File an Ethics Complaint

The Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust seeks the public’s assistance in identifying unethical conduct and other forms of public corruption in Miami-Dade County and all 34 municipalities.

Public corruption occurs in many forms, but most often when a public official, at any level of government — local, state or federal — does any official act in exchange for money or other free goods or services for private gain. Public corruption could also include public employees who take something of value for their own personal gain, thereby violating the public’s trust. Unethical behavior is a form of corruption that hits at the heart of what a government is supposed to do — serve its people.

Citizens can report suspected wrongdoing to the Ethics Commission by:

The complaint must:

  • Allege a violation within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission
  • Be based on substantial personal knowledge of the complaint
  • Include as much evidence as possible

The legal unit of the Commission reviews this information, and the Advocate may file a complaint based on the information provided, even in the absence of personal knowledge.

Within 30 days after receipt of the complaint, the Ethics Commission shall send a copy of the complaint to the alleged violator.

Please note: The Ethics Commission does not hear complaints involving personnel disputes.

Complaint Procedures

Upon receiving a complaint, the Commission staff will conduct a preliminary analysis to ensure it is legally sufficient. If the complaint is deemed legally sufficient, it will go before the Ethics Commission for a probable cause determination.

Findings

If the Commission finds no probable cause, the complaint will be dismissed. If the Commission finds there is probable cause, the matter can be set for a public hearing and such proceedings must comply with the Sunshine Law. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the Commission shall make a finding and issue a report as to whether any provision within its jurisdiction has been violated.

Penalties

If Commission members declare a violation has been committed, they shall issue an order imposing the appropriate penalty, which may include fines, letters of instructions or other penalties which may be imposed by law.

Report an Ethics Violation

The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust has jurisdiction to investigate allegations concerning violations of Miami-Dade County and municipal ethics codes against individual employees or officials of Miami-Dade County and its 34 municipalities. You may report an Ethics violation by submitting a tip or calling the Ethics Hotline at 786-314-9560.

Reporting an ethics violation is different than filing an ethics complaint in that Complaints must be filed by completing a designated complaint form that must be notarized and cannot be anonymous.