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Tallahassee ethics board rescinds June vote, adopts revised ordinance clarifying city-only jurisdiction
Summary
On Aug. 19, 2025, the City of Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board rescinded its June 17 approval of ordinance 24 ORD 03A and adopted revised ordinance 24 ORD 03AA to clarify that the board's jurisdiction applies only to officials appointed by the City Commission and not to joint city–county committees.
The City of Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board on Aug. 19 rescinded a June 17 vote on ordinance 24 ORD 03A and adopted a revised version, titled 24 ORD 03AA, to clarify the definition of "public official" and limit the board’s jurisdiction to officials appointed by the City Commission.
The change came after the board staff met with the City Attorney’s Office and identified language that could be read to extend the board’s authority to members of joint city–county committees. Dwight Floyd, the board’s ethics officer, told members the wording that had been removed from the public‑official definition could be interpreted as claiming jurisdiction over noncity appointees; the revised ordinance restores language that specifies officials "appointed by the City Commission."
The procedural sequence began when a board member moved to rescind the June 17 motion approving 24 ORD 03A; the rescission motion passed. The board then moved and approved adoption of 24 ORD 03AA as presented in the meeting packet. The meeting record shows the motions were made and seconded on the floor and the board voted in favor; the minutes show the motions carried.
Board members discussed procedure before taking the substantive vote. Floyd explained that, under Robert’s Rules of Order (referenced in the agenda), a motion to reconsider must be made the same day as the original vote and only by a member on the prevailing side; because that window had passed the board used a motion to rescind and then a separate motion to adopt the replacement ordinance.
Why it matters: the change narrows the board’s reach to city‑appointed officials and avoids a potential conflict with the city charter and with the authority of joint committees that include county appointees. Board members said the revision preserves the board’s intended scope without seeking jurisdiction over county appointees.
The ordinance language adopted on Aug. 19 is the version labeled 24 ORD 03AA in the agenda packet. The board did not alter the substantive definition beyond restoring the phrase referencing appointment by the City Commission.
