Another attempt to weaponize state institutions against a federal official has been shot down by the Florida Supreme Court.
Florida Politics reported that on Monday, the court rejected a push by a group of nearly 70 legal professionals to compel the Florida Bar to probe U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi over alleged ethical missteps.
This saga began when Bondi, who served as Florida’s Attorney General from 2010 to 2018, was tapped by President Donald Trump for the top spot at the Department of Justice, a role she assumed after confirmation in February 2025.
As head of the DOJ, Bondi has championed tough policies on immigration enforcement and expanding capital punishment, while also targeting political adversaries of the administration—a stance that’s ruffled more than a few progressive feathers.
Enter South Florida defense attorney Jon May, who in June 2025 complained to the Florida Bar, accusing Bondi of overstepping by allegedly pressuring federal prosecutors to drop or pursue cases under questionable circumstances.
May pointed to specific cases, including resignations by prosecutors in New York and Washington over dropped corruption charges against a mayor, another resignation over unsupported charges, and Bondi’s firing of an immigration attorney accused of undermining the administration’s agenda.
The Florida Bar didn’t bite, dismissing May’s complaint almost instantly, arguing it doesn’t investigate sitting federal officers appointed under the Constitution while they hold office.
Undeterred, May rallied roughly 70 lawyers, scholars, and even retired Florida Supreme Court Justices in July 2025, escalating the matter to the state’s highest court with a request to force the Bar’s hand.
They sought a writ of mandamus, a legal order to compel action, but Florida’s legal brass, led by state Attorney General James Uthmeier, pushed back hard, labeling the effort as nothing more than politically motivated antics.
Uthmeier’s office, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, filed a brief in September 2025 defending Bondi and slamming the petitioners for trying to drag a state body into federal affairs.
The Florida Supreme Court agreed, delivering a curt five-sentence ruling on Monday that shut down the request, stating the petitioners had no legal ground to demand such an investigation.
“Because petitioner has failed to show a clear legal right to the relief requested, he is not entitled to mandamus relief,” the court declared, with five of seven Justices signing off on the dismissal.
State Attorney General James Uthmeier couldn’t resist a victory lap, taking to social media to crow, “I’m glad to report that the Florida Supreme Court rejected the attempted partisan lawfare against @AGPamBondi. Case dismissed.” Well, when you’re right, you’re right—this does smell like a political hit job dressed up in legal jargon.
While Bondi’s hardline approach at the DOJ may not win her any popularity contests in certain circles, the idea of a state bar policing federal officials feels like a stretch, and the court wisely drew a line in the sand.
This ruling isn’t just a win for Bondi; it’s a reminder that jurisdiction matters, even when the progressive agenda is itching for a fight. So, to those who thought they could turn the Florida Bar into a battering ram against Trump’s team—better luck next time, but don’t hold your breath.