The Florida Commission on Ethics has sent its full report on the ethics violations of Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill, which included the recommendation to remove him from office.
Text of Cover Letter:
The Florida Commission on Ethics has completed a full and final investigation of complaints involving Mr. Douglas Underhill, a member of the County Commission for Escambia County, Florida. Pursuant to Section 112.324(8), Florida Statutes, we are reporting our findings and recommending appropriate disciplinary action to you in this case. Enclosed are copies of our final order and of our file in this matter.
As we have found pursuant to a Recommended Order of an Administrative Law Judge of the Division of Administrative Hearings that Mr. Underhill violated the Code of Ethics in the manner described by our order, we recommend that you impose a civil penalty on him in the total amount of $35,000 (thirty-five thousand dollars), that you publicly censure and reprimand him for certain violations, and that you remove him from office.
If we may be of any assistance to you in your deliberations, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would appreciate your informing us of the manner in which you dispose of this matter. For information regarding collection of the civil penalty, please contact the Office of the Attorney General, Ms. Elizabeth A. Miller, Assistant Attorney General.