No longer with Morgan & Morgan, Darryl Rouson hangs out his own shingle

Representative Darryl Rouson of has been a busy man during the summer, and by the looks of things, he will be getting even busier. 

Rouson just announced the launch of his own local law firm — Rouson & Associates, P.A.

For a while, the legislator from St. Petersburg had so many irons in the fire that mega-law agency Morgan & Morgan had to let him go. Founder John Morgan told the Tampa Bay Times in May it was hard for Rouson to be a trial lawyer in Tampa when he is always in Tallahassee.

Although Morgan said the door was open for Rouson’s return after his time in the House, it seems unlikely. It might be difficult to reconcile his beliefs with his former employer’s. Morgan recently came out publically in favor of legalizing medical marijuana, not quite fitting in with Rouson’s crusades that became the basis of his political career.

As an outspoken anti-drug champion (and former crack cocaine user) Rouson once famously used crack pipes as props to make a point on the House floor. He continues to be the bane of existence for area “smoke shops,” most recently by sponsoring a “bong bill” that was signed by into law Gov. Rick Scott in June. The new restrictions are an attempt to stop the sales of glass pipes and other drug paraphernalia.  

In fact, organizers of The Florida Smoke Shop Association say the group began with one goal in mind, to deal with Rouson’s legislative anti-drug agenda.

Rouson’s political dance card is also active. He is actively running (unopposed, so far)  for another term in District 70. Last quarter, he collected $8,650 for more than $41,750 overall. Many of those Q2 donors gave Rouson $500 checks, the maximum allowed for individuals and business entities.

Recently, state Democrats chose Rouson to promote House campaign efforts for 2014. His job will be recruiting candidates and raising money as a way to increase Democratic numbers in the House. Currently, they hold only 44 of 120 seats.

However, with the new law firm, Rouson proves he is a trial lawyer at heart. That is probably why he is making the time to branch out on his own.

According to the announcement, Rouson & Associates will focus on “wrongful death, serious injury, car accidents, medical negligence and criminal defense.” The offices are at 4055 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg.