The Florida Democratic Party wants to hold an appreciation party in early February "to celebrate the advocacy and leadership of Florida's Democratic legislators."

There's only one problem.

The Florida Senate's main lawyer says that any Democratic senators who show up will violate a ban on fundraising during the annual session. The Democratic Party is asking for a minimum $500 contribution for those wishing to attend.

"I think having a legislative appreciation event that is a fundraiser during session crosses the line," said Craig Meyer, who is both chief of staff and general counsel for the Senate.

Both the House and Senate have had rules for years that say that lawmakers cannot ask for donations while they are holding their annual session and deciding whether to vote up or down on hundreds of bills.

The Senate rule, however, goes further than the House rule and also says that lawmakers cannot ask anyone directly — or indirectly — to give money to their own legislative campaigns, to a political party or to a political committee.

After getting asked to attend the party, Sen. Nan Rich, D-Sunrise and Senate Democratic leader, asked for Meyer to give an opinion.

Meyer on Thursday sent a letter to Rich stating that "senators attending the reception would be, by their very presence, indirectly soliciting contributions on behalf of the Democratic Party."

A spokeswoman for the Democratic Party defended the fundraiser, saying it is an annual event that is usually held before the start of the session. Lawmakers moved up the start date of this year's session to handle the once-a-decade process of drawing new legislative and Congressional districts.

Brannon Jordan said that because of Meyer's opinion no senators would be attending the event.

The Florida House has a slightly different rule that says that House members may neither "solicit nor accept" contributions during session.

Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Key West and House Democratic leader, said he was unaware that Senate Democrats would not be attending the event. But Saunders also said that he was unsure of how many House members planned to go.