While Washington lobbyists reported record revenue in 2010, Florida's influence industry registered a dip in activity last year. Interest groups, governments and business interests spent $112.5 million to lobby the Florida Legislature in 2010 — a 3.6% decrease from 2009 that most in the industry attribute to corporate belt-tightening in a poor economy. Spending on executive branch lobbying, reported separately, ranged from $152 million to $227 million. 

The 10 most highly compensated lobbying firms in Florida took in between $32 million and $67 million in 2010. That amounted to 21% to 30% of total spending on lobbying in the state last year, according to a Florida Trend analysis. Because lobbyists file compensation reports with fees listed in ranges, the firms are ranked on the following pages based on their averages.

Floridian Partners - $3.1 million (average)

Legislative branch lobbying: $1,360,070 - $2,979,838

Executive branch lobbying: $360,080 - $1,439,892 

Total fees: $1,720,150 - $4,419,730

Background: Founded in 2000 by Rodney Barreto, Charlie Dudley, Brian May and Patrick Maloy, with offices in Miami, Tallahassee and most recently Fort Lauderdale. Over the past five years, the firm has added partners Robert Reyes, Gary Guzzo and Jorge Chamizo. It has three associates: Scott Ross, Ken Granger and Elizabeth Wester.

Notable clients: Florida Cable Telecommunications Association; Las Vegas Sands; St. Joe; John Deere; Harley-Davidson; TECO Energy; Allstate; Florida Power & Light; Liberty Mutual; CNA; Alma DDB; Blackstone; Florida International University; Suffolk Construction; Motorola; U.S. Sugar; ValueOptions; Florida Hospital Association; Florida Insurance Council