In Re: Vanessa Brito

TO: Vanessa Brito 15820 Palmetto Club Diive Miami, FL 33157

SIA IE OF FLORIDA FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION

Case No.: FEC 14-054

Division of Elections 500 S B1onough Street, Room 316 I allahassee, FL 32399

NOIICE OF HEARING (INFORMAL HEARING)

A hearing will be held in this case before the Florida Elections Commission on February 25, 2015, at 8:30 am, or as soon thereafter as the parties can be heard, at the following location: Senate Office Building, Room 110-S, 404 South Monroe Street, I allahassee, FL 32399

Failure to appear in accordance with this notice will constitute a waiver of your right to participate in the heating Continuances will be granted only upon a showing of good cause

This hearing will be conducted putsuant to Section 106.25, Florida Statutes, which governs your participation as follows:

If you are the Respondent, you may attend the hearing, and you or your attorney will have 5 minutes to present yout case to the Commission However, some cases (including those in which consent orders or recommendations for no probable cause are being considered) may be decided by an en masse vote and, unless you request to be heard or the Commission requests that your case be considered separately on the day of the hearing, your case will not be individually heard

If you are the Complainant, you may attend the hearing, but you will not be permitted to address the Commission In addition, some cases (including those in which consent orders or recommendations for no probable cause are being considered) may be decided by an en masse vote and, unless the Respondent requests to be heard or the Commission requests that the case be considered separately on the day of the hearing, the case will not be individually heard

If you are an Appellant, and you have requested a hearing, you may attend the hearing, and you or yout attorney will have 5 minutes to present your case to the Commission

Please be advised that both confidential and public cases are scheduled to be heard by the Florida Elections Commission on this date As an Appellant, Respondent or Complainant in one case, you will not be permitted to attend the hearings on other confidential cases

The Commission will electronically record the meeting Although the Commission's recording is considered the official record of the hearing, the Respondent may provide, at his own expense, a certified court reporter to also record the hearing.

If you require an accommodation due to a disability, contact Donna Ann Malphuts at (850) 922-4539 or by mail at 107 West Gaines Street, The Collins Building, Suite 224, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, at least 5 days before the hearing

See further instructions on the reverse side

NOH FEC #r4-054

(Lmy 9rt<&ever'Ioman Executive Director Florida Elections Commission Febmary 9, 2015

Please refer to the information below for f\uther instructions related to yow particulai hearing:

If this is a heaiing to conside1 an appeal from an automatic fine, the Filing Officer has imposed a fine on you for your failure to file a campaign treasmer's repmt on the designated due date and, by filing an appeal, you have asked the Commission to consider eithe1 (1) that the 1epo1t was in fact timely filed; m (2) that there were unusual circumstances that excused the failure to file the repo1t timely. You are required to prove your case If the Commission finds that the repo1t was filed timely or that the1 e were unusual circumstances that excused the failure, it may waive the fine, in whole 01 in part The Commission may reduce a fine afte1 considering the facto1s in Section 106265, Florida Statutes If the Commission finds that the report was not timely filed and there were no unusual circumstances, the fine will be upheld

If this is a hearing to consider a consent order before a deter·mination of probable cause has been made, the Commission will decide whethe1 to accept or reject the consent mder.. If the Commission accepts the consent mde1, the case will be closed and become public.. If the Commission rejects the consent mde1 or does not make a decision to accept or deny the consent 01de1, the case will iemain confidential, unless confidentiality has been waived ..

If this is a heaiing to conside1 a consent order after a determination of probable cause has been made, the Commission will decide whether to accept or reject the consent mde1 If the Commission accepts the consent mder, the case will be closed If the Commission iejects the consent orde1 or does not make a decision to accept or deny the consent mder, the Respondent will be entitled to another heaiing to dete1mine if the Respondent committed the violation(s) alleged.

If this is a probable cause hearing, the Commission will decide if there is p1obable cause to believe that the Respondent committed a violation of Florida's election laws Respondent should be prepared to explain how the staff in its recommendation inconectly applied the law to the facts of the case.. Respondent may not testijj;, call othen to testijj;, or introduce any documentary or other evidence at the probable cause hearing The Commission will only decide whethe1 Respondent should be charged with a violation and, befo1e the Commission dete1mines whethe1 a violation has occu11ed or a fine should be imposed, Respondent will have an oppo1tunity for anothe1 hearing at which evidence may be introduced

If this is an informal hearing, it will be conducted pmsuant Sections 120..569 and 120 57(2), Florida Statutes; Chapte1 28 and Commission Rule 2B-l.004, Florida Administrative Code. At the hearing, the Commission will decide whether the Respondent committed the violation(s) charged in the Order of Probable Cause .. The Respondent will be permitted to testify .. Howeve1 the Respondent may not call witnesses to testify

Respondent may argue why the established facts in the Staff Recommendation do not support the violations charged in the 01de1 of Probable Cause At Respondent's request, the Commission may determine whether Respondent's actions in the case were willfoL The Respondent may also address the appropriateness of the recommended fine.. If Respondent claims that his limited resomces make him unable to pay the statutory fine, he must provide the Commission with written proof of his financial resources at the heaiing. A financial affidavit form is available from the Commission Clerk

14 NOV21 PMl=23

S [~,, ~· c;:: FLORIDA STATE OF FLORIDA ~I -rT>Ac,•<: rQH'r•ll$$lfu'ii C...,.t.v11!.n·: .. ,. '-' 1t >i i ,'!

FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION

Florida Elections Commission, Petitioner,

Case No.,: FEC 14-054 v.

Vanessa Brito, as chairperson and treasurer of Equal Marriage Florida,

Respondent. _________ / ORDER OF PROBABLE CAUSE

THIS MATTER was heard by the Florida Elections Commission (Commission) at its

regularly scheduled meeting on October 28, 2014, in Tallahassee, Florida

Based on the Complaint, Report of Investigation, Staffs Recommendation, and oral

statements made at the probable cause hearing, the Commission finds that there is probable

cause to charge Respondent with the following violation:

Count 1:

On or about January 10, 2014, Respondent violated Section 106 07(1), Florida Statutes, when Respondent failed to file timely Equal Ma11iage Florida's 2013 Ml2 Report with the Florida Division of Elections

DONE AND ORDERED by the Florida Elections Commission on October 28, 2014

P:/Order of Probable Cause docx (07/14) FEC Case# FEC 14-054

,.,.~··

k' /, ~6lladay, Chair Florida Elections Co

(

Copies furnished to: Eric M Lipman, Genernl Counsel Vanessa Brito, Respondent Division of Elections, Complainant

. NOTICE OFRIGHTTO A HEAR.ING

As the Respondent, you may elect to resolve this case in several ways .. First, you may elect to resolve this case by consent order where you and Commission staff agree to resolve the violation and agree to the amount of the fine.. The consent order is then presented to the Commission for its approval.. Io discuss a consent order, contact the FEC attorney identified in the Order of Probable Cause.

Second, you may request an informal hearing held before the Commission, if you do not dispute any material fact in the Staff Recommendation You have 30 days from the date the Order of Probable Cause is filed with the Commission to request such a hearing The date this order was filed appears in the upper right-hand corner of the first page of the order At the hearing, you will have the right to make written or oral arguments to the Commission concerning the legal issues related to the violation(s) and the potential fine. At the request of Respondent, the Commission will consider and determine willfolness at an informal hearing.. Otherwise, live witness testimony is unnecessary

Third, you may request a formal hearing held before an administrative law judge in the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), if you dispute any material fact in the Staff Recommendation You have 30 days fiom the date the Order of Probable Cause is filed with the Commission to request such a hearing. The date this order was filed appears in the upper right­hand corner of the first page of the order.. At the hearing, you will have the right to present evidence relevant to the violation(s) listed in this order, to cross-examine opposing witnesses, to impeach any witness, and to rebut the evidence presented against you

If you do not elect to resolve the case by consent order or request a formal hearing at the DOAH or an informal hearing before the Commission within 30 days of the date this Order of Prnbable Cause is filed with the Commission, the case will be sent to the Commission for a formal or informal hearing, depending on whether the facts are in dispute. The date this order was filed appears in the upper right-hand corner of the first page of the order

Io request a hearing, please send a written request to the Commission Clerk, Donna Ann Malphurs .. The address of the Commission Clerk is 107 W .. Gaines Street, Collins Building, Suite 224, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050 The telephone number is (850) 922-4539 The Clerk will provide you with a copy of Chapter 28-106, Florida Administrative Code, and other applicable rules upon request No mediation is available

P:/Order of Probable Cause docx (07/14) F EC Case # FEC 14-054

In Re: Vanessa Brito

TO: Vanessa Brito 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157

STATE OF FLORIDA FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION

Case No.: FEC 14-054

Division of Elections 500 S Bronough Street, Room 316 I allahassee, FL 3 23 99

NOTICE OF HEARING (PROBABLE CAUSE DETERMINATION)

A hearing will be held in this case before the Florida Elections Commission on October' 28, 2014, at 8:30 am, or as soon thereafter as the parties can be heard, at the following location: Senate Office Building, Room S-110, 404 South Monroe Street, I allahassee, FL 32399,

Failure to appear in accordance with this notice will constitute a waiver of your right to participate in the hearing Continuances will be granted only upon a showing of good cause.,

This hearing will be conducted pursuant to Section I 0625, Florida Statutes, which governs your participation as follows:

If you are the Respondent, you may attend the hearing, and you or your attorney will have 5 minutes to present your case to the Commission However, some cases (including those in which consent orders or recommendations for no probable cause are being considered) may be decided by an en masse vote and, unless you request to be heard or the Commission requests that your case be considered separately on the day of the hearing, your case will not be individually heard,

If you are the Complainant, you may attend the hearing, but you will not be permitted to address the Commission, In addition, some cases (including those in which consent orders or recommendations for no probable cause are being consideied) may be decided by an en masse vote and, unless the Respondent requests to be heard or the Commission requests that the case be considered separately on the day ofthe hearing, the case will not be individually heard,

If you are an Appellant, and you have requested a hearing, you may attend the hearing, and you or your attorney will have 5 minutes to present your case to the Commission

Please be advised that both confidential and public cases rue scheduled to be heard by the Florida Elections Commission on this date As an Appellant, Respondent or Complainant in one case, you will not be permitted to attend the hearings on other confidential cases,

The Commission will electronically record the meeting, Although the Commission's recording is considered the official record of the hearing, the Respondent may provide, at his own expense, a certified court reporter to also record the hearing

If you require an accommodation due to a disability, contact Donna Malphurs at (850) 922-4539 or by mail at 107 West Gaines Street, The Collins Building, Suite 224, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, at least 5 days before the hearing

See !Urther instructions on the reverse side

fl"!)' 9rtCl(eC11er'l'oman Executive Director Florida Elections Commission October 13, 2014

Please refer to the information below for further instructions related to your pruticular hearing:

If this is a hearing to consider an appeal from an automatic fine, the Filing Officer has imposed a fine on you for your failure to file a campaign treasurer's report on the designated due date and, by filing an appeal, you have asked the Commission to consider either (1) that the report was in fact timely filed; or (2) that there were unusual circumstances that excused the failure to file the report timely You are required to prove your case If the Commission finds that the report was filed timely or that there were unusual circumstances that excused the failure, it may waive the fine, in whole or in part The Commission may reduce a fine after considering the factors in Section 106.265, Florida Statutes .. If the Commission finds that the report was not timely filed and there were no unusual circumstances, the fine will be upheld.

If this is a hearing to consider a consent order before a determination of probable cause has been made, the Commission will decide whether to accept or reject the consent order .. If the Commission accepts the consent order, the case will be closed and become public.. If the Commission rejects the consent order or does not make a decision to accept or deny the consent order, the case will remain confidential, unless confidentiality has been waived.

If this is a hearing to consider a consent order after a determination of probable cause has been made, the Commission will decide whether to accept or reject the consent order If the Commission accepts the consent order, the case will be closed .. If the Commission rejects the consent order or does not make a decision to accept or deny the consent order, the Respondent will be entitled to another hearing to determine if the Respondent committed the violation(s) alleged.

If this is a probable cause hearing, the Commission will decide ifthere is probable cause to believe that the Respondent committed a violation of Florida's election laws Respondent should be prepared to explain how the staff in its recommendation incorrectly applied the law to the facts of the case .. Respondent may not testify, call others to testify, or introduce any documentary or other evidence at the probable cause hearing The Commission will only decide whether Respondent should be charged with a violation and, before the Commission determines whether a violation has occurred or a fine should be imposed, Respondent will have an opportunity for another hearing at which evidence may be introduced.

If this is an informal hearing, it will be conducted pursuant Sections 120 . .569 and 120 57(2), Florida Statutes; Chapter 28 and Commission Rule 2B-l. 004, Florida Administrative Code. At the hearing, the Commission will decide whether the Respondent committed the violation(s) charged in the Order of Probable Cause The Respondent will be permitted to testify However the Respondent may not call witnesses to testify

Respondent may argue why the established facts in the Staff Recommendation do not support the violations charged in the Order of Probable Cause. At Respondent's request, the Commission may determine whether Respondent's actions in the case were willful The Respondent may also address the appropriateness of the recommended fine If Respondent claims that his limited resources make him unable to pay the statutory fine, he must provide the Commission with written proof of his financial resources at the heruing A financial affidavit form is available from the Commission Clerk

(

FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION 107 W. Gaines Street, Suite 224

Collins Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050

Vanessa Brito 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157

(850) 922-4539

August 15, 2014

RE: Case No.: FEC 14-054; Respondent: Vanessa Brito

Dear Ms .. Brito:

The Florida Elections Commission at its last regularly scheduled meeting was unable to hear this case Thetefore, this case has been rescheduled for its next meeting, which is scheduled for October 28-29, 2014 in Tallahassee A notice of heating will be mailed approximately 14 days before the hearing

If you have any questions, please contact us at the number listed above or at foc@myfloridalegal.com.

AMI/em cc: Division of Elections, Complainant

Aut029(12/08)

Sincerely,

/sf fl.my :MCKjever <toman Executive Director

SI ATE OF FLORIDA FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION

In Re: Vanessa Brito Case No .. : FEC 14-054

TO: Vanessa Brito 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157

Division of Elections 500 S Bronough Street, Room 316 Tallahassee, FL 32399 ·

NOTICE OF HEARING (PROBABLE CAUSE DETERMINATION)

A hearing will be held in this case before the Florida Elections Commission on August 5, 2014, at 11:00 am, or as soon thereafter as the parties can be heard, at the following location: Senate Oflice Building, Room S-110, 404 South Monroe Stteet, Tallahassee, FL 32399 ..

Failure to appear in accordance with this notice will constitute a waiver of your right to paiticipate in the hearing. Continuances will be granted only upon a showing of good cause

Ihis hearing will be conducted pursuant to Section 106 25, Florida Statutes, which governs your participation as follows:

If you are the Respondent, you may attend the hearing, and you or your attorney will have 5 minutes to present your case to the Commission However, some cases (including those in which consent orders or recommendations for no probable cause are being considered) may be decided by an en mas se vote and, unless you request to be heard or the Commission requests that your case be considered separately on the day of the hearing, your case will not be individually heard

If you are the Complainant, you may attend the hearing, but you will not be permitted to address the Commission In addition, some cases (including those in which consent orders or recommendations for no probable cause are being considered) may be decided by an en masse vote and, unless the Respondent requests to be heard or the Commission requests that the case be considered separately on the day of the hearing, the case will not be individually heard

If you are an Appellant, and you have requested a hearing, you may attend the hearing, and you or your attorney will have 5 minutes to present your case to the Commission

Please be advised that both confidential and public cases are scheduled to be heard by the Florida Elections Commission on this date. As an Appellant, Respondent or Complainant in one case, you will not be permitted to attend the hearings on other confidential cases.

The Commission will electronically record the meeting Although the Commission's recording is considered the official record of the hearing, the Respondent may provide, at his own expense, a certified court reporter to also record the hearing

If you require an accommodation due to a disability, contact Donna Malphurs at (850) 922-4539 or by mail at 107 West Gaines Street, The Collins Building, Suite 224, I allahassee, Florida 32399, at least 5 days before the hearing

See further instructions on the reverse side.

fln;y :MCJ(eever'l'oman Executive Director Florida Elections Commission July 16, 2014

Please refor to the information below for further instructions related to yom particular hearing:

If this is a hearing to consider an appeal from an automatic fine, the Filing Officer has imposed a fine on you fen your failure to file a campaign treasurer's report on the designated due date and, by filing an appeal, you have asked the Commission to consider either (I) that the report was in fact timely filed; or (2) that there were unusual circumstances that excused the failure to file the report timely. You are required to prove your case If the Commission finds that the report was filed timely or that there were unusual circumstances that excused the failure, it may waive the fine, in whole or in part The Commission may reduce a fine after considering the factors in Section 106265, Florida Statutes If the Commission finds that the report was not timely filed and there were no unusual circumstances, the fine will be upheld.

If this is a hearing to consider a consent order before a determination of probable cause has been made, the Commission will decide whether to accept or reject the consent order. If the Commission accepts the consent order, the case will be closed and become public. If the Commission rejects the consent order or does not make a decision to accept or deny the consent order, the case will remain confidential, unless confidentiality has been waived

If this is a hearing to consider a consent order after a determination of probable cause has been made, the Commission will decide whether to accept or rt;ject the consent order.. If the Commission accepts the consent order, the case will be closed If the Commission rejects the consent order or does not make a decision to accept or deny the consent order, the Respondent will be entitled to another hearing to determine if the Respondent committed the violation(s) alleged

If this is a probable cause hearing, the Commission will decide if there is probable cause to believe that the Respondent committed a violation of Florida's election laws. Respondent should be prepared to explain how the staff in its recommendation inconectly applied the law to the facts of the case Respondent may not testify, call others to testify, or introduce any documentary or other evidence at the probable cause hearing The Commission will only decide whether Respondent should be charged with a violation and, before the Commission determines whether a violation has occuned or a fine should be imposed, Respondent will have an opportunity for another hearing at which evidence may be introduced.

If this is an informal hearing, it will be conducted pursuant Sections 120 569 and 120 57(2), Florida Statutes; Chapter 28 and Commission Rule 2B- l 004, Florida Administrative Code .. At the hearing, the Commission will decide whether the Respondent committed the violation(s) charged in the Order of Probable Cause .. The Respondent will be permitted to testify However the Respondent may not call witnesses to testify ..

Respondent may argue why the established facts in the Staff Recommendation do not support the violations charged in the Order of Probable Cause .. At Respondent's request, the Commission may determine whether Respondent's actions in the case were willful The Respondent may also address the appropriateness of the recommended fine. If Respondent claims that his limited resources make him unable to pay the statutory fine, he must provide the Commission with written proof of his financial resources at the hearing. A financial affidavit form is available from the Commission Clerk.

/ I

'·

STATE OF FLORIDA FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION

In Re: Vanessa Brito, as Chairperson and Treasurer of Equal Marriage Florida

Case No.: FEC 14-054

STAFF RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION

Pmsuant to Section 106 25(4)(c), Florida Statutes, undersigned staff counsel files this written recommendation for disposition of the referral in this case recommending that there is probable cause to charge Respondent with violating Section 106.07(1), Florida Statutes. Based upon a thorough review of the Report of Investigation submitted on May 19, 2014, the following facts and law support this staff recommendation:

L On March 3, 2014, the Florida Elections Commission ("Commission") received a refenal from the Division of Elections ("Division"), alleging that Vanessa Brito, chairperson and treasmer of Equal Marriage Florida ("Respondent") violated Chapter 106, Florida Statutes ..

2 By letter dated April 8, 2014, the Executive Director notified Respondent that Commission staff would investigate the following:

Section 106.07(1), Florida Statutes: Vanessa Brito, chairperson and treasurer for Equal MaHiage Florida, a political committee, failed to timely file the 2013 Ml2 campaign treasurer's report

3 Respondent is the chairperson and treasurer for Equal Marriage Florida ("Committee"), a political committee registered with the Division. On June 26, 2013, Equal Maniage Florida filed its Appointment of Campaign I reasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Political Committees form ("DS-DE 6") designating Respondent as its treasurer with the Division (ROI Exhibit 1)1

4 On June 27, 2013, the Division sent Respondent a letter acknowledging receipt of the Committee's Statement of Organization and DS-DE 6 .. The letter also advised Respondent that all political committees that file reports with the Division are required to use the electronic filing system ("EFS"), and provided Respondent with an initial PIN and password allowing her to access the EF S (ROI Exhibit 2)

5 The June 27, 2013 acknowledgment letter also informed Respondent that all of the Division's publications and reporting forms are available on the Division's website, including Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, the 2012 Political Committee Handbook, and the 2013 Calendar of Reporting Dates .. Id

1 The Report oflnvestigation shall be referred to herein as the "ROI "

Staff' Recommendation FEC 14-054 1

6 Respondent failed to file Equal Marriage Flo1ida's 2013 M12 Repo1t on January 10, 2014, the repo1ting due date (ROI Exhibit 8)

7 By letters dated Janua1y 13, 2014, and Janua1y 22, 2014, the Division sent Respondent notifications informing he1 that Equal Marriage Florida's 2013 Ml2 Repo1t had not yet been received 2 (ROI Exhibit 3)

8 By letter dated January 31, 2014, the Division sent Respondent a "Final Notice" informing her that Equal Marriage Florida's 2013 Ml2 Report had still not been filed The Final Notice letter was confirmed delivered on February 5, 2014 (ROI Exhibit 4)

9. As of June 11, 2014, Respondent has not filed the Committee's 2013 Ml2 Report (Attachment A)

10 "Probable Cause" is defined as reasonable ground of suspicion supported by circumstances sufficiently strong to warrant a cautious person in the belief that the person has committed the offense charged.. Schmitt v State, 590 So 2d 404, 409 (Fla. 1991). Probable cause exists where the facts and circumstances, of which an [investigator] has reasonably trustworthy info1mation, are sufficient in themselves for a reasonable man to reach the conclusion that an offense has be.en committed Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles v Favino, 667 So 2d 305, 309 (Fla .. 1" DCA 1995)

11 The facts above show that Respondent is the chai1person and treasurer of Equal Marriage F101ida, a Florida political committee .. Respondent failed to timely file the Committee's 2013 Ml2 Repo1t on January 10, 2014 Despite the Division sending Respondent written notices dated January 13, 2014, and January 22, 2014, and a Final Notice dated January 31, 2014, that it had not received the Committee's 2013 Ml2 Report, as of June 11, 2014, Respondent has failed to file Equal Marriage Florida's 2013 Ml2 Repott with the Division

Based upon these facts and circumstances, I recommend that the Commission find probable cause to charge Respondent with violating the following:

Count 1:

On or about Janua1y 10, 2014, Respondent violated Section 106 07(1), Fl01ida Statutes, when Respondent failed to file timely Equal Marriage Florida's 2013 Ml2 Repo1t with the Florida Division of Elections ..

2 All written correspondence from the Division to the Respondent was sent to the addresses provided on the Committee's DS-DE 6 form (ROI Exhibits!, 2, 3 and 4)

Staff Recommendation FEC 14·054 2

(

Respectfolly submitted on June _J!_, 2014,

Eric Lipman Geneial Counsel

I reviewed this Staff Recommendation this (~y of June 2

Staff Recommendation FEC 14-054

Amy McKeever Executive Dire 01

3

FEC - Candidate/Committe<) ~ ling Histo1y Repo1t Page 1 of 1

search 1directory1 contact us 1411 1 subscribe I tour 1 help

Florida Department of State - Division of Elections Florida Election System Reports

Candidate/Committee Lookup Pol Action Comm Equal Marriage Florida '-·-·-·--····-··-------Name: Name:

Account: 60477 Election:

Fine Amount -----------~------- Date Due Type Date Filed Status Days Appealed Amount

y Late Assessed Fined Paid

Acct· 60477 6/10/2014 M5 SNT 0 $0 00 $0 00 $0.00 5/12/2014 M4 SNT 0 $0 00 $0 00 $0 00

Type Pol Action Comm y 4/10/2014 M3 FEC 0 $0 00 $000 $0 00

3/10/2014 M2 FEC 0 $000 $0 00 $0 00 [ Sear1;~,) CBesetJ 2/10/2014 M1 FEC 0 $000 $0 00 $0 00

1/10/2014 M12 FEC 0 $000 $000 $000 12/10/2013 M11 FEC 0 $0 00 $000 $0 00

11/12/2013 M10 FEC 0 $0 00 $000 $000

10/10/2013 03 11/13/2013 CLO 34 $0 00 $000 $000

7/10/2013 02 7/30/2013 CLO 20 $0 00 $0 00 $000

Attaehment A

___ http_s_:Lld_o_e_s_e_c_u_Le_"d_Q~_state .. fl .us/FEC/FilingHistmy Asp? AcctNum=60477 &cboElection=& .. 6/11/2014

/ 1.

FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION REPORT OF INVESTIGATION

Case No .. : FEC 14-054

Respondent: Vanessa Brito Counsel for Respondent: None

Complainant: Division of Elections Counsel fot Complainant: None

Pursuant to Section 106 25, Florida Statutes, on March 3, 2014, the Florida Elections Commission received information from the Division of Elections that Respondent violated Chapter 106, F101ida Statutes The Division's refenal was mandated pmsuant to Section 106.07(8)(d), Florida Statutes Commission staff, therefore, investigated whether Respondent violated the following statute:

Section 106 07(1 ), Florida Statutes, failure of the treasure! of a political committee to file timely regular 1epo1ts of all cont1ibutions received, and all expenditures made, by or on behalf of the committee

I. Preliminary Information:

1 Respondent is the chait and treasurer for Equal Marriage Florida, a political committee cunently registered with the Division of Elections

2 Complainant is the Division of Elections

3 Respondent's filing officer is Ktisti Reid-Bronson, Chief, Bureau of Election Records

Il, Alleged Violation of Section 106 .. 07(1), Florida Statutes:

4. I investigated whether Respondent violated this section of election laws by failing to file the committee's 2013 Ml2 Report after receiving notice that the repo1t was due

5.. On June 26, 2013, Equal Mar1iage Florida (committee) filed an Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository fo1 Political Committees (DS-DE 6) fotm with the Division of Elections, appointing Respondent treasurer of the committee To view a copy of the DS-DE 6 fotm, please refor to Exhibit l.

6 On June 27, 2013, Ms .. Bronson sent Respondent a letter acknowledging the committee had been placed on the active committee list 1 The letter advised Respondent that all

1 Respondent is also the committee's chair

Inv002 (7/08) 1

committees filing reports with the Division are required to use the electronic filing system (EFS), and provided Respondent with her user identification number and initial password allowing her access to the EFS ..

7 The letter also advised Respondent that all of the Division's publications and reporting forms are available on their website, including Chapter I 06, Florida Statutes, the Political Committee Handbook, and the Calendar of Reporting Dates.. The letter further advised Respondent that it was her responsibility to read, understand, and follow the requirements of Florida's election laws To view a copy of the acknowledgement letter, please refer to Exhibit 2

8.. The Division sent Respondent a letter dated January 13, 2014, informing her that the committee's report due January JO, 2014 (2013 Ml2 Report) had not been received; a second failure-to-file letter dated January 22, 2014, was mailed to Respondent Both letters were mailed to Respondent at the address provided on the committee's DS-DE 6 form (Exhibit I). To view copies of the letters, please refer to Exhibit 3 .

9 On January 31, 2014, the Division sent Respondent a letter marked "Final Notice" stating that the committee's 2013 Ml2 Report had not been filed. Copies of the failure-to-file letters previously provided as Exhibit 3 were included with the Final Notice The Final Notice was mailed to Respondent at the address provided on the committee's DS-DE 6 form (Exhibit I) and was delivered on February 5, 2014 To view copies of the Final Notice, without attachments, and the delivery confirmation, please refer to Exhibit 4

10 On March 5, 2014, the Commission sent Respondent a letter via certified mail informing her that it received a reform! from the Division alleging Respondent failed to file the committee's 2013 Ml2 Report The letter advised Respondent she had 14 days to respond to the allegation in the refenal and was delivered to Respondent on March 8, 2014. Respondent did not provide a response to the referral. Io view a copy of the Commission's March 5, 2014 letter, please refer to Exhibit 5.

11 On April 8, 2014, the Commission sent Respondent a letter informing her that the Division's refenal was found to be legally sufficient and the Commission would be investigating Respondent's alleged failure to file the committee's 2013 M12 Report The letter advised Respondent she could file a notarized statement providing any information regarding the facts surrounding the allegation Respondent did not provide a notarized statement To view a copy of the Commission's April 8, 2014 letter, please refer to Exhibit 6

12 On May 5, 2014, I sent Respondent an affidavit asking her to state the reason she has not filed the committee's 2013 M12 Report As of the date of this report, Respondent has not returned the affidavit, and the affidavit has not been returned by the post office. Io view a copy of the affidavit, please refor to Exhibit 7..

13. On May 5 and May 14, 2014, I left voicemail messages asking Ms. Brito to return my call so that she may have an opportunity to respond to the allegations in the Division's referral.. As of the date of this report, Ms .. Brito has not returned my calls.

14. The committee's filing history reflects that as of the date of this report, their 2013 Ml2 Report remains un-filed Io view a copy of the committee's filing history, please refer to

Inv002 (7/08) 2

Exhibit 8

15. No record of Respondent having previously violated this section of law was found

III. FEC History:

16. Although Respondent has not had any prior cases before the Commission, there are currently two additional cases pending before the Commission - FEC 13-332 and FEC 14-035 - for Respondent's failure to file the committee's 2013 MIO and 2013 Ml 1 reports, respectively

Conclusion:

17 Because Ms Brito has not returned my telephone calls or an affidavit, I am unable to ascertain whether she has read Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, and/or the Political Committee Handbook

turre~t address ofR,'espo~dent ' ' ( '/

Ms Vanessa Brito, Chair Equal Marriage Florida 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157

· N all1~ and Address of Filing Officer:

Ms Kristi Reid-Bronson, Chief Bureau of Election Records 500 South Bronaugh Street Tallahassee, FL 32399

Copy furnished to:

Mr. David Flagg, Investigations Manager

Inv002 (7/08)

Respectfully submitted on May 19, 2014,

Tracie Aulet Investigation Specialist

3

~urrentadd;~ss ofCom~lain~~t

Division of Elections 500 South Bronaugh Street Tallahassee, FL 32399

FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION REPORT OF INVESTIGAIION

Vanessa Brito -- FEC 14-054

Exhibits #s Description of Exhibits

Exhibit 1 DS-DE 6 form filed 6/26/13

Exhibit 2 Acknowledgement letter dated 6/27 /13

Exhibit 3 Failure to file letters dated 1/10 &1/22/14

Exhibit 4 Final notice w/delivery confirmation dated 1/31/14

Exhibit 5 14 day letter to Respondent dated 3/5/14

Exhibit 6 Letter oflegal sufficiency to respondent dated 4/8/14

Exhibit 7 Letter to Respondent requesting affidavit dated 5/5/14

Exhibit 8 Filing History

Inv004 (5/08)

APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER AND DESIGNATION OF CAMPAIGN

DEPOSITORY FOR POLITICAL COMMITTEES

(Sections 106 .. 011(1) and 106 .. 021(1), F .. S .. )

CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX:

/ I,

: I .,

·:; i)'.~ ~ 1 ·' · r " .... :-\I

2013 ,JUN 2 6 Hi 9: 4 9

OFFICE USE ONLY

~ Original Appointment of Treasurer 0 Reappointment of Treasurer D Deputy Treasurer

1 Committee or Organization 2. Telephone

e QIAAJ, -11! Jltii A "r ~'O,iPA 11$1 S\/1 -to~--. Telephone (optional) 3. Name of Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer 4 .. Email (optional)

6 Mailing Address

7. Street Address

8. The following bank has been designated as the IXl: Primary Depository D Secondary Depository

9 Name of Bank 10 Street Address Mi A "'4 i 1 'f J,..

11.ffOI s. 'J);~;e .f.tw~. 33l-=io(.. - ·----1 .ml.ls ro..""~b

11. City 12 State 13 Zip Code

re of Chairman

x / Camoai~n Tre~surer's Acceotance of Aooointment

I, [LA NE; S:?,A Rt.\ k-o . -·-- , do hereby accept the appointment as (Please Print or ype).J ~

treasurerordeputytreasurerfor ~-~ tjAY.;J.~f. :J#e,g:,pA -- ~ (Committee or Organ1zat1on)

UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I DECLARE THAT I HAVE READ THE FOREGOING CAMPAIGN TREASURER'S AC EPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT AND THA T FACTS STATED ARE TRUE

--1='.ICMIR!-T-1---------------------l

_)L 111111 r1 nn1n1 rnn

RICK SCOTT GovernOI

June 27 1013

Ms. Vanessa Brito, Chairperson Equal Mani age Florida I 5820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, Florida .3315 7

Dear Ms .. Brito:

KENDETZNER Secretary of State

lhis will acknowledge receipt of the Statement of Organization and Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Equal Marriage Florida, which were placed on file in our office on June 26, 2013 This information appears to comply with the requirements of Section 106 03, Florida Statutes, and the name of this organization has been placed on our active committee list as a political committee that supports issues.

Campaign Treasurer's Reports

Your first campaign treasurer's report will be due on July 10, 2013 The report will cover the period of April I, 2013 -June 30, 2013 All political committees that file reports with the Division or Elections are required to file by means of the Division's Electronic Filing System (EFS)

Credentials and Sign-on~

Below is the web address to access the EFS and the committee's user identification number. The enclosed sealed envelope contains the committee's initial password Once you have logged in using the initial password,. you will he immediately prompted to change it to a confidential sign· on The chaiiperson., campaign treasurer, and deputy treasurers are responsible for protecting this password from disclosure and are responsible for all filings using these credentials, unless the Division is notified that your credentials have been compromised

EFS Website Addr·ess: https://efa.dos stateJ1 us Identification Number: 60477

EXHIBIT 2 f~~,1,13 Division of Elections

RA, Gray Bldg., Rm. 316 • 500 S Bronough St,• Tallahassee, Flolida 32399-0250 ]l~. Telephone: {850) 245-6200 • Facsimile: (850) 245-6217 elections.myfiorida.,com Commemorating-Soo-years·of-Florida-history--wwwAlaSOO.com.----~11~nrnblDll:nn--

/

I

Ms .. Vanessa Brito, Chairperson hme 27 .. 2013 Page Two

fin Numbers

Pin numbers are confidential secure credentials that allow you to submit reports and update information The enclosed sealed envelope provides a confidential pin number foi· the chairperson By copy of this letter, a confidential pin number to access the FFS was sent to the treasurer.

Each political committee chairperson is required to provide the Division of Elections with confidential personal information that may be used to allow access in the event that the password is forgotten or lost When you enter the campaign account screen, there will be a drop down box where you pick a question (such as What is your mother's maiden name?) and supply an answer. All passwords and answers to questions are stored as encrypted data and cannot be viewed by Division staff and given out over the phone. Please notify the Division if your credentials have been compromised

I imely Filing

All reports must be completed and filed through the EFS no late1 than midnight, Eastern Standard Time, of the due date .. Reports not filed by midnight of the due date a1e late filed and subject to the penalties in Section l 06 07(8), Florida Statutes In the event that the EFS is inoperable on the due date, the report will be accepted as timely filed if filed no later than midnight, Eastern Standard Time, of the first business day the EFS becomes operable. No fine will be levied during the period the EF S was inoperable

Any political committee failing to file a report on the designated due date is subject to a fine of $50 per day for the first 3 days and, thereafter, $500 per day for each day, not to exceed 25% of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report. However.. for the reports immediately preceding each primary and gene1al election .. the fine shall be $500 per day, not to exceed 25% of the total receipts or expenditures. whichever is greater, for the peri\ld covered by the late report

Electronic Receipts

The person submitting the report on the FFS will be issued an electronic receipt indicating and verif)·ing the report was filed. Each campaign treasurer's report filed by means of the EFS is rnnsidered to be under oath by the chairperson and campaign treasurer and such persons are subject to the pro' isions of Section 106 07(5 ), Florida Statutes

EXHIBIT 2 Pj. 2 ot3

Ms Vanessa Brito .. Chairperson June 27, 2013 Page Three

.Instructions and Assistanc~

(

An on line instruction guide is available to you on the E F S to assist with navigation, data entry. and submission of reports. The Division of Elections will also provide assistance to all users by contacting the EFS Help Desk at (850) 245-6280

All of the Division's publications and reporting forms are available on the Division of Elections' website at http://elcctions.nuflorida.com. It is your responsibility to r·ead, understand, and follow the r·equirements of Florida's election laws .. Therefore, please print a copy of the following documents: Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, 2012 Political Committee Handbook, 2013 Calendar of Reporting Dates, and Rule IS.·2.017, Florida Administrntive Code.

Please let me know if you need additional information

Sincerely.

r . ·: /)j ~)\ v~ 0. ' . 1),ltJuSlt1 L:\XVvUo ~'.Jct!JJY\itA_,

XV'-Kristi Reid Bronson .. Chief (j Bureau of Election Records

KRB/ljr

Enclosures

EXHIBIT 2 rj. 3 of :3

January 13, 2014

Vanessa Brito, Treasurer Equal Marriage Florida I 5820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157-3157

Re: PAC 60477

Dear Ms .. Brito:

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE KenDetzner

Secretary of State

DIVISION OF ELECTIONS

Your campaign treasurer's report, which was due January 10, 2014, has not been received ..

Section 106 .07(8)(b), Florida Statutes, requires that the filing officer immediately notify you of the failure to file this report and that a fine will be assessed of $50 per day for the first 3 days late and, thereafter $500 per day, although a fine cannot exceed 25% of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report However, for the reports immediately preceding each primary and general election, the fine shall be $500 per day for each late day, not to exceed 25% of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report

Once your report is filed, this oflice will notify you of the specific amount of your fine,, Fines must be paid to the filing officer within 20 days of receipt of the payment due notice

Please be advised, however, that failure to file a campaign treasurer's report may constitute a violation of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, independent of the automatic fine violation referenced above. Therefore, if you fail to file a report the division will turn the matter over to the Florida Elections Commission

Section 106 265(1), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Florida Elections Commission to impose a civil penalty up to $1,000 per count for each willful violation of Chapter 106

If you have any questions, please contact the help desk at (850) 245-6280

Sincerely,

~~4>~~1--Kristi Reid Bronson, Chief Bureau of Election Records

EXHIBIT 3 p~· lot~

(

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE Ken Detmer

Second Notice

January 22, 2014

Vanessa Brito, Treasurer Equal Marriage Florida 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157··3157

Re: PAC 60477

Dear Ms. Brito:

Secretary of State

DIVISION OF ELEC110NS

Your campaign treasurer's report, due January 10, 2014, has not been received

Section l 06 07(8)(b ), Florida Statutes, requires that the filing officer immediately notify you of the failure to file a report

The first notice of the failure to file the above mentioned report was mailed, via regular mail, to the address on file with our office on January 13, 2014 As of this date, we do not show a record of receiving this report

If the report is not filed via the Division's electronic filing system within 14 days of receipt of this notice, this matter will be refe!T'ed to the Florida Elections Commission for further action Section 106265(1), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Florida Elections Commission, upon finding a willful violation of Chapter I 06, Florida Statutes, to impose a civil penalty up to $1,000 pet count.

lfyou have any questions, please contact the help desk at (850) 245-6280

Sincerely,

dl /1-_.../~uz:~:~.---Kristi Reid Bronson, Chief Bureau of Election Records

EXHIBIT 3 g'j · 2 D(Y 2.

Th<f1'A"Gn1:v-Buildin·~~Ro-om-:n6-e-SOO-SoutlrBronougb·Stre~-.,-rallahassee·Fb-3:2:399-02·50-o-f850l-245-6240----

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT of s:r~ RICK SCOTT

Governor

FINAL NOTICE Delivery Confirmation:

January 31, 2014

USPS TAACKJNG fl. &CUSTOMER RECEIPT

Vanessa Brito, Treasurer for Equal Marriage Florida (60477) 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157

Dear Ms Brito:

9114 9011698183702602 80 For Tracldng or inquirle~ go to USPS .com or call 1-800-222~1811

KENDETZNER Secretary of State

According to a review of the Division's records, the organization referenced above has not filed the following report:

Year

2013

Report

Ml2

Cover Period

12/01/2013 - 12/31/2013

The organization has previously been notified of the report that is outstanding. Enclosed are copies of letters sent by the Division If the report is not filed within 7 days of receipt of this letter, the Division will forward this matter to the Florida Elections Commission for further action Section 106 265(1 ), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Florida Elections Commission to impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation

lfyou have any questions, please call the help desk at (850) 245-6280

Sincerely, "-~

,qi{ ~-~_ . .t: c1f---K1 isti Reid Bronson, Chief Bureau of Election Records

KRB/slb

Enclosures

EXHIBIT 4 PJ · I of :i

Division of Elections · __ R_ .. A_._· G_ra_y Building, Suite 316 • 500 South Bronough Street • Tallahassee, Florida 32399 1' al>

850.245 .. 6200 • 850.245.6217 (Fax} election.dos .. state.fl .. us FLORIDAT'. -tl;)~l\l,10, ''>i* _...

Promoting-Florida's-History-and-Culture--VivaFlorida.or·2-----~RE€'flONS-'11-

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nffn•·t/mol;nr.~ns~cortll'!ro/frackeonfirmAction:action-?tR:ef=fuHpage&tbc=l-&te:xt287-7-7""'-··-2!28t'20l4---.

FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION 107 W .. Gaines Street,

Suite 224 Collins Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399··1050

Telephone: (850) 922-4539 Fax: (850) 921-0783

March 5, 2014

CERTIFIED MAIL 7005 1820 0007 9805 4824

Vanessa Brito, Treasurer Equal Maniage Florida 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157-3157

RE: Case No.: FEC 14-054, Respondent: Vanessa Brito

Dear Ms Brito:

On Match 3, 2014, the Florida Elections Commission received the enclosed complaint alleging that you violated Florida's election laws Section 106 25(2), Florida Statutes states:

The respondent shall have 14 days after receipt of the complaint to file an initial response, and the executive director may not determine the legal sufficiency of the complaint during that time period

If you choose to file a response to the complaint, please send it to my attention at the address listed above.. Io ensure that I receive your response in a timely manner, you may also want to send it via e-mail to my attention, at fec@myfloridalegal.com You will be notified by letter whether the complaint is determined legally sufficient Please note that all correspondence from this office will be mailed to the same address as this letter. Therefore, if your address changes, you must notify us of your new address.

Under section I 06 25, Florida Statutes, complaints, Commission investigations, investigative reports, and other documents relating to an alleged violation of Chapters I 04 and I 06, Florida Statutes, are confidential until the Commission finds probable cause or no probable cause The confidentiality provision does not apply to the person filing the complaint However, it does apply to you, the Respondent, unless you waive confidentiality in writing

EXHIBIT 5 Pj. l o-f 3

(

The confidentiality prnvision does not preclude you from seeking legal counsel However, if you retain counsel, your attorney must file a notice of appearance with the Commission before any member of the Commission staff can discuss this case with him or her.

Sincerely,

z~:__;fil---~)( Erin Riley (} Deputy Agency Clerk

/em Enclosure: Complaint w/attachments

EXHIBIT 5 ?j . -iof 3

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EXHIBIT 5 Pj. 3 ot3

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·----n:tm1r://roals:usps:corrr/gofhackeonfmnActio!Mlcti0Ui-tRef=fullpage&tLc"'-l&text28.7:73.=&tLab.els.=20_0.5J..8.290 3/18/2014

Vanessa Brito

FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION 107 W, Gaines Street,

Snite 224 Collins Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050

1 elephone: (850) 922-4539 Fax: (850) 921-0783

April 8, 2014

15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157

RE: Case No.: FEC 14-054; Respondent: Vanessa Brito

Deru Ms .. Brito:

On Mruch 3, 2014, the Florida Elections Commission received a complaint alleging that you violated Florida's election Jaws.. I have reviewed the complaint and find that it contains one or more legally sufficient allegations The Commission staff will investigate the following alieged violation:

Section 106.,07(1), Florida Statutes: Vanessa Brito, chairperson and tteasurer for Equal Marriage Florida, a political committee, failed to timely file the 2013 M12 campaign treasurer's report

You may respond to the allegation above by filing a notruized statement providing any information regruding the facts and circumstances sunounding the allegation Your response will be included as an attachment to the investigator's report

When we conclude the investigation, a copy of the Report ofinvestigation will be mailed to you at the above address.. You may file a response to the report within 14 days from the date the report is mailed to you. Based on the results of the investigation, legal staff will make a written recommendation to the Commission on whether there is probable cause to believe you have violated Chapter 104 or 106, Florida Statutes A copy of the Staff Recommendation will be mailed to you and you may file a response within 14 days fiom the date the recommendation is mailed to you Your timely filed response(s) will be considered by the Commission when determining probable cause

The Commission will then hold a heruing to determine whether there is probable cause to believe you have violated Chapters 104or106, Florida Statutes You and the complainant will receive a notice of hea:ting at least 14 days before the hearing The notice of hearing will indicate the location, date, and time of your heruing You will have the opportunity to make a brief oral statement to the Commission, but you will not be permitted to testify or caJI others to testify, or introduce any documentary or other evidence

EXHIBIT fo 8~. I cf 2.

ComOl l (10/07)

i I

At any time before a probable cause finding, you may notify us in writing that you want to enter .into negotiations directed towards reaching a settlement via consent agreement

The Report of Investigation, Staff Recommendation, and Notice of Hearing will be maiiled to the above address as this letter. Therefore, if your address changes, you must notify this office of yom new address. Otherwise, you may not receive these important documents. Failure to receive the documents will not delay the probable cause hearing.

Under section 10625, Florida Statutes, complaints, Commission investigations, investigative reports, and other documents relating to an alleged violation of Chapters 104 and 106, Florida Statutes, are confidential until the Commission finds probable cause or no probable cause The confidentiality provision does not apply to the person filing the complaint However, it does apply to you unless you waive confidentiality in writing. The confidentiality provision does not preclude you from seeking legal counsel.. However, if you retain counsel, your attorney must file a notice of appearance with the Commission before any member of the Commission staff can discuss this case with him or her

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Tracie Aulet, the investigator assigned to this case

AMI/em

Como I I (8108)

Sincerely, ,...--)

"-~ /YL-Amy McKe r I omd~ Executive r:b ctor

EXHIBIT i, p~. 1 ot 2

FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION The Collins Building

107 West Gaines Street, Suite 224 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050

(850) 922:4539

May 5, 2014

Ms. Vanessa Brito, Chair Equal Marriage Florida 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157

RE: Case No.: FEC 13-332; 14-035; 14-054

Dear Ms Brito:

The Florida Elections Commission needs additional information concerning the refenals filed against you with the Commission Therefore, please complete the attached questionnaire, have it notarized, and return it to me by May 19, 2014

Section 106 26, Florida Statutes, provides the Commission with the power to subpoena witnesses and documents However, your cooperation in responding to these questions will eliminate the need to subpoena you for deposition at this time.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Please let me know if you have any questions My extension number is 114.

Sincerely,

Tracie Au1et Investigation Specialist

Enclosure: Affidavit of Background Information

EXHIBIT 1- fj- I r>f 4

InvOI l (6/08)

AFFIDAVIT OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION Case Numbers: FEC 13-332; 14-035; 14-·054

STATE OF FLORIDA County of __________ _

Vanessa .Bl"ito, being duly sworn, says:

I This affidavit is made upon my personal knowledge

2 I am of legal age and competent to testify to the matters stated herein I am cmrently

employed by as _____________ _

3 Have you ever run for public office? If so, please name the office(s) you ran for and the date(s) of the election(s) you ran in ..

4 Have you ever been appointed to act as a campaign treasurer for a candidate? If so, please name the candidate(s) you served as treasurer, the office(s) the candidate ran for, and the dates of the election(s)

5 Have you ever held the office of chairperson, treasurer, board member, or other similar position for a political committee? If so, please list the names and addresses of the committees and dates when you held the position

6. Have you ever held the office of chairperson, treasurer, board member, or other similar position for a committee of continuous existence? (Committee of continuous existence is defined in Section I 06..04, Florida Statutes) If so, please list the name and addresses of the committees and dates when you held the position

Inv040 (6/08) AffResp 13-332; 14-035; 14-054

EXHIBIT t ?~ . 7. cf 4: I

( ' I '

7 Have you ever prepared 01 signed a campaign treasurer's repo1t? If so, please list the name of the candidate or committee whose report you prepared or signed ..

8 What action have you taken to determine your responsibilities under Florida's election laws?

9 Do you possess a copy of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes? D Yes D No

10. If so, when did you first obtain it?

II Have you iead Chapter I 06, Florida Statutes? D Yes D No

12. Do you possess a copy of Chapter I 04, Florida Statutes? D Yes D No

13 If so, when did you first obtain it?

14 Have you read Chapter I 04, Florida Statutes? D Yes D No

15 Do you possess a copy of the Political Committee Handbook? D Yes D No

16 If so, when did you first obtain it?

17 Have you read the Political Committee Handbook? D Yes D No

18. List any additional materials you received from the Division of Elections.

19 Did you receive notice from the Division of Elections stating that the Division had not received your reports due November 12, 2013 (2013 MIO Report), December 10, 2013 (2013 Mil Report), and January 10, 2014 (2013 Ml2)?

D Yes D No

20 Please explain why you have not filed the committee's 2013 MIO, Mil, and Ml2 Reports (use additional paper if necessary):

Inv040 (6/08) AffResp 13-332; 14-035; 14-054

EXHIBIT '1 \241. 3 cf 4 2

I I

I HEREBY SWEAR OR AFFIRM IHA! THE FOREGOING INFORMAIION IS IRUE AND CORRECT IO

lHEBESI OF MY KNOWLEDGE ..

Signature of Affiant

Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed befbre lne this day of

----------------'' 2014

Signature of Notary Public - State of Florida

Print, Iype, or Stamp Commissioned Name of Notary Public

Personally Known ___ or Produced Identification ___ _

Type of Identification Produced: -----------

Case Investigator: ta

EXHIBIT 1- ~ ·· 4 of 4 Inv040 (6/08) AffResp 13-332; 14-035; 14-054

3

FEC - Candidate/Committee F'ling Histmy Repmt

.l,o/Flo~acom ·- search 1 directory 1 contact us I 411 i subscribe I tour I help

Florida Department of State - Division of Elections

Florida Election System Reports Candidate/Com1nittee Lookup Committee Name: Equal Marriage Florida

Name: Account: 60477

Election: Date Due Type Date Filed Status Days Fine Late Assessed

[-- . 31 511212014 M4 SNT 0 $000

Acct (60477 411012014 M3 SNT 0 $0 00

Type: (g_?_rllmittee ···-·fl 311012014 M2 SNT 0 $0 00

211012014 M1 FEC 0 $0.00

· 1s£~th I ~~~~i I 1/1012014 M12 FEC 0 $000

12110/2013 M11 FEC 0 $0 00

1111212013 M10 FEC 0 $0 00

1011012013 03 1111312013 CLO 34 $0 00

711012013 02 713012013 CLO 20 $0 00

Page 1of1

Appealed Amount Amount Fined Paid

$000 $0 00

$0 00 $000

$0 00 $0 00

$0 00 $0 00

$0 00 $0 00

$000 $0 00

$0 00 $0 00

$000 $0.00

$0 00 $0 00

----https:/tdoesecuredosstate .. fl.uslfocLEilingHis.toJ:)C.Asp_?AcctNum=60477 &cboElection=&c. .. 5/16/2014

Vanessa Brito

/ I

FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION 107 W,. Gaines Street,

Suite 224 Collins Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050

Telephone: (850) 922-4539 Fax: (850) 921-0783

April 8, 2014

15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157

RE: Case No.: FEC 14-054; Respondent: Vanessa Brito

Dear Ms .. Brito:

On March 3, 2014, the Florida Elections Commission received a complaint alleging that you violated Florida's election laws I have reviewed the complaint and find that it contains one or more legally sufficient allegations. The Commission staff will investigate the following alleged violation:

Section 106.07(1), Florida Statutes: Vanessa Brito, chairperson and treasurer for Equal Marriage Florida, a political committee, failed to timely file the 2013 Ml2 campaign treasurer's report

You may respond to the allegation above by filing a notarized statement prnviding any information regarding the facts and circumstances surrnunding the allegation. Your response will be included as an attachment to the investigator's report

When we conclude the investigation, a copy of the Report of Investigation will be mailed to you at the above address You may file a response to the report within 14 days frnm the date the report is mailed to you Based on the results of the investigation, legal staff will make a written recommendation to the Commission on whether there is probable cause to believe you have violated Chapter I 04 or I 06, Florida Statutes A copy of the Staff Recommendation will be mailed to you and you may file a response within 14 days from the date the recommendation is mailed to you Your timely filed response(s) will be considered by the Commission when determining probable cause.

The Commission will then hold a hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to believe you have violated Chapters 104 or 106, Florida Statutes You and the complainant will receive a notice of hearing at least 14 days before the hearing The notice of hearing will indicate the location, date, and time of your hearing. You will have the opportunity to make a brief oral statement to the Commission, but you will not be permitted to testify or call others to testify, or introduce any documentary or other evidence.

ComOI I (10/07)

At any time before a probable cause finding, you may notify us in writing that you want to enter into negotiations directed towards reaching a settlement via consent agreement

The Report of Investigation, Staff Recommendation, and Notice of Hearing will be mailed to the above address as this letter., Therefore, if your address changes, you must notify this office of your new address. Otherwise, you may not receive these important documents .. Failure to receive the documents will not delay the probable cause hearing,,

Under section 106 25, Florida Statutes, complaints, Commission investigations, investigative reports, and other documents relating to an alleged violation of Chapters I 04 and I 06, Florida Statutes, are confidential until the Commission finds probable cause or no probable cause The confidentiality provision does not apply to the person filing the complaint. However, it does apply to you unless you waive confidentiality in writing The confidentiality provision does not preclude you from seeking legal counsel. However, if you retain counsel, your attorney must file a notice of appearance with the Commission before any member of the Commission staff can discuss this case with him or her

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Tracie Aulet, the investigator assigned to this case ..

AMI/em

Como 11 (8/08) --------------------------------------

Sincerely, /l

,_clw /qi_ Amy McKe r T omJb Executive di+ ctor

---- --------·------------------

DIVISION OF ELECTIONS FEC REFERRAL FORM

To FEC from Division of Elections

/ I I Y-054

REdEiVEo ZUl4 MAR - 3 p 12: 22

siAfE 5;::F~l'·~· ·· · ~ r OR!OA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i3i!e.1ss1:;~

Name: Equal Marriage Florida

Account Number: 60477

Chairperson: Vanessa Brito

Treasurer: Vanessa Brito

Registered Agent: Heather L Gray

The Division of Elections is referring this issue to the Florida Elections Commission pursuant to Section 106 .. 25, Florida Statutes.. Section 106 .. 07(8)(d) Florida Statutes, requires the filing officer to notify the FEC of a political committees alleged failure to file reports as set forth in the notification.

The following report is outstanding after notification:

2013 M12 Campaign Treasurer's Report

Sent By: Kristi Reid Bronson VJ-fo Date: February 28, 2014

ela 000001.

--· ------------- -

STATE OF FLORIDA

County of Leon

AFFIDAVIT

Kristi Reid Bronson, being duly sworn, says:

(

1 I am the Chief of the Bureau of Election Records of the Division of Elections (Division) In that capacity, I oversee the Division's duties related to the filing of campaign finance reports

2 This affidavit is made upon my personal knowledge, including information obtained from review of the attached records, of which I am the custodian.

3.. I am of legal age and competent to testify to the matters stated herein.

4.. Equal Marriage Florida ( 60477) is a political committee registered with the Division. On June 26, 2013, Vanessa Brito filed the DSDE 5, 6 and 41 with the Division of Elections indicating that Vanessa Brito was the chairperson and treasurer and Heather L Gray was the registered agent for the committee (See attached documents and acknowledgment letter)

5. The 2013 M12 campaign treasurer's report was due on January 10, 2014 .. At the time the 2013 M12 campaign treasurer's report was due, Vanessa Brito was the treasurer

6. On January 13, 2014, the Division mailed Ms Brito notifications that the 2013 M12 campaign treasurer's report had not been filed (See attached letter)..

7. On January 22, 2014, the Division mailed Ms. Brito notifications that the 2013 M12 campaign treasurer's report had not been filed (See attached letter).

8 On January 31, 2014, the Division mailed Ms Brito final notification with delivery confirmation that the 2013 M12 report had not been filed. (See attached letter with delivery confirmation)

rNV035 (S/00)

/ I

9 As of February 28, 2014, Ms .. Brito has failed to file the 2013 M12 campaign treasurer's report

I hereby swear or affirm that the foregoing information is tr·ue and correct to the best of my knowledge.

INV035 (S/00)

Sworn to (01 affirmed) and subscribed before me this 28th day of February, 2014.

Print, Type, or Stamp Commissioned Name of Notary

Public I Personally Known __

-f:~li>~'il!~. TERRI ~UE ALDRIDGE LAWSON [.. ,.~ Commission # FF 013087 ~ (fl Expires Apnl 30, 2017

••i ,. .~ Bond&d ThlU Tl'O'J' Fain lnaurance000-3&5.·7019

000003

STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION OF POLITICAL COMMITTEE

(PL.EASE TYPE)

1.. Full Name of Committee

Mailing Address (include city, state and zip code)

I S'g Z. o !pA(.,mc./-lc C ""'46 ])r.

(

-' .

Telephone

NJ It\ "1l 1', F°L t----- ------··--------------·--- ---·----··-

Street Address (inclucte city, state and zip code)

2. Affiliated or Connected Organizations (includes other committees of continuous existence and political ·· committees}

Name of Affiliated or Connected Organization Mailing Address Relationship

t---·--------;----··------··---·------+----------··-----t

3. Area, Scope and Jurisdiction of the Committee

r_o"sti t v..+io"oJ AMudf'v\(..>Af Tn\4io.1'~ve.-4. Nature of Organization or Organization's Special Interest (e .. g .. , medical, legal, education, etc .. )

5 Identify by Name, Address and Position, the Custodian of Books and Accounts (include treasurer's name) - . Full Name Mailing Address Committee Title or Position

i-------- •P--

Cr\-A\~ I ~uutt. VAt-J£sS,•/-d?tzi~o 1sezo PAIMe..+~o c~Jx. Mi~MiJ Fe... 331S"~

DS·DE 5 (Rev .. 05/06)

000004 (continued on reverse side)

------------------ ---------

( '

6,. List by Name, Address and Position, Other Principal Officers, Including Officers and Members of the Finance Committee, If Any (include chairman's name)

Full Name Mailing Address Committee Title or Position

7,. List by Name, Address, Office Sought and Party Affiliation Each Candidate or Other Individual that this Committee is Supporting (if none, please indicate) .... ··-------------------·-

Full Name Mailing Address Office Sought Party 1------- ---1----------------1------·---f

8 List Any Issues this Committee is Supporting: M~fUUlt ~ r;; e:9""' i,iTy• ~E.l.i G.\01,.l S I I f<2.C~O~

List Any Issues this Committee Is Opposing: I"/ A

9,. If this Committee is Supporting the Entire Ticket of a Party, Give Name of Party

~ j.,,. 10. In the Event of Dissolution, What Disposition will be Made of Residual Funds?

C~4lRi'Tl\.SL.i( <:. o NTR. i S(..A. i.; oJ 11 .. List all Banks, Safety Deposit Boxes, or Other Depositories Used for Committee Funds

Name of Bank or Depository & Account Number ·--------t

Mailing Address _____ __;;. __ ·-------~--IY'8 01 s. 'PiXie. .Uwy. l"\iAMi yL- 331~~

' 12. List all Reports Required to be Filed by this Committee with Federal Officials and the Names, Addresses

and Positions of Such Officials, If Any -------,--·---------·-,-------------Report Title Dates Required to be Filed Name & Position of Official Mailing Address ___ __,

STATE OF _F t.O "fr._\_• !>_A, _______ _ COUNTY

I, ____ V:_A~N~lii~~---· -~g_P._i._i _______ , certify that the information in this Statement of

Organization~is~complete, true and corr:ct

x ------~'-#-ig~a~t~ur_e_o_f_C_h-ai-rm_a_n_o_f_P_o_lit-ica-IC._o_m_m-itt_e_e _____ _ --#<;13 -·-uuuuo;:,

: J . .. ''

', i o~ <:;:, .. , , ... •·\

APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER AND DESIGNATION OF CAMPAIGN

DEPOSITORY FOR

2013 JUtJ 26 Ail 9: 49

POLITICAL COMMITTEES (Sections 106 .. 011(1) and 106 .. 021(1), FS .. )

CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX: OFFICE USE ONLY

~ Original Appointment of Treasurer 0 Reappointment of Treasurer D Deputy Treasurer

1 Committee or Organization 2 .. Telephone

6 QLA>-.1- -11! fl.fl\ A_~_r_--=1''--"o_,_iP..c...;..A ___ +-(-m_) .(l.f__,__?_-,o~. 3. Name of Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer 4 .. Email (optional) . Telephone (optional)

6. Mailing Address

7 .. Street Address

8 .. The following bank has been designated as the ~ Primary Depository 0 Secondary Depository

9 Name of Bank 10 Street Address Mi A "'4 i 1 ~ J,..

Wt-lls l='l).T"~o 11.ffor ~. 'Di'i(;e {tw~. 331.:f.(..

11 City 12. State 13 Zip Code

re or Chairman

x / Camoaian Tre~surer's Acceotance of Aooointment

t, V 4 N~ ff.A R~\ ~3> • ___ , do hereby accept the appointment as (Please Ptint or ype) .I J

treasurerordeputytreasurerfor 1A._ 1.111t ( f"lAY,;/.&f -:::b,og:JlA - ~ (Committee or Organ1zat1on)

UNDER PENALTIES OF PER.JURY, I DECLARE THAT I HAVE READ THE FOREGOING CAMPAIGN TREASURER'S AC EPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT ANO THAT T FACTS STATED ARE TRUE.

REGISTERED AGENT STATEMENT OF APPOINTMENT

(Section 106 022, FS )

~ Original Appointment 0 Change of Appointment

0 Change of Mailing Address D Change of Physical Address ________ _,_ _______________ ~---!

Registered Agent and Office Information ------· J T~lephone ~ _

2;_

Street Address

City ' MiA .....

State Zip Code 331

5-f ---

Mailing Address Al30V~

/ Zip Code"-- ,,. J State ~ / ' City ,, •;

--------------I accept this appointment and confirm that I am familiar with and accept the obligations Of the position as set forth in Section 106.022, F.S. I also understand that I may resign this appointment by executing a wntten statemen of resignation an ling it ith the applicable filing officer

-#/!J_ __ Date

Former Registered Agent and Office Information (for changes only) f--N-am_e_______ .. I Teleph-;;;;-;;--------;

1----------------j\-t---l-:l------Street Address

City --------__ _,_ _ _.F_s_ta-te___ Zip Code

Committee or Organization Information ·-------· _____________________ , Name of ComrPittee or Organization

____ E'.cct..t.A i.. MA~ti.iS\ ~~ ft.tJ!E.ii=>A r-: __ _ Street Address \ I ~one ~ LJ

1---------'''-'Gg-=...:z::...;o_ ':f'c>i t....t"' e""'"! o C.W-b. l>r. _ _L_:_ ~~ 1.-1 o_ City I State k &.- Zip ~-ode '3 "3 I S:f -----

Si

Printed Name of Chairperson Date ti Form OS-DE 41(revised6/11)

000007

... . . OFFICE USE ON[Yi i

-....

STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION OF S / 1, . "

2013 JUN 24 OF POLITICAL COMMITTEE 4N 8: 52 .. ~i' \•'I• •. J '.J:.,. • r·: ..

(PLEASE TYPE) i l ii/,.;;-.~ i 1'J'1' I ) "-" -. '\ / .,_i

v: t.. FL

1 .. Full Name of Committee Telephone --·- \=~ \ 0 v ,Jrc-~PAu s og<-/ \ ,. - u o..\ rr\ c-1 I{ Y' I Ll.,~e =\¥;(c 5~1· i::: ~t

···-·-·---··---·--···-···-·----·-·-·-··--·----.. ··---··"·····---·-···· .. ··--·"-""·-·····-.. ··· .. -·-·--"····-·-· .. -........... _ ..•.. ----·---·-··---.. ·-·-Mailing Address (include city. state and zip code)

\~~ 3,~G .. \) (/\ I n-,<. i 4 c, (' \ l.-l 6 DiC \'\ ' I (),In l '

F-·L. 3 31~ ·7 _ .. _., ______ .......... --·--·-··--·-· .. ·-·-····-···········-·-·-"·""'"''--··-·····-···-····-··-·-···----·-· .. -·,·-····-... ·-·-··""-·-------· .. ······-···'"-·----····-·-······----·······-····

Street Address (include city, state and zip code)

15 ~-~\.) .-?Ct\ n,e-\4 t. C'1v-.L t)1( \ll l(\1Y)I FL ···::, 3 I ~;; =/-

2. Affiliated or Connected Organizations (includes other committees of continuous existence and political committees)

····-----------..... --···'----..... ·---·--·-··--··---·-··-··-···--.. --... --.. ·-·-·--·--"'···-.. -.... ---·-·-··· .. ··-·--·----···-·--·-,.·---·--Name of Affiliated or

Connected Organization Mailing Address Relationship ,,.:., ___ .,. _____ ..... _ .. ____ , ____ .. ····-···-···--·,.··-·-····--... ··-·-······-· ... ······--·-····-··-···--·-· ___ ,. ______ .... - .... ____ , ... - ..•.. - ..... ---·-·

0/A µf-A ~f A

3 .. Area, Sco;>e and Jurisdiction of the Committee

S-\GL~t' J f\oviJ<~ . 4 .. Nature of Organization or Organization's Special Interest (e .. g ., medical, legal, education, etc .. )

'"'' 6.. v v 1l\1jE:. E ~ "'·" \ ,-+.'.:) , ---~e. I I :1 (" l'U. '0:, ~:-V' e e J 00-,

5 .. Identify by Name, Address and Position, the Custodian of Books and Accounts (Include treasurer's name) -------------- --- ---- -·----- ----··-· Full Name Mailing Address Committee Title or Position

'---···------·-------·- -·---- ·-··--·-·-·-· ------· ·-

~(\ne-ssa /D121~ .. .> \~ b)(; ?1J f"'<:' -~ ~ <.> (' l~~ b l)rz ~·

{ fO\'S.L<• er' \ \Y\10.'" I V'L- ·3~1:,1-

OS-DE 5 (Rev. 05106} (continued on reverse side)

OOOOfJ8 ------------------·-·

(

6 .. List by Name, Address and Position, Other Principal Officers, Including Officers and Members of the Finance Committee, If Any (include chairman's name) ····----·-----·-·-- __ ., _________ , ____ ,, ___ ,. ____ ,, __ , .......... -... -........ -·-······----.··----·--.. ·-·-···--"·····-----··

Full Name Mailing Address Committee Titie or Posttion

VtA.r'\e-.ssa.-~c=,:i:;;---_____... ------ --· --

19620 f?~\~ Cl.Mb .b1 (, ...... "'-" .......... OJ('\

•ff>\Q..,..,.,;, '?- 3"3\ S:::t

15~ z..c> P~ ,.,,e)+.o tte,<h .Dr ..

\\~· G>tQ.I.\ "" ,,, ~ t ~~\ / -...3\t;':::h ~Q-G'-~ . 7. List by Name, Address, Office Sought and Party Affiliation Each Candidate or Other lndlvidual that this

Committee Is Supporting (If none, please Indicate) -·-·----·----·--·-.. ----------····-·· -····-···-·--··-··-·-·"···-····-'"'-..-·-·--···-··---··-Full Name Mailing Address Office Sought Party 1--·------·-- -·--··--------··--·-·-- -·--···------------·---------

. IV/A tJ /A tJ r~ t0f A 8 .. List Any Issues this Committee is Supporting: '('(\Cl~ ( ill~<'. T:: q lA"'- \ , + _:j ,-P., -e I 15 t l'(• ·.:. FV ff'1

List Any Issues this Committee is Opposing: n Qne...

9. If this Committee l~ Supporting the Entire Ticket of a Party, Give Name of Party

N --A 10. In the Event of Dissolutlon, What Disposition wlll be Made of Residual Funds?

Ch°'(, ·h6!e Qv l)l\ n 1 '.t: ,,+,·o,-, 11. List all Banks, Safety Deposit Boxes, or Other Depositories Used for Committee Funds _ .... ------ - -··--··-·-·"-····-··-··-·-·-

Name of Bank or Depository & Account Number Mailing Address ··--·-----·------··---------·------··--... -- ----.. ·--···--··--·-----------·-···--------·-··-···-

W.e Its r"'("~ o

12 .. List all Reports Required to be Flied by this Committee with Federal Officials and the Names, Addresses and Positlon15 of Such Officials, If Any ____________ , _____ --·----·---------·--·-·-1""'·----····--------·-·--·------·-··--·-·-----..... ·--·

Report Title Dates Required to be Filed Name & Position of Official Mailing Address ···--··--··----·---··-··- ·-----------·---------- ---------·--·-··--·· -------··--·--·----.. -·

,:JI A Nf A !0/A ;J/A

STATE OF f/ v r. i do. _____________ _f'Qi9.n2~ -l:Ad'< COUNTY --·-------·

I. vt\NcSSA B_r<-1-! __ 6 --·-- -----· . certify lhat the information in this Statement of

Organization is co~ true and correct

x - - ___ ~1/:;1ko13 ·---- .... ____ , Si 01 Chairman of Political Commlttee Date -

000009

(

APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER AND DESIGNATION OF CAMPAIGN

DEPOSITORY FOR POLITICAL COMMITTEES

(Sect!an& 106 .. 011(1) and 106 .. 021(1), F .. S.)

CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX:

/

I '

OFFICE USE ONLY

J8i Original l'ppointment of Treasurer D Reappointment of Treasurer [] Deputy Treasurer

1 Committee or Organization 2 Telephone

, .. fqv.i~ ~~~:iet:;e .. \: \,~· 1J1c._, <~1l.lc i !';l.1f1- - ~c~·I ·---·-.. --·~-----'"''''-'"""'" ____ ..,_. ____ ,._, _____ , ____ . _______ . __ _ 3. Name o!Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer 4. Email (optional) 5. Telephone (optional)

\J l\ YI e SS<,__ 6 '2 ,~-c;, c > ·-··-·--···-·---··---·---····--·-... -·.-............... ___ .... - ........ -......•.. --·-···-·-··-·--··· .. ·· --···--·,.····--···-·--···--··---··--····-···-·-·-··-6 Malling Addtess

1 '58;;Jc \?.~, \r,1 f"+-·~-c::-£ \IA b _ ·D.1c._._~, '._CAl:_~_f L __ 3 ,~ 1s. =i- ·------7. Street Address

\r;}'i):JC \)°' \w.c-\ \c.. (\..,J) 1-::::il( \1 \1(A1l\\ f.L ~31:.> 4-~-······--··- .. - .. - .. , __ .... _ .. ··-----.. -· .. ·-- .. ·-·-"' ____ ,_ ·····--... --.... -- ...... _ .... _. __ ., _____ ,,, __ ,_, ___ .~.-- .. -·-·····-·"··"·--·····--

8. The following bank has been designated as the ~ Primary Depository O secondary Depository

:-=~~~} -~'.~-===1~~~~~~1u ~~-=~~=~-= 11 City 12 State 13 Zip Code

\'Y\ \CA\')') I :S315- ::r 14 Slgna;ur~ Chairman ,

x '_f,,a---·--=========-15 N'm' of Chairman (Prinl o~e) , (

VA A)ts;s4 ,t512-1·to

1 / . ~:~oaian Treasurer's Acceotance of Aooointment

I JLB A) es.s A 13 ;Q 1-l-o . do hereby accept the appointment as ·-~·-·- - - (Pleas~~·--·---~·-·----··----·-··-

treasurer or deputy treasurer ror _J::4 u J /YJ.f.l.r r,. ct_ (;t t·i or ,-j(J.._ 'f?.A t/_ · (Committee r Organization)

UNDER PENAL TIES OF PERJURY, l DECLARE THAT I Hif:R THE FOREGOING CAMPAIGN TREASURER'S CEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT ANO T AT E FACTS STATeo ARE TRUE

' ~ I+ /,:; 0 I');, x 't- 'i -------= ------· I Date t -- S"'"ature of Camoa1an Treasurer or D""ulv Treasurer ·-

OS-DE & {Rev. 7110) I

0000.iO

(

·~~~--~~-~·~-~-~--~----·-~··--~~--·~__: ..... ~-1~·~·---. ·-1 --- • ~, • r :.

REGISTERED AGENT STATEMENT OF APPOINTMENT

(Section 106 022, F S.}

OFFICE USE ONLY 'T 02"~ PBJ3 JUN . )/ .. ,

:.'/.' • 24 41{ 8: s ;· .... ' ( ' .' '." , ( ·t,,.i·;1:.,,r.. ' ' ,,, ' ,, ,

·~ '·· i t' ~ (1//, . • 1· l. ... Original Appointment D Change of Appointment

D Change of Malling Address [) Change of Physical Address -· ·-·-·-----··-.. -· __ ............... ___ . ________ ,. _____ ,, __ ,_, ___ ,..___ ·-- --------·------! Registered Agent and Office Information ---·-- -------·--· ___ ,, ___ .. _____ .. ____ , __________ .. __ ·----·---·

-~~~~-t\-e °:.~~ 1.f,Y ___ l .. 0£1_~---------·----·---·~~1:..~0~.:.25~:-_ if!} <t? __

~~i~~~~~:1,_;;:~r~~=~'.'."~~~-=-= Mailing Address ·--:-, , ,

\ 5-'6' Q () \<A \n)e-\ ~c C \.IA.\:) \.)1C.

. ci~~~---~~~--1 ~ ;-.~~---~.:=--~~~--~~:.~~1;·· r-~~~~ .. :~-~=~-~ip ~~de-·~-~-, 5 .~ .. ··--

statemel).I of resignation and filing it with the applicable filing officer . j 1 accept this appointment and confirm that I am familiar with and accept the obligations of the position as set

'°"" '" ""'°" ""-"" '.S o Ooo ,._ • ., •• 0 ~' ~•go •" "''°"'""'"(: ,...,."' • •""" -~~:~~(~i;~:~;n1j_\O~-- -- ·- ·· . --0~1f-f .. L± J~!~-- ---·-··-· --···-···-···--·-.. ----··-.. ··-···- .. - ... - .. ---· .. -··· --·----·-

Former Registered Agent and Office Information (for changes only) -·---·-·-"----·· ------·--·---------------------------

Name Telephone I ------------·------------------------··-------·-··-·--·-·----

Street Addres:; /\.I /-\

Cify _____ -- --·-·----------·-- -15~;;--·-·---- ---- Zip C~de ---·------- -··--

.. -.... -·- - ··--··-· --- ·-·-Committee or Organization Information - ............ _ ...... , __ ,, ____________ -- - -·· ···-~-........ ···---- ·-- .......... _ ........ _

Name of Committee or Organization C \ . r·\ , Ca \A.O.... '(f\ (l V' v" I ~{".. T- 0 '{ I &_c,_ . . s~~1'A···i:icir~~~ -.-1 ·.__.~-. ~ ·:~-. ....... ;:;·

1-· .. . ... ;-. ~. ··----~-, . ~--.. -.\'-....... -----·-·-.---TT;1eph;,. -;--·-··-~-~-.:--~ ~- .•.. i

_ .. -··-~ o~L.. \._0_m~-t·_h, t_ ~l:?.. .. ::?12. __ ·--- J_ ___ ::t§.1.:>:_:.J'l_T oU.,.~'-1

~'.~--.. -~ ~0-~~- ___ .... __________________ ]_~1~~---E.i-- _ .. _____________ ~'.~~-~~- .. :?~_L?._2:__ __ _ .

Slg~;p~~ ---::= ........... ?. .............. - . -

_ ~ c.,, _n e-:.£,r< '6~ , ~-~·-·-· ___ ,, ... _ .. __ Printed Name of Chairperson

Fonn DS-·DE 41 (revised 6111)

000011 ---------------------------

RICK SCOTT GovernO!

June 27, 2013

Ms. Vanessa Brito, Chairperson E qua\ Mani age Florida 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, Florida 33 l 57

Dear Ms .. Brito:

KENDETZNER Secretary of State

This Vvill acknowledge receipt of the Statement of Organization and Appointment of Campaign 1 reasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Equal Marriage Florida., which were placed on file in our office on June 26. 2013 This information appears to comply with the requirements of Section 106.03, Florida Statutes, and the name of this organization has been placed on our active committee list as a political committee that supports issues.

Campaign T reasmer's Repor·ts

Your first campaign treasurer's report will be due on July 10, 2013. The report will cover the period of April I., 20 Ll - June 30, 2013. All political committees that tile reports with the Division of Elections are required to file by means of the Division's Electronic Filing System (EFS)

Credentials and Sign-on~

Below is the v.·cb address to access the EFS and the committee's user identification number The enclosed sealed envelope contains the committee·'s initial password. Once you ha"e logged in using the initial password,. you will he immediately prompted to change it to a confidential sign­on The chairperson. campaign treasurer, and deputy t1easurcrs a1e responsible for protecting this password from disclosure and are responsible for all filings using these credentials, unless the Division is notified that your credentials have been compromised.

EFS Website Address: https://efa.dos.state.fl .us Identification Number: 60477

0000.12

~ lllUI ~I nDmHnn

. (

Ms .. Vanessa Brito, Chairperson June 27 .. 2013 Page Two

_Pin Numbers

( .

Pin numbers are confidential secure credentials that allow you to submit reports and update information.. The enclosed sealed envelope provides a confidential pin number for the chairperson By copy of this letter, a confidential pin number to access the FFS was sent to the treasurer

Each political committee chairperson is required to provide the Division of Elections with confidential personal information that may be used to allow access in the event that the password is forgotten or lost When you enter the campaign account screen, there will be a drop down box where you pick a question (such as What is your mother's maiden name?) and supply an answer All passwords and answers to questions are stored as encrypted data and cannot be viewed by Division staff and given out over the phone .. Please notify the Division if your credentials have been compromised

Timely Filing

All reports must be completed and filed through the EFS no later than midnight, Eastern Standard Time, of the due date.. Reports not filed by midnight of the due date are late filed and subject to the penalties in Section l 06 .. 07(8), Florida Statutes In the event that the EFS is inoperable on the due date, the report will be accepted as timely filed if filed no later than midnight, Eastern Standard Time, of the first business day the EFS becomes operable. No fine will be levied during the period the EFS was inoperable

Any political committee failing to tile a report on the designated due date is suqject to a fine of $50 per day for the first 3 days and, thereafter, $500 per day for each day, not to exceed 25% of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report. However.. for the reports immediately preceding each primary and general election .. the fine shall be $500 per day, not to exceed 15% of the total receipts or expenditures,. whichever is greater, for the period cover.::d by the late report.

Electronic Receipts

The person submitting the report on the F FS will be issued an electronic receipt indicating and verif)ing the report was filed.. Each campaign treasurer's report filed by means of the EFS is c:onsidered to be under oath by the chairperson and campaign treasurer and such persons are suqject to the ptO\'isions of Section l 06 .. 07(5 ), Florida Statutes

00001.3

(

Ms Vanessa Brito,. Chairperson June 27, 1013 Page Three

.Instructions and Assistance

,, I ,

An online instruction guide is available to you on the EFS to assist with navigation. data entry. and submission of reports. The Division of Elections will also provide assistance to all users by contacting the EF S Help Desk at (850) 245-6280

All of the Division's publications and rnporting forms are available on the Division of Elections' website at http://elections.l!!yflorida.com. It is your· responsibility to read, understand, and follow the requirements of Florida's election laws Ther·eforc, please print a copy of the following documents: Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, 2012 Political Committee Handbook, 201) Calendar of Reporting Dates, and Rule IS.-2.017, Florida Administrntive C'ode ..

Please let me know if you need additional information.

Sincerely.

. 1~~ 0JAUc~11u~/ ,~'-Kristi Reid Bronson, Chief (j Bureau of Election Records

KRB/ljr

Enclosures

00001,4

January 13, 2014

Vanessa Brito, Treasurer

Equal Mruriage Florida

15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157-3157

Re: PAC 60477

Dem· Ms .. Brito:

(

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE Ken Detzner

Secretary of State

DIVISION OF ELECTIONS

Your campaign tl'easurer's report, which was due January 10, 2014, has not been received

Section 106.07(8)(b), Florida Statutes, requires that the filing officer immediately notify you of the failure to file this report and that a fine will be assessed of $50 per day for the first 3 days late and, thereafter $500 per day, although a fine cannot exceed 25% of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report However, for the reports immediately preceding each primary and general election, the fine shall be $500 per day for each late day, not to exceed 25% of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report

Once your report is filed, this office will notify you of the specific amount of your fine .. Fines must be paid to the filing officer within 20 days of receipt of the payment due notice.

Please be advised, however, that failure to file a campaign treasurer's report may constitute a violation of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, independent of the automatic fine violation referenced above Therefore, if you fail to file a report the division will tum the matter over to the Florida Elections Commission.

Section 106.265(1), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Florida Elections Commission to impose a civil penalty up to $1,000 per count for each wil!fol violation of Chapter 106.

lfyou have any questions, please contact the help desk at (850) 245-6280

Sincerely,

c.~ _N<~~-t-J:i '1-Kristi Reid Bronson, Chief Bureau of Election Records

000015

( / I

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE Ken Detmer

Second Notice

Januazy 22, 2014

Vanessa B1ito, T r'easurer Equal Maniage Florida 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157 .. 3157

Re: PAC 60477

Dear Ms, Brito:

Secretaty of State

DIVISION OF ELECTIONS

Your campaign treasurer's report, due January 10, 2014, has not been received,

Section 106 .. 07(8)(1>), Florida Statutes, requizes that the filing officer immediately notify you of the failure to file a report

The first notice of the failure to file the above mentioned report was mailed, via regular mail, to the address on file with our office on January 13, 2014, As of this date, we do not show a record of receiving this repozt

lfthe report is not filed via the Division's electronic filing system within 14 days ofreceipt of this notice, this matter will be referred to the Florida Elections Commission for furthet action Section I 06265( 1), Florida Statutes, authozizes the Florida Elections Commission, upon finding a willful violation of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, to impose a civil penalty up to $1,000 peI count

Jf you have any questions, please contact the help desk at (850) 245-6280

Sincerely,

d; /f-~L.~~-1---Kristi Reid Bronson, Chief Bureau of Election Records

0000.16

---~Tue-R-A-Oray-Building-Room-3-16-•-500-South-BronouAA-Street_e_lallahasse_e..EL_:>212.2:Q250 • (850) 245-6240

(

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT of STATE RICK SCOTT

Governor

FINAL NOTICE Delivery Confirmation:

January31, 2014

USPS TRACKING# &CUSTOMER RECEIPT

Vanessa Brito, Treasurer for Equal Ma.triage Florida (60477) 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL 33157

Dear Ms Brito:

9114 9011698183702602 80 For Tnaddng or lnqUirles go t<1 USpS com or catl 1-800-222-1811

KENDETZNER Secretary of State

According to a review of the Division's records, the 01ganization reforenced above has not filed the following report:

Year

2013

Report

Ml2

Cover Period

12/0112013 - 12/31/2013

The organization has previously been notified of the report that is outstanding.. Enclosed are copies of letters sent by the Division. If the report is not filed within 7 days of receipt of this letter, the Division will forward this matter to the Florida Elections Commission for further action. Section 106 265(!), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Florida Elections Commission to impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation

lf you have any questions, please call the help desk at (850) 245-6280 ..

:;;~~~f-Kristi Reid Bronson, Chief Bureau of Election Records

KRB/slb

Enclosures

000017 Division of· Elections

· -.---R-.. A_ .. _G_ra_y_B_uJCil.dlng, Suite 316 • 500 South Bronough Street • Tallahassee, Florida 32399 ' al 850.245 .. 6200 • 850.245 .. 6217 (Fax) election.dos .. state .. fl.us FlORIDAT

4.

'fl:nl\NI)" \'>\* Pl".omoting_l'lol:i_4.~~s HistoTy_ and Culture VivaFlorida.org ELECTIONS

January 13, 2014

Vanessa Brito, Tr!ll!Surer Equal Marriage Florida 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL33157-3157

Re: PAC 60477

Dear Ms .. Brito:

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE Ken Detzner

Secretary of State

DIVISION OF ELECTIONS

Your campaign treasurer's report, which was due Janua1y 10, 2014, has not been received

Section 106.07(8)(b), Florida Statutes, Itl<J11i1es that the filing officer immediately notify you of the failure to file this report and that a fine will be assessed of $50 per day for the first 3 days late and, thereafter $500 per day, although a fine cannot exceed 25% of the total receipts or expenditures, whichever is greater, for the period covered by the late report However, for the reports immediately preceding each primary and general election, the fine shall be $500 per day for each late day, not to exceed 25% of the total receipts 01

expenditure.s, whichever is greate1, for the period covered by the late report.

Once your report is filed, this office will notify you of the specific amount of yom fine. Fines must be paid to the filing officer within 20 days of receipt of the payment due notice.

Please be advised, however, that failure to file a campaign lleasurer's report may constitute a violation of Chapter 106,Florida Statutes, independent of the automatic fine violation referenced above Ihe1efore, if you fail to file a report the division will tum the matter over to the Florida Elections Commission.

Section 106 . .265(1), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Florida Elections Commission to impose a civil penalty up to $ l ,000 per count for each willfol violation of Chapter 106.

lfyou have any questions, please contact the help desk at (850) 245 ·6280.

Sincerely,

c.~ ~~_,._:a'? Kristi Reid Bronson, Chief Bureau of Election Records

0000.18 --------·----------------

/

(

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE Ken Detmer

Second ~otice

January 22, 2014

Vanessa Brito, Treasurer Equal Marriage Florida 15820 Palmetto Club Drive Miami, FL33\S7-3157

Re: PAC60477

Dear Ms. Brito:

Secretary of State

DIVISION OF ELECTIONS

Your campaign treasurer's report, due January JO, 2014, has not been received

Section l 06.07(8)(b ), Florida Statutes, requites that the filing officer immediately notify you of the failure to file a report.

The first notice of the failure to file the above mentioned repott was mailed, via regular mail, to the address on file with our office on January 1'3, 2014 As of' this date, we do not show a record of receiving this repon ..

lfthe report is not filed via the Division's electronic filing system within 14 days of receipt of this notice, this matter will be referred to the Florida Elections Commission for further action.. Section 106.265(1 ), Florida Statutes, autltorizes the Florida Elections Commission, upon finding a willful violation of Chapter !06, Florida Statutes, to impose a civil penalty up to $!,000 per count

lf you have any questions, please contact the help desk at (850) 245-6280

Sincerely,

di /f-«~/(~~ 1--Kristi Reid Bronson, Chief Bureau of Election Records

000019 --·----·---- -----

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(

HISTORY NOTES Equal Marriage Florida - 60477

Unique ID Date Recorded Last Edited Date Orginally Recorded By

33902 817/2013 2:29:00 PM ddbeach

Spoke w/Ms .. Brito - received second FF notice - mailed 7/25/13 - waiver was filed 7/30/13 - advised that notice would have arrived at about same time· account is now current - no activity for initial period - advised nothing further to do at this time

Page 1 of 1 000021

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