Seth Johnson
After less than two months in office, High Springs Commissioner Steve Tapanes resigned on Saturday, Dec. 30, citing issues with Form 6—Florida’s new, mandated form for elected officials.
In a letter to the High Springs mayor and city clerk, Tapanes highlighted two problems with the new form. First, the details are listed publicly online and accessible to anyone with a few keystrokes. Second, the form forces disclosure of information concerning family, business associates and clients.
“I wouldn’t have an issue completing the form and having the form kept by the ethics board; only to be reviewed should an ethics complaint be made, however the form being accessible to the public seems unnecessarily invasive,” Tapanes said in his resignation letter.
Tapanes added that as a small business owner, he doesn’t want to open himself to legal issues because of non-disclosure agreements or listing customer information against their wishes. The form requires disclosure of assets over $1,000 and details of certain business associates.
Certain government officials, like sheriffs and state leaders, have used Form 6 for decades. But, city officials have used Form 1.
This previous form required fewer details and applied to assets of $10,000 or more. The new Form 6 also requires a person’s net worth.
“I am left feeling like I let down those citizens that voted for me, but hope they understand that my family’s security is number one,” Tapanes said in the letter.
Other local officials have joined Tapanes in a slew of resignations before the start of Form 6.
In McIntosh, four council members have resigned, leaving only two members and forcing emergency procedures to run the town. City commissioners and council members have also stepped down in Lake City, Yankeetown, Inglis, Williston, Cedar Key, Jacksonville Beach and others across the state.
The Florida League of Cities opposed the change that passed through Senate Bill 774 in the 2023 legislative session. The bill received bipartisan support, with only seven votes against the bill between both houses.
With Tapanes’ seat empty, High Springs will hold a special meeting on Thursday to decide the next steps. The city’s charter requires a special election be held within 60 to 90 days from the resignation, and the commission will discuss whether to appoint someone to the seat in the interim.
Tapanes won the November election over incumbent Commissioner Gloria James by 249 votes. Since sitting on the dais, he’s put forward motions to get the city out of the red on utility systems while trying to keep rates down.
“This decision came with much sadness; I was very excited to be a part of making positive changes to the community,” Tapanes said in the letter.
High Springs Voters:
Steve emerged victorious in a resounding triumph over a three-time Commissioner, securing a mandate for the much-awaited transformation in our representation and City Government. Unfortunately, he, like countless others across the State, was ensnared by a perplexing law that lacked proper elucidation. His unwavering dedication to his family compelled him to confront the inherent contradiction presented by this bill. Mr. Tapanes, a man of utmost integrity, finds himself entangled in the repercussions of this ill-conceived legislation. Rest assured, efforts are underway to thoroughly reassess and potentially revoke this decree, thus allowing these officials to retain their rightful positions.
“Countless others?” I’m sure it won’t be a problem to count them.
Like so many other attempts from ‘on high’ to do the right thing, they seem to always forget about the LAW. Remember that LAW? The LAW of unintended consequences. (well, let’s HOPE much of the results from this plan was unintended)
I initially thought that anyone that would NOT fill out Form 6 “must have something to hide” – I was dead wrong. After reading comments from Mr. Steve Tapanes I did my own deep dive and came to the conclusion today that this could (and should) be handled differently. With the new legislative session about to take place I’d ask the legislators on an expedited basis to consider putting much of the Form 6 under seal but available to any court or Ethics Board/Committee if the need were to arise;otherwise I can see a lot of potential here for scammers and political hanky panky from both parties to use this as a weapon against a duly elected official. If an official has a vested interest in a business and that business has any business within the elected official’s domain – that can be made public but I certainly don’t need to know the balance on his car loan note or how much is in his 401K or his credit card balance. Governor and legilators – stop this overreach. We’re driving away good men. Governor – you hold a lot of sway over the legislators (so) reappoint these people if you can make reasonalbe accomodations / chganges this session. We need people like Steve and many other local officialss who have had to opt out.
Thank you for sharing this research
I wouldn’t want all that public either
Don’t run for office then.