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1. Who is a lobbyist?

A lobbyist is any person, firm, or corporation employed or retained, whether paid or not, by a principal who seeks to encourage the passage, defeat, or modification(s) of:

• Any ordinance, resolution, action or decision of any councilmember
• Any action, decision, recommendation of any city board or committee
• Any action, decision or recommendation of any personnel defined in any manner above, during the time period of the entire decision-making process on such action, decision or recommendation which foreseeably will be heard or reviewed by the city council, or a city board or committee

(Code of Ordinances - Division 3 - Section 2-400.)

2. When should a lobbyist register with the City?

A lobbyist must register with the City Clerk's Office within five business days of being retained as a lobbyist or before engaging in lobbying activities, whichever comes first.

3. Where can forms be obtained?

Registration forms are available in the City Clerk's Office and can be downloaded online.

• Lobbying Expenditure Statement (PDF)
• Lobbyist Ordinance (PDF)
• Lobbyist Registration Affidavit Form (PDF)
• Notice of Withdrawal of Lobbyist Registration Form (PDF)

4. How can I submit completed forms?

Submit completed forms in person, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at:
City Clerk's Office
776 NE 125 Street
North Miami, FL 33161

5. What information will a lobbyist be asked to provide?

Every person required to register as a Lobbyist will be asked to provide:

• Name
• Business address
• Business address of each person or entity which has employed the registrant to lobby
• The councilmember or personnel sought to be lobbied
• The specific issue on which the lobbyist has been retained to lobby

6. Should a lobbyist file and disclose their annual expenditures?

All lobbyists registered shall submit to the City Clerk a signed statement under oath listing all lobbying expenditures for the preceding calendar year. A statement shall be filed even if there have been no expenditures during the reporting period. Annual statements shall be required until the Lobbyist files a notice of withdrawal of lobbying activities with the City Clerk.

7. Is there a registration fee?

An annual Lobbyist Registration Fee in the amount of $250 for each Lobbyist shall be paid to the City Clerk at the time the Lobbyist files a registration form. Make checks payable to the City of North Miami.

8. Who is not required to register as a lobbyist?

• City employees who are acting in their own capacity
• Individuals or organizations who communicate with the City for the purpose of self representation or for the representation of others without compensation or reimbursement

9. Are registration forms and annual disclosure statements public records?

All registration forms and annual disclosure statements shall be public record, which is subject to inspection and examination as provided for in section 119.07 of the Florida Statutes.