Former Florida AG Pam Bondi Under Scrutiny Over Lobbying Ties
Former Florida AG Pam Bondi Under Scrutiny Over Lobbying Ties...
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing renewed scrutiny over her lobbying activities following a recent investigative report. The Tampa Bay Times revealed this week that Bondi's firm has earned over $3 million since 2021 representing clients before state agencies she once oversaw.
Bondi, who served as Florida's AG from 2011 to 2019, registered as a federal lobbyist in 2020. Her firm Bondi Partners now represents major corporations including pharmaceutical companies and cryptocurrency platforms. Ethics watchdogs argue this creates potential conflicts given her prior oversight of these industries.
The story gained traction Wednesday after progressive watchdog group Accountable US filed a formal complaint with Florida's ethics commission. They allege Bondi violated the state's "revolving door" policy that requires a two-year cooling-off period before lobbying former agencies.
Bondi's spokesperson called the allegations "baseless," noting she waited the required period before any state-level lobbying. However, records show her firm began federal lobbying work within months of leaving office.
This controversy comes as Florida lawmakers debate stricter lobbying restrictions. A bipartisan bill proposing a six-year cooling-off period for constitutional officers like the AG passed its first committee vote Tuesday.
Bondi remains a prominent Republican figure, frequently appearing on Fox News. Her high-profile defense of Donald Trump during his presidency continues to draw both support and criticism in Florida's heated political climate.
Google search interest spiked 380% Wednesday as local news outlets picked up the story. The Tampa Bay Times report has been shared over 15,000 times on social media, with reactions split along partisan lines.
Florida ethics laws currently allow former officials to lobby the legislature immediately after leaving office, but impose a two-year wait for executive branch lobbying. Legal experts say Bondi's case highlights gaps in these regulations.
The Florida Commission on Ethics has 90 days to determine whether to investigate the complaint. A finding of violation could result in fines up to $10,000, though such penalties are rare for first-time offenses.
