A new financial disclosure law set to take effect on January 1 is causing a wave of resignations among small town leaders in Florida, according to reports from FOX 13 Tampa Bay. The law, passed by the state legislature earlier this year, requires local elected officials to annually file a financial disclosure known as Form 6. This new form, which replaces its predecessor Form 1, has significantly lowered the reporting requirement for liabilities and assets from over $10,000 to $1,000, as reported by The Tampa Bay Times.
The two-page form requires lawmakers to disclose their net worth, income, assets, liabilities, and interests in specified businesses. However, many officials are expressing concerns about the level of detail being demanded by the new law. Belleair Beach Mayor Dave Gattis, for instance, criticized the law, stating, “Why did it suddenly have to become so invasive? We were already reporting our financial situation, but now they want it so granular that it almost looks like an attack on home rule and an attack on small municipalities.”
The impact of this new law is being felt across the state, with resignations reported in communities including North Palm Beach, St. Pete Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Seminole, Fort Myers Beach, and Naples. Some officials who have not yet resigned have stated their intention to do so by the end of the year. Those who choose not to comply with the law may face fines or even impeachment, according to WPTV.
State Rep. Spencer Roach, who handled the bill in the Florida House, defended the new requirements, stating, “When you serve in public office, it’s an honor but it also comes with a higher level of transparency and public scrutiny than you would otherwise.” Roach emphasized that many officials, including the governor, Florida Cabinet members, school board members, sheriffs, and the entire Florida Legislature, are already required to file a Form 6.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the law, known as Form 6, in May. However, some officials who disagree with the invasive nature of the form have expressed their intention to fight the law at the state capital in the coming months. Belleair Mayor Mike Wilkinson criticized the law as a “complete invasion of privacy,” highlighting that most officials in small towns are volunteers and not career politicians.
As the January 1 deadline approaches, some city councils are now seeking volunteers to fill the vacant positions left by the resignations. It remains to be seen how the implementation of this new financial disclosure law will impact the political landscape in Florida and whether any changes or amendments will be made in response to the concerns raised by small-town officials.
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