Let’s dig deep into “The Vault,” the hidden bar in Tallahassee that’s become ground zero in one of Florida’s most significant political scandals. At first glance, you might think The Vault was just another members-only bar where politicians and lobbyists unwind. But the truth is far more sinister. This wasn’t just a place for casual drinks—this was where FPL (Florida Power & Light), the state’s biggest utility company, wielded its influence over Florida’s political elite. What happened here was far from casual, and the backroom deals and quiet conversations that took place over cocktails are now part of an ever-growing scandal that’s rocked the state’s political foundation.
The Vault wasn’t your typical bar. It was hidden away with no signs, no public entrance, and it was invite-only. The exclusivity was by design. If you weren’t connected, you weren’t getting in. This place was meant for people who had power or wanted to be near it. While it might have looked like an ordinary spot to grab a drink, The Vault was anything but ordinary. The bar was discreetly located just a few blocks from the Florida Capitol, making it convenient for lawmakers and lobbyists alike.
According to reports, Jason Barrett, a well-known Tallahassee lobbyist, was listed as the official owner of The Vault. But Barrett wasn’t the one running the show. The real power behind The Vault was Florida Power & Light. Key figures at FPL, including Peter Robbins, the vice president of external affairs, and Silvio Barrero, head of government relations, were deeply involved in the bar’s operations. These men weren’t just there for after-work drinks; they were there to discuss business, specifically, how to keep FPL’s monopoly over the state’s energy market intact.
So, what exactly made The Vault so critical to this scandal? It wasn’t just a place for drinks and small talk. Insiders say that this was where real business happened. Lawmakers and FPL executives would gather in private booths to discuss energy policy, trade political favors, and solidify FPL’s influence over the state’s legislature. In Tallahassee, bars like The Vault aren’t just watering holes—they’re political battlefields. And in this case, The Vault was ground zero for Florida’s energy wars.
Some of the biggest players in Florida politics were regulars at The Vault. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo was a known guest. Passidomo, who represents parts of Southwest Florida, has been a staunch supporter of FPL over the years, backing legislation that consistently favored the utility giant. House Speaker Paul Renner, another frequent visitor, also has a long history of supporting FPL-friendly policies, including the utility’s controversial rate hikes and opposition to renewable energy initiatives.
But they weren’t the only ones. State Senator Travis Hutson and State Representative Bobby Payne, both of whom have been vocal in their support for business-friendly legislation that favors large utility companies, were also frequent guests. Payne, in particular, as chair of the House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee, has had a major influence on shaping Florida’s energy policies. The Vault became their secretive meeting spot, where FPL could ensure that its legislative agenda stayed front and center in Florida’s halls of power.
According to insiders, The Vault wasn’t just about maintaining FPL’s monopoly—it was about expanding it. One of the most important meetings reportedly took place before the 2020 legislative session. Peter Robbins hosted a private dinner with several lawmakers, including Senator Hutson and Speaker Renner. The main topic on the table? A series of bills that would tighten FPL’s control over Florida’s energy grid and limit the ability of solar energy providers to compete. These bills passed easily, giving FPL even more power to dictate Florida’s energy future.
But what makes this scandal even more shocking is the revelation that these meetings, and The Vault itself, were likely funded with money from FPL’s customers. That’s right—ordinary Floridians who pay their electric bills each month were unknowingly contributing to the very political machine that kept their rates high and competition out. Instead of investing in renewable energy or improving infrastructure, FPL allegedly funneled millions of dollars into wining and dining lawmakers at places like The Vault.
And this wasn’t just happening in isolation. The Vault was part of a larger, coordinated effort by FPL to manipulate Florida’s political system. FPL has been accused of using dark money groups, like Grow United and Matrix LLC, to funnel millions of dollars into campaigns and ensure the election of lawmakers who would support their agenda. These groups were key players in what’s become known as the “ghost candidate” scandal, where spoiler candidates were placed on the ballot to siphon votes from legitimate challengers and ensure FPL-friendly lawmakers won.
But The Vault wasn’t just about elections. It was about controlling policy. Meetings at The Vault reportedly covered everything from FPL’s rate hikes to blocking renewable energy legislation. FPL wasn’t just protecting its monopoly—it was expanding it, ensuring that it could continue to dominate Florida’s energy market without interference from smaller, cleaner competitors.
As the details of The Vault scandal began to emerge in late 2021, it sparked outrage across Florida. Leaked emails, insider accounts, and investigative reports from outlets like the Miami Herald and Florida Times-Union revealed the extent of FPL’s influence and the lengths it was willing to go to maintain its grip on the state’s energy market. These revelations led to growing calls for investigations into FPL’s political activities and demands for more transparency in how energy policy is shaped in Florida.
One of the leading voices in calling for accountability has been Democratic State Representative Anna Eskamani. Eskamani has been vocal about the need for a full investigation into The Vault’s role in this scandal and FPL’s broader influence over Florida’s political system. “This is the kind of corruption that erodes trust in our government,” Eskamani said. “We need to know who was involved, what was promised, and how deep this goes.”
Despite the growing scrutiny, FPL has remained relatively quiet about its involvement with The Vault. Peter Robbins and other FPL executives have denied any wrongdoing, insisting that The Vault was just a place for social gatherings. But the evidence suggests otherwise. Leaked documents show that The Vault was far more than just a bar—it was a key tool in FPL’s efforts to control Florida’s energy policies.
The Vault is now the subject of multiple ongoing investigations, and as more details come to light, it’s clear that this scandal is far from over. In fact, The Vault may just be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to FPL’s influence over Florida politics. The bar has become a symbol of everything that’s wrong with the relationship between big business and lawmakers in the state.
For years, FPL has been the most powerful player in Florida’s energy market, and they’ve used that power to keep prices high, block competition, and stall the transition to renewable energy. The Vault was just one piece of their strategy to maintain that power. But now that The Vault has been exposed, it’s time for lawmakers to take action and start dismantling the monopoly that has kept Floridians in the dark for far too long.
As we move into the latter half of 2024, investigations into FPL’s political activities continue to unfold. While former CEO Eric Silagy has stepped down, the scandal continues to cast a shadow over FPL’s operations. More lawmakers are coming under scrutiny, and the pressure is on for Florida’s political system to reckon with the full extent of FPL’s influence.
For now, The Vault remains closed, its once-hidden entrance now a symbol of the secretive, backroom dealings that have shaped Florida’s energy policies for years. But the fallout from this scandal is only just beginning. Floridians deserve answers, and as investigations continue, they may finally get them.
Written By: Stephen Despin Jr. | Founder/Contributor
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