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Citrus County adopts ban on ex-commissioner lobbying and a lobbyist registration ordinance
Summary
Commissioners approved two ordinances: a county prohibition on former county commissioners lobbying their former boards consistent with Florida constitutional provisions and a new lobbyist registration and reporting ordinance that begins reporting on Aug. 1, 2025.
The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners on June 23 adopted two ordinances intended to increase transparency around advocacy to county government: an ordinance implementing a prohibition on former county commissioners lobbying their former boards consistent with the Florida Constitution, and a separate ordinance establishing a county lobbyist registration and expenditure-reporting system. Both measures passed by 5-0 votes.
County Attorney Denise A. Diamond Lin read the anti-lobbying ordinance into the record and noted a preamble typographical correction before the hearing. Several members of the public asked whether the county's prohibition included a time limit; staff clarified the rule follows the Florida Constitution and the related interpretation: a six-year limitation on former commissioners lobbying their former board.
The lobbyist registration ordinance will require lobbyists to register with the county and report expenditures. James Toy, the county's intergovernmental affairs manager, recommended an effective date of Aug. 1, 2025, for commencement of reporting to give administrators and external filers time to prepare; the board approved that start date as part of the ordinance.
Why it matters: County leaders said the measures are intended to improve public confidence and create a transparent, auditable record of lobbying activity before the county. The registration ordinance includes an application process to be administered by the intergovernmental affairs manager and requires IT and form work to host reporting tools on the county website.
Board action: Commissioner Finnegan moved to approve the anti-lobbying ordinance (H4 as read by the county attorney); Commissioner Barrick seconded and the motion passed 5-0. On the lobbyist registration ordinance (H5), the board approved the ordinance and set Aug. 1, 2025, as the date when lobbyists must begin reporting expenditures.
Ending: Staff said implementing the registration ordinance will require some website and administrative work; the county will provide forms, application guidance and an implementation timeline to the public and to prospective lobbyists.
