Ethics in Government
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Florida's ethics laws are among the strongest, and most tested, in the nation. Florida has very broad laws related to public meetings, public records and standards of conduct for elected and appointed officials, and many cities have adopted even tougher standards for their own officials and employees.
In addition to laws and ordinances, the Florida Attorney General's Office has issued many opinions that serve as guidelines for state and local officials, and which can be very valuable in determining areas of conflict or concern in these matters. As the Florida Constitution states, "A Public Office Is a Public Trust."
These resources provide information on these laws, and ordinances of Florida's cities, and also information on training and readings on this subject. The Florida League of Cities is committed to providing resources to its members regarding ethics.
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Ethics Resources
Florida Municipal Officials' Manual
This manual is intended as a reference on common topics of municipal government for use by municipal officials, both elected and appointed. Chapter 3: Standards of Conduct deals specifically with constitutional provisions, the code of ethics, the Commission on Ethics and other formal and informal standards. We believe that newly elected mayors and council members will find it a handy reference, as will the appointed administrator and/or clerk who may be unfamiliar with Florida statutes governing particular municipal affairs.
Florida Commission on Ethics
The Florida Commission on Ethics serves as the guardian of the standards of conduct for officers and employees of Florida and its political subdivisions. It functions as an independent nine-member commission responsible for investigating and issuing public reports on complaints of breaches of the public trust by public officers and employees. The commission renders legally binding advisory opinions interpreting the ethics laws and implements the State of Florida's financial disclosure laws.
Office of the Attorney General of Florida
Issuing legal opinions to governmental agencies has long been a function of the Office of the Attorney General. Attorney General Opinions serve to provide legal advice on questions of statutory interpretation and can provide guidance to public bodies as an alternative to costly litigation. Attorney General Opinions are intended to address only questions of law and are not a substitute for the advice and counsel of your municipal attorney.
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Ethics Training
Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA)
As an organization that adheres to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Code of Ethics, FCCMA requires its members to be educated on the Professional Management Ethical Tenets. FCCMA has created an online ethics course to help prospective members become more proficient when dealing with ethical issues.
Institute for Elected Municipal Officials
Offered by the League and the Institute of Government, the primary objective of the IEMO is to provide elected municipal officials with an intensive academic program that will assist them in effectively meeting the requirements of their elected role. The program offers a comprehensive overview of Florida municipal government as well as a session on ethics. Several handouts from this session are available for download: a brief overview of Florida's ethics law, a listing of sunshine law cases and attorney general opinions, and additional cases that have been recently heard.
John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government
The Florida Institute of Government (IOG) offers online education to improve effectiveness in local government. A course on Florida's Code of Ethics, Sunshine Law and Public Records Act will ensure understanding of the complexities of Florida's ethics and sunshine laws to help avoid unintended pitfalls. This course has been developed under the auspices of the Florida Legislature and in partnership with the Commission on Ethics and the Florida Attorney General's Office.
Sample Ethics Pledges
Leadership Palm Beach County
An educational nonprofit organization, Leadership Palm Beach County began a community-wide ethics initiative. Part of the effort was development of an ethics pledge and statement of values. Leadership Palm Beach County is designed to foster awareness of community issues and promote efficient communication and cooperative relationships between existing and emerging community leaders.
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