34-12.100. Lobbyist Defined

As used in this chapter and except as excluded in this chapter, “lobbyist” means a person who is employed and receives payment, or who contracts for economic consideration, for the purpose of lobbying, or a person who is principally employed for governmental affairs by another person or governmental entity to lobby an agency on behalf of that other person or governmental entity.

(1) An employee of a principal is not a “lobbyist” unless the employee is principally employed for governmental affairs. “Principally employed for governmental affairs” means that one of the principal or most significant responsibilities of the employee to the employer is overseeing the employer’s various relationships with government or representing the employer in its contacts with government.

(2) One who is not an employee of a principal is a “lobbyist” if he is retained as an independent contractor or otherwise for payment or economic consideration by a person or governmental entity to lobby an agency on behalf of that person or governmental entity.

(3) If a corporation, partnership, firm, or other business organization is retained for payment or economic consideration to lobby an agency on behalf of another person or governmental entity, only the members, partners, associates, or employees of the organization who personally lobby in behalf of that person or governmental entity are “lobbyists.”

(4) A person who lobbies an agency in behalf of himself or in behalf of a business entity in which he has an ownership interest is not a “lobbyist” unless he comes within one of the above descriptions.

(5) The terms “payment” or “economic consideration” do not include receiving only reimbursement for actual travel, lodging, and meal expenses.

Rulemaking Authority 112.3215, 112.322(9) FS. Law Implemented 112.3215 FS. History–New 10-12-89, Amended 1-4-94, 1-1-97, 6-15-06.