As Floridians and citizens who believe in accountability, we are appalled by the Florida Bar’s decision to let Matt Gaetz continue practicing law without even a formal reprimand—despite a congressional investigation that found substantial evidence he had sex with a 17-year-old and regularly used illegal drugs.

The House Ethics Committee’s detailed findings are deeply disturbing. They include credible witness testimony that Gaetz paid thousands of dollars for sex, participated in drug-fueled parties, and had sex with a minor—a young girl just out of her junior year of high school. Yet the Florida Bar chose only to issue a private letter urging him to reflect on his responsibilities as an attorney. No public record of discipline. No suspension. No disbarment.

The Bar claims these offenses don’t connect to Gaetz’s fitness to practice law. But as members of the public, we believe otherwise. If attorneys are expected to uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession, how can someone facing such serious and well-documented allegations be allowed to continue without consequence?

Matt Gaetz is not above the law. The people of Florida deserve a Bar that protects the public and holds its members to meaningful ethical standards—not one that quietly excuses misconduct because the person involved holds power and fame.

We are calling on:

The Florida Bar Board of Governors, Chair Casey Pless Waterhouse and the Grievance Committee, and Executive Director Joshua E. Doyle to immediately reverse this decision, re-open the investigation, and take serious action that reflects the severity of the Ethics Committee’s findings. At minimum, this should include a public disciplinary record, and the initiation of proceedings to suspend or revoke Gaetz’s license to practice law in Florida.

The legal profession must be worthy of the public’s trust. Sign this petition if you agree: no one is too powerful to be held accountable.