Opinion
SC2020-0693
10-30-2023
The Florida Bar, Complainant(s) v. Jose Pete Font, Respondent(s)
Lower Tribunal No(s).: 2018-50,370(17B);
The "Verified Motion for Clarification of this Court's July 31, 2023 Order to Show Cause," and "Notice of Supplemental Authority Arising from the Bar's and Referee's Recommended Sanction of 30-Days in the Related Case of Frantz Nelson, Esq.," are collectively treated as Respondent's response to the order to show cause dated July 31, 2023.
Having considered the report of referee, the briefs filed in this case, and Respondent's response to the show cause order, the referee's findings of fact and recommendations as to guilt are approved in their entirety. However, the referee's recommended sanction, a two-year suspension, is disapproved, and Respondent is hereby suspended from the practice of law for three years, effective 30 days from the date of this order so that Respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If Respondent notifies this Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the 30 days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the suspension effective immediately. Respondent must fully comply with Rule Regulating The Florida Bar 3-5.1(h). Respondent must also fully comply with Rule Regulating The Florida Bar 3-6.1, if applicable. In addition, Respondent must accept no new business from the date this order is filed until he is reinstated.
Respondent must fully comply with all other terms and conditions of the referee's report.
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from Jose Pete Font in the amount of $23,054.55, for which sum let execution issue.
Not final until time expires to file motion for rehearing, and if filed, determined. The filing of a motion for rehearing will not alter the effective date of this suspension.
MUÑIZ, C.J., and CANADY, LABARGA, COURIEL, GROSSHANS, FRANCIS, and SASSO, JJ., concur.