FL H1315

Amends section 112.326, Florida Statutes to authorize both the electors and governing bodies of political subdivisions to impose additional or more stringent standards of conduct and disclosure requirements on their officers and employees, provided such standards do not conflict with state law.

Requires that when a local ethics agency, board, or commission finds probable cause that a violation of a local ethics ordinance occurred, the respondent is entitled to a public hearing.

Mandates that local ethics ordinances establish procedures for requesting and waiving the right to a public hearing.

Allows respondents to elect whether the public hearing is conducted by the local ethics agency, board, or commission, or by an independent hearing officer.

Takes effect October 1, 2014.