Florida Ethics Committee

A top Florida ethics expert is sounding the alarm about an ethics bill passed by the state Senate Thursday that would make it easier for corrupt officials to avoid investigation – and much harder for residents to hold them to account.

Under a deal agreed to by the Florida Ethics Commission, Vanessa Baugh will pay an $8,000 fine and accept a public reprimand.

A federal grand jury has subpoenaed documents related to former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, his failed 2018 gubernatorial bid, a charity and a...