Governance
The FGBA is governed by a Constitution and Bylaws adopted by its membership. The Constitution sets out who we are, who may join, and how decisions get made. The Bylaws carry those provisions into practice. Both are on this page, in full and in plain language.
The Documents
Florida Government Bar Association Constitution
Name, purpose, membership, officers, governance, meetings, and amendment procedure.
Articles: I through IX
Last amended: June 27, 2023
Length: 12 pages
Format: PDF
Florida Government Bar Association Bylaws
Officer duties, dues, the annual meeting, travel reimbursement, and membership applications.
Articles: I through VI
Last amended: June 27, 2023
Length: 7 pages
Format: PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
The provisions members ask about most often. The Constitution and Bylaws control; these summaries are for convenience.
Who can join the FGBA?
There are four classes of membership. Regular members are Florida Bar members in good standing, or retirees, whose practice areas include or included federal, state, or local government. Honorary members are justices, judges, elected or appointed Florida officials, retirees from Florida government service, or members of a bar other than The Florida Bar. Affiliate members are non-attorneys who work alongside government lawyers, including paralegals and clerks. Law student members are students at accredited law schools and graduates awaiting admission.
Constitution, Art. III, § 1
Who can vote and hold office?
Only regular members vote. Any regular member may hold office, with one exception: the President and Vice President must be current full-time employees of a branch of Florida state government, or must have been for at least five years. Honorary, affiliate, and law student members cannot vote or hold office, but every member has the privilege of the floor at meetings.
Constitution, Art. III, § 2
When are dues owed, and what happens if I miss the date?
Dues are due July 1 each year in an amount set by the Executive Council. A member who has not paid by October 1 is declared delinquent and dropped from the rolls.
Between July 1 and October 1, a member in good standing who has not yet paid may still take part and identify as a member, but does not receive member pricing on FGBA products or events. Paying during the year of delinquency restores membership automatically.
Bylaws, Art. II
Who sits on the Executive Council?
Eight positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and four at-large members whose titles are set in the Bylaws. No one may hold two positions, except that Secretary and Treasurer may be the same person.
Constitution, Art. IV, §§ 1, 5
When are officers elected, and how long do they serve?
Officers are elected at the annual meeting, which the Bylaws set in June. They take office at the following meeting and serve until a successor takes office, or until resignation or removal. No one may serve more than two consecutive terms as President. There is no term limit on any other position.
If more than two candidates run for a position, runoff voting continues until someone has a majority.
Constitution, Art. IV, §§ 3, 4, 6 · Bylaws, Art. III
What happens if a seat becomes vacant?
If the presidency becomes vacant, the Vice President becomes President until the next election. Any other vacancy is filled by a vote of the Executive Council, unless it arises within 30 days of the annual meeting, in which case the Council fills it only if it deems that necessary.
A Council member who neglects or fails to perform the duties of office is removed by a two-thirds vote of the remaining Council members.
Constitution, Art. IV, §§ 7, 8
Can the FGBA endorse a candidate or take a position on legislation?
Both require a two-thirds vote, but they count differently. A candidate endorsement needs two-thirds of all dues-paying members, and abstentions and non-responses count as no votes. A legislative position needs two-thirds of dues-paying members present and voting, and abstentions and non-responses do not count against it.
Constitution, Art. V, § 2(a)–(b)
What can the Executive Council decide on its own?
The Council runs day-to-day operations: accounts, correspondence, meeting logistics, the association's digital presence, social and educational programming, and reasonable charitable contributions. It may spend up to $1,000 on any miscellaneous matter not otherwise listed. Anything beyond that, including litigation positions and the association's stance on bar activities, goes to the membership.
A quorum is a majority of the Council, and in no case may fewer than four individuals cast a vote.
Constitution, Art. V, § 1
Can the association reimburse my travel?
The Executive Council may authorize travel for the good of the association and must give the traveler a maximum reimbursement amount in writing beforehand. Reimbursable costs include registration, a single room at the meeting hotel, luncheons tied to association purposes, state rate for other meals, parking, tolls, and ground transit.
Airfare is reimbursable for destinations south of a line drawn between the southernmost points of St. Petersburg and Melbourne, or out of state and more than a four-hour drive from Tallahassee. Otherwise the state mileage rate applies, unless airfare would cost less.
Bylaws, Art. IV
How are the Constitution and Bylaws changed?
The Constitution may be amended at a meeting or by mail or electronic ballot. With an Executive Council recommendation it takes a two-thirds vote of at least 51% of regular members. Without one it takes a three-quarters vote of at least 51%. Every regular member must receive notice stating or fairly summarizing the amendment at least 30 days beforehand.
The Bylaws may be amended by unanimous Executive Council vote, provided no member objects when the change is announced at the next monthly meeting. If someone objects, two-thirds of members present and voting must ratify it. A member may also move to amend from the floor, which passes on a two-thirds vote.
Constitution, Art. VIII & Art. IX
