Who is governed by Florida State Statute 112.311?

Florida State Statute 112.311 establishes guidelines that apply to all public officers and employees in the state, encompassing a broad range of individuals who hold positions within various governmental entities. This statute is primarily focused on preventing conflicts of interest, promoting transparency, and ensuring ethical conduct among individuals who serve the public.

By including all public officers and employees, the statute creates a uniform standard for ethical behavior across different levels of government, whether at the state, county, or municipal level. This is critical for maintaining public trust and accountability in government actions and decisions. It ensures that everyone in a public service role is equally held to the same ethical standards, regardless of their specific position or responsibilities, thus reinforcing the integrity of public service as a whole.

In contrast, local government employees only refer to a subset of the individuals covered by the statute. Volunteers in public service may not be included under the same regulations as formal employees, while private sector leaders operate outside the jurisdiction of this statute and are subject to different regulations regarding ethics and conduct. Thus, the statute’s reach is comprehensive, applying to anyone in public office or employment status in Florida.