Section 1-19(c)(1) of the Broward County Code of Ordinances ("Code") provides that elected officials, with limited exceptions, may not accept a gift with a value in excess of $5.00 from a registered lobbyist, a principal or employer of a registered lobbyist, a vendor, or a contractor, as defined therein (collectively "Vendors and Lobbyists"). With respect to gifts from other sources, elected officials in their official capacities may not accept anything that has a value in excess of $50.00. Section 26-73(a)(1) of the Code generally provides that County employees shall not solicit or accept any gift, regardless of value, in their official capacity as employees.
Although the Florida Commission on Ethics has issued opinions finding that participation in public service announcements (PSAs) can be considered gifts bestowing publicity on the participant, Florida law does not impose a limit on an elected official's or employee's participation in PSAs that are paid for, published, or broadcast by individuals or entities that are not Vendors or Lobbyists.
The proposed Ordinance would allow elected officials and designated employees to participate in PSAs to the extent not prohibited by Florida law and subject to the reporting requirements of Section 112.3148, Florida Statutes.
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