Dear Friends, Clients & Colleagues,
As always, I hope this brief note finds you all well.
This #EthicsMatters brief focuses on the ethics and regulations on County government lobbying and lobbyist registrations — just in time for the 2020 Annual Lobbyist Registration due — January 15th.
It is critically important to follow these regulations carefully and always verify before you lobby — for your own protection and the protection of your business. It is always best to err on the side of caution — read before you lobby!
So, who is a lobbyist and therefore MUST register?
Who?
The Miami-Dade County Code defines lobbyists as “any person firm or corporation seeking to influence any action, decision or recommendation of County Personnel” including the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.
Any individuals retained to influence County decisions and any Principal or employee whose scope of work includes lobbying activities MUST register with the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners.
What?
The Miami-Dade County Code requires that individuals retained as a lobbyists register with the Clerk of the Board within five (5) days of being retained by a client or before engaging in any lobbying activity.
Any existing registrations must be renewed at the beginning of each year.
Lobbyists can now register or renew their registrations online.
When?
Registration renewals MUST be submitted to the Clerk of the Board by JANUARY 15, 2020.
How?
The Miami-Dade County Code requires that all lobbyists take a Lobbyist Ethics Course approved by the Commission on Ethics and Public Trust within 60 days of their lobbyist registration. A certificate of completion must be sent to the Clerk of the Board.
The Commission on Ethics requires that lobbyists complete a Refresher Course every two (2) years following their initial registration.
I hope that this information has been helpful and that you will keep it in mind as we kick off what are sure to be an exciting new years.
For more information visit the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust and the Clerk of the Board websites.
We are 100% committed to creating tools and solutions that improve the way you do business. We want to hear from you — let us know what you think about our #EthicsMatters newsletters. Your feedback makes us better!
Warmest personal regards,
Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq.