Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances (the "Code") to conform the Code's definitions of lobbying to recently modified Florida law and to propose any other modifications to related Code provisions as may be recommended by the Office of the County Attorney.
body
Why Action is Necessary
Board direction is required for the Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the required direction to the Office of the County Attorney.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Through a series of amendments to the Code more than a decade ago, Broward County established some of the most stringent lobbying regulations in the state, far surpassing what then existed under state law. These regulations included prohibitions on elected officials throughout the County lobbying other elected and appointed officials and prohibitions on lobbying by elected officials' immediate family members. Additionally, the County enacted an expansive definition of lobbying and, through a Charter amendment, made its regulations applicable countywide.
In 2018 voters approved an amendment to the Florida Constitution ("Amendment 12") that (1) prohibits local officials, including county commissioners, from lobbying local, state, or federal agencies on issues of policy, appropriation, or procurement, and (2) establishes a six-year "revolving door" ban on lobbying one's former agency. In 2022 the Legislature enacted Sections 112.3121 and 112.3122, Florida Statutes, which implemented Amendment 12 and will become effective on December 31, 2022. Once the new law goes into effect, Florida's lobbying prohibitions will be some of the most expa...
Click here for full text