Important Information Regarding Lobbyist Activities in Palm Beach County
If you are a paid lobbyist, attempting to influence the outcome of a matter that would ultimately come before the Board of County Commissioners, you must comply with the requirements of the Palm Beach County Lobbyist Registration Ordinance. This Ordinance requires lobbyists to submit completed registration forms to County Administration before engaging in lobbyist activities. Even if you lobby only on an occasional basis, it is important that you familiarize yourself with these lobbying regulations. At this site, you will find links to the Ordinance, frequently asked questions and answers, a registration form you may print, and a Lobbyist Registry.
Note: A new Lobbyist Registration Ordinance goes into effect on May 1, 2010. More info...
- Registration: Registration will now be through the County Administrator's office.
- Contact Log: For each instance of Lobbying, all persons must sign a contact log maintained in the reception office of each County Department.
- Outside Appointment: In the event an outside appointment is scheduled for the purpose of Lobbying outside County offices, it is the responsibility of the lobbyist to advise the Commissioner's office or the Employee's department office.
- Cone of Silence: The "Cone of Silence" means a prohibition on any communication, except for written correspondence, regarding a particular Request for Proposal, Request for Qualification, bid, or any other competitive solicitation. The "Cone of Silence" is in effect from the time/date of the deadline for submission of the proposal, bid or other response to a competitive solicitation, until the time that the Board or County Department authorized to act on behalf of the Board, awards or approves a contract, rejects all bids or responses or otherwise takes action which ends the solicitation process.
- Enforcement & Penalties: If the County Administrator is informed of any person engaged in lobbying activities who has failed to comply with this ordinance, an investigation will be conducted. If the County Administrator has determined that a violation has occurred based on the investigation, enforcement procedures as outlined in the ordinance shall apply.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Todd Bonlarron, Legislative Affairs Director via E-mail or at 355-3451.
Note: Palm Beach County holds membership in the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, the Florida Association of Counties, and the National Association of Counties all of which are funded in part by dues supported with taxpayer dollars and each of which as part of their overall service do provide lobbying services to the County.
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