Florida Division Bylaws
Revised April 12, 2002
(Bylaws for chapters are found at the Chapters page)
ARTICLE 1: NAME AND OBJECTIVES
ARTICLE 2: ACTIVITIES LIMITED TO EXEMPT PURPOSES
ARTICLE 6: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS
ARTICLE 8: STANDING COMMITTEES
ARTICLE 1: NAME AND OBJECTIVES
This organization is a unit of the Society of American Foresters, hereinafter referred to as the Society, and shall be known as the Florida Division, Southeastern Society of American Foresters, hereinafter referred to as the Florida Division, as provided in Article VI of the Constitution of the Society of American Foresters.
The objectives shall be:
- To advance the science, technology, education, and practice of professional forestry in America and U.S. Territories, and especially within the State of Florida and Territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Panama Canal Zone; and to use the knowledge and skills of the profession to benefit society.
- To provide an opportunity for better communication among the individual members, their regional representatives, and the Society.
ARTICLE 2: ACTIVITIES LIMITED TO EXEMPT PURPOSES
No part of the net earnings of the Florida Division shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Florida Division shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article 1 hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Florida Division shall be carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Florida Division shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. In the case of a written request from a governmental body, committee, or subdivision, the Florida Division may provide technical assistance and advise, providing the Florida Division deems it appropriate to provide such assistance. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Florida Division shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on a) by an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law)
Membership in the Florida Division shall be limited to members of the Society in good standing who have established domicile in the Florida Division's territory. The domicile of the member shall be the member's home or residence except that if a member's residence does not lie within the boundaries of the Florida Division, but his place of business or professional affiliation does lie within said boundaries, the member may, by written application to the national office of the Society, establish domicile within the Florida Division for the purposes of membership. An individual may be a voting member of and be eligible to hold office in only one state or multi-state Society, but may become an associate member of any other state society.
Only voting members, as defined in the Florida Division's Constitution, in good standing shall be entitled to vote on any question before the Florida Division. Other members of the Division may attend any meeting of the Florida Division and take part in the discussions, but shall have no vote. Members of a student chapter shall be entitled to vote only on any question before the student chapter.
Membership in the Florida Division may be terminated by (1) voluntary resignation, (2) failure to pay dues, (3) expulsion from the Society for unprofessional conduct, or (4) transfer of domicile to another state society.
The annual dues of the Florida Division shall be three dollars ($3.00) and shall be payable from the first day of January. With the exception of Student Members who shall not be assessed, dues shall be collected by the Society concurrently with the collection of national dues and transmitted to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Florida Division.
A member who has transferred from another state division or society to the Florida Division and has paid annual dues in the state society from which the transfer is being made shall not be required to pay additional dues for the year of transfer and shall automatically become a member of the Florida Division for the remainder of the year.
New members admitted during the year shall pay pro-rata dues beginning with the quarter after the admission is accepted.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall forward quarterly to each Chapter one dollar ($1.00) of the dues received from members of the respective Chapters through the Executive Secretary during the preceding three-month period.
The officers of the Florida Division include a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, past Chairman, and a Secretary-Treasurer. Officers shall be voting members of the Society and the Florida Division for the duration of their terms. Terms of office shall be for one year, except for the office of Secretary-Treasurer, and shall commence on January 1.
Vice-Chairman shall be elected for a one-year term and shall automatically succeed to the office of Chairman at the beginning of the next term. The Chairman shall automatically succeed to the office of past Chairman upon completion of his term as Chairman.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected for a two-year term.
In the event the Chairman is unable to complete the full term in office, the Vice-Chairman shall succeed and complete the unexpired term prior to serving the full term as Chairman. Should this occur, the Executive Committee, by a majority vote, shall appoint a replacement Vice-Chairman who shall assume the duties of the vacant office until the next election of officers. In the event the Vice-Chairman is unable to complete the term of office and succeed to the office of Chairman, the Executive Committee shall appoint an acting Vice-Chairman to serve until the next election at which time both a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman shall be elected. A vacancy in the office of Secretary-Treasurer shall be filled by appointment of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE 6: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS
The Chairman shall be responsible for developing and continuing Florida Division activities during the term of office and for organizing the membership toward meeting these objectives. The Chairman shall preside at meetings of the Florida Division; serve as Chairman of the Executive Committee and as ex-officio member of all other committees; oversee the business affairs; appoint, with approval of the Executive Committee, the standing committees and special committees; and perform all other duties commonly incident to such office.
The Vice-Chairman, in the absence of the Chairman, shall preside at Florida Division meetings and act for and assist the Chairman in conducting Florida Division affairs as may be requested by the Chairman.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall conduct all Florida Division elections and referenda; keep the minutes of the Florida Division's meetings and send a copy to the Executive Vice-President of the Society; conduct correspondence; announce meetings; and send agenda for meetings to the Executive Vice-President 30 days in advance when possible. He shall report to the Executive Vice-President the adoption of and amendment to these bylaws.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall act as custodian of the accounting records and accounts of the Florida Division, and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chairman or Executive Committee. He shall prepare and present at the annual meeting a report of the Florida Division's financial status, including an income and expense statement for the year's operations and a balance sheet as of the end of the Division's fiscal year, i.e. December 31. Upon certification of the Auditing Committee, copies of the written report shall be submitted to the Chairman and the Executive Vice-President. The Secretary-Treasurer, in response to an annual request from the Executive Vice-President, shall provide all information required by the Internal Revenue Service Form 990 and, if the Florida Division has unrelated business income, Internal Revenue Service Form 990-T. In the event that Internal Revenue Service reporting requirements are changed, the Secretary-Treasurer shall provide the Executive Vice-President the information required on any additional form of the Internal Revenue Service.
Election of officers shall be by letter ballot in October. The ballots shall be counted by December 1. Elections results will be reported to the National Office no later than December 8.
Nominations made by the Nominating Committee shall be transmitted to the Chairman with a copy to the Secretary-Treasurer by September 1. Nominations by the membership at large, if endorsed by at least 25 voting members in good standing and presented to the Secretary-Treasurer in writing by September 1, shall be included in the letter ballot.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall determine whether all nominees are voting members in good standing, eligible to hold office, and agreeable to serve if elected. The Secretary-Treasurer shall report to the Chairman and the Nominating Committee the name of any nominee who fails to qualify. Further nominations, if necessary, shall be made by the Nominating Committee by no later than September 15.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall mail a letter ballot to all voting members in good standing at least 30 days before the date of the election. The ballot shall (1) state the offices to be filled, (2) list the names of the candidates for each office in alphabetical order, (3) show the closing date for receiving the ballots, and (4) be accompanied by a brief factual professional biography of each candidate and a return envelop or postcard addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer.
The outcome of the elections shall be determined by a plurality or simple majority of those voting. In the case of a tie vote, a run-off election shall be held within one month.
The ballots shall be counted by the Tellers Committee which shall certify promptly the results to the Chairman, the Executive Committee, the Executive Vice-President and all candidates for office. The membership shall be informed of the election as soon as possible.
ARTICLE 8: STANDING COMMITTEES
Standing Committees shall include the Executive, Membership, Program, Forest Policy-Legislative, Communications, Education, Nominating, Tellers, Auditing, Archives and History, Awards, and Florida Society of American Foresters Hall of Fame Committees. The Chairman, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall appoint a Chairman and members of each Standing Committee, except the Executive Committee and Membership Committee.
A. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairman of the Florida Division, who shall be Chairman of the Committee; the Immediate Past Chairman; the Vice-Chairman; the Secretary-Treasurer; the Chairman of the various chapters; and the Forest Science Coordinator (if appointed). The Executive Committee shall give general supervision to the affairs of the Florida Division and its contacts with the National Society; shall control the expenditure of all funds; and shall approve the place, date, and the program of all meetings.
The Executive Committee also shall adopt a charter for all committees, except the Executive Committee, which shall outline the objectives, organization, and activities of the Committee. Each incoming Chairman shall recommend to each new Executive Committee at its first meeting the additions, deletions, and changes in committee charters which he deems appropriate. Action on any charter, however, may be taken at any Executive Committee meeting. This Committee shall fill by appointment any unexpired term of its members or any Florida Division officer; approve or disapprove proposed appointments by the Chairman; advise the Chairman on matters which he brings to the Committee; act upon any application for membership upon which the Membership Committee has disagreed; and act for the Florida Division on urgent matters which require immediate action in the interim between Florida Division meetings. Any action of the Executive Committee shall be subject to a referendum vote of the Florida Division upon petition by at least 20 voting members. The business of the Committee may be transacted in part by mail and/or email but at least one meeting of the Executive Committee shall be held annually.
B. Membership Committee:
The Membership Committee shall consist of the Vice-Chairman as Committee Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the various chapters, and shall operate in accordance with the Committee charter. The Committee shall be active in promoting membership in the Society; coordinate activities of the Chapters in recruiting and advancing members; and act for the Florida Division in all other membership matters.
C. Program Committee:
The Program Committee shall operate in accordance with its charter. This Committee shall consist of at least one member from each Chapter appointed annually. The Florida Division Chairman shall appoint one member to serve as the Sponsorship and Exhibits Coordinator. In consultation with and under the authority of the Executive Committee and with cooperation of any meeting partners, such as the University of Florida-School of Forest Resources and Conservation, this Committee shall prepare a program for the Florida Division's annual meeting/symposium and shall be responsible for all arrangements thereof. Additional Florida Division meetings as may be called by order of the Executive Committee shall be arranged by this Committee.
D. Policy-Legislative Committee:
The Policy-Legislative Committee shall operate in accordance with its charter, Society Forest Policies, and Society Bylaws II A-M. The Committee shall consist of six or more members, representing insofar as is feasible, all segments of professional forestry, both public and private. The term of appointment to this Committee shall be for two years, provided, however, that in the initial appointment to this Committee one-half the members shall be appointed for one-year terms. Thus one-half of the committee membership shall be replaced annually. This Committee and the appropriate staff member of the Society shall work cooperatively to review pending or proposed legislation and keep Florida Division members informed thereof. The Committee shall be responsible for review of forest policies and national position statements and the forest policy issues and position statements referred to or originating within this Florida Division. The Committee shall recommend a Florida Division position on any policy issue to the Executive Committee and/or make recommendations for the modification, reaffirmation, or termination current Florida Division positions. Florida Division policy and resolutions shall be expressed in position statements made available to legislators, interested groups, and individuals concerned with the formulation of laws, regulations, and public policies. Adoption and approval of position statements shall be in accord with the national SAF by-laws. Each position statement when developed shall be submitted to the national office for review to avoid conflict with "Forest Policies" and National positions. All Florida Division positions with respect to legislation (and regulation) shall be based on nonpartisan analysis, study and research and shall not be used to carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation.
E. Communications Committee:
The Communication Committee shall operate in accordance with its charter and Society Bylaw II M. The Committee shall consist of six or more members with at least one member from each Chapter and shall work in cooperation with the appropriate Society Staff member. The term of appointment to this Committee shall be for two years, provided, however, that in the initial appointment to this Committee one-half the members shall be appointed for one-year terms. Thus one-half of the committee membership shall be replaced annually. The Committee shall be responsible for proper news coverage in the various media for all suitable activities of the Florida Division; shall prepare professional communications within the Florida Division and with other organizations and shall encourage the dispersal of information to gain public awareness and understanding of forestry and the forestry profession.
F. Education Committee:
The Education Committee shall operate in accordance with its charter. It shall consist of six or more members, with representation from each of the following: a school of Professional forestry; a Forest Ranger school or Technical Training Institution; Federal and State Forestry Agencies and the industrial and private forestry sector. The term of appointment to this Committee shall be for two years, provided, however, that in the initial appointment to this Committee one-half the members shall be appointed for one-year terms. Thus one-half of the committee membership shall be replaced annually.
This Committee shall work in cooperation with the appropriate Society Staff member. It shall be responsible for a program to interest high school and other students in the forestry profession; shall act as liaison on matters of educational concern to institutions of higher learning which offer courses in forestry within the Florida Division's boundaries; shall keep the membership informed on developments in forestry education; and shall promote continuing education activities for the members of the Florida Division.
G. Nomination Committee:
The Nomination Committee shall operate in accordance with its charter. It shall consist of three members with equal representation from each Chapter, appointed annually prior to February 1. This Committee shall nominate from the eligible Florida Division members at least two candidates for each elective position to be filled and obtain from each nominee an agreement to serve if elected, and to send the nominations and agreements to serve to the Chairman and the Secretary-Treasurer.
H. Tellers Committee:
The Tellers Committee shall operate in accordance with its charter. It shall consist of three members, appointed annually. This Committee shall assemble at the time and place designated by the Secretary-Treasurer to count ballots and shall certify the results of the elections to the Chairman and the Executive Committee.
I. Auditing Committee:
The Auditing Committee shall consist of three members, appointed annually. This Committee, at the conclusion of the fiscal year, shall inspect the financial records of the Secretary-Treasurer. The Committee shall certify the accuracy of the financial statements prepared by the Secretary-Treasurer and shall report the results of the audit to the Chairman and the membership of the Florida Division.
J. Archives and History Committee:
The Archives and History Committee shall operate in accordance with its charter and shall consist of four members. The term of appointment to this Committee shall be for two years, provided, however, that in the initial appointment to this Committee one-half the members shall be appointed for one-year terms. Thus one-half of the committee membership shall be replaced annually. This Committee shall preserve in accessible form the history and vital records of the Florida Division and its predecessors, the Florida Society, the Florida Section and the Florida Chapter. It shall be responsible for: (1) maintaining an archives file of selected historical documents; (2) accepting from the Secretary-Treasurer and/or the Chairman file material more than one year old, and evaluating, selecting, and preserving those materials having continuing or historic value or interest; (3) researching the Archives files and reporting on the history, development or activities of the Florida Division as appropriate.
K. Awards Committee:
The Awards Committee shall operate in accordance with its charter. It shall consist of four or more members. The term of appointment to this Committee shall be for two years, provided, however, that in the initial appointment to this Committee one-half the members shall be appointed for one-year terms. Thus one-half of the committee membership shall be replaced annually.
This Committee shall, as from time to time directed by the Executive Committee, actively seek for and select, from the membership of the Florida Division and from among others, those persons meriting special recognition, awards, or mementoes and shall arrange for the procurement and presentation of said awards.
L. Florida Society of American Foresters Hall of Fame Committee: [ View the Hall of Fame Committee Bylaws]
The Florida Society of American Foresters Hall of Fame Committee shall operate in accordance with its charter and bylaws. The Committee shall consist of five members with staggered terms of five years each. The senior member shall chair the Committee. This Committee shall supervise and elect nominees to the honor society known as the Florida Foresters Hall of Fame.
With the approval of the Executive Committee, the Chairman shall make the following appointments:
A. Forest Science Coordinator
A Forest Science Coordinator shall be appointed for a two-year term beginning January 1 and may be reappointed for a total of two consecutive terms. The Forest Science Coordinator serves on the Regional Forest Science Committee as provided in the National Society Bylaws.
B. Committees:
The Chairman and members of each Standing Committee shall be appointed to serve two-year terms except as stated above. The term of office shall begin January 1.
C. Other Appointments
Any other appointments shall be authorized by the Executive Committee and made by the Chairman.
A. Chapters
A Chapter within the Florida Division may be authorized by the Executive Committee upon written petition of 15 or more voting members resident in an area where a strong local organization may be effected. The boundaries of a Chapter shall be established by the Executive Committee on recommendation of the members concerned.
A Chapter shall hold at least one meeting each year in order to retain its authorization. The authorization for a Chapter may be rescinded by the Executive Committee or upon affirmative vote of at least 10 members of the council.
The officers of each Chapter shall include a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as may be necessary. The Secretary and Treasurer may be the same person. Chapter Officers shall be voting members of the Society and shall be residents or employed within the boundaries of the Chapter for the duration of the term of office which may be one or two years as provided in the Chapter Bylaws. The term shall begin on January 1. Chapters may adopt Bylaws subject to the approval of the Executive Committee and the Council, provided that no part thereof shall conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society.
A Chapter shall report promptly to the Florida Division Chairman and the Executive Vice-President the election of Chapter officers, the adoption of Chapter Bylaws and amendments thereto, and at least once a year on the proceedings of the Chapter. Actions or recommendations of a Chapter on Society affairs will be transmitted to the Florida Division for consideration for forwarding to the Council.
B. Student Chapters
A Student Chapter may be authorized within the Florida Division by the Executive Committee upon written petition of 15 or more Student Members at an institution designated as SAF-accredited or as a candidate institution for accreditation or by a SAF-recognized forest technician program, or upon written petition of 15 or more voting. Student Chapters shall be composed of Student Members and other Society members employed by the institution at which the Student Chapter is authorized. Student Chapter officers shall be students or graduate students who are members of the Society. They shall serve for the school year. Society members other than Student Members who are members of Student Chapters shall also be members of their local Chapter.
The annual meeting of the Florida Division shall be held at the time and place designated by the Executive Committee with at least 30 days notice to the membership, but shall not conflict with the annual meeting of the National Society. Other meetings will also avoid such conflict.
At least one business meeting consisting of no less than five percent of voting members of the Florida Division shall be held during the year to consider business of sufficient importance to require consideration by the membership at large. Business meetings may be held separately or in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Florida Division and notification of such meeting, stating the nature of the business to be undertaken, shall be sent to the membership at least 30 days in advance of the meeting. Positions pertaining to Florida Division policy shall be presented at the business meeting for discussion and, if approved by a majority vote, shall be submitted to all voting members by letter ballot, except as provided in the National Society Bylaws II A-M. All ballots must be returned to the Secretary-Treasurer or a designate. Each ballot shall state the deadline for its return, and no ballot returned after the deadline shall be counted. A majority of the votes cast shall be required for adoption.
Any officer may be removed from office for reasons of misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of duty provided such removal is approved by two-thirds vote of all members voting in a letter ballot. Such ballot may be initiated by the Executive Committee on its own volition or it shall be required to conduct such ballot if it receives a petition setting forth the points of complaint and signed by at least two percent of, but in no case less than 10, voting members of the Florida Division. The Executive Committee shall designate one of its members to mail and receive the ballots in any recall election.
Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by the Executive Committee or upon written petition of at least two percent but in no case less than 10 of the voting members of the Florida Division. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Executive Vice-President of SAF for approval prior to a mail ballot of voting members. Amendment of these Bylaws shall require a two-thirds vote of the members voting.
State society assets belong to the state society membership as a whole. In the event of division or merger of state societies, the assets of the parent state societies will be audited and allocated to the new societies in proportion to the percentage of the voting members transferred.
Upon dissolution of the state society, the Executive Committee shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the state society, transfer all the assets of the state society to the national society, or dispose of all of the assets of the state society exclusively for the purpose of the state society in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 50 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Executive Committee shall determine.
