The Florida Bar has filed a petition for the interim suspension of LaTour Rey Lafferty, a former partner at several high-profile law firms including Gunster, Holland & Knight, and Fowler White Boggs.
Case Details
The suspension request follows a series of drug-related arrests and felony charges against Lafferty:
- Palm Beach County (June 2025): Arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of MDMA, and transportation of drug paraphernalia.
- Pinellas County (September 2025): Taken into custody after being found asleep behind the wheel. Charges included possession of cocaine, possession of oxandrolone, driving under the influence (DUI), and possession of paraphernalia.
- Bench Warrant (January 6, 2026): Issued after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing in the Palm Beach County case.
Regulatory Context
The petition was filed under a new Florida Bar rule that took effect in December 2025, which streamlines the disciplinary process for attorneys facing felony charges that “reflect adversely on [their] fitness to practice law”. Under this rule, the Bar can seek immediate interim suspension before a full disciplinary trial is completed.
The Florida Bar +3
Current Status
- Response Deadline: Lafferty has until February 23, 2026, to show cause to the Florida Supreme Court as to why the suspension should not be granted.
- Employment: A representative for Gunster confirmed that Lafferty parted ways with the firm in January 2025.
- Representation: Lafferty is currently representing himself in the Bar proceedings.
Source Google AI. – 18 February 2026
