all state officers, local officers, candidates for local elective
office, and specified state employees as defined below (other than those officers who are required by
law to file FORM 6).
12
STATE OFFICERS include:
1) Elected public officials not serving in a political subdivision of the state and any person appointed
to fill a vacancy in such office, unless required to file full disclosure on Form 6.
2) Appointed members of each board, commission, authority, or council having statewide jurisdiction,
excluding members of solely advisory bodies; but including judicial nominating commission members;
directors of Enterprise Florida, Scripps Florida Funding Corporation, and CareerSource Florida, and
members of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys; the Executive Director, governors,
and senior managers of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation; governors and senior managers of
Florida Workers’ Compensation Joint Underwriting Association, board members of the Northeast
Florida Regional Transportation Commission, and members of the board of Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc.;
members of the board of Florida is for Veterans, Inc.; and members of the Technology Advisory Council
within the Agency for State Technology.
3) The Commissioner of Education, members of the State Board of Education, the Board of Governors,
local boards of trustees and presidents of state universities, and members of the Florida Prepaid College
Board.
LOCAL OFFICERS include:
1) Persons elected to office in any political subdivision (such as municipalities, counties, and special
districts) and any person appointed to fill a vacancy in such office, unless required to file full disclosure
on Form 6.
2) Appointed members of the following boards, councils, commissions, authorities, or other bodies of
any county, municipality, school district, independent special district, or other political subdivision: the
governing body of the subdivision; a community college or junior college district board of trustees; a
board having the power to enforce local code provisions; a planning or zoning board, board of
adjustments or appeals, community redevelopment agency board, or other board having the power to
recommend, create, or modify land planning or zoning within the political subdivision, except for citizen
advisory committees, technical coordinating committees, and similar groups who only have the power to
make recommendations to planning or zoning boards, except for representatives of a military installation
acting on behalf of all military installations within that jurisdiction; a pension board or retirement board
empowered to invest pension or retirement funds or to determine entitlement to or amount of a pension
or other retirement benefit.
3) Any other appointed member of a local government board who is required to file a statement of
financial interests by the appointing authority or the enabling legislation, ordinance, or resolution creating
the board.
13
4)Persons holding any of these positions in local government: mayor; county or city manager; chief
administrative employee or finance director of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision;
county or municipal attorney; chief county or municipal building inspector; county or municipal water
resources coordinator; county or municipal pollution control director; county or municipal environmental
control director; county or municipal administrator with power to grant or deny a land development
permit; chief of police; fire chief; municipal clerk; appointed district school superintendent;
community college president; district medical examiner; purchasing agent (regardless of title) having
the authority to make any purchase exceeding $35,000 for the local governmental unit.
5)Members of governing boards of charter schools operated by a city or other public entity.
6)The officers, directors, and chief executive officer of a corporation, partnership, or other business
entity that is serving as the chief administrative or executive officer or employee of a political subdivision,
and any business entity employee who is acting as the chief administrative or executive officer or
employee of the political subdivision. [Sec. 112.3136, Fla. Stat.]
SPECIFIED STATE EMPLOYEE includes:
1)Employees in the Office of the Governor or of a Cabinet member who are exempt from the Career
Service System, excluding secretarial, clerical, and similar positions.
2)The following positions in each state department, commission, board, or council: secretary or state
surgeon general, assistant or deputy secretary, executive director, assistant or deputy executive
director, and anyone having the power normally conferred upon such persons, regardless of title.
3)The following positions in each state department or division: director, assistant or deputy director,
bureau chief, assistant bureau chief, and any person having the power normally conferred upon such
persons, regardless of title.
4) Assistant state attorneys, assistant public defenders, criminal conflict and civil regional counsel,
assistant criminal conflict and civil regional counsel, public counsel, full‐time state employees serving
as counsel or assistant counsel to a state agency, judges of compensation claims, administrative law
judges, and hearing officers.
5)The superintendent or director of a state mental health institute established for training and
research in the mental health field, or any major state institution or facility established for corrections,
training, treatment, or rehabilitation.
14
6)State agency business managers, finance and accounting directors, personnel officers, grant
coordinators, and purchasing agents (regardless of title) with power to make a purchase exceeding
$35,000.
7)The following positions in legislative branch agencies: each employee (other than those employed
in maintenance, clerical, secretarial, or similar positions and legislative assistants exempted by the
presiding officer of their house); and each employee of the Commission on Ethics.
What Must Be Disclosed:
FORM 1 requirements are set forth fully on the form. In general, this includes the reporting person’s
sources and types of financial interests, such as the names of employers and addresses of real property
holdings. NO DOLLAR VALUES ARE REQUIRED TO BE LISTED. In addition, the form requires the
disclosure of certain relationships with, and ownership interests in, specified types of businesses such
as banks, savings and loans, insurance companies, and utility companies.
When to File:
CANDIDATES for elected local office must file FORM 1 together with and at the same time they file
their qualifying papers.
STATE and LOCAL OFFICERS and SPECIFIED STATE EMPLOYEES are required to file disclosure by July
1 of each year. They also must file within thirty days from the date of appointment or the beginning of
employment. Those appointees requiring Senate confirmation must file prior to confirmation.
Where to File:
Each LOCAL OFFICER files FORM 1 with the Supervisor of Elections in the county in which he or she
permanently resides.
A STATE OFFICER or SPECIFIED STATE EMPLOYEE files with the Commission on Ethics. [Sec.
112.3145, Fla. Stat.]
2.FORM 1F ‐ Final Form 1 Limited Financial Disclosure
FORM 1F is the disclosure form required to be filed within 60 days after a public officer or employee
required to file FORM 1 leaves his or her public position. The form covers the disclosure period
between January 1 and the last day of office or employment within that year.
15
3. FORM 2 ‐ Quarterly Client Disclosure
The state officers, local officers, and specified state employees listed above, as well as elected
constitutional officers, must file a FORM 2 if they or a partner or associate of their professional firm
represent a client for compensation before an agency at their level of government.
A FORM 2 disclosure includes the names of clients represented by the reporting person or by any
partner or associate of his or her professional firm for a fee or commission before agencies at the
reporting person’s level of government. Such representations do not include appearances in
ministerial matters, appearances before judges of compensation claims, or representations on behalf
of one’s agency in one’s official capacity. Nor does the term include the preparation and filing of forms
and applications merely for the purpose of obtaining or transferring a license, so long as the issuance
of the license does not require a variance, special consideration, or a certificate of public convenience
and necessity.
When to File:
This disclosure should be filed quarterly, by the end of the calendar quarter following the calendar
quarter during which a reportable representation was made. FORM 2 need not be filed merely to indicate
that no reportable representations occurred during the preceding quarter; it should be filed
ONLY when reportable representations were made during the quarter.
Where To File:
LOCAL OFFICERS file with the Supervisor of Elections of the county in which they permanently
reside.
STATE OFFICERS and SPECIFIED STATE EMPLOYEES file with the Commission on Ethics. [Sec.
112.3145(4), Fla. Stat.]
4. FORM 6 ‐ Full and Public Disclosure
Who Must File:
Persons required by law to file FORM 6 include all elected constitutional officers and candidates for
such office; the mayor and members of the city council and candidates for these offices in Jacksonville;
the Duval County Superintendent of Schools; judges of compensation claims (pursuant to Sec. 440.442,
Fla. Stat.); members of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board and members of expressway
authorities, transportation authorities (except the Jacksonville Transportation Authority), bridge
authority, or toll authorities created pursuant to Ch. 348 or 343, or 349, or other general law.
16
What Must be Disclosed:
FORM 6 is a detailed disclosure of assets, liabilities, and sources of income over $1,000 and their
values, as well as net worth. Officials may opt to file their most recent income tax return in lieu of listing
sources of income but still must disclose their assets, liabilities, and net worth. In addition, the form
requires the disclosure of certain relationships with, and ownership interests in, specified types of
businesses such as banks, savings and loans, insurance companies, and utility companies.
When and Where To File:
Incumbent officials must file FORM 6 annually by July 1 with the Commission on Ethics.
CANDIDATES must file with the officer before whom they qualify at the time of qualifying. [Art. II, Sec. 8(a)
and (i), Fla. Const., and Sec. 112.3144, Fla. Stat.]
5. FORM 6F ‐ Final Form 6 Full and Public Disclosure
This is the disclosure form required to be filed within 60 days after a public officer or employee
required to file FORM 6 leaves his or her public position. The form covers the disclosure period
between January 1 and the last day of office or employment within that year.
6. FORM 9 ‐ Quarterly Gift Disclosure
Each person required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6, and each state procurement employee, must file a
FORM 9, Quarterly Gift Disclosure, with the Commission on Ethics on the last day of any calendar quarter
following the calendar quarter in which he or she received a gift worth more than $100, other than gifts
from relatives, gifts prohibited from being accepted, gifts primarily associated with his or her business or
employment, and gifts otherwise required to be disclosed. FORM 9 NEED NOT BE FILED if no such gift was
received during the calendar quarter.
Information to be disclosed includes a description of the gift and its value, the name and address of
the donor, the date of the gift, and a copy of any receipt for the gift provided by the donor. [Sec. 112.3148,
Fla. Stat.]
7. FORM 10 ‐ Annual Disclosure of Gifts from Government Agencies and Direct‐Support Organizations and
Honorarium Event Related Expenses
State government entities, airport authorities, counties, municipalities, school boards, water
management districts, and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, may give a gift worth
more than $100 to a person required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6, and to state procurement employees, if
a public purpose can be shown for the gift. Also, a direct‐support organization for a governmental entity
17
may give such a gift to a person who is an officer or employee of that entity. These gifts are to be reported
on FORM 10, to be filed by July 1.
The governmental entity or direct‐support organization giving the gift must provide the officer or
employee with a statement about the gift no later than March 1 of the following year. The officer or
employee then must disclose this information by filing a statement by July 1 with his or her annual
financial disclosure that describes the gift and lists the donor, the date of the gift, and the value of the
total gifts provided during the calendar year. State procurement employees file their statements with
the Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 112.3148, Fla. Stat.]
In addition, a person required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6, or a state procurement employee, who
receives expenses or payment of expenses related to an honorarium event from someone who is
prohibited from giving him or her an honorarium, must disclose annually the name, address, and
affiliation of the donor, the amount of the expenses, the date of the event, a description of the
expenses paid or provided, and the total value of the expenses on FORM 10. The donor paying the
expenses must provide the officer or employee with a statement about the expenses within 60 days
of the honorarium event.
The disclosure must be filed by July 1, for expenses received during the previous calendar year,
with the officer’s or employee’s FORM 1 or FORM 6. State procurement employees file their
statements with the Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat.]
However, notwithstanding Sec. 112.3149, Fla. Stat., no executive branch or legislative lobbyist or
principal shall make, directly or indirectly, and no executive branch agency official or employee who
files FORM 1 or FORM 6 shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any expenditure made for the
purpose of lobbying. This may include gifts or honorarium event related expenses that formerly were
permitted under Sections 112.3148 and 112.3149. [Sec. 112.3215, Fla. Stat.] Similar prohibitions apply
to legislative officials and employees. However, these laws are not administered by the Commission
on Ethics. [Sec. 11.045, Fla. Stat.] In addition, gifts, which include anything not primarily related to
political activities authorized under ch. 106, are prohibited from political committees. [Sec. 112.31485
Fla. Stat.]
8. FORM 30 ‐ Donor’s Quarterly Gift Disclosure
As mentioned above, the following persons and entities generally are prohibited from giving a gift
worth more than $100 to a reporting individual (a person required to file FORM 1 or FORM 6) or to a state
procurement employee: a political committee; a lobbyist who lobbies the reporting individual’s or
procurement employee’s agency, and the partner, firm, employer, or principal of such a lobbyist; and
vendors. If such person or entity makes a gift worth between $25 and $100 to a reporting individual or
state procurement employee (that is not accepted in behalf of a governmental entity or charitable
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organization), the gift should be reported on FORM 30. The donor also must notify the recipient at the
time the gift is made that it will be reported.
The FORM 30 should be filed by the last day of the calendar quarter following the calendar quarter in
which the gift was made. If the gift was made to an individual in the legislative branch, FORM 30 should
be filed with the Lobbyist Registrar. [See page 35 for address.] If the gift was to any other reporting
individual or state procurement employee, FORM 30 should be filed with the Commission on Ethics.
However, notwithstanding Section 112.3148, Fla. Stat., no executive branch lobbyist or principal shall
make, directly or indirectly, and no executive branch agency official or employee who files FORM 1 or
FORM 6 shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any expenditure made for the purpose of lobbying.
This may include gifts that formerly were permitted under Section 112.3148. [Sec. 112.3215, Fla. Stat.]
Similar prohibitions apply to legislative officials and employees. However, these laws are not administered
by the Commission on Ethics. [Sec. 11.045, Fla. Stat.] In addition, gifts from political committees are
prohibited. [Sec. 112.31485, Fla. Stat.]
9. FORM 1X AND FORM 6X ‐ Amendments to Form 1 and Form 6
These forms are provided for officers or employees to amend their previously filed Form 1 or Form
6.
IV. AVAILABILITY OF FORMS
LOCAL OFFICERS and EMPLOYEES who must file FORM 1 annually will be sent the form by mail from the
Supervisor of Elections in the county in which they permanently reside not later than JUNE 1 of each year.
Newly elected and appointed officials or employees should contact the heads of their agencies for copies
of the form or download it from www.ethics.state.fl.us, as should those persons who are required to file
their final disclosure statements within 60 days of leaving office or employment.
ELECTED CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS, OTHER STATE OFFICERS, and SPECIFIED STATE EMPLOYEES who
must file annually FORM 1 or 6 will be sent these forms by mail from the Commission on Ethics by JUNE 1
of each year. Newly elected and appointed officers and employees should contact the heads of their
agencies or the Commission on Ethics for copies of the form or download it from www.ethics.state.fl.us, as
should those persons who are required to file their final disclosure statements within 60 days of leaving
office or employment.
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Any person needing one or more of the other forms described here may also obtain them from a
Supervisor of Elections or from the Commission on Ethics, P.O. Drawer 15709, Tallahassee, Florida 32317‐
5709. They are also available on the Commission’s website: www.ethics.state.fl.us.
V. PENALTIES
A. Non‐criminal Penalties for Violation of the Sunshine Amendment and the Code of Ethics
There are no criminal penalties for violation of the Sunshine Amendment and the Code of Ethics.
Penalties for violation of these laws may include: impeachment, removal from office or employment,
suspension, public censure, reprimand, demotion, reduction in salary level, forfeiture of no more than
one‐third salary per month for no more than twelve months, a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000, and
restitution of any pecuniary benefits received, and triple the value of a gift from a political committee.
B. Penalties for Candidates
CANDIDATES for public office who are found in violation of the Sunshine Amendment or the Code
of Ethics may be subject to one or more of the following penalties: disqualification from being on the
ballot, public censure, reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000, and triple the value of a gift
received from a political committee.
C. Penalties for Former Officers and Employees
FORMER PUBLIC OFFICERS or EMPLOYEES who are found in violation of a provision applicable to
former officers or employees or whose violation occurred prior to such officer’s or employee’s leaving
public office or employment may be subject to one or more of the following penalties: public censure
and reprimand, a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000, and restitution of any pecuniary benefits
received, and triple the value of a gift received from a political committee.
D. Penalties for Lobbyists and Others
An executive branch lobbyist who has failed to comply with the Executive Branch Lobbying Registration
law (see Part VIII) may be fined up to $5,000, reprimanded, censured, or prohibited from lobbying executive
branch agencies for up to two years. Lobbyists, their employers, principals, partners, and firms, and political
committees and committees of continuous existence who give a prohibited gift or honorarium or fail to
comply with the gift reporting requirements for gifts worth between $25 and $100, may be penalized by a
fine of not more than $5,000 and a prohibition on lobbying, or employing a lobbyist to lobby, before the
agency of the public officer or employee to whom the gift was given for up to two years. Any agent or person
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acting on behalf of a political committee giving a prohibited gift is personally liable for a civil penalty of up
to triple the value of the gift.
Executive Branch lobbying firms that fail to timely file their quarterly compensation reports may be fined
$50 per day per report for each day the report is late, up to a maximum fine of $5,000 per report.
E. Felony Convictions: Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits
Public officers and employees are subject to forfeiture of all rights and benefits under the
retirement system to which they belong if convicted of certain offenses. The offenses include
embezzlement or theft of public funds; bribery; felonies specified in Chapter 838, Florida Statutes;
impeachable offenses; and felonies committed with intent to defraud the public or their public agency.
[Sec. 112.3173, Fla. Stat.]
F. Automatic Penalties for Failure to File Annual Disclosure
Public officers and employees required to file either Form 1 or Form 6 annual financial disclosure
are subject to automatic fines of $25 for each day late the form is filed after September 1, up to a
maximum penalty of $1,500. [Sec. 112.3144 and 112.3145, Fla. Stat.]
VI. ADVISORY OPINIONS
Conflicts of interest may be avoided by greater awareness of the ethics laws on the part of public
officials and employees through advisory assistance from the Commission on Ethics.
A. Who Can Request an Opinion
Any public officer, candidate for public office, or public employee in Florida who is in doubt about
the applicability of the standards of conduct or disclosure laws to himself or herself, or anyone who
has the power to hire or terminate another public employee, may seek an advisory opinion from the
Commission about himself or herself or that employee.
B. How to Request an Opinion
Opinions may be requested by letter presenting a question based on a real situation and including
a detailed description of the situation. Opinions are issued by the Commission and are binding on the
conduct of the person who is the subject of the opinion, unless material facts were omitted or misstated
in the request for the opinion. Published opinions will not bear the name of the persons involved unless
they consent to the use of their names; however, the request and all information pertaining to it is a
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public record, made available to the Commission and to members of the public in advance of the
Commission’s consideration of the question.
C. How to Obtain Published Opinions
All of the Commission’s opinions are available for viewing or download at its website:
www.ethics.state.fl.us.
VII. COMPLAINTS
A. Citizen Involvement
The Commission on Ethics cannot conduct investigations of alleged violations of the Sunshine
Amendment or the Code of Ethics unless a person files a sworn complaint with the Commission alleging
such violation has occurred, or a referral is received, as discussed below.
If you have knowledge that a person in government has violated the standards of conduct or
disclosure laws described above, you may report these violations to the Commission by filing a sworn
complaint on the form prescribed by the Commission and available for download at
www.ethics.state.fl.us. The Commission is unable to take action based on learning of such misdeeds
through newspaper reports, telephone calls, or letters.
You can obtain a complaint form (FORM 50), by contacting the Commission office at the address
or phone number shown on the inside front cover of this booklet, or you can download it from the
Commission’s website:
www.ethics.state.fl.us.
B. Referrals
The Commission may accept referrals from: the Governor, the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement, a State Attorney, or a U.S. Attorney. A vote of six of the Commission’s nine members is
required to proceed on such a referral.
C. Confidentiality
The complaint or referral, as well as all proceedings and records relating thereto, is confidential
until the accused requests that such records be made public or until the matter reaches a stage in the
Commission’s proceedings where it becomes public. This means that unless the Commission receives
a written waiver of confidentiality from the accused, the Commission is not free to release any
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documents or to comment on a complaint or referral to members of the public or press, so long as the
complaint or referral remains in a confidential stage.
A COMPLAINT OR REFERRAL MAY NOT BE FILED WITH RESPECT TO A CANDIDATE ON THE DAY OF THE
ELECTION, OR WITHIN THE 30 CALENDAR DAYS PRECEDING THE ELECTION DATE, UNLESS IT IS BASED
ON PERSONAL INFORMATION OR INFORMATION OTHER THAN HEARSAY.
D. How the Complaint Process Works
Complaints which allege a matter within the Commission’s jurisdiction are assigned a tracking
number and Commission staff forwards a copy of the original sworn complaint to the accused within
five working days of its receipt. Any subsequent sworn amendments to the complaint also are
transmitted within five working days of their receipt.
Once a complaint is filed, it goes through three procedural stages under the Commission’s rules. The
first stage is a determination of whether the allegations of the complaint are legally sufficient: that is,
whether they indicate a possible violation of any law over which the Commission has jurisdiction. If the
complaint is found not to be legally sufficient, the Commission will order that the complaint be dismissed
without investigation, and all records relating to the complaint will become public at that time.
In cases of very minor financial disclosure violations, the official will be allowed an opportunity to
correct or amend his or her disclosure form. Otherwise, if the complaint is found to be legally sufficient,
a preliminary investigation will be undertaken by the investigative staff of the Commission. The second
stage of the Commission’s proceedings involves this preliminary investigation and a decision by the
Commission as to whether there is probable cause to believe that there has been a violation of any of
the ethics laws. If the Commission finds no probable cause to believe there has been a violation of the
ethics laws, the complaint will be dismissed and will become a matter of public record. If the Commission
finds probable cause to believe there has been a violation of the ethics laws, the complaint becomes
public and usually enters the third stage of proceedings. This stage requires the Commission to decide
whether the law was actually violated and, if so, whether a penalty should be recommended. At this
stage, the accused has the right to request a public hearing (trial) at which evidence is presented, or the
Commission may order that such a hearing be held. Public hearings usually are held in or near the area
where the alleged violation occurred.
When the Commission concludes that a violation has been committed, it issues a public report of its
findings and may recommend one or more penalties to the appropriate disciplinary body or official.
When the Commission determines that a person has filed a complaint with knowledge that the
complaint contains one or more false allegations or with reckless disregard for whether the complaint
contains false allegations, the complainant will be liable for costs plus reasonable attorney’s fees
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incurred by the person complained against. The Department of Legal Affairs may bring a civil action to
recover such fees and costs, if they are not paid voluntarily within 30 days.
E. Dismissal of Complaints At Any Stage of Disposition
The Commission may, at its discretion, dismiss any complaint at any stage of disposition should it
determine that the public interest would not be served by proceeding further, in which case the
Commission will issue a public report stating with particularity its reasons for the dismissal. [Sec.
112.324(12), Fla. Stat.]
F. Statute of Limitations
All sworn complaints alleging a violation of the Sunshine Amendment or the Code of Ethics must be
filed with the Commission within five years of the alleged violation or other breach of the public trust. Time
starts to run on the day AFTER the violation or breach of public trust is committed. The statute of limitations
is tolled on the day a sworn complaint is filed with the Commission. If a complaint is filed and the statute
of limitations has run, the complaint will be dismissed. [Sec. 112.3231, Fla. Stat.]
VIII. EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYING
Any person who, for compensation and on behalf of another, lobbies an agency of the executive
branch of state government with respect to a decision in the area of policy or procurement may be
required to register as an executive branch lobbyist. Registration is required before lobbying an agency
and is renewable annually. In addition, each lobbying firm must file a compensation report with the
Commission for each calendar quarter during any portion of which one or more of the firm’s lobbyists
were registered to represent a principal. As noted above, no executive branch lobbyist or principal can
make, directly or indirectly, and no executive branch agency official or employee who files FORM 1 or
FORM 6 can knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any expenditure made for the purpose of lobbying.
[Sec. 112.3215, Fla. Stat.]
Paying an executive branch lobbyist a contingency fee based upon the outcome of any specific
executive branch action, and receiving such a fee, is prohibited. A violation of this prohibition is a first
degree misdemeanor, and the amount received is subject to forfeiture. This does not prohibit sales
people from receiving a commission. [Sec. 112.3217, Fla. Stat.]
Executive branch departments, state universities, community colleges, and water management
districts are prohibited from using public funds to retain an executive branch (or legislative branch)
lobbyist, although these agencies may use full‐time employees as lobbyists. [Sec. 11.062, Fla. Stat.]
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Online registration and filing is available at www.floridalobbyist.gov. Additional information
about the executive branch lobbyist registration system may be obtained by contacting the Lobbyist
Registrar at the following address:
Executive Branch Lobbyist Registration
Room G‐68, Claude Pepper Building
111 W. Madison Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399‐1425
Phone: 850/922‐4987
IX. WHISTLE‐BLOWER’S ACT
In 1986, the Legislature enacted a “Whistle‐blower’s Act” to protect employees of agencies and
government contractors from adverse personnel actions in retaliation for disclosing information in a
sworn complaint alleging certain types of improper activities. Since then, the Legislature has revised
this law to afford greater protection to these employees.
While this language is contained within the Code of Ethics, the Commission has no jurisdiction or
authority to proceed against persons who violate this Act. Therefore, a person who has disclosed
information alleging improper conduct governed by this law and who may suffer adverse
consequences as a result should contact one or more of the following: the Office of the Chief
Inspector General in the Executive Office of the Governor; the Department of Legal Affairs; the
Florida Commission on Human Relations; or a private attorney. [Sec. 112.3187 ‐ 112.31895, Fla.
Stat.]
X. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
As mentioned above, we suggest that you review the language used in each law for a more
detailed understanding of Florida’s ethics laws. The “Sunshine Amendment” is Article II, Section 8, of
the Florida Constitution. The Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees is contained in Part III
of Chapter 112, Florida Statutes.
Additional information about the Commission’s functions and interpretations of these laws may be
found in Chapter 34 of the Florida Administrative Code, where the Commission’s rules are published,
and in The Florida Administrative Law Reports, which until 2005 published many of the Commission’s
final orders. The Commission’s rules, orders, and opinions also are available at www.ethics.state.fl.us.
If you are a public officer or employee concerned about your obligations under these laws, the staff
of the Commission will be happy to respond to oral and written inquiries by providing information
about the law, the Commission’s interpretations of the law, and the Commission’s procedures.
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XI. TRAINING
Constitutional officers, elected municipal officers, and commissioners of community
redevelopment agencies (CRAs) are required to receive a total of four hours training, per calendar
year, in the area of ethics, public records, and open meetings. The Commission on Ethics does not
track compliance or certify providers.
Visit the training page on the Commission’s website for up‐to‐date rules, opinions, audio/video
training, and opportunities for live training conducted by Commission staff. A comprehensive online
training course addressing Florida’s Code of Ethics, as well as Sunshine Law, and Public Records Act is
available via a link on the Commission’s homepage.