FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — An upheaval affecting the intersecting worlds of Florida government, politics and lobbying is forcing officials to choose: They could hold onto their positions in elected or appointed offices. Or they can keep their careers, or future career plans — as paid lobbyists.
Several elected officials failed this week in their attempt to get a federal judge to block implementation of the new rules, which go into effect on Dec. 31. Some people have already resigned their government posts, and an attorney involved in challenging the law said more departures could come in the hours before the substantially tighter restrictions go into effect.
An unknown number of elected and appointed officials throughout the state are potentially affected, including several who are prominent in South Florida.
