FL H7209

Requires at least one Public Service Commission commissioner to be a certified accountant practicing in Florida, and establishes specific qualifications including a baccalaureate degree and minimum 10 years of professional experience (or 6 years with an advanced degree) in designated fields such as energy, telecommunications, water/sewer, finance, economics, accounting, engineering, or law.

Prohibits the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, and nominating council members from attempting to sway commissioners' independent judgment, with violations investigated by the Commission on Ethics; prohibits individual commissioners from demanding that non-direct staff pursue particular positions on matters pending before the commission.

Requires all commissioners appointed after July 1, 2010, to complete a comprehensive course of study before voting on commission matters and mandates at least 10 hours of annual continuing professional education; requires all commissioners and staff to receive ethics training at least annually.

Expands ex parte communication restrictions to apply to commissioners' direct staff members and prohibits communications concerning pending agency action proceedings or proceedings under specified administrative law sections, with violations subject to civil penalties up to $5,000 and potential removal.

Requires persons testifying before the commission to disclose any financial or fiduciary relationships with parties to proceedings; establishes that commission findings of knowing violations constitute agency action subject to hearing rights under Florida law.