Florida Administrative Code 34 - COMMISSION ON ETHICS
Here’s an enhanced overview of Title 34 – Commission on Ethics in the Florida Administrative Code:
📑 Title 34 – Commission on Ethics: Structure & Coverage
Title 34 outlines the rules governing Florida’s Commission on Ethics, including its operations, complaint processes, advisory functions, lobbying registration, and gift/honoraria regulations. It’s organized into several chapters under Division 34 – Departmental (regulations.justia.com):
Chapter 34‑1 – Organization
Chapter 34‑2 – Agenda & Meeting Scheduling
Chapter 34‑3 – Rulemaking Proceedings
Chapter 34‑4 – Declaratory Statements
Chapter 34‑5 – Review, Investigation & Hearing of Complaints
Chapter 34‑6 – Advisory Opinions
Chapter 34‑7 – Ethics Training, Forms & Instructions
Chapter 34‑8 – Disclosure of Financial Interests
Chapter 34‑9 – Hearings Granted in Absence of Sworn Complaint
Chapter 34‑10 – (Reserved for Complaints Under Part III, Ch. 112 F.S.)
Chapter 34‑11 – (Complaints Reported by Comptroller)
Chapter 34‑12 – Executive-Branch Lobbyist Registration
Chapter 34‑13 – Gifts and Honoraria
Chapter 34‑14 – Indexing & Availability of Final Orders
Chapter 34‑15 – Complaints Relating to Section 11.062(2), F.S.
Chapter 34‑16 – Commission Meetings – Public Comment
Chapter 34‑17 – Review, Investigation & Hearing of Referrals
Chapter 34‑18 – Abuse of Position to Obtain Disproportionate Benefit (ethics.state.fl.us, cityofpsl.com)
🔍 Key Chapter Highlights
• Chapter 34‑5 – Complaints
Defines procedures from filing through public hearing, including confidentiality, deletions, subpoenas, probable‑cause thresholds, and withdrawal of complaints for good cause (law.cornell.edu).
• Chapter 34‑6 – Advisory Opinions
Explains eligibility, process, and scope for written ethics advice to public officials seeking guidance (ethics.state.fl.us).
• Chapter 34‑7 – Ethics Training
Under Rule 34‑7.025, mandates a minimum of 4 hours training annually covering ethics, public records, and Sunshine Law. Training is measured in 50‑minute hours (ethics.state.fl.us).
• Chapter 34‑8 – Financial Disclosure
Covers the requirements for financial-interest filings (Form 1, Form 6) and public reporting procedures (ethics.state.fl.us).
• Chapter 34‑12 – Lobbyist Registration
Regulates executive‑branch lobbyists: definitions, exemptions, registration, compensation reporting, penalties, and advisory opinions (law.cornell.edu).
• Chapter 34‑13 – Gifts & Honoraria
Sets quarterly gift-disclosure thresholds (over $100), required reporting forms, exemptions, and penalties (law.cornell.edu).
• Chapter 34‑17 – Referrals
Applies when referrals are made by officials (e.g. Governor, DA) instead of sworn complaints, outlining scope, investigations (probable cause within 30 days, completed within 1 year), and hearings .
🏛️ Commission Roles & Enforcement
The Commission investigates ethics complaints, issues advisory opinions, maintains financial filings, prescribes forms, administers lobbyist registration, and recommends enforcement actions—though it doesn’t directly impose penalties (ethics.state.fl.us).
Statutory authority derives from Article II, Sec. 8 of the Florida Constitution and Ch. 112, Part III, F.S. (ethics.state.fl.us).
✅ How I Can Help
Dig into any specific chapter or rule.
Provide a summary of procedures, timing deadlines, or compliance steps.
Explain forms (e.g., Form 1, Form 6, CE Form 9).
Show how complaint vs. referral differs in process.
Offer guidance on training requirements or gift reporting thresholds.
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