To ensure that all representatives of Miami-Dade County government understand the basis of ethical standards, the Board of County Commissioners approved an ordinance requiring that each employee undertake ethics training that includes a review of the Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance and Florida’s Public Records Law. This training program is intended to fulfill that requirement and promote a better understanding of the importance of ethics in public service.

Elected Officials Ethics Training

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. 

We request that each affected governmental unit contact us at least thirty (30) days prior to any election to schedule the course for that unit.  Depending on circumstances, some courses may include more than one municipality.  For questions about the requirements or to schedule a course, please call 305-579-2594 or email ethics@miamidade.gov.

Read the ordinance and the explanatory memo.

Memo to all County and Municipal elected officials and employees regarding limitations on political activities.

Learn about and take state required training from the Florida Commission on Ethics

Read the memo for more information about the next Elected Officials training course.

• Read the ordinance and the explanatory memo 

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. These training sessions are regularly attended by more than 50 persons and are held in the County’s Board of County Commission Chambers or in the County’s Main Library Auditorium.

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. 

Upcoming

• Tuesday, December 22 - Please note that although a date to take the course is listed, the training course has been previously recorded and can be viewed at anytime virtually after a payment has been made.

Lobbyists who have completed the initial Ethics Course... and have continuously registered as a lobbyist thereafter shall be required to complete a refresher Ethics Course every two years to meet requirements of Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami. Date of completion of most recent lobbyist ethics training course (original or refresher) is required.  You must create an account with the Ethics Commission, then sign up for a class and pay IN ADVANCE on this system.

IMPORTANT: Please read this document that provides Lobbyist Training Instructions

Lobbyist Refresher Course

Lobbyists who have completed the initial Ethics Course and have continuously registered as a lobbyist thereafter shall be required to complete a refresher Ethics Course every two years to satisfy the requirement imposed by Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami. You must provide date of completion of the most recent lobbyist ethics course (original or refresher) when enrolling for a class and paying in advance through our new online system (you have to create an account first, then select the course).

• Tuesday, December 22 - Please note that although a date to take the course is listed, the training course has been previously recorded and can be viewed at anytime virtually after a payment has been made.

"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. 

It's the Law!
Sec. 2-11.1 (s)(2)(d) of the County Code, passed by the Board of County Commissioners on March 6, 2012, requires each lobbyist to submit a certificate of completion of an ethics course approved by the Ethics Commission to the Clerk of the Board within 60 days after lobbyist registration. Similar rules apply to the City of Miami and certain other municipalities. The cost is $100.  You must create an account with the Ethics Commission, then sign up for a course and pay by credit card through this NEW ONLINE system.  

Two hour sessions for declared candidates and for those working on a campaign.  Speakers -- including representatives from the Ethics Commission and the Elections Department -- will provide essential information on election law and procedures, fundraising and record keeping to candidates, campaign treasurers, volunteers and anyone else who wants to understand the legal and ethical obligations of seeking public office. 

Call 305-350-0630 for information.

All members of Miami-Dade County advisory boards are subject to mandatory training, including a review of the Sunshine Law, the Public Records Act and the County's Conflict of Interest/Code of Ethics Ordinance.   There is no cost, but you must register in advance.

Sessions are generally held on the third Wednesday of each month, alternating between 8-9:30 a.m. and Noon to 1:30 p.m. 
in the Ethics Commission Conference room, located at:

Overtown Transit Village 
North Tower, 8th Floor East
701 Northwest 1st Court
Miami, Florida 33136

You must register before attending.  NEW!  Online registration

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

Public offices, professional organizations, civic groups, etc...

The Ethics Commission is happy to provide ethics training and/or discuss civic engagement with any government entity, philanthropic organization, homeowner or business association.  Please call 305-579-2594 for information and scheduling.

Persons with disabilities, including persons who are deaf, who are blind, use wheelchairs, or have any other disabilities that may need access assistance should please contact the COE ADA Coordinator at (305) 350-0655.