Lobbyist Registration

In accordance with Leon County Ordinance No. 2020-23, all lobbyists who intend to engage in lobbying as defined in the County Code of Ethics must register with the Clerk of Court and Comptroller, Finance Department, by filing a completed lobbyist registration form and paying a nonrefundable annual registration fee of $25.

Links to County Ordinance 2020-23, the lobbyist registration form, the lobbying quarterly compensation report, the lobbyist withdrawal form, frequently asked questions about the lobbyist regulations, and list of registered lobbyists are provided below. If you have any questions, please contact the Leon County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, Finance Department, at 850-606-4020.

Forms and Assistance

List of Registered Lobbyists
Lobbying Quarterly Compensation Report
Lobbyist Registration Form
Lobbyist Withdrawal Form
Ordinance 20-23 relating to Lobbying & Lobbyist Registration (supercedes Ordinance 19-07)

County Lobbyist Regulations Frequently Asked Questions

The lobbyist regulations are part of the Leon County Code of Ethics. The current Code of Ethics is set forth in Leon County Ordinance No. 2020-23, which can be accessed here. The lobbyist regulations are located in Sections 2-680 through 2-688 of the Code of Ethics. The topics presented below will provide answers to commonly asked questions about the County's lobbyist regulations.

Disclaimer
The information presented in this document does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please contact an attorney of your choosing for advice on specific legal questions or issues.

Am I a lobbyist?

Please refer to the definition of “lobbyist” in the County's lobbyist regulations. If you meet the qualifications for a lobbyist as defined in the lobbyist regulations, then you are a lobbyist. However, if you qualify for one of the exemptions, then you are not a lobbyist.

Who is exempt from the lobbyist regulations?

The exemptions from the lobbyist regulations are itemized under the definition of “lobbyist.” If you qualify for one of the exemptions, then you are exempt from the lobbyist regulations.

How do I know if my actions constitute lobbying?

Please refer to the definition of “lobby or lobbying” in the County's lobbyist regulations. If you are engaging in conduct that falls within the activity described in the lobbyist regulations, then you are lobbying.

Do I need to register as a lobbyist?

Please refer to the “lobbyist” and “lobbying” definitions in the County's lobbyist regulations. If you meet the qualifications for a lobbyist, do not qualify for an exemption to the definition of a lobbyist, and you are engaging in conduct that falls within the activity described as lobbying, then you are required to register as a lobbyist.

How do I register as a lobbyist?

You must register as a lobbyist with the clerk of the Board of County Commissioners in the form approved and maintained by the clerk and pay a non-refundable registration fee of $25.00 to the clerk. Please contact the clerk's office at 850-606-4020 regarding any questions about how to register and pay the fee.

When do I have to register as a lobbyist?

You must register prior to engaging in any lobbying.

What if I have filed a lobbyist registration form for this calendar year, and I am retained by a new principal to lobby during this calendar year?

You have to amend the previously filed lobbyist registration form within ten business days of such change.

What is a lobbying firm?

As defined in the County's lobbyist regulations, a “lobbying firm” means “a business entity, including an individual contract lobbyist, that receives or becomes entitled to receive any compensation for lobbying, where any partner, owner, officer, or employee of the entity is a lobbyist.”

Do I have to disclose how much I am paid to lobby?

Yes. Each lobbying firm is required to file a quarterly compensation report, signed by an authorized representative of the lobbying firm, with the clerk of the Board of County Commissioners for each reporting period on the form approved and maintained by the clerk. Please contact the clerk's office at 850-606-4020 regarding any questions about filing a compensation report.

What happens if I do not register to engage in lobbying, fail to amend a lobbyist registration form, fail to file a required quarterly compensation report, or provide false information in the lobbyist registration form?

The described scenarios would each constitute a violation of the lobbyist regulations.

How are the lobbyist regulations enforced?

Upon being informed in writing of any allegation that a person has violated the lobbyist regulations, the County Attorney or designee will conduct an investigation of the alleged non-compliance and prepare written findings of the investigation, including corrective measures and penalties to be assessed, if any.

What are the penalties if a determination is made that a violation of the lobbyist regulations has occurred?

The penalties for a violation of the lobbyist regulations are set forth in Section 2-687 of Leon County Ordinance 2020-23. For example, a first violation would result in the issuance of a warning.

Can determinations of lobbyist regulation violations be appealed?

Yes. An appeal of the penalties assessed must be filed with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings within thirty days after receipt of the findings of the investigation.