Bylaws | Spacecoastjeepclub

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SPACE COAST JEEP CLUB INC. BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

Table of Contents

ARTICLE 1 - NAME OF CLUB ........................................................................................................................ 3

ARTICLE 2 - PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................. 3

ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES ....................................................................................................... 3

ARTICLE 4 - MEETINGS ............................................................................................................................... 4

ARTICLE 5 - VEHICLE APPROVAL AND SAFETY .......................................................................................... 4

ARTICLE 6 - USE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS .............................................................................................. 4

ARTICLE 7 - ADMINISTRATION AND OFFICERS .......................................................................................... 5

ARTICLE 8 - DUTIES AND POWERS OF OFFICERS ...................................................................................... 5

ARTICLE 9 - EXPENDITURES AND FINANCE ............................................................................................... 6

ARTICLE 10 - ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS ..................................................................................................... 6

ARTICLE 11 - IMPEACHMENT ..................................................................................................................... 7

ARTICLE 12 - RULES AND REGULATIONS ................................................................................................... 8

ARTICLE 13 – SOCIAL MEDIA RULES AND REGULATIONS .......................................................................... 8

ARTICLE 14 - M E M O R I A L R E C O G N I T I O N F O R F A L L E N O F F R O A D M E M B E R S ................................. 9

ARTICLE 15 - AMENDMENTS .................................................................................................................... 10

ARTICLE 16 - INDEMNIFICATION .............................................................................................................. 10

ARTICLE 17 - DISSOLUTION ...................................................................................................................... 10

ARTICLE 18 - STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION .............................................................................. 10

ARTICLE 19 - REGISTERED TRADEMARKS AND LOGOS ........................................................................... 11

Alternate Club Logos; ............................................................................................................................... 12

.................................................................................................................................................................. 12

ARTICLE 20 - MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST FOR TRAIL RIDES ............................................................... 13

Mandatory .............................................................................................................................................. 13

Recommended ....................................................................................................................................... 13

Suggested ............................................................................................................................................... 13

ARTICLE 1 - NAME OF CLUB

This organization shall be known as the Space Coast Jeep Club Inc. Hereinafter referred to as the Club.

ARTICLE 2 - PURPOSE

The Club is organized as a non-profit 501(c)(7) organization in the United States of America in the state

of Florida and in the County of Brevard for the purpose of:

A. Providing social, educational, and recreational activities for its members.

B. Participating in supporting civic activities, to enjoy and protect all local, state, and federal

resources, and to assist various government agencies with development of oﬀ-road trails and

areas.

C. To adhere to the principles of the Tread Lightly Program and the United States Four Wheel Drive

Associations.

ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

A. Membership into the Club is granted to an individual who owns or leases a Jeep® brand vehicle

and has paid the required annual dues.

B. Family Participation: The immediate family members residing in the household of a member in

good standing may participate in club meetings, events and activities unless otherwise

restricted by the Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the BoD, or these Bylaws.

Immediate family members shall not be considered voting members of the Club unless they

separately qualify for and obtain individual membership.

C. Eligibility for Membership: Membership in The Club shall be open to any individual that is

eighteen (18) years of age or older, who owns or leases a Jeep® brand vehicle and who has

submitted a completed membership application and paid all required dues.

D. The dues-paying member’s immediate family shall be defined as spouse, domestic partner,

parents, and dependent children residing in the same household.

E. Dues for this organization shall be set on an annual calendar year per individual membership of

$30.00. (All active-duty military stationed in the local area shall receive free membership).

The membership dues shall be set by the membership based on a recommendation by the

BoD by September of the current year for implementation in October of the current year.

Dues are to be paid by May 1st of each Calander year. Current members shall complete the

Membership Application annually when paying their annual dues to renew their membership.

Any existing member paying after May 1 will be removed from The Clubs Official Facebook

page until they have paid the annual dues of $30. Dues for new members collected after

October 1 will be credited to the next calendar year. Membership dues are non-refundable,

unless the member is new to the club and a written request for a refund is given within 30

days of becoming a member and must have been a member in good standing during that

period.

F. Applicants must submit a completed application with payment to become a member.

G. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend club meetings and participate in club

activities in considering membership.

H. Dues and other club income support club administration, newsletter, website, club

activities, charity initiatives and related projects.

I. Suspension, Termination and Reinstatement of Membership is outlined as follows:

1. Any member may be subject to disciplinary action such as reprimand, suspension or

termination of membership for conduct deemed detrimental to the best interests of the

Club, including but not limited to illegal activity, unsafe conduct, harassment,

misconduct, violations of Club rules or policies, or actions that bring discredit upon the Club.

2. Prior to suspension or termination, the member shall be provided with written notice of

the proposed disciplinary action and shall be given a reasonable opportunity to respond

to the allegations either in writing or in person before the BoD. Suspension or

termination of membership shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the BoD.

3. A member whose membership has been terminated shall be permanently barred from

membership, participation in Club activities and attendance at Club meetings or events

unless reinstated by a subsequent two-thirds (2/3) vote of the BoD. Reinstatement may

be considered only upon written request, submitted to the BoD after a minimum period

established by the BoD. The BoD shall have sole discretion regarding whether

reinstatement will be considered or granted.

J. Each membership shall be entitled to one vote.

K. Honorary memberships will be awarded (by vote of the general Membership) to a Business,

Organization or Person that the Club feels supports the vision of the Club. Memberships can be

yearly or lifetime as determined by vote of the general membership. Honorary members would

not pay dues nor have a vote but would be entitled to a voice.

L. Founding Member: Founding members shall have all the rights as a full member as stated in

Article 3 of the by-laws. A List of members shall be kept on file with the Secretary of the Club.

M. Lifetime membership prior to September 2024: Lifetime membership was removed from the

bylaws, by vote, at the September 2024 membership meeting, all lifetime members prior to

September 2024 are grandfathered in.

ARTICLE 4 - MEETINGS

A. Membership meetings will take place every other month. BoD meetings will take place as set

forth by the Executive Officers.

B. Club activities such as trail rides, parties, picnics, poker runs, show and shines, inter-

club activities, parades, and charity activities should take place regularly.

C. Attendance or sign-in sheets will be required at membership meetings, trail rides and club

activities as needed for members’ attendance record keeping purposes.

ARTICLE 5 - VEHICLE APPROVAL AND SAFETY

A. All vehicles on oﬀ-road events must be Jeeps and must have adequate equipment for legal

operation.

B. Seat belts are required for all occupants (if applicable to Jeep year and model).

C. No firearms, as governed by federal, state, and local laws are allowed on trail rides. The Club

shall not be held liable for any violations. If these violations occur, the member/members will

be asked to leave the activity and will be subject to review by the BoD.

D. All members and guests must abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws at all events.

ARTICLE 6 - USE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

A. Alcohol or illegal substances are not permitted while driving as per Florida law and per the Club.

If these violations occur the member/members will be asked to leave the activity and will be

subject to review by the BoD. Persons taking prescribed medications should be wary of

warnings and restrictions on such activities as driving.

ARTICLE 7 - ADMINISTRATION AND OFFICERS

A. The Executive Oﬃcers, also referred to as Executive Board, of the club shall consist of the

President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Director. Officers are elected by

the general membership.

B. The club’s BoD shall consist of the elected oﬃcers and standing committee directors. The

standing committee structure is set by the BoD for the following year. Committee Directors

are elected by the general membership.

C. The club’s committees currently include: Trail Ride, Internet, Club Activities (Holiday Party,

Summer Picnic), Communication, Merchandising, Community Involvement (Charity, Poker Run,

Parades).

D. The BoD can create ad hoc committees and appoint their directors.

E. Oﬃcers and Board members cannot hold leadership positions in any other Jeep clubs/groups or

OHV clubs/groups.

F. Five members of the BoD will constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE 8 - DUTIES AND POWERS OF OFFICERS

A. The President shall preside over all members and shall be present at all scheduled events when

possible, along with all other members when possible.

B. The President shall have the duty to carry on the policies and decisions of the members.

C. In absence of the President, the Vice-President shall serve in that capacity.

D. The Secretary shall keep and preserve all records and minutes of the meetings.

E. The Treasurer shall keep accurate and complete records of the funds and accounts of this

organization and shall collect dues and maintain records thereof. The Treasurer shall make only

those disbursements from the funds and accounts of the club as directed by the BoD and club

budget.

F. Membership Director is expected to manage application and related paperwork. The Director is

also responsible for membership renewals, encouraging membership, welcoming new

members, keep a current list of all members and contact information, and working with the

Treasurer in collecting dues.

G. Committee Directors are responsible for the successful implementation of activities related

to their respective committees. Committee Directors are encouraged to recruit members to

serve on their committees. See below list of Committee Directors and a brief description of

their position.

• Safety Director:

a. Work with all members to ensure everyone has an understanding of safety

whether it involves on or oﬀ road activity.

• Events Director:

b. Coordinate and plan events based on members input.

c. Work with local businesses to establish event locations.

• Trail Director:

d. Plan and organize trail rides.

e. Coordinates with others for additional rides.

f. Checks and ensures everyone has the correct safety equipment prior to an

event. See Article 19 for equipment list.

g. Makes sure all riders are kept as safe as possible on rides.

• Communication Director:

h. Updating web page and Social Media pages.

i. Updating members on any new information.

H. Any property; real, personal or interest therein; or equipment purchased by or donated to the

Club shall not be considered property of any individual member or group of members, but shall

be known as club property.

I. All literature and/or apparel representing the Club must have prior approval by the quorum

of BoD prior to distribution to the general public.

J. All decisions (impacting financial, strategic planning and club direction) require discussion by the

BoD and, where directed by the board and voting by the general members of the club.

ARTICLE 9 - EXPENDITURES AND FINANCE

A. All monies received from all sources shall be turned over to the Treasurer and immediately

deposited in the Club’s bank account. The Treasurer should be ready to present a financial

report at all Board of Director’s and membership meetings.

B. By October of each year, the Executive Oﬃcers must have all financial records reviewed for

accuracy. This review may be made by another member of the club or by an outside source with

the unanimous approval of Executive Oﬃcers.

C. All disbursements over $100.00 must be countersigned by an Executive Oﬃcer as determined

by the President (to be determined every January and be included on the bank account

signature card) and in agreement with the BoD.

D. Club bank card/debit card purchases for authorized club expenses, including prizes for

club-sponsored activities, shall require prior approval by the BoD. The membership shall

establish and approve a maximum expenditure amount for each purchase, which shall

not be exceeded without additional membership approval.

E. The monthly bank statements must be reconciled by the Treasurer and verified during the

annual review.

F. Reimbursements can only be made by the Treasurer upon a receipt being presented to the

Treasurer plus approval based on disbursement requirements.

G. A ledger of the club’s funds must be kept by the Treasurer and this ledger shall be open to

inspection by any member in good standing at monthly meetings.

H. If any reimbursement of funds is due to anyone listed on the signature card, then that person

may not be one of the two signers on the reimbursement check from the club.

I. Club recurring fees such as, but not limited to postage, post oﬃce box renewal, website

renewal, and Business Licenses, website renewal can be paid without the approval of the BoD,

if they are less than $400.00 Annually.

ARTICLE 10 - ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS

A. The membership shall meet and elect oﬃcers each year.

B. The nominations shall be held in the last quarter of each year as determined by the BoD.

Nominees for a Committee Director position shall be a paid member for not less than three

(3) months prior to their nominations. Any nomination for a Committee Director position,

with less than three (3) months, shall require a recommendation from the BoD to the

membership and shall be voted on by the membership. Executive Officer nominations shall

have completed a six (6) month term as a Committee Director. Nominations for the Treasurer

position shall not be of immediate family to any other Executive Officer. Nominations shall be

made in writing and posted for 30 days prior to the Annual Elections. Elections shall be held by

October for dual roles in December and newly elected position terms to begin January 1st of the

following year.

C. Elections shall be decided by a majority vote of the membership. One vote per paid

membership. Absent members may vote by proxy in writing by email, to a person identified by

the BoD. A deadline shall be established for nominations and/or voting by proxy by the BoD.

D. All elections, including special elections, shall be conducted by secret ballot, regardless of

whether only one candidate has been nominated for a position. Proxy votes, as authorized in

Section C, shall be documented on a ballot with a printed copy of the corresponding email

authorization attached. All ballots shall be collected, verified, and tallied. Upon completion of

the election, all ballots, together with any supporting proxy documentation, shall be placed in a

sealed envelope and retained with the official membership meeting minutes for a period of

thirty-six (36) months.

E. A Ballot Committee shall be established to collect, count, and verify all ballots, including proxy

votes. The committee shall consist of two members of the Board of Directors (BoD) and two

members of the general membership. The Committee Chairperson shall be selected by the

Board of Directors from the general membership and shall serve as General Membership

Representative #1. The Chairperson shall randomly select one additional member of the general

membership to serve as General Membership Representative #2 and shall also select two

members of the Board of Directors to serve on the committee. The committee shall be

appointed prior to the commencement of the voting process. No committee member shall be a

candidate for an elected position, nor shall any committee member be related to, reside with,

or be involved in a personal relationship with a candidate. These requirements are intended to

ensure the impartiality, transparency, and integrity of the election process.

F. All terms are for one year, with a limit of Four consecutive terms except for the Executive Board

which will continue to be a Two-year term limit. In the event of a vacancy due to no

nominations for any Executive Officer, BoD or Committee Director position, the current person

who is in that position can continue to serve, if they so choose, until someone is nominated, it

will then be announced at the next membership meeting. The following membership meeting,

a special election for any nominations for that open position will be held, nominations can be

made in person up until the vote is called for. In the event of a vacancy during any board

members term, the BoD will fulfill the role until a special election can be held to fill the

position.

G. In the event of a vacancy of an oﬃce or committee director, there will be a special election

held at the membership meeting to fill that position.

H. To promote diversity and representation throughout the club, Executive oﬃcer positions are

limited to one per membership.

I. If a person holds more than one board position, he/she only has one vote.

J. The Treasurer position must remain independent of other positions where a financial impact

could result.

ARTICLE 11 - IMPEACHMENT

A. Any Executive Officer or BoD member of the Club may be impeached by a 2/3 vote of the

membership present at a membership meeting. Such termination must occur as a result of just

cause including, but not limited to disgrace, embarrassment, illegal activity, and/or neglect of

duties.

B. The Executive Oﬃcers must convene to review all information and forward their findings to the

BoD, if a finding of just cause is made then a recommendation for a vote of Impeachment will

be taken to the membership for a vote. If a preliminary finding of just cause is determined by

the Executive Officers by unanimous vote of said oﬃcers, all duties and responsibilities held

by said individual facing Impeachment will be removed and delegated as needed or until such

time an election occurs.

ARTICLE 12 - RULES AND REGULATIONS

A. Unless otherwise specified in these by-laws, Parliamentary Procedures will govern the Space

Coast Jeep Club Inc. and its meetings.

B. Special meetings can be called by the club president or the BoD with proper notice to the

membership.

C. After termination of membership, the terminated person and immediate family of the

member, as defined in Article 3 Paragraph C, will not be allowed to request membership for

365 calendar days. At which time, the person must send a written request to the BoD, before

their request to be reconsidered for membership. If granted membership rights, the member

must not violate any by-law a second time. If any violations occur, the person will be

permanently removed from the club. Permanent removal from the club shall be documented

and kept on file with the Membership Director and Secretary.

D. If any Board Member resigns or is relieved of duty, they are not to hold any other position

within the club for 6 months or until the next election is held whichever comes first. At which

time they may request to run for a position and the BoD will meet on the matter.

ARTICLE 13 – SOCIAL MEDIA RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Club’s Facebook group is a private members-only forum intended to support the club’s social and

recreational activities. Membership in the Facebook group is limited to current Club members in good

standing. Participation in the group is considered a privilege and is expected to reflect positively on The

Club and its members. These rules and regulations shall be followed over ANY official Club social media

platform.

A. Respectful and Family-Friendly Environment: The Club is committed to maintaining a

respectful, welcoming, and family-friendly online environment. Members must treat one

another with courtesy and mutual respect at all times.

1. The following content is prohibited:

• Harassment, bullying, threats or personal attacks

• Offensive, discriminatory or inflammatory remarks

• Excessive profanity or inappropriate language

• Nudity or sexually explicit material

• Any content deemed inappropriate by the Facebook Club Administrators on

Moderators. Administrators and Moderators may remove posts or comments

that violate these rules without prior notice. Members may be contacted by the

BoD regarding violations.

2. The Facebook group is intended for:

• Sharing club-related information and activities

• Social interaction among members

• Jeep-related discussions, knowledge and assistance

• Club events, photos and entertainment

The group is not intended for arguments, ongoing disputes, disruptive behavior or other

unproductive activity. Members are encouraged to report concerns privately to the BoD

or group administrators rather than engaging publicly.

Failure to follow these standards may result in removal of posting privileges or removal

from the Facebook group and subject to review by the BoD. Reinstatement shall require

BoD approval.

B. Spam, Excessive Posting and Trolling: Spam, trolling or intentionally disruptive behavior is not

permitted.

1. Members should avoid excessive posting or repeatedly posting the same topic

within a short period of time.

2. Content intended primarily to provoke arguments, create conflict or disrupt group

interaction may be removed at the discretion of the Administrators or Moderators.

3. Members who engage in disruptive behavior may lose Facebook group privileges

pending BoD review.

4. Reinstatement may require BoD approval.

C. Visibility and Member Access: Members may not block the Club Facebook Administrators of

BoD members in a manner that prevents them from moderating or viewing group activity

related to the club operations. If such a restriction is identified, the member may be asked to

correct the issue. Failure to comply may result in removal from the Facebook group until

resolved and approved by the BoD.

D. Selling, Advertising and Promotions: The Facebook group exists primarily for the social and

recreational benefit of The Club members. Members may post personal Jeep-related items for

sale on an occasional basis. Commercial advertising, business promotion, solicitation,

fundraising for a non-club related cause and promotion of non-Club events or organizations is

prohibited unless approved in advance by the Administrators or BoD. These limitations help

ensure the group remains focused on the club’s exempt social and recreational purposes.

E. Posting Guidelines and Privacy: Please think before posting. Content shared online may remain

accessible even after deletion. Members are encouraged to:

• Contribute positively and constructively

• Use Common sense and good judgement

• Respect the privacy and opinions of fellow members

• Verify that shared photos, files or attachments are viewable by the group if

intended for public access within the group

Do Not repost or publicly criticize removed posts, comments or moderation decisions within the

group. Questions or concerns regarding moderation should be directed privately to the

Administrators of BoD.

ARTICLE 14 - ME MO RI A L RE C O G N I TI O N F O R FAL L E N OF F RO AD

ME MB E RS

A. Purpose: The Club shall honor and remember fallen members for their service, fellowship, and

contributions to the Club and Jeep community.

B. Eligibility: Current members in good standing with a minimum of 1 full year of membership

including all founding members.

C. Memorial Recognition: Memorial recognition, after review of the BoD and permission of the

family, shall include:

1. A moment of silence at a meeting or event directly following notification of the loss.

2. A memorial tribute on The Club’s media platforms

3. A dedicated ride, event or charitable activity in the member’s honor

4. Flowers, cards or memorial donations

5. Fallen members are moved to an Honorary Member position listed and kept by the

secretary, in the membership rolls

D. Expenses and Compliance: The Board may approve up to $200.00 memorial expenses consistent

with the Club budget, nonprofit purpose, and applicable 501(c) regulations. All donations or

expenditures must be properly documented.

E. Respect and Conduct: All memorial recognitions shall be respectful, appropriate, and

considerate of the family’s wishes.

F. Amendments: This Article may be amended in accordance with the Club bylaws.

ARTICLE 15 - AMENDMENTS

A. These by-laws are amended by a majority vote of the membership present at a general meeting.

Any amendment/s to these by-laws shall be presented to the membership at a regular

membership meeting for 30 days preceding that in which the vote is taken. Any amendments

shall be posted for all club members to review on the club website and a notification sent to all

club members regarding the proposed amendment/s the following day. Questions regarding any

amendments can be directed to the Executive Board.

B. Minor changes, such as punctuation errors or misspellings, can be made without a majority vote

but shall require approval of the BoD.

ARTICLE 16 - INDEMNIFICATION

A. The directors, oﬃcers, committee members, and other volunteers of the Club shall be

indemnified by the Club to the fullest extent permissible under the laws of this state.

ARTICLE 17 - DISSOLUTION

A. Upon dissolution of the Club, the BoD shall, after paying or making provision for payment of

all liabilities of the Club, including the costs and expenses of such dissolution, dispose of all

the assets of the Club exclusively for the exempt purposes of the Club or distributed to an

organization described in Section 501 (c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code, as shall be selected

by the last BoD. None of the assets will be distributed to any oﬃcer or director of the Club.

Any such assets so disposed of shall be disposed of by, and in the manner designated by, the

state court having jurisdiction over the matter.

ARTICLE 18 - STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

A. Notwithstanding any provision of these bylaws, the Club shall not discriminate against any

director, oﬃcer, employee, applicant, or participant based on sex, race, color, ethnicity or

national origin.

ARTICLE 19 - REGISTERED TRADEMARKS AND LOGOS

A. A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol,

device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/

services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/

services. Although federal registration of a mark is not mandatory, it has several advantages,

including notice to the public of the registrant's claim of ownership of the mark, legal

presumption of ownership nationwide, and exclusive right to use the mark on or in connection

with the goods/services listed in the registration.

B. The Club has the following as registered trademarks. Jeep between two palm trees, with a

background setting of a beach, the entire images is surrounded by the phrase “Space Coast

Jeep Club” this text is split by two images of the space shuttle. This image may be black and

white or represented in color.

ARTICLE 20 - MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST FOR TRAIL RIDES

Mandatory

• Spare Tire, Jack and Lug Wrench or Inner tube and adequate plugs

• Tow Strap (no hooks or metal ends)

• Recovery Points front and rear

• Fire Extinguisher

• First Aid Kit

• Trash Bags

Recommended

• Hi-Lift Jack

• CB or FRS Radio: CB Channel 4 is the club channel unless otherwise dictated

• Basic Tool Kit

• Tire plug kit

• Tire Pressure Gauge

• Flash Light

• Gloves

• Recovery Equipment

Suggested

• Ice Chest/Cooler & Food

• Toilet Paper & moist Wipes

• Duct Tape

• Camera

• Bug Repellant

• Extra Vehicle Fluids

FIGURE 0-1 SPACE COAST JEEP CLUB LOGO

Alternate Club Logos;

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