Constitution of Safety Harbor Boat Club, Inc.

ARTICLE I - Name
The name of this organization shall be Safety Harbor Boat Club, Inc., herein referred to as the "Safety Harbor Boat Club", the "Boat Club", the "Club", or "SHBC". The organization shall be incorporated as a Florida not-for-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida, in Safety Harbor, Florida

ARTICLE II - Mission
The mission of the Safety Harbor Boat Club, Inc. (SHBC) is to foster a vibrant boating community through education, safety, and camaraderie on the waters in and around Safety Harbor and throughout Florida. We promote safe and responsible boating practices, offer training and educational programs, and host family-friendly social events that bring together boaters of all experience levels. Open to everyone, SHBC is dedicated to encouraging community volunteering, environmental stewardship, and a shared love of boating among both new and seasoned enthusiasts.

ARTICLE III - Membership
Section 1. Membership Eligibility

Membership is open to all persons.

Section 2. Dues

A. Initiation and annual dues are per family or per boat. A family is defined as family members living in the same household. Extended family members, not living in the member household, will be considered as guests. Annual dues will be paid beginning the year following initiation. Surviving spouses of deceased members shall be granted lifetime membership.

B. Any proposed change in dues or initiation fees must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote by members in good standing and present at a general meeting.

C. Dues statements will be sent in December of each year and are due upon receipt. Members who have not paid by January 31st will receive a delinquency notice.

D. Members unpaid by March 1st will become members in default and may be reinstated within the year by paying full dues. Members in default cannot vote, make nominations, hold office, or serve on committees. Members remaining in default at year-end forfeit their membership and may rejoin as new members. A member in default may participate in club activities as a guest. Any dues paid on or after October 1st, shall be considered paid until December 31st of the following year.

E. Assessments for functions will be voted on by Officers for specific events. These assessments will be reported to the members by email and announced at meetings or other gatherings prior to the event. 2

Section 3. Code of Conduct

A. Membership in SHBC is a privilege that carries responsibilities of courteous, civil, and safe behavior during all club activities. Members are responsible for their own conduct, as well as that of their families and guests. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, actions likely to endanger the welfare, safety, harmony, or reputation of the Club. Members witnessing inappropriate behavior should first ask the person to stop. If the behavior continues, it should be reported to an SHBC Officer. The Officer and/or Officers shall determine at that time whether action is warranted.

B. If determined by the Officers that further administrative actions are warranted, the administrative actions may include oral or written reprimand, suspension, or expulsion.

C. If expulsion is considered, a disciplinary review committee of at least five members, including at least two current officers, will review and vote on the matter. A majority vote of the committee is required for expulsion. An expelled member may reapply for membership after one calendar year.

ARTICLE IV - Officers and Responsibilities
Section 1. Offices

There shall be four elected Club Officers: Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer, and Scribe. If an Officer position becomes vacant, remaining Officers will assume responsibilities of that position temporarily until filled. The Commodore shall not fulfill the responsibilities of the Treasurer.

A. Commodore - Acts as presiding Officer of general meetings and is responsible to the membership for proper Club operation. The Commodore shall have discretionary spending authority of $50.00 per event or item.

B. Vice Commodore - Responsible for Club activities and assumes Commodore duties in their absence. The Vice Commodore shall have discretionary spending authority of $50.00 per event or item. Under the Vice Commodore, three chairs shall be appointed: Activities Chair, Program Chair, and Race Chair.

1. The Activities Chair shall organize non-race events and aid in other events as needed.

2. The Program Chair shall organize guest speakers for monthly meetings and aid in other events as needed.

3. The Race Chair shall schedule, score, and keep records of races and aid in other events as needed.

C. Treasurer -

1. Collect all dues and fees owed to the club.

2. Manage the club's daily financial operations under Officer supervision.

3. Maintain an accurate account of all moneys collected and disbursed, with a supporting file of bills and invoices.

4. Report to the Officers at each meeting on the present and projected financial condition of the club.

5. At the end of their term, prepare an annual financial report listing the Club's assets and liabilities and giving a complete record of receipts and disbursements for the year.

6. Provide all necessary information and materials for an annual audit.

D. Secretary -

1. Keep a record of all business transacted at meetings.

2. Maintain a complete and up-to-date file of the Constitution and all amendments or revisions thereto.

3. Procure and maintain a supply of all printed forms necessary for the conduct of Club business.

4. Maintain a file of applications for membership and a record of fees received.

5. Prepare and maintain a roster of Club members including their addresses, telephone numbers, and boat names.

6. Serve as Secretary for Florida nonprofit compliance.

Section 2. Term of Office

Each Officer shall serve for one year, beginning January 1st and ending December 31st.

Section 3. Vacancies of an Office

In the event of a vacancy of an office, the remaining Officers may agree to appoint a member in good standing who shall assume the duties for the remainder of the term.

Section 4. Elections

A. The election of Officers shall occur at the annual meeting and shall be conducted in accordance with the Constitution.

B. In October of each year a nominating committee will be appointed to accept applications for the following year. All Club members in good standing may nominate Officers. The slate of prospective Officers will be presented to the membership at the general meeting one month prior to the annual meeting.

C. If there is more than one candidate for any office, the nominating committee will organize a vote by secret ballot to occur at the annual meeting. A majority of votes cast by members in good standing and present at the meeting will determine the winner. Nominees may vote for themselves.

ARTICLE V - Recall

Any Officer may be removed from office for failure to perform assigned duties by a two-thirds majority vote of members in good standing and present at a general meeting. The Officer subject to recall shall not vote on the matter. Notice of the proposed recall vote shall be provided to all members at least 10 days in advance of the meeting.

ARTICLE VI - Meetings

A. A minimum of four Officer meetings shall be held annually at dates determined by the Officers. These meetings will be open to all members in good standing.

B. An annual general membership meeting shall be held near year-end, including Officer elections and reports.

C. General meetings will be held monthly, except July and August - unless deemed necessary by Officers to conduct Club business.

D. Meetings may be held in person or virtually at the discretion of the Officers.

ARTICLE VII - Rules

Policies or procedures necessary to carry out the objectives of the Club may be adopted or revised by a majority vote of members present at the annual meeting. Except as amended by this Constitution, the current Robert's Rules of Order shall govern meetings.

ARTICLE VIII - Bank Accounts/Assets

A. All funds belonging to the Club shall be deposited in accounts held in the name of the Safety Harbor Boat Club (aka Safety Harbor Boat Club, Inc.)

B. All checks over $100.00 must be signed by the Treasurer and initialed by another Officer or approved by an Officer via SHBC4Fun@gmail.com email.

C. All funds of the Club shall be used exclusively to promote the organization's purposes and shall not inure to the benefit of any individual member.

D. In the event of dissolution, all encumbered funds shall be properly disbursed, and remaining assets shall be distributed as determined by the Officers, consistent with applicable law.

E. Annual audit

1. An annual audit of financials and assets will be conducted within the first quarter of the new year.

2. An audit committee comprised of a minimum of two members in good standing will perform the audit.

3. The audit committee will present the audit report no later than March.

ARTICLE IX - Amendments

Any member in good standing may propose an amendment at any general or Officer meeting. Notice of the proposed amendment must be provided to all members at least 14 days before the meeting at which it will be voted upon. A two-thirds majority vote of members in good standing and who are present at the meeting is required for passage. 5

ARTICLE X - Ratification

This Constitution shall take effect upon approval by a two-thirds majority vote of members in good standing who are present at a general meeting. Upon ratification, it supersedes all prior governing documents and shall be filed with the State of Florida if required by law.

Revision Record
Revision #1 - Approved March 1, 2006.
Revision #2 - Approved February 6, 2008.
Revision #3 - Approved August 3, 2014.
Revision #4 - November 5, 2014.
Revision #5 - Approved December 5, 2018
Revision #6 - Approved December 3, 2025