Panel Dsicussion: Representation Issues Regarding Local Government Witnesses in Ethics and Criminal Investigations

The ethics commission partnered with The City of Coral Gables, The State Attorney's Office, the law firms of Jones Walker, K&L Gates, Weiss Serota, and the Cuban Bar Association to present a panel discussion titled: Representation Issues Regarding Local Government Witnesses in Ethics and Criminal Investigations

View the virtual lunchtime discussion between ethics officials, municipal lawyers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys

Commission on Ethics Mid-Year Election Practices Memorandum

As we approach fall and winter election dates in a number of our cities, together with our partner agencies, this annual reminder serves the purpose of underscoring limitations on the political activities of all county and municipal officers and employees during the current and upcoming election season. There is a new reminder contained the memorandum linked below. 

• View memorandum 

On June 4, 2013, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners amended Section 2-11.1 of the County Code to require that all County and Municipal elected officials “shall, within ninety (90) days after being sworn into office, submit to the Clerk of the Board a certificate of completion of an ethics course offered by the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust.” The course is to include, at a minimum, a review of the Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance; the Sunshine Law; the Public Records Law and the Citizens’ Bill of Rights. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in a complaint being filed against a non-compliant elected official for a violation of the Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics ordinance.

To facilitate local elected officials’ compliance with both state and local ethics training requirements, the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics has for several years partnered with the Miami-Dade County League of Cities to provide joint training. The next course will be announced once determined. 

In support of 2020 Ethical Governance Day, the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics & Public Trust (COE) has produced a short video message from COE Executive Director, Jose Arrojo, that will be distributed to area high schools. The video delivers a message regarding the role of the COE in our community and stresses the importance of civic participation and engagement as a means of promoting better and more ethical government. Watch the video.

Miami-Dade Lobbyist Training

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the Government’s leading public health institute. It is a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services.

On March 15, 2020, the CDC issued an interim guidance alert regarding large events and mass gatherings that can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. In its guidance statement, it has recommended that for the next 8 weeks, organizers should cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more.

The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust hosts monthly Ethics Training for County lobbyists and vendors as required by the County Ethics Code.

Please note that in response to health concerns related to the COVID-19 crisis, upcoming trainings will be offered online. Until further notice you must still register and pay for the course by using the current system and selecting a training date. Once this is completed, a link to the online course will be emailed to you within 48 hours.

Anyone who registers as a lobbyist for Miami-Dade County, Miami and certain other municipalities must undergo training provided by the Ethics Commission. You must create an account with the Ethics Commission, then sign up for a class and pay by credit card IN ADVANCE through this system. 

"I'm a Lawyer, Not a Lobbyist." You Might be Both  Dade County Bar Association Bulletin, March 2014

Call 305-579-2594 for more information.

Please note that in response to health concerns related to the COVID-19 crisis, upcoming trainings will be offered online. Until further notice you must still register and pay for the course by using the current system and selecting a training date. Once this is completed, a link to the online course will be emailed to you within 48 hours.

Advisory Board Member Registration and Schedule

Advisory board training will be held on the third Wednesday of each month. Classes will alternate between 8-9:30 a.m. and 12-1:30 p.m. every other month.   You must register before attending the class.  Online registration

Special arrangements can be made for classes with a minimum of ten participants. Call 305-579-2594 for more information.

Should you serve on an advisory board? Read this first.