The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics (COE) took the following action at its monthly public meeting held on April 16, 2026.

The COE heard one complaint in executive session. The complete file will be posted on the COE’s website within seven days at: http://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/complaints.htm.

C25-013: After reviewing the report of investigation, the probable cause statement, and the negotiated settlement agreement proposed by the COE advocate and the Respondent, the COE accepted the recommendation. The matter was resolved through the issuance of a letter of reprimand and the assessment of a $250 fine.

The COE approved four advisory opinions. The full opinions will be available on the COE’s website within seven days at:  https://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/coepub/.

RQO 26-005: A member of a municipal advisory board asked if the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics (Code) would prohibit him from participating in discussions or voting on an issue when the item included consideration for a site plan approval and various decisions related to a project that is located near his personal residence.

COE answer: The Code does not prohibit the member from participating in discussions or voting on the matter, as the size of the class affected by the project is large enough to preclude a special financial benefit being given to him.

RQO 26-006: An elected official asked if the Code would prohibit her participation in discussions or vote on a matter related to “The Boca Raton,” considering she has a paid membership at the resort?  

COE answer: The Code does not prohibit the official from participating in discussions or voting on these matters because none of the prohibited entities listed in Section 2-443(a) are involved; thus, there is no danger of an improper special financial benefit.

RQO 26-007: A municipal employee asked if the Code would prohibit him from accepting travel expenses from a prospective vendor of the municipality.

COE answer: Generally, an employee is prohibited from accepting travel expenses from a prospective vendor. However, the Code provides an exception for travel expenses, including those paid by a bidder or prospective vendor, when the travel is for governmental purposes and is related to the duties and responsibilities as a city employee, if the expenses are waived in advance by a majority vote of the City Council. 

RQO 26-008: A municipal official, who is a non-voting member of the city council, asked if the Code would prohibit him from accepting travel expenses from a prospective vendor of the city.

COE answer: Generally, an official is prohibited from accepting travel expenses from a prospective vendor. However, the Code provides an exception for travel expenses, including those paid by a bidder or prospective vendor, when the travel is for governmental purposes and is related to the duties and responsibilities of the official, if the expenses are waived in advance by a majority vote of the city council. Additionally, because the waiver of travel expenses would provide a special financial benefit, the official is prohibited from participating in any discussions regarding the travel expenses when the matter comes before the city council.

A detailed explanation of all agenda items is available at http://www.palmbeachcountyethics.com/meetings.htm.