Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Mark D. Bogen
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO DIRECT County Attorney’s Office to draft an Ordinance for public hearing on December 9, 2025, to amend the Broward County Ethics Code to create consistency between the State of Florida restrictions and County restrictions on acceptance of gifts. (Vice-Mayor Bogen)
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Why Action is Necessary
Direction by the Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) is required for the County Attorney’s Office to draft an Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances (“Code”).
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the required direction to the County Attorney’s Office.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
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Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Because of numerous amendments over the past nearly 15 years that were enacted in an attempt to bring “common sense” to gift restrictions under the Broward County Code of Ethics for Elected Officials (“Ethics Code”), the rules relating to acceptance of gifts are incredibly complicated and nuanced. They are also different than state law, adding further complication and creating additional risk of unintentional violation. As a result, in many instances day-to-day ethics questions by local elected officials (not merely County officials as the Ethics Code also applies to all elected municipal officials within Broward County) require a detailed analysis by legal counsel and consume significant legal resources that could be better allocated to matters of greater significance to County residents. This item would direct the County Attorney’s Office to prepare an amendment to the Ethics Code, for consideration by the Board at public hearing on December 9, 2025, to create consistency between State and local restrictions on the acceptance of gifts.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance.