FL S1484

Raises civil penalties for ethics violations from $10,000 to $100,000 and creates a first-degree misdemeanor for knowingly failing to file required disclosures within 90 days of the deadline.

Establishes qualified blind trusts for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Cabinet members, allowing them to avoid conflicts of interest if they have no knowledge of or control over trust assets.

Requires all ethics disclosures to be made in writing on Commission on Ethics forms and adds new restrictions on gifts from vendors, including prohibitions on soliciting or accepting gifts exceeding $100 per calendar year.

Expands voting conflict disclosure requirements for state and local officers to include interests of principals, relatives, and business associates, with specific public statement and filing requirements within 15 days after votes occur.

Allows candidates who file financial disclosures when qualifying for office before July 1 to submit copies instead of original disclosures as their annual filing requirement.