Limitations on Political Activities

Limitations on political activities of County and municipal officers and employees are imposed by Florida Statute, Sections 104.31, 106.113 and 106.15, and by the Miami-Dade County Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance at Section 2-11.1 of the Miami-Dade County Code, and other state laws, local ordinances and previously issued administrative orders.

The limitations include:

  • While all local officials and employees have a right to engage in political campaign activities, they must not use their official authority to influence another person’s vote or to affect the outcome of an election.
  • County and municipal staff wishing to be involved in political campaigns should limit such activity to off-duty hours.
  • Paid political campaign work constitutes outside employment for county and municipal employees and must be reported to the supervisor of elections for county employees and to the municipal clerk for city employees.
  • Political campaign activities may not involve the use of public resources in support of any political campaign or candidate, including office stationery, telephones, computers or vehicles. Taxpayers’ monies must be used exclusively for public purposes.
  • A local government or a person acting on behalf of local government may not expend or authorize the expenditure of public funds for any communication sent to electors concerning an issue, referendum or amendment, including any state question, that is subject to a vote of the electors. This applies to a communication initiated by a local government or a person acting on behalf of a local government, irrespective of whether the communication is limited to factual information or advocates for the passage or defeat of an issue, referendum or amendment.
  • No public official or employee may coerce anyone to support any candidate or to contribute to a political campaign.
  • No one may solicit or accept a political contribution in a government building, unless that building has been rented for the purpose of holding a campaign fundraiser.
  • Violations of these provisions may result in criminal charges, civil ethics or election violations, and/or administrative actions.

The prohibition against on-duty political activity does not prohibit casual political discussions in the workplace. Voluntary non-coercive speech of a political nature, like other non-work-related discussions on matters of public interest, is protected by the First Amendment provided that it does not interfere with the proper functioning of the workplace and the effective provision of public services.

Any public employee having knowledge of any violations of these prohibitions, or of any other illegal or improper activities in connection with the elections, should report these matters at once.

Agencies having jurisdiction over election complaints include the following:

Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics & Public Trust
305-579-2594
786-314-9560 (hotline)
File a complaint

Florida Elections Commission
850-922-4539
File a complaint

Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney
Public Corruption Unit
305-547-0664
305-547-3300 (hotline)

Miami-Dade Police Department
Public Corruption Investigations Bureau
305-599-3121 (office)
File a complaint

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Miami Regional Operations Center
786 336-1000 (office)