Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet have hired a prominent Florida law firm to defend them against allegations they secretly discussed firing former Florida Department of Law Enforcement head Gerald Bailey. The representation could cost taxpayers as much as 50 thousand dollars.
Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam voted to hire Daniel Norby of Shutts and Bowen. Bondi made the recommendation in a conference-call Cabinet meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes.
“They’ve offered a discounted hourly rate which I believe is reasonable and I’m confident they will do a superb job on our behalf.”
The Associated Press and other media organizations sued last month. They allege Scott and the Cabinet conspired in December to oust Bailey in secret. Violating the Sunshine law could result in misdemeanor charges.
