Former Boca Raton mayor's ethics case resolved with $1,000 fine and public censure

The Florida Commission on Ethics on Tuesday adopted a joint stipulation resolving complaint 17‑107 against Susan Haney, identified in the record as the former mayor of Boca Raton.

Advocate Joe Burns summarized the investigation: eight initial allegations were filed; three were dismissed as hearsay under section 112.3241(a), and three others were addressed in the respondent’s criminal case. Burns said the criminal matter culminated in a guilty plea with penalties including a $1,000 fine, 100 hours of community service, one day in jail and one year of probation. The remaining two allegations, Burns said, would be resolved by the administrative stipulation with a civil penalty of $500 for each allegation (a total of $1,000) plus a public censure and reprimand. "I ask the commission to adopt this agreement in lieu of further litigation," Burns told the commissioners.

Respondent counsel Mark Herron urged adoption of the joint stipulation as recommended by the commission’s advocate. With no commissioners requesting further disclosure, a motion to adopt the joint stipulation carried by voice vote and the commission announced the stipulation was adopted.

The commission’s action resolves the remaining administrative allegations without further evidentiary hearing; the transcript indicates the parties may not renegotiate a stipulation at the same meeting if it is rejected. The adopted disposition includes a $1,000 administrative penalty and a public reprimand.

The commission did not record additional civil or criminal referrals beyond the penalties already imposed in the respondent’s criminal case.