On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Supreme Court of Florida approved the disbarment of attorney William G. Schlotthauer, effective immediately, following allegations of significant financial misconduct. The ruling stems from a referee’s report detailing Schlotthauer’s misappropriation of over $1 million from trusts he managed, leading to his permanent removal from the practice of law in Florida.
The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. William G. Schlotthauer,” with case no. SC2024-1821.
The disciplinary action originated from a petition filed by The Florida Bar on December 19, 2024, seeking Schlotthauer’s emergency suspension. The petition, served via email and certified mail, accused Schlotthauer of improperly transferring funds from trusts for which he served as the sole trustee on behalf of Louis E. Marinaccio Jr. and Ann Marie Marinaccio. The Supreme Court approved the suspension on December 30, 2024, and appointed a referee to oversee the case.
According to the referee’s report, Schlotthauer transferred at least $1,061,499 from the trusts. The trusts, valued at approximately $28 million in 2020, were subject to a verbal agreement made in 2013, capping Schlotthauer’s trustee fees at 0.25% of the trust assets annually, equating to roughly $70,000 per year. Despite this, Schlotthauer transferred $284,922.50 in 2019, $212,145.50 more than he was entitled to in 2020, and $539,665 in 2021, exceeding his authorized fees by $469,665 for that year. In 2022, he transferred $120,075 without providing required invoices, and an auditor determined he was not entitled to any fees in 2023.
The Florida Bar’s investigation, supported by bank statements, checks, deposit slips, and a wire transfer spreadsheet obtained via a subpoena to Chase Bank, confirmed the unauthorized transfers. Florida Statute 736.0708(1) specifies that trustee compensation must be reasonable, and any excess constitutes misappropriation. Schlotthauer failed to respond to the Bar’s inquiries, including a letter sent on August 27, 2024, requesting a response by September 12, 2024. After requesting extensions, which were partially granted, he did not provide a substantive reply or participate in the disciplinary proceedings.
A hearing on January 21, 2025, resulted in a default judgment against Schlotthauer after he failed to appear, with all factual allegations deemed admitted. At a subsequent sanctions hearing on January 28, 2025, The Florida Bar presented evidence and legal arguments supporting disbarment.
The referee found Schlotthauer guilty of violating several Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, including those concerning safekeeping property, engaging in dishonest conduct, and mismanaging trust accounts. Aggravating factors included a dishonest motive, a pattern of misconduct, and indifference to restitution, with his lack of prior discipline as the sole mitigating factor. The referee recommended disbarment.
The court approved the referee’s uncontested report and disbarred Schlotthauer.
The Disposition states:
“The uncontested report of the referee is approved, and the respondent is disbarred. Respondent is currently suspended; therefore, this disbarment is effective immediately.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Schlotthauer was an insurance attorney in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. He attended Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, graduating in 1998. He acquired his law license in Florida in 2000.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
