FL H0243

Expands the definition of "public officer" to include elected officials and appointed members of state, county, and municipal agencies with delegated legislative or quasi-legislative authority, including advisory body members.

Prohibits public officers and employees from doing business with their agency or unit of government if they, their spouse, child, or certain related persons have an interest in the business entity; extends prohibition to cohabitational, intimate, or financially dependent relationships.

Restricts elective public officers of state, county, and municipal legislative or regulatory bodies from maintaining employment or relationships with organizations that may benefit from the body's actions, from lobbying other governmental bodies for private parties, or from serving as advisers to private parties for lobbying purposes.

Prohibits legislators, appointed state officers, and legislative employees from appearing or advocating before their own body, maintaining employment with entities that appear before their body, or working with entities that lobby their body; expands restrictions to include certain advisory and consulting roles.

Establishes criminal penalties making violations of the ethics code a third-degree felony for both public officers and private individuals who participate in or conceal violations (effective July 1, 2010).