Gary R. Rutledge

Gary R. Rutledge

In 1992, Gary R. Rutledge became one of the founding principals of the firm Rutledge Ecenia, P.A . Additionally, he coordinates the firm’s legislative and governmental affairs section. Gary works directly with numerous governmental officials in the State of Florida, including legislators, cabinet officers and employees at all levels of government. In legislative and regulatory matters, he serves as lobbyist and attorney for local, state, national and international clients, both public and private.

Gary attended the University of Florida, receiving Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in 1972 and Juris Doctor in 1976. While at the University of Florida, served as President of the Student Senate; was a member of the Law School Council of 1O and Florida Blue Key; and was elected to the University of Florida Hall of Fame and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Also recognized for significant legal research in the public interest by the University of Florida’s Center for Governmental Responsibility.

Gary has served as Special Counsel for the Florida Department of Business Regulation and the National Association of State Racing Commissioners. From 1979 to 1981, he served as the Director of the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering within the Florida Department of Business Regulation and was appointed by Governor Bob Graham in 1981 to serve as Secretary of the Department of Business Regulation. In allied activities nationally, he served as a member of the National Association of State Racing Commissioners (NASRC) and was a member of the NASRC Executive Committee.

Gary was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to serve on the Judicial Nominating Commission, First District Court of Appeal, for a term beginning August 12, 2011 to July 1, 2015. He was subsequently reappointed for a term ending June 30, 2019 and served as Chairman. He also served on the Host Inauguration Committee for Governor Rick Scott in 2010.

Gary has written and spoken about the regulatory aspects of the industries regulated by the Department of Business Regulation and other legislative and governmental matters. He also has addressed many organizations on these areas of the law, as well as other administrative, legislative, and regulatory matters. Additionally, he has served as an expert witness in litigation involving pari-mutuel and related gaming matters. He served in Tallahassee on the initial Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club and on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Home Society.

Gary is admitted to the Florida Bar, the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida and the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. He maintains an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell. His practice area of expertise is Government, Legislative, and Administrative law.