We all like free things, but did you know a Florida law governs what University employees can accept?

In accordance with Florida law, University personnel are prohibited from giving, soliciting, or accepting certain gifts from vendors doing business with the University and must comply with the state’s reporting requirements. This law applies to all public officers and employees.

• Solicitation: An employee can never request a gift from a current or potential vendor.
• Acceptance: An employee cannot accept a gift if the gift would influence the employee’s actions, if the employee knows that the gift is intended to influence the employee’s actions, or if the gift creates the appearance of influence. This gift ban extends to an employee’s spouse and minor children when the employee knows (or should know) that the gift is intended to influence the employee’s actions.
• Gift: A gift is not just an item. Gifts can be anything of value – money, loans, rewards, discounts (when not offered campus-wide), promises of future employment, favors, or services. Think about “gifts” very broadly when considering whether the law applies to a situation.

When in doubt, politely decline the gift or consult with University Counsel before accepting. 

See Section 112.313(2) and (4), Florida Statutes, for more information.

NOTE: Certain situations require formal reporting of gifts. If you have any questions regarding gifts and reporting requirements, please contact University Counsel.