Government Lawyer Section offers free Form 1 CLE training June 3 in Tallahassee — and an invitation to join the section
The Government Lawyer Section is offering a free in-person CLE training and networking event on June 3 in Tallahassee, designed to help government attorneys navigate the often-confusing Form 1 Financial Disclosure requirements.
The one-hour session, titled “How to Fill Out Your Form 1 Financial Disclosure Form,” begins at 4 p.m. at the Florida State University Dunlap Champions Club at Doak Campbell Stadium, followed by a reception at 5 p.m. A live webcast will also be available.
Led by Steven Zuilkowski, deputy executive director and general counsel for the State of Florida Commission on Ethics, the CLE will cover the fundamentals of Form 1, common filing errors, and recent Commission on Ethics opinions. Zuilkowski will also explain the transition to the state’s new online filing system, which began in 2024 and has already generated questions from filers navigating the new format.
“A lot of government lawyers have to file financial disclosure, and there’s sometimes confusion about what does and doesn’t have to be filed,” said Zuilkowski, adding people started realizing they were either over-disclosing or under-disclosing and it’s important to provide clarity so everyone can understand the transparency the law intends.
The training comes at the start of “financial disclosure season,” which runs from late May to July 1 — the deadline to file Form 1. A grace period extends through August, but as of September 1, late filers face a $25-per-day fine up to $1,500, Zuilkowski said.
He said about 35,000 people are required to file Form 1 each year under Florida Statutes §112.3145. Required filers include a wide range of public officials such as public counsel, assistant state attorneys, assistant public defenders, regional conflict counsel, administrative law judges, hearing officers, and local government attorneys.
In addition to technical filing tips and the latest updates from the commission, the event offers an opportunity to meet Government Lawyer Section leadership during the post-CLE reception.
Though the event is free and open to both section members and nonmembers, the section is using the seminar as a way to attract new members. Nonmembers who attend will be invited to join the Government Lawyer Section for just $40. Section members are also encouraged to share the event with colleagues who may benefit from both the training and the chance to get involved.
“This is a great opportunity for government attorneys not only to get essential training, but also to connect with peers and become part of a section that supports their work,” said Carly Hopkins, the section’s program administrator.
For those unable to attend, the State of Florida Commission on Ethics offers a hotline for questions: 850-488-7864. Callers should follow the prompts to identify as a Form 1 filer.
This program has been approved by The Florida Bar’s Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General/Ethics CLE credit (Course #9139).
