Constitution and By Laws Adopted 2009

NARFE

Florida Federation of Chapters

Adopted at the 2009 Convention

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I. NAME

This organization shall be known as the "FLORIDA FEDERATION OF CHAPTERS" of the NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION as attested to by the Charter issued to the Florida Federation by authority of the Executive Board of the National Association.

ARTICLE II. OBJECTIVES

The objectives and purposes of the Florida Federation shall be to support the National Active and Retired Federal Employees in its aims as set forth in the ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION thereof, to adhere to and abide by the Bylaws of the National Association, and shall be such as to enable the Chapters within the area of the Florida Federation to act in concert in forwarding therein the aims and objectives of the National Association. No provisions set forth herein, or in the Bylaws of the Florida Federation, shall conflict with Articles of Incorporation, or the Bylaws of the National Association. The objectives and purposes shall further be:

(a) To unite all chapters in the State of Florida that are duly chartered by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees into the Florida Federation for their mutual benefit;

(b) To serve and advise Member Chapters in improving and strengthening the Association at all levels through a united effort;

(c) To sponsor and support legislation, rules and regulations beneficial to Federal Employees, annuitants and potential annuitants of the civilian public service, and their survivors, maintaining a constant vigil on the status of legislation in the various legislatures, and to take such action with respect to any such legislation as may be deemed beneficial to those listed in this paragraph;

(d) To oppose all legislation, rules and regulations contrary to the interests of all Federal Employees, annuitants and potential annuitants of the civilian public service, and their survivors;

(e) To cooperate with Member Chapters to promote the general welfare of their members, to preserve the individual rights of members under federal retirement laws, and to encourage fraternalism and mutual helpfulness among Member Chapters;

(f) To cooperate throughout the Florida Federation area with the Regional Vice President Region III to create new chapters and reactivate weak or closed ones; and,

(g) To cooperate with and support civic and patriotic activities (not political) of other organizations within the Florida Federation area that are deemed to uphold American institutions and ideals.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

All chapters in the State of Florida that are duly chartered by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees shall be eligible for membership in the Florida Federation. Their affiliation with, and continuance of membership in the Florida Federation shall be in accordance with provisions set forth in the Florida Federation Bylaws.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. The officers of the Florida Federation shall be those specified in ARTICLE III, Section 1, of the Florida Federation Bylaws. These officers shall be elected at a regular business session of the Convention and shall serve in accordance with the provisions as set forth in ARTICLE III of the Florida Federation Bylaws.

Section 2. Such other officers as may be established under the Bylaws of the Florida Federation shall be filled by Presidential appointment thereto. Term of office of appointees shall be in accordance with provisions set forth in the Florida Federation Bylaws.

Section 3. The elected officers specified in ARTICLE III, Section 1, of the Florida Federation Bylaws, together with the Junior Living Past President of the Florida Federation, shall constitute the Executive Board of the Florida Federation.

Section 4. In addition to being a member of the National Association and affiliated with one of the Member Chapters of the Florida Federation, each person elected or appointed to office in the Florida Federation shall possess the mental and physical abilities to perform the duties of the office held, indicate their willingness to devote sufficient time to fulfill these duties, and have the financial means to provide funds for transportation and travel expenses, subject to reimbursement upon submission of expense vouchers.

Section 5. The Junior Living Past President of the Florida Federation shall automatically become ex-officio member of the Florida Federation Executive Board and shall serve as a member thereof only as long as he or she holds the status of Junior Living Past President. All other Living Past Presidents of the Florida Federation shall be extended the privilege of the floor during meetings of the Florida Federation Executive Board, but shall have no voting rights. All meetings of the Florida Federation Executive Board shall be open to attendance by Association members who are in good standing in a Member Chapter of the Florida Federation.

ARTICLE V. CONVENTIONS

Conventions of the Florida Federation shall be held annually, at such time and such place as shall have been fixed by a previous convention. The convention dates selected shall not conflict with any Religious and/or National Holidays. Should agreement on time and place not be reached at the annual convention, or if the circumstances require a change from the selection made by the annual convention, the Florida Federation Executive Board shall make the selection of time and place.

Convening of the convention shall be for the purpose of receiving annual reports of officers in their official capacities, committee reports and such other reports required by the Florida Federation Bylaws, transacting business of the Florida Federation; discussing chapter problems and other matters of interest to Federal employees, annuitants or potential annuitants of the civilian public service to provide and promote social, fraternal, educational and such other programs as deemed appropriate; and the election of officers for the ensuing Florida Federation year. Each Member Chapter shall be entitled to representation at the Convention by one or more delegates, on such basis, as the Florida Federation Bylaws shall prescribe.

ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates and/or proxies present and voting at any convention of the Florida Federation, provided a resolution proposing such amendment, or amendments, is in the hands of the Florida Federation Secretary no later than ninety (90) days prior to the next convention, for transmittal to each Member Chapter and the Florida Federation President not later than sixty (60) days prior to the first day of the next convention, and read to the Convention by a member of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee with their recommendations thereon.

Section 2. Amendments thus adopted shall become effective upon approval thereof by the National Executive Board.

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BYLAWS

The Bylaws of the Florida Federation, as distinct from the Constitution thereof, shall relate to matters of concern and/or convenience local to the Florida Federation. These Bylaws shall not conflict with any of the provisions set forth in the Constitution of the Florida Federation of Chapters or the National Bylaws.

ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1. Eligibility for membership of a chapter in the Florida Federation of Chapters shall be in accordance with ARTICLE III of the Florida Federation Constitution. Chapters shall be admitted as Member Chapters of the Florida Federation upon presentation of a Letter of Application and payment of the Per Capita Tax as specified in Section 2 below.

Section 2. A per capita tax shall be levied by the Florida Federation on each Member Chapter upon its admission and annually thereafter, based on the number of active Chapter members in good standing. The amount of this per capita tax shall be as provided under ARTICLE XII, Section 1, of the Florida Federation Bylaws. Associate, Honorary and Social members of Florida Federation Member Chapters shall be exempt from assessment of this per capita tax.

Section 3. Payment of the per capita tax shall be a prerequisite to the voting rights of Member Chapters' delegates attending a Florida Federation Convention. Associate and Social members of Member Chapters are not counted for voting rights of Member Chapters' delegates attending a Florida Federation Convention.

ARTICLE II. FEDERATION DISTRICTS

Section 1. The Florida Federation shall be divided into districts, the number of which shall be determined by the Florida Federation Executive Board. Such determination shall be based on the number of Member Chapters located within a geographical area, the extent of which will permit visitations to said Member Chapters and consultation with officers thereof when requested or required, without imposing unreasonable travel and/or expense on the District Vice President.

Section 2. The area of each District, and the Chapters assigned thereto, having once become fixed, shall not be changed unless justified by good cause predicated on being in the best interest of the Florida Federation and approved by the Florida Federation Executive Board.

ARTICLE III. ELECTED OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

Section 1. The elected officers of the Florida Federation shall be the President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and a District Vice President for each Florida Federation District. These officers shall be elected at the annual convention of the Florida Federation and shall serve for one year or until their successor shall be elected or appointed.

Section 2. Duties of the President

The President of the Florida Federation shall:

(a) Be the executive head of all Florida Federation activities;

(b) Preside at conventions of the Florida Federation and all meetings of its Executive Board;

(c) Call special meetings when deemed necessary by the Executive Board or at the request of thirty (30) percent of the Member Chapters;

(d) Make assignment of such duties and responsibilities to the officers as may be deemed appropriate to the best interest of the Florida Federation;

(e) Call upon the Florida Federation Executive Board for advice in Florida Federation matters;

(f) Review and approve or disapprove all vouchers or bills presented for payment of expenditures by the Florida Federation or its Executive Board, except those of the President. The President’s expenditures shall be presented to the Executive Vice President for review and approved or disapproved;

(g) Cooperate with the Regional Vice President Region III in the development of plans and programs for the betterment of the Association at all levels;

(h) Abide by all rules, regulations and edicts as may be prescribed by the Association;

(i) Appoint a Parliamentarian;

(j) Appoint, with the concurrence of the Executive Board continuing Standing Committee Chairpersons or Officers, i.e. Alzheimer's, Automation, Chaplain, Annual Convention, Federation Treasury Audit, Historian, Legislative, Membership, Newsletter Editor, Pre-Retirement Seminar Coordinator, Public Relations, Service and Zip-Code. Appointed Officers and Chairpersons shall submit reports, when requested by the Florida Federation President.

(k) Appoint such Special Committees as are deemed necessary and appropriate to circumstances not otherwise provided for in these Bylaws. However, the incumbents of the five Federation-wide elective offices shall not be placed on any of the Standing Committees, however, they may be placed on the Florida Federation Annual Convention Committee and may also be assigned to temporarily fill the appointed positions of the Legislative Officer or Membership Chairman, but not to exceed ninety (90) days. Florida Federation Executive Board Members may be appointed to Special Committees as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Florida Federation President.

(m) The use of Postal, Electronic (e-mail) or facsimile (fax) may be used to gather, compile or disseminate information; also, polling and/or voting of the Federation Executive Board are permitted. Results of polling and/or voting shall be recorded and posted within the minutes of the next Executive Board meeting.

(n) Perform such other duties as may be required by the Florida Federation or the Florida Federation Executive Board.

Section 3. Duties of the Executive Vice President.

The Executive Vice President of the Florida Federation shall:

(a) In the absence of the Florida Federation President become the Presiding Officer pro tempore and perform such of the Presidential functions as may be warranted by circumstances causing such absence; and perform such duties as are assigned by the Florida Federation President;

(b) Be the Membership Officer of the Florida Federation providing guidance to the Florida Federation Membership Chairperson activities. Working with the Association's National level, the Florida Federation Membership Chairperson, and the Florida Federation District Vice Presidents, he/she shall assist in every way possible to encourage and stimulate the chapters to become more active and energetic in their quest for new members and the retention of existing members;

(c) Serve as the Reviewing Officer to all Florida Federation District Vice Presidents providing guidance and assistance, as requested, in the performance of their duties; and,

(d) Review and summarize reports submitted by Florida Federation District Vice Presidents into a quarterly report of the Florida Federation Executive Vice President to the Florida Federation President. Also submit an annual report of member deaths, by Districts, to the Florida Federation Chaplain as of March 31st.

(e) Perform such other duties as may be required by the Florida Federation, the Florida Federation President, or the Florida Federation Executive Board.

Section 4. Duties of the Vice President

The Vice President of the Florida Federation shall:

(a) In the absence of both the Florida Federation President and Executive Vice President, become the Presiding Officer pro tempore and perform such of the presidential functions as may be warranted by circumstances causing such absences; and perform such duties as are assigned by the Florida Federation President; and,

(b) Maintain oversight for the Florida Federation Legislative and Service Officer Programs.

(c) Maintain oversight of the appointed Florida Federation Automation Chairperson;

(d) Perform such other duties as may be required by the Florida Federation, the Florida Federation President or the Florida Federation Executive Board.

Section 5. Duties of the Secretary

The Secretary of the Florida Federation shall:

(a) Keep a true and correct record of all proceedings of the Florida Federation Conventions and all meetings of the Florida Federation Executive Board. The complete minutes of which shall be published for distribution and subsequent direction and approval at the next Florida Federation Convention;

(b) After each Convention promptly complete and send to the Regional Vice President Region III, Form 22 (Federation Convention Report), with attached copies of the Form F-7A (Federation Officer Roster) and a copy of the Federation Financial Report, send additional copies of the F-7A to Federation President. Also throughout the year send copies of any changes to the Form F-7A to the National Secretary, Regional Vice President Region III and Federation President. Copies of all Convention Resolutions if adopted, and copies of all Form F-7A (annual report and changes) shall be sent to the National Secretary.

(c) Forward resolutions, or copies thereof, to all Member Chapters of the Florida Federation as directed by the Florida Federation Convention or these Bylaws. Consolidate and submit resolutions and/or amendments to the Association and/or Florida Federation Constitution and/or Bylaws and forward same to the Florida Federation Member Chapters as required by ARTICLE XV of these Bylaws;

(d) Attend to correspondence pertaining to the Office of the Florida Federation Secretary;

(e) Maintain a record of Florida Federation Member Chapters, their Officers and Chairpersons, complete with title, name, address, telephone number and e-mail address, (if available) of each;

(f) Maintain such other records as are prescribed by the Florida Federation Executive Board;

(g) Provide mailing labels and/or lists as required by the Florida Federation Executive Board and appointed Officers;

(h) Provide Florida Federation Committee Chairpersons with all information relative to the business referred to their respective committee;

(i) Publish in the Florida NARFE News (e-mail) all information pertaining to the activities of the Florida Federation and actions taken by the Florida Federation Executive Board, or such other information of which Florida Federation Member Chapters should be currently informed;

(j) Submit a written report of official acts during the Florida Federation year to the annual convention of the Florida Federation;

(k) Serve as Secretary of the Florida Federation Executive Board and shall submit a report to the Florida Federation Convention covering official acts by the Florida Federation Executive Board during the past Florida Federation year; and,

(l) Perform such other duties as may be required by the Florida Federation, the Florida Federation President, or the Florida Federation Executive Board.

Section 6. Duties of the Treasurer

The Treasurer of the Florida Federation shall:

(a) Receive and have custody of all funds due and payable to the Florida Federation, depositing said funds in a bank approved by the Florida Federation Executive Board;

(b) Keep full and accurate records of all receipts and disbursements;

(c) Issue checks against such deposits when authorized by the Florida Federation President and when in accordance with Article III, Section 2 (f );

(d) Prepare a Per Capita Tax statement, based upon membership figures provided by the Federation Executive Vice President, showing the amount of said tax to be paid into the hands of the Florida Federation Treasurer by each Member Chapter, and thereby determine the number of convention delegates to which each chapter is entitled under ARTICLE VIII. Section 1, of these Bylaws;

(e) Submit a report of delegate entitlements to the Chairperson of the Florida Federation Credentials Committee ten (10) days prior to the first day of each Florida Federation Convention;

(f) Render interim Financial Statements and Budget vs. Actual Expenditure Reports to the FL FED Executive Board on a monthly basis and at said Board meetings;

(g) Submit a detailed 10-month report covering acts from June 1st to March 31st of the current fiscal year to the Florida Federation Convention. A detailed report of the full fiscal year is available through proper request by any member of the Federation Executive Board, Past Federation President or Member Chapter Authority after the close of the fiscal year.

(h) As the outgoing Florida Federation Treasurer or the Florida Federation Treasurer, prepare an interim supplemental report immediately after adjournment of the annual convention and distribute a copy thereof to each officer of the Florida Federation and to the President of each Member Chapter of the Florida Federation;

(i) The outgoing Florida Federation Treasurer shall give to the incoming Florida Federation Treasurer within thirty (30) days after the election, all records, financial statements and bank accounts, in good order with a clear report of all transactions from beginning of fiscal year to the date of turnover;

(j) Serve as Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee, consisting of himself/herself, the Florida Federation President, the Executive Vice President and Vice President. In this capacity, the Florida Federation Treasurer shall prepare appropriate budgets and reports pertaining to the finances of the Florida Federation, submitting copies thereof to the Florida Federation Executive Board as prescribed by said Board; and,

(k) Perform such other duties as may be required by the Florida Federation, the Florida Federation President, or the Florida Federation Executive Board.

ARTICLE IV. Duties of District Vice-Presidents

The District Vice Presidents of the Florida Federation shall:

(a) Represent the Florida Federation President in all matters pertaining to Florida Federation work in their respective Florida Federation District areas, except for policy making;

(b) Be under the guidance of the Florida Federation Executive Vice President;

(c) Assist the Florida Federation Executive Vice President and the Membership chairperson in carrying out a Membership Recruitment and Retention Program with special emphasis on increasing the membership of the Association, especially within the Florida Federation;

(d) Maintain a close liaison between the Florida Federation President, Executive Vice President, other Officers, Member Chapters and Officers within his or her respective Florida Federation District. Through chapter visitations thereto and/or informative letters, e-mail or phone conversation to Member Chapter Presidents therein;

(e) Promote close cooperation between his or her District Chapters through prompt dissemination of information that may be of mutual benefit;

(f) Arrange an Annual District Meeting, Round Table meeting(s), Chapter President Meeting(s) and promote other activities as appropriate to the best interests of the Florida Federation and/or his or her District Member Chapters;

(g) Submit reports of their activities, a semiannual membership report and other reports to the Florida Federation Executive Vice President, and submit special reports at any time when so justified. Information concerning possible formation of a new chapter/s should be submitted to the Florida Federation Executive Vice President. The chapter’s semiannual membership report will be based on the M114 report the chapters receive in April and October and shall be submitted to the Florida Federation Executive Vice President not later then the last day in May and November.

Prepare an "Annual Report" for submission to the Florida Federation President;

(h) Attend all Florida Federation Executive Board Meetings and the Annual Florida Federation Convention while in office;

(i) Attend and preside over their respective District Caucuses at the Annual Florida Federation Convention;

(j) Avoid incurring any expense associated with the above activities, under this article, in the name of the Florida Federation except such as is specifically authorized by the Florida Federation President;

(k) Perform such other duties as may be required by the Florida Federation, the Florida Federation President, or the Florida Federation Executive Board.

ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Florida Federation Executive Board shall:

(a) Consist of the Florida Federation President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, District Vice Presidents and Junior Living Past President;

(b) Have one (1) vote for each member thereof;

(c) Carry out the mandates of the Florida Federation Constitution and Bylaws, and perform all duties necessary to maintain a proper and efficient functioning of Florida Federation business during the interim between Florida Federation Conventions;

(d) Hold a minimum of three (3) regular meetings per year: one immediately prior to the first session of each Florida Federation Annual Convention, one immediately following adjournment of each Florida Federation Annual Convention and one during the interim between Florida Federation Annual Conventions. The latter is to be held preferably on dates following receipt of such quarterly reports as are required under these Florida Federation Bylaws.

The Florida Federation President or President pro tempore may with reasonable notice (Minimum 7 days) call additional meetings of the Florida Federation Executive Board, or, should the magnitude of an emergency justify, suspend a meeting to be resumed at a later date.

(e) At the Executive Board Meeting just prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, establish and approve an annual budget;

(f) Receive report(s) from the Florida Federation Treasurer on the finances of the Florida Federation and any recommendations by said Treasurer;

(g) Publish a Fiscal Policy of the Florida Federation, which clearly establishes all occasions, and circumstances for which expenditures may be made from the funds of the Florida Federation, together with the rates and amounts authorized for each such occasion and circumstance;

(h) Furnish on original publication, a copy of such Fiscal Policy to each member of the Florida Federation Executive Board, appointed Florida Federation Officer and Florida Federation Member Chapters;

(i) Include in the minutes of the Florida Federation Executive Board meeting on every occasion that an amendment to such Fiscal Policy is made, when such amendment(s) was/were authorized.

(j) Have the authority to declare any elective office of the Florida Federation vacant because of misfeasance, malfeasance, or any justifiable cause determined by such Board, by a vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3rds). However, the elective officer involved shall be given reasonable opportunity to show cause why such action should not be taken.

(k) Should any member of the Florida Federation Executive Board, except the President, Executive Vice President, Vice President or as specified in the current Bylaws, not be able to attend an Executive Board meeting, that member of the Executive Board may temporarily appoint another NARFE member in good standing to represent them at that Executive Board meeting, with voting rights. The Federation President must be informed of this prior to the meeting.

ARTICLE VI. CONVENTION COMMITTEES

(Non-Standing Committees)

Section l. The President of the Florida Federation prior to January 15th of each year of the Federation Convention shall transmit to each District Vice President a list of Non-Standing Committees to be established for the Florida Federation Convention. There shall be one member and one alternate member elected from each District to each of the following Non-Standing Convention Committees: Constitution and Bylaws; Ballot and Tellers; General Resolutions; Time, Place and Site; Rules; Sergeant at Arms; and any other committee deemed necessary by the Florida Federation Executive Board. At least sixty (60) days prior to the Convention, the President will appoint a Convention Treasury Audit Committee chaired by the Federation Treasurer (if the incumbent is not also the Convention Treasurer) and will appoint a Formal Resolutions Committee Chair. All Convention Committees will function in accordance with the established operating procedures.

Section 2. Members of said District prior to the Federation Convention shall elect personnel of the above Committees, one member and one alternate from each District, at a District Meeting. The names of each member and alternate member of each committee shall be forwarded to the Federation President by each District Vice President not less than sixty (60) days prior to the first day of the Florida Federation Convention. The Federation President shall select and appoint the Chairperson to each Committee, as set forth in ARTICLE X, Section 2, from those members elected at a District Meeting. If neither the elected District Primary nor the Alternate Member is able to serve during the Florida Federation Convention, the Florida Federation District Vice President of said member shall appoint another member or alternate member from the said district to serve on that year's Florida Federation Convention Committee. Should no member from said District be elected to any Convention Committee (Article VI, Section 1), the District Vice President from same said district, at the convention, may appoint to that committee, a member from the same district who is present at, and has been registered as a delegate to the convention. Should the District Vice President fail to appoint a member at the convention, or not attend the convention, the Federation President, at the convention, may appoint as a member to that committee, a member who is present at, and has been registered as a delegate to the convention.

Section 3. Not less than forty (40) days prior to the first day of the annual Florida Federation Convention, the Florida Federation President shall announce appointments to the chairperson position of each of the committees.

(a) As soon as practical, after the close of the Convention, the Florida Federation President with concurrence of the Executive Board, shall announce the appointment of the Florida Federation Annual Convention Chairperson for the next year. The Annual Chairperson of the Convention shall establish all Sub-Committees as needed, and appoint all Sub-Officers and Sub-Committee Chairs subject to concurrence by the Executive Board, and make a complete financial report to the Florida Federation Executive Board within sixty (60) days after the close of the Florida Federation Convention.

(b) All matters relating to the Memorial Service shall be coordinated with the Florida Federation Chaplain.

ARTICLE VII. CONVENTIONS / CONVENTION PROCEDURES

Section 1. Conventions of the Florida Federation shall be held annually in accordance with ARTICLE V of the Florida Federation Constitution for the purposes set forth therein.

(a) All members serving on committees at the Florida Federation Convention must be duly accredited delegates to said convention.

(b) The incumbents of the five Federation-wide elective offices shall not be placed on any of the Standing Committees except the Florida Federation Annual Convention Committees. Florida Federation Executive Board Members may be appointed to Special Committees as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Florida Federation President.

(c) The first day of the Florida Federation Convention is defined as the published date for the Call to Order of the first business session of said convention.

Section 2. A quorum necessary to transact any business coming before a convention of the Florida Federation shall consist of delegates and/or proxies representing at least fifty-one (51) percent of the total voting strength as determined by the Florida Federation Treasurer and certified by the Credentials Committee Chairperson for the Florida Federation Convention.

ARTICLE VIII. DELEGATES AND PROXIES

Section 1. Each Member Chapter of the Florida Federation in good standing shall be entitled to be represented at Florida Federation Conventions, one delegate for each twenty-five (25) Chapter members including Honorary Members, or fraction thereof as shown by the Per Capita Tax Report, and no Member Chapter shall have entitlement to less than one delegate. For all annual Florida Federation Convention business matters and elections, each Member Chapter is entitled to the same number of votes as the number of its authorized delegates.

Section 2. Any Member Chapter not represented at the Florida Federation Convention by a delegate may give its proxy to another Member Chapter delegate. No such delegate shall exercise or vote the proxies of more than three (3) Member Chapters in addition to their own. The Florida Federation Convention Credentials Chairperson must receive all proxies at least fifteen (15) days prior to the first day of the Florida Federation Convention. Said proxies must contain a certification by the Secretary of the Member Chapter that their designated proxy was duly elected by the members of the Chapter being so represented by said proxy.

Section 3. The President of the Florida Federation of Chapters shall be designated delegate-at-large to the National Convention. In the absence of said President, The Florida Federation Executive Vice President, or Vice President, in ranking order, are hereby designated, and in the absence of the Executive Vice President and the Vice President, the Florida Federation delegates present at the National Convention are authorized to designate any present or past Officer of the Florida Federation as that Federation's Delegate at-Large. The official delegate of the Florida Federation of Chapters shall be the only person entitled to expenses paid by the Florida Federation to the National Convention.

ARTICLE IX. VOTING

Section 1. No member elected to the Ballot and Tellers Committee may hold any office in the Florida Federation or be a candidate for any office therein. It shall be the duty of the Ballot and Tellers Committee to tabulate the vote’s cast by the delegates and/or proxies during the election procedure and report the results thereof to the Presiding Officer, when called upon to do so by the Presiding Officer.

Section 2. Floor Vote;

Each Member Chapter delegate attending the Florida Federation convention shall be issued a voting card, with a voting strength of one (1).

Section 3. Ballot or Roll Call Vote;

The Florida Federation Member Chapter shall designate one delegate, or failing that, by the Member Chapter delegates themselves (Chapter Voting Delegate), to cast the Member Chapter votes. The vote of each Member Chapter shall be divided according to the choices of that Chapter's delegates. The same delegate, or another of the same Member Chapter, shall cast the votes of all proxies that have been duly delegated to that Chapter being represented by said delegate or delegates. The delegate or delegates holding proxies shall vote said proxies as instructed by the Member Chapter authorizing the proxies.

Section 4. All elected Officers and Past Presidents of the Florida Federation, who are members of Member Chapters in good standing with the Florida Federation shall be entitled to cast one vote each by virtue of their office, on all matters brought to the convention floor (Delegate-at-Large).

ARTICLE X. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. Each candidate and/or nominee for any office in the Florida Federation shall be a member, affiliated with a Member Chapter in good standing. In addition thereto, each candidate and/or nominee shall be able to fully meet the qualifications set forth in ARTICLE IV, Section 4, of the Florida Federation Constitution.

Section 2. Each qualified Florida Federation Member Chapter may nominate such persons deemed qualified for Office, except for the Office of District Vice President. Each nomination shall be accompanied by a statement of the qualifications (resume) of the nominee for such office. Such Member Chapter nominations shall be forwarded to the Florida Federation Secretary no later than forty (40) days prior to the first day of the annual Florida Federation Convention. Those nominations will not require a second, and the Federation or Convention Secretary shall place the names of the nominees into nomination.

Should there be nominations from the floor for the same office, the Nominating Chapter of any such pre-submitted nomination shall be allowed the same time from the floor to present their nomination as is allowed for both nomination and seconding speeches from the floor.

Section 3. Florida Federation District Vice Presidents will be nominated on the first day of the annual Florida Federation Convention at a Florida Federation District caucus convened no later than 4:30 pm. The current Florida Federation District Vice President, if present will chair the caucus. If not present, the Florida Federation District delegates present will elect a chairperson. The names of nominee/s will be furnished to the Florida Federation Secretary immediately after the caucus for forwarding to the Ballot and Tellers Committee for placement on a ballot of the designated Florida Federation District.

Section 4. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent any accredited delegate from making a nomination from the floor of the Florida Federation Convention, except for the office of Florida Federation District Vice Presidents who shall be nominated at their respective district caucus.

Section 5. Only the duly accredited delegates and/or proxies of Florida Federation Member Chapters, together with the elective officers and Past Presidents of the Florida Federation, shall accomplish election of officers.

Section 6. Where there are two (2) or more candidates for any office, the election shall be by secret ballot and a plurality of all votes cast for each office shall be necessary to elect. In cases where there are two (2) or more nominees in a Florida Federation District, the Florida Federation Secretary will forward the names of the nominees to the Ballot and Tellers Committee for placement on the ballot of that District only. In cases of tie votes, another election for the office in question shall be held at the Florida Federation Convention, then in session, provided that only those candidates having the same number of votes for the same office shall be balloted. When there is but one candidate for each office, the Florida Federation Secretary shall be instructed by the Presiding Officer to cast a unanimous ballot for each such candidate.

ARTICLE XI. TERMS OF OFFICE

Section 1. All officers of the Florida Federation shall be elected for a term of one (1) year or until their successor is installed.

Section 2. No person shall be elected to the Florida Federation Office of President more than twice, and no person who has held such office, or acted as such President for more than one-half (1/2) year of a term to which some other person was elected Florida Federation President, shall be elected to such office more than once. No person may serve as Florida Federation President for more than two years.

Section 3. The incumbent Florida Federation Executive Vice President, if otherwise eligible will automatically fill a vacancy in the Florida Federation Office of President, and the incumbent Florida Federation Vice President, if otherwise eligible will automatically fill a vacancy in the office of Florida Federation Executive Vice President.

Section 4. All vacancies occurring, in elective offices, other than those of Florida Federation President and Executive Vice President, during the interim between Florida Federation Conventions, shall be filled by action of the Florida Federation Executive Board. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the position of District Vice President, the Federation President shall contact the Chapter Presidents in that District for selection of an interim District Vice President to be appointed to serve until the next General Election. The person or persons receiving such an interim appointment shall serve in their respective office(s) until the next regularly called Florida Federation Convention.

Section 5. Persons holding the appointive offices provided for under these Bylaws shall hold office at the pleasure of the Florida Federation President who appointed them to these offices, and their term of office shall expire with the expiration of the term of the appointing officer, or until their successors are appointed by the newly installed Florida Federation President.

ARTICLE XII. REVENUES

Section 1. The revenues of the Florida Federation shall be mainly derived from Ten Percent Funds from the National Association and the payment of each Florida Federation Member Chapter of a Per Capita Tax of one dollar ($1.00) per active member, payable on that chapter’s membership, based on their reconciled M114 report and existing as of the preceding thirtieth (30th) day of November each year. Payment shall be made to the Florida Federation Treasurer not later then the first (1st) day of March each year.

The $1.00 Per Capita Tax level will be reviewed annually and the specific amount may be adjusted, within the $1.00 cap, by action of the Florida Federation Executive Board. Any adjustment will be for one year only, the $1.00 cap returning the following year.

Section 2. At each Florida Federation Convention all officers, delegates, alternate delegates and visitors, registering to be recognized as participants in the annual Florida Federation Convention, shall be required to pay a Registration Fee. Upon payment thereof, a badge will be issued to each person, which will properly identify his or her status at that Convention. Without proper evidence of having registered, no person shall be admitted to any session of the Florida Federation Convention. The Florida Federation Executive Board shall determine the amount of this Registration Fee, for each ensuing convention, and the Florida Federation Member Chapters advised thereof, not less than ninety (90) days in advance of the first day of the annual Florida Federation Convention. The convention registration shall be conducted by and/or under the supervision of the Convention Registration Chairperson, subject to the approval of the Florida Federation Annual Convention Chairperson. Said Registration shall begin not later than the afternoon of the first day immediately preceding the date of the first day's session of the Florida Federation Convention, and continue up to the hour of the day scheduled for convening the session at which election of officers shall be held. Registration facilities shall be provided in a convenient location at the Florida Federation Convention Headquarters under the direction of the Convention Registration Chairperson.

Section 3. A sum equal to at least the amount of the Per Capita Tax collected in the year in which the Florida Federation Convention is held, shall be turned over to the incoming Florida Federation Treasurer.

Section 4. The revenues provided for herein may be supplemented by social activities, donations and/or voluntary contributions.

ARTICLE XIII. ORDER OF BUSINESS/AGENDA

Section 1. The first business session of the Florida Federation Convention shall be called to order not later than 10:00 A.M. of the first day of said Convention.

Section 2. Generally, the following order of business will be observed, but this order may be deviated from as dictated by expediency in conducting the business of the Florida Federation Convention. Such Order of Business, once approved, the agenda may be changed by the Presiding Officer, provided there is no objection from the delegation:

(a) Opening ceremonies (Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, National Anthem, Welcome Address, and Keynote Speaker).

(b) Call to Order.

(c) Introduction of Distinguished Guests.

(d) Roll Call of Elected Officers.

(e) Preliminary Report of the Credentials Committee.

(f) Adoption of Convention Standing Rules. Needs two-thirds (2/3rds) of the total votes of Delegates Present.

(g) Adoption of the Convention Program/ Agenda.

(h) Approve the Minutes of the Previous Convention.

(i) Present the Minutes of the Previous Executive Board Meetings.

(j) Reading of Communications.

(k) Report of Elected Statewide Officers.

(1) Reports of Committees.

(m) Election of Statewide & District Officers

(n) Selection of Time, Place and Site for future Florida Federation Convention.

(o) Unfinished Business.

(p) Final Report of the Credentials Committee.

(q) New Business.

(r) Actions for the Good of the Florida Federation.

(s) Benediction and Adjournment.

Section 3. The report of the Time, Place, and Convention Site Committee shall be the next-to-last item of the first day of the Florida Federation Convention.

Section 4. Election of officers shall be scheduled for the first item of business on the second day of the Florida Federation Convention. Installation of the newly elected officers shall be conducted during the annual Florida Federation Convention Banquet. Any business necessary after the installation of officers shall be under the gavel of the newly elected Florida Federation President.

Section 5. A Memorial Service, in memory of deceased members of the Florida Federation Member Chapters, shall be a part of the annual Florida Federation Convention proceedings at such time and place as may be arranged by the Florida Federation Convention Committee Chairperson, together with the Florida Federation Chaplain and President.

Section 6. Any discussion concerning the subjects of race, creed or partisan politics during the business session of the Florida Federation Convention shall be prohibited and ruled out of order by the Presiding Officer, Florida Federation Convention.

Section 7. Proceedings of all business sessions of Florida Federation Conventions shall be conducted in accordance with ARTICLE XIV of these Bylaws and the Florida Federation President or Presiding Officer shall utilize a Parliamentarian for the purpose of maintaining adherence to the rules of parliamentary procedure during deliberations of the Florida Federation Convention.

Section 8. Copies of all annual reports required under these Bylaws shall be in the hands of the Florida Federation Secretary not less than ten (10) days prior to the first day of the Florida Federation Convention to allow time for duplication thereof, and distribution to the delegates at said Convention, should the Florida Federation Executive Board so decree.

Section 9. Resolutions, other than those concerning amendment of Constitution and/or Bylaws, submitted for consideration by the Florida Federation Convention shall be:

(a) In the hands of the Florida Federation Secretary not later than seventy-five (75) days prior to the first day of the annual Florida Federation Convention;

(b) Transmitted to each Florida Federation Member Chapter and the Florida Federation President not later than sixty (60) days prior to the first day of the annual Florida Federation Convention; and,

(c) Read or distributed to the Convention delegates by a member of the Florida Federation General Resolutions Committee with their recommendations thereof. Resolutions thus adopted shall become effective at the close of the convention.

(d) Notwithstanding the above, any immediate resolution may be considered by the Florida Federation Convention with the approval of a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote in the affirmative of the delegates and/or proxies present and voting. An immediate resolution is defined as a general, non-Constitution and Bylaws resolution originated at the Florida Federation Convention and not previously seen and considered in its entirety by Florida Federation Member Chapters.

Section 10. The Florida Federation shall, at each convention, adopt rules for the procedure and government of said convention.

ARTICLE XIV. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the Florida Federation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws or any special Rules of Order the Florida Federation may adopt.

ARTICLE XV. AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the delegates and/or proxies present and voting at any Convention of the Florida Federation, provided:

(a) A resolution proposing such amendment or amendments is/are in the hands of the Florida Federation Secretary not less than ninety (90) days prior to the first day of the Florida Federation Convention; and,

(b) Such resolution is transmitted to the Florida Federation President, each Member of the Florida Federation Executive Board, Past Federation Presidents and each Florida Federation Member Chapter, not later than sixty (60) days prior to the first day of the annual Florida Federation Convention; and,

(c) Such resolution read or distributed to the Convention delegates by a member of the Florida Federation Convention Constitution and Bylaws Committee with their recommendations thereof. Amendments thus adopted shall become effective at the close of the convention.

Attested to:

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William H. Leatham, Secretary Date

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Wallace W. Roepke, President Date