Effective February 1, 2020, forms and quarterly reports no longer require notarization. In lieu of notarization, the individual executing the form will make a sworn oath, pursuant to Florida Statute 92.525, to the accuracy of each filing. In addition, payment for registration fees may now be submitted up to 10 business days after the filing is made. Lastly, completed forms and reports may now be emailed or faxed to the City Treasurer-Clerk in lieu of mailing or hand delivery. As the City’s goal is transparency, these modifications will streamline the filing process and permit lobbyists to make filings at any time, including times when the City administrative offices are closed. Also, please note there is a drop-box on the NE side of City Hall that can be used at any time to submit payment.

As to Registrations, the City Code requires the disclosure of “the general and specific areas of legislative interest.” To provide further clarification of this requirement, the City of Tallahassee will adhere to the process set forth by the Florida House Rules (Rule 17.1(h)), which mandates the disclosure must provide “specificity sufficient to give notice of each particular subject or proposal being lobbied.” Explained further, if the lobbying relates to an ordinance, resolution, policy, procedure, competitive bid solicitation or procurement activity, contract or contract renewal, permit, real estate transaction or parcel of land, city budget appropriation, etc. the Lobbyist Registration Form should disclose the specific ordinance or resolution number, bid solicitation number, contract (by number or title), permit number, etc. or other relevant identifiers. Registration or Update forms submitted with incomplete or vague “specific areas of legislative interest” responses are subject to rejection, which may subject the registrant to a failure to properly file violation of the City Code. If, during the course of representation, the general or specific area of legislative interest changes, registrants shall submit Update Form(s) to reflect any changes in the area(s) of legislative interest.  Failure to amend the registration to reflect new areas of legislative interest prior to lobbying on that topic may be deemed a failure to register violation of the ordinance.

Examples:

1. Acceptable:
   • General: Land-Use Permitting
   • Specific: Site Plan Permit No. TSP6601234 / New School
Unacceptable:
• General: Land-Use
• Specific: {left blank}
2. Acceptable:
   • General: Comp Plan
   • Specific: Amendment No. TMA28-123 \ Eastside Park
Unacceptable:
• General: Land-Use
• Specific: {left blank}
3. Acceptable:
   • General: Rezoning
   • Specific: Ordinance No. 23-Z-12 – Johnson Tire Store Rezoning
Unacceptable:
• Specific: Rezoning
• Specific: Rezoning
4. Acceptable:
   • General: real estate
   • Specific: sale of parcel 4901070001430 \ 123 S. Main Street
Unacceptable:
• Specific: real estate
• Specific: sale of surplus property

Please be advised that, pursuant to City Ordinance 19-O-36AA (amending Section 2-345 of the City Code), effective on January 1, 2020, an intentional violation of the Lobbyist Registration Ordinance will result in:

1. For a first violation, a $1,000 fine;
2. For a second violation within any 3-year period, a $2,500 fine;
3. For a third violation within any 3-year period, a $5,000 fine;
4. A fourth violation within any 3-year period, suspension of lobbying privileges for 3 years.

Registrants should contact the City Treasurer-Clerk’s Office, Records Division, at (850) 891-8130 for assistance, if needed.