Ethics commission adopts DCA‑mandated order in Underhill cases, approves multiple stipulations, affirms lobbying fine and waives two disclosure fines

The Florida Commission on Ethics at its public meeting completed several formal actions: it adopted the First District Court of Appeal’s mandate in consolidated complaints against Douglas Underhill, approved amended joint stipulations resolving three complaints, affirmed an automatic fine for a lobbying firm that filed a quarterly compensation report late, and waived automatic disclosure fines in two individual appeals.

Underhill consolidated complaints and DCA mandate

The commission adopted a final order required by the First District Court of Appeal in three consolidated complaints against Douglas Underhill, who was a member of the Escambia County Commission at the time the complaints were filed. Staff explained that the appellate court ordered the commission to set aside the commission’s initial final order and to adopt the administrative law judge’s (ALJ) recommended order. Staff summarized the ALJ’s findings as concluding three violations of the state gift law: (1) accepting a gift to a legal defense fund of more than $100 from a county vendor or lobbyist; (2) failing to report a separate gift to the legal defense fund of over $100 on the Form 9; and (3) failing to report free legal services from a law firm on a Form 9. The ALJ had recommended a public censure and reprimand and a civil penalty for…