Independent expenditures; contribution limits; restrictions on political parties and political committees.

(1)(a) As a condition of receiving a rebate of filing fees and party assessment funds pursuant to s. 99.061(2), s. 99.092(1), s. 99.103, or s. 103.121(1)(b), the chair or treasurer of a state or county executive committee shall take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation in writing. During the qualifying period for state candidates and prior to distribution of such funds, a printed copy of the oath or affirmation shall be filed with the Secretary of State and shall be substantially in the following form:

State of Florida

County of ________

Before me, an officer authorized to administer oaths, personally appeared (name) , to me well known, who, being sworn, says that he or she is the (title) of the (name of party) (state or specified county) executive committee; that the executive committee has not made, either directly or indirectly, an independent expenditure in support of or opposition to a candidate or elected public official in the prior 6 months; that the executive committee will not make, either directly or indirectly, an independent expenditure in support of or opposition to a candidate or elected public official, through and including the upcoming general election; and that the executive committee will not violate the contribution limits applicable to candidates under s. 106.08(2), Florida Statutes.

(Signature of committee officer)

(Address)

Sworn to and subscribed before me this ________ day of ________ , (year) , at ________ County, Florida.

(Signature and title of officer administering oath)

(b) Any executive committee found to have violated the provisions of the oath or affirmation in this section prior to receiving funds shall be ineligible to receive the rebate for that general election year.

(c) Any executive committee found to have violated the provisions of the oath or affirmation in this section after receiving funds shall be ineligible to receive the rebate from candidates qualifying for the following general election cycle.

(d) Any funds not distributed to the state or county executive committee pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund of the state.

(2)(a) Any political committee that accepts the use of public funds, equipment, personnel, or other resources to collect dues from its members agrees not to make independent expenditures in support of or opposition to a candidate or elected public official. However, expenditures may be made for the sole purpose of jointly endorsing three or more candidates.

(b) Any political committee that violates this subsection is liable for a civil fine of up to $5,000 to be determined by the Florida Elections Commission or the entire amount of the expenditures, whichever is greater.