Commission adopts rule changes to add foster parents and foster children to 'relative' for gift disclosures

The Florida Commission on Ethics adopted two rule amendments that update gift-disclosure forms and the gifts chapter to reflect statutory changes enacted this year.

Staff explained the technical changes were necessary after SB 572 (chapter 2026-22) amended section 112.312(21) to include current and former legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the statutory definition of "relative." The amendments to rule 34-7 update Form 9 (quarterly gift disclosure) and Form 10 (annual disclosure of gifts from governmental entities and event-related expenses) instructions and checkboxes to reflect that change and to reduce recurring confusion for filers. The companion update to chapter 34-13 inserts the foster-parent/foster-child clarification into the rule definition of "relative." Commissioners conducted public hearings on both proposed rules; no public commenters appeared and the commission adopted both rules as presented.

The executive director also reported on the commission's legislative work (noting SB 572 passage and that House Bill 905 was enacted to bar soliciting or accepting value in certain foreign-related contexts) and provided an e-filing status update: staff reported about 39% of non-judicial Form 6 filers had e-filed and overall Form 1 compliance was about 33% at the time of the meeting; staff reminded filers of the July 1 deadline and the commission’s call-center support.

Why it matters: The rule changes align administrative practice with the statute and clarify reporting guidance for filers who receive gifts from relatives; the e-filing update is operationally important ahead of the July 1 disclosure deadline.

What happens next: The adopted rule texts will be published and the updated forms will be incorporated in the commission’s systems; staff will continue outreach and call-center support through the disclosure season.