FL S0544

Redefines "expenditure" under lobbying regulations to exclude government-to-government uses, such as public facilities or property made available by a governmental entity to a legislator for a public purpose.

Prohibits lobbyists and principals from making expenditures to legislators with specific exceptions: floral arrangements displayed on session opening day, individual nonalcoholic beverages at meetings, and meals/beverages/registration fees for legislators who speak at established membership organization events.

Requires legislators who accept meals or fees under the speaking exception to file a report within 15 days containing the event date, organization name, speech topics, and meal value, with reports satisfying disclosure requirements under existing law.

Maintains existing procedures for advisory opinions on lobbying regulation interpretability and investigation of violations, with penalties up to $5,000 and prohibition from lobbying up to 24 months.

Expires the amendments to subsection (4) on June 30, 2015, and reverts to the statute as it existed on April 7, 2012, unless amended by other legislation.