Chamber adds complaints

The Florida Chamber of Commerce filed another complaint against Florida Hometown Democracy Inc. with the Florida Elections Commission, citing 47 new violations of state law.

The new total, which may exceed 115 violations, could cost Hometown Democracy roughly $120,000 in fines.

The Business Review first reported on the chamber's filings with the Elections Commission late last month (see below).

July 23:
The Florida Chamber of Commerce filed a formal complaint with the Florida Elections Commission alleging that the sponsors of Amendment 4 violated the state's campaign finance laws.

The chamber accused Florida Hometown Democracy Inc., the political action committee sponsoring the amendment, of not reporting all information legally required for donors contributing more than $100.

“This may be just the tip of the iceberg,” said vice president of Government Affairs Adam Babington, who was individually responsible for the claim's filing.
Election law violations may be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. The filing alleges more than 70 violations, suggesting $70,000 may be at stake.

The Florida chamber has made the complaint filing available online, which can be accessed here.