§ 2-2057. Lobbyist registration and disclosure requirements.

(a)

All lobbyists shall before engaging in any lobbying activities, register with the clerk to the board located at the board minutes and records department. Every lobbyist required to so register shall register quarterly on a calendar year basis on forms prepared by the clerk; pay an annual nonrefundable registration fee of $25.00; and state under oath or by written declaration in accordance with F.S. § 92.525, his or her name, business name and address, and the name and business address of each person or entity that has employed said registrant to lobby, as of the date of said registration. If, subsequent to the registration, the registrant ceases to act as a lobbyist, the registrant may file a request, on a form provided by the clerk, to not be listed as a lobbyist. In the event that the registrant neither withdraws nor re-registers, the registrant shall be placed on a "lobbyist status unknown" list for a period of 12 months from the expiration of the quarterly registration.

(b)

Quarterly registration shall be required and shall initially commence on April 2, 2007. Thereafter, quarterly registration shall occur every three months. Quarterly registration is required regardless of whether there is any change in employers of the lobbyist. The lobbyist may indicate "no change" if appropriate. Initial registration by a lobbyist may occur at any time during the calendar year provided that it occurs prior to the lobbyist engaging in any lobbying activity.

(c)

The registration fee required by this section shall be maintained by the clerk to the board and shall be deposited into a separate fund to be expended for the purpose of administering and maintaining the lobbyist registration list as well as to cover other related costs. Lobbyists shall not be charged a fee for filing the form for removal from the lobbyist list.

(d)

The following persons shall not be required to register as lobbyists:

(1)

Any public officer, employee or appointee who appears in his or her official capacity.

(2)

Law enforcement personnel conducting an investigation.

(3)

Any person who only appears in his or her individual capacity for the purpose of self-representation without compensation or reimbursement, whether direct, indirect or contingent, to express support or opposition to any item.

(4)

Any person who only appears as a representative of a neighborhood association without special compensations or reimbursement for their appearance, whether direct, indirect or contingent, to express support or opposition to any item.

(5)

Attorneys representing clients before a quasi-judicial body.

(e)

The clerk to the board shall keep accurate and complete records regarding lobbyist registration including an up-to-date list of all lobbyist registrations, lobbyists withdrawals from the list and a "lobbyist status unknown" list.

(f)

A registration form that is not renewed within 20 calendar days of the end of each quarter of the calendar year, shall expire and may not thereafter be relied upon by the lobbyist for lobbying activities. In such a case, the lobbyist must renew his or her registration and pay the nonrefundable annual fee in order to continue engaging in lobbying activities.

(g)

The validity of any action or determination of the board or of any county personnel, board or committee, shall not be affected by failure of any lobbyist to comply with the provisions of this section.

(h)

All lobbyists shall disclose and make known the name or identity of the principal(s) by whom they are employed whenever they engage in lobbying activities as such activities are defined in this section.

(Ord. No. 03-53, § 7, 9-23-03; Ord. No. 04-05, § 7; Ord. No. 2007-24, § 1)