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What does your state (FLORIDA) say about what defines lobbying and lobbyists?
https://www.ncsl.org/research/ethics/50-state-chart-lobby-definitions.aspx. Include references citation in text is APA, +300 words
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Florida defines lobbying as “any attempt to influence legislative or executive action” (NCSL, 2018). This includes both direct and grassroots lobbying. Direct lobbying is defined as an attempt to influence any state officer or employee on behalf of another person for compensation. A lobbyist is any person employed or engaged for compensation by a principal to lobby, including a consultant lobbyist and government affairs agent (NCSL, 2018).
In Florida, there are specific requirements associated with lobbyists. Lobbyists must register annually with the Office of the Governor and file quarterly reports disclosing information such as their registration date, compensated efforts related to lobbying activities over the reporting period, salaries received from principals identified in their registration statement in addition to other reimbursements granted during that period (NCSL, 2018). The definition also states that a registrant must list all entities contributing more than $2,000 toward covering associated expenses unless exempted under law. In addition to this requirement, registrations must include certain financial agreements between lobbyists and employers regarding the payment of costs incurred while lobbying.
A few exemptions exist regarding who has to register as a lobbyist in Florida—public officials performing official duties do not have to register; members representing themselves before agencies or courts do not have be registered; nor do those testifying before committees when no act follows such testimony. Furthermore those making oral presentations at public hearings are also exempt from registering as long as they receive no monetary compensation for doing so (NCSL, 2018).
Accordingly it is essential that individuals understand the regulations surrounding what constitutes lobbying and who needs to register due under applicable laws. Failure by any individual acting within these parameters can lead legal consequences including fines up fines ranging up $10k per violation (Office Of The Governor State Of Florida Division Of Administrative Hearings 2020). Therefore it would behoove anyone engaging in these types of activities familiarize themselves with applicable statutes prior proceeding with any activity which may fall within these definitions otherwise they risk being fined considerable sums if found violating them.
References:
National Conference Of State Legislatures.(2018).50-State Chart: Lobbying Definitions Retrieved From Https://Www Ncsl Org/Research/Ethics/50-State-Chart-Lobby-Definitions Aspx Office Of The Governor State Of Florida Division Of Administrative Hearings.(2020) Chapter 112 F S Lobbyist Regulation Retrived From Http://Myfloridacfo Com/Divisionsthe_Capitol/Administrative_Hearings/Pages/Index html