§ 2-205. Findings.

(a)

The state code sets forth standards of conduct and disclosure requirements for all public officers and employees in the state, including constitutional officers and employees.

(b)

Section 112.326, Florida Statutes, permits the board to impose more stringent standards of conduct and disclosure requirements, beyond those specified in the state code, provided that those standards of conduct and disclosure requirements do not otherwise conflict with the provisions thereof.

(c)

Section 112.313(13), Florida Statutes, authorizes the board to adopt an ordinance establishing post-employment restrictions for certain designated county employees.

(d)

On November 7, 2006, the electors of the county approved an amendment to the Charter creating new Section 2.2:E thereof, which requires that the board enact by ordinance a code of ethics to supplement statutory and administrative standards of conduct currently in place.

(e)

Pursuant to its authority under Section 112.326, Florida Statutes, the board finds that more stringent requirements are needed with regard to the value of gifts that may be provided by lobbyists to public officers and employees beyond the standards set forth in Section 112.3148, Florida Statutes. Specifically, the board finds that a zero gift limit, rather than the one hundred dollar ($100.00) gift limit set forth in Section 112.3148, Florida Statutes, should be enacted in order to better promote and preserve the integrity of the governmental decision-making process.

(f)

Pursuant to its authority under Section 112.326, Florida Statutes, and the requirements of Section 2.2:E of the Charter, the board has determined to enact a code of ethics that supplements the state code with respect to the solicitation and acceptance of gifts from lobbyists and post-employment restrictions. The board further finds that such a code of ethics is needed in order to promote the public's confidence and trust in its local government.

(Ord. No. 2007-37, § 1, 6-26-07)