Staff Reports
Southern Strategy Group led all firms in compensation for lobbying the Florida Legislature during the first quarter of 2015, hauling in $2.25 million, according to recently released lobbying compensation figures.
Registered lobbying firms, representing virtually every industry sector in Florida, reported earning slightly more than $35 million from January to March of this year.
SSG stood alone in crossing the $2 million mark, but three other big-time firms collected $1 million or more in fees: Ballard Partners ($1,985,000), Ronald Book PA ($1,855,000), and Capital City Consulting ($1,270,000).
Lobbyist Christopher Dudley says Southern’s success is no accident.
“In my opinion our Q1 report reflects an expanded roster of the best lobbying team in Florida who continue to be uniquely focused on delivering impressive and unmatched results for our clients,” Dudley told FloridaPolitics.com on Monday.
Six firms earned more than $500,000, but less than $1 million: GrayRobinson PA ($875,000); Corcoran & Johnston ($805,000); The Rubin Group ($770,000); Johnson & Blanton ($745,000); Metz Husband & Daughton PA ($725,000); Greenberg Traurig PA ($705,000); and Floridian Partners LLC ($680,000).
Another 13 lobbying firms booking between $300,000 and $499,999: Colodny Fass, P.A. ($495,000); Capitol Insight LLC ($445,000); The Mayernick Group LLC ($495,000); Spearman Management Inc. ($360,000); Becker & Poliakoff PA ($340,000); Anfield Consulting ($385,000); Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC ($320,000); PooleMcKinley ($305,000); Smith Bryan & Myers Inc. ($495,000); The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners LLC ($430,000); Advantage Consulting Team ($360,000); Heffley & Associates ($345,000); The Fiorentino Group ($325,000).
A number of clients also paid well for representation in Tallahassee, including members of the sugar industry — United States Sugar Corp. ($215,000) and Florida Crystals Corp. ($150,000). Big Sugar will be an important player in the upcoming debate over Amendment 1 implementation over the upcoming 20-day legislative special session starting June 1.
Registered legislative lobbying clients reported a median of $34,890 paid during Q4. Topping the list of clients is insurance firm FCCI, with $300,000 in fees paid.
Other high-paying lobbying clients included many of the usual suspects, including telecoms giant AT&T ($250,000) and the Altria Client Services ($245,000), utility companies like TECO Energy, Inc. ($140,000) and Florida Power & Light Co. ($85,000) and healthcare providers including Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida ($135,000) and the Florida Hospital Association ($85,000).
Although by law lobbying firms must file quarterly compensation reports, reports show only firms’ total compensation in general ranges, making it difficult to get exact totals spent on lobbying the state executive and legislative branches.
For example, ranges reported by firms start between $1 and $9,999, $10,000 and $19,999 and so on, increasing in increments. Exact numbers for individual clients are only reported when they pay $50,000 or more.
