Anyone lobbying for a cause in Gainesville will soon be required to register with the city.
Starting Nov. 1, lobbyists will need to fill out forms with their personal information, including cause, full name and home and business addresses as part of the Lobbyist Registration Act, a new local ordinance.
Bob Woods, city spokesman, said the registration of lobbyists would protect city commissioners.
"This is a way of making sure that the commissioners are aware that they are about to engage in a conversation with someone who's a lobbyist," Woods said.
City Commissioner Scherwin Henry said he is always aware when speaking to lobbyists.
"It's quite obvious when someone is lobbying you," Henry said.
Still, he said, he appreciates the ordinance because it will make information available to residents about which lobbyists are meeting with commissioners.
Woods said all appointed officials who are paid to speak for a group or cause must register, though there are some exceptions, such as attorneys representing their clients or people representing themselves.
The most common groups that will have to register are those involved in business affairs with the city, such as developers, Woods said.
Nonprofit organizations are not subject to the ordinance, and no group will be required to disclose financial information, he said.
The act goes into effect Nov. 1, but the registration forms will be available starting Oct. 27.
