October 8, 2015 •
Hillsborough County, Florida Commissioners Vote to Create Lobbyist Registration Office
County commissioners unanimously approved a motion by Chairwoman Sandy Murman to increase transparency for those who are paid to lobby the Commission. An Office of Professional Lobbyist Registration will be created within the county attorney’s office and the county attorney will draft amendments to the existing ordinance.
Currently, lobbyists must register prior to each meeting with an official, but many do not adhere to this requirement. The new ordinance will require notice of visits by lobbyists to be posted online and the registration office will be responsible for enforcement.
Chairwoman Murman stated she wants the ordinance to focus on paid lobbyists, excluding volunteers from the requirements.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.