Florida Ethics Update: Commission on Ethics Determinations—March Meeting

During its meeting on Friday, March 10, 2023, the Florida Commission on Ethics, the constitutionally created independent agency tasked with interpreting and enforcing the State’s ethics laws, took action on a myriad of matters involving the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees (Code of Ethics) and the “Ethics in Government” amendment to the State constitution (Art. II, s. 8, Fla. Const.).

Florida Ethics Update: Commission on Ethics Dismisses Ethics Charges Brought Against Former Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried

During its public session meeting on March 10, 2023, the Florida Commission on Ethics, the constitutionally created independent agency tasked with interpreting and enforcing the State’s ethics laws, approved a Motion to Dismiss Complaint, filed by Elizabeth Miller, an attorney who serves as Advocate for the Commission, thereby dismissing the ethics complaint filed against former Agriculture Commissioner and gubernatorial candidate, Nikki Fried, which alleged that she violated a state financial disclosure law.

Florida Ethics Update: Federal Judge Blocks Part of Ban Prohibiting Public Officers from Lobbying While in Office

U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom issued a preliminary injunction against part of a Florida lobbying ban, which became effective on December 31, 2022, that prohibits “public officers” from lobbying for pay during their term of office on issues of “policy, appropriations, or procurement” before the federal government, the legislature, any state government body or agency, or any political subdivision of the state.

Article: Florida Ethics Institute brings ethics training to the public

The Florida Ethics Institute is pleased to be profiled in an article published today by the Florida Center for Government Accountability. The article titled “Florida Ethics Institute brings ethics training to the public” written by FLCGA News journalist, Rebecca Holcomb, highlights FEI’s mission to advanced the cause of ethics in government through education and focuses on the experience and passion of its founder and Executive Director, Caroline Klancke. Read more at FLCGA News…

Florida Commission on Ethics to Consider Dismissal of Ethics Charges Brought Against Former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried

By Caroline Klancke, Florida Ethics Institute. During its public session meeting on March 10, 2023, the Florida Commission on Ethics, will consider a Motion to Dismiss Complaint filed by attorney Elizabeth Miller, who serves as an advocate for the commission, which requests the dismissal of the ethics complaint filed against former Agriculture Commissioner and gubernatorialContinue reading “Florida Commission on Ethics to Consider Dismissal of Ethics Charges Brought Against Former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried”

The Florida Open Government & Ethics Seminar-Registration Open!

Florida Open Government & Ethics Seminar  Thursday, March 2, 2023 | 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.  Center for Translational Behavioral Science located at 2010 Levy Ave., Bldg. A, Room 120 Tallahassee, FL 32310  The seminar has been approved for 5.0 hours of CLE credits by the Florida Bar (5.0 hours General; 3.5 hours Ethics; & 0.5 Technology) If youContinue reading “The Florida Open Government & Ethics Seminar-Registration Open!”

The Florida Ethics Institute Advances Ethics in Government Through Publication of the Florida Ethics Law Handbook

The Florida Ethics Institute (FEI) is excited to announce the publication of “The Florida Ethics Law Handbook: A Practitioner’s Guide to the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees” the first comprehensive guide to ethics laws in Florida. The Florida Ethics Law Handbook provides a brief but rigorous review of Florida’s ethics laws, andContinue reading “The Florida Ethics Institute Advances Ethics in Government Through Publication of the Florida Ethics Law Handbook”

Florida Ethics Update: Florida Commission on Ethics Approves Settlement of Manatee Official Over Pop Up COVID Vaccine Clinic

By Caroline Klancke, Florida Ethics Institute. During its public session meeting on Friday, January 27, 2023, the Florida Commission on Ethics, the constitutionally created independent agency tasked with interpreting and enforcing the State’s ethics laws, approved a settlement agreement involving Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh over her role in organizing an exclusive COVID-19 vaccine event.Continue reading “Florida Ethics Update: Florida Commission on Ethics Approves Settlement of Manatee Official Over Pop Up COVID Vaccine Clinic”