By-Laws of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations, Inc.
Last amended September 9, 2025
Preamble
The purpose of the Council is to focus on the issues relating to preservation of the present and future welfare of the City of Fort Lauderdale and its neighborhoods and citizens — be proactive and reactive to those issues, communicate recommendations to the proper authorities, and strive to improve communication and create a stronger partnership between City Government and the neighborhoods.
Members are encouraged to conduct themselves with professionalism, courtesy, and respect in all matters related to Council meetings, communications, and activities.
I. Membership
Membership is voluntary and made up of neighborhood organizations officially recognized by the City of Fort Lauderdale. Each member association sends one duly appointed representative — and should also designate an alternate — to The Council. Each association has one (1) vote.
Voting membership available to neighborhood organizations officially recognized by the City of Fort Lauderdale, upon application and payment of dues.
Non-voting membership available to business/merchant groups upon application and payment of dues (twice the qualified member rate).
II. Policies, Guidelines, Quorum & Voting
A quorum is defined as 25% of voting members in good standing. A majority is 50% + 1 of voting members in good standing present. Action requires an affirmative majority vote, provided a quorum is present. No proxy voting is allowed. Members with a conflict of interest should disclose it and recuse themselves from the vote.
III. Board of Directors
The Board consists of: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past President, four (4) Directors at Large, and the Chair of Committees. The Board manages the general affairs of The Council and meets monthly. A majority of current members in good standing constitutes a quorum. Directors may attend board meetings (but not general meetings) by conference call. Board voting via email is permitted for emergency issues.
IV. Officers, Directors at Large & Chair of Committees
All are elected by voting membership to serve two-year terms. No officer may serve more than two consecutive full terms in one office. Elections are held in odd-numbered years at the March meeting, by secret written ballot unless waived by majority. Candidates must be current Fort Lauderdale residents affiliated with a member civic association in good standing.
Chairs all meetings. Signs formal contracts. Primary spokesperson for the Council.
Acts as President when needed. Chairs the Membership Committee and confirms quorum at general meetings.
Acts as President if both President and First VP are absent. Coordinates refreshments at meetings and events.
Takes, prepares, and posts minutes of all meetings to the website and maintains official documents.
Distributes agendas, minutes, notices, and other relevant materials at scheduled meetings.
Maintains financial records, collects dues, pays obligations. All checks over $500 require two authorized signatures.
The immediately preceding President, serving as a voting Board member.
One per Commission district. Recruit members, communicate Council info, and liaise with associations in their district.
Coordinates and implements all committees established by the Board and General Membership.
V. Committees
Standing Committees are suggested by the President or Council members and approved by The Council. Committee chairs (except the Membership Committee) are elected by committee members.
Nominating Committee: Four members appointed by the President (one per Commission district) plus the Immediate Past President. Appointed at the December meeting in even-numbered years. Nominations are presented at the February meeting; floor nominations are accepted in February and March.
Membership Committee: Chaired by the First Vice President, with the Corresponding Secretary and Directors at Large. Monitors all aspects of membership including retention and recruitment.
Audit Committee: Appointed annually by the Council.
VI. Removal of Board Members
A Board member may be removed with cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of a quorum. Any board member with three consecutive unexcused absences from Board and/or general meetings will be automatically removed. Board members must provide advance notice of absences to be eligible for excusal by majority Board vote.
VII. Filling Vacancies
If the President’s office is vacated, the First and Second Vice Presidents ascend accordingly for up to 60 days, after which a special election is held with 10 days’ notice. Vacancies in other offices are also filled by special election within 60 days.
VIII. Meetings
The Council meets monthly. Notice of regular meetings must be provided at least 7 days in advance. Special meetings may be called by a simple majority of the Board or by one-third (1/3) of the voting membership, with at least 24 hours’ notice. Members may request agenda items by submitting a written request to the Corresponding Secretary or President at least 10 working days before the meeting.
IX–XVI. Additional Provisions
The Council may not sponsor or initiate any legal action.
Two years, commencing immediately upon adjournment of the election meeting.
April 1 through March 31.
Bylaws may be amended by majority vote of members in good standing, with written notice provided at least 60 days in advance.
Treasurer’s books are audited annually in April by a two-person committee. Results reported at the May meeting.
Reviewed annually at the February meeting. Business member dues are twice the qualified member rate. Dues must be accompanied by a membership application.
Robert’s Rules of Order may guide all meetings.
These By-Laws were originally adopted November 13, 1996 and last amended September 9, 2025, replacing all prior versions in their entirety.