1. Purpose
    • To require ethics training for all members within the profession.
      • Requirements are stated in Article V, Section 1.1 of the Bylaws.
      • Exemptions are stated in Article V, Section 1.2 of the Bylaws.
    • Reporting
      • Members are encouraged to report ethics training through the Association’s website.
      • Members may also report compliance as part of their annual membership renewal by either signing the dues statement when paying by check or by attesting when paying online.
    • Failure to comply
      • Members who fail to comply by the end of the fiscal year will receive notification of pending non-compliance and will be provided a grace period until February 1 to complete the training.
      • Failure to reply within the grace period will result in suspension of membership.
      • A suspended member is removed from the FCCMA database, does not receive any communication from FCCMA, and is not eligible to register for, attend, or participate in FCCMA events, unless that event will bring the member into compliance with the association’s ethics policy
      • Former members who left the Association while in a non-compliance status are required to come into compliance during the reapplication process.
    • To help members focus on continuing education within a subject area that becomes more complicated as technology advances (new public records requirements, for example) while also giving the Association a standard when public, media and private- sector inquiries are made.
    • To show that local public management persons have the strongest commitment to the Code and to the laws of Florida.
    • To implement the requirements of Bylaws Article V, Subsection 1.1.1, which directs the Ethics Committee to review all ethics-related issues for the Association.
      • Investigation Process by the Ethics Committee
        • The Ethics Committee may be involved in the investigation of ethics complaints regarding the conduct of government management professionals in three ways:
          • Referral of a complaint relating to an ICMA member to ICMA.
          • Responding to request from ICMA for fact-finding regarding a complaint being processed by ICMA.
          • Processing of a complaint regarding a member of the Association.
        • Referral of a complaint to ICMA
        • When the Committee chairperson receives a complaint or concern regarding a person who is a member of ICMA, whether or not that person is also a member of the Association, the chairperson shall refer the matter to ICMA for review and possible action.
        • All such referrals and any subsequent communication on the matter by the chairperson should be copied to the other Committee members and the Association’s Executive Director.
        • Fact-finding requested by ICMA
          • When ICMA contacts the Association to complete a fact-finding report regarding a member’s conduct, the chairperson will convene the Committee to appoint a sub-committee of no more than three (3) members (including the chairperson).
        • It is the responsibility of the sub-committee to respond to ICMA’s request for information.
        • Any subsequent communication on the matter by the chairperson should be copied to the other sub-committee members and the Association’s Executive Director.
      • Complaint against an Association member
        • A member of the Association who is not a member of ICMA may be accused of conduct violations that warrant an investigation.
        • Upon receipt of a complaint, the chairperson will convene the Committee to appoint a sub-committee of three (3) members to form a fact-finding sub-committee.
        • The fact-finding sub-committee will report back to the entire Committee with their findings.
        • The full Committee will then deliberate toward invoking any sanctions, if necessary.
      • Other:
        • The Association shall support the work of the Committee in accordance with the Procedure for FCCMA Ethics Committee Investigation.
        • The Association shall support and defend, financially and otherwise, the members of the Committee should a lawsuit arise during or following an ethics investigation.
        • Association staff shall retain all Committee records for five (5) years.
        • The Executive Committee shall conduct a periodic review of the Ethics Policy.

    2. Adopted November 15, 2013; Revised June 1, 2016; Revised October 21, 2016; Revised February 13, 2017; Revised February 13, 2019