GLMC Partner Raul Gastesi Quoted in Florida Trib Investigation on UF Severance Agreement

GLMC Partner Raul Gastesi was recently quoted by The Florida Trib in an investigative article examining the University of Florida’s interim presidential contract with Donald Landry.

The article focuses on a reported $2 million severance provision included in Landry’s contract, which has drawn scrutiny from state education leaders, legal observers, and public officials. Under Florida law, severance payments for certain public employees may not exceed 20 weeks of compensation, raising questions about whether the provision complies with state requirements.

Gastesi, who has extensive experience in government, municipal, and public-sector law, provided legal insight into the contract language and the potential enforceability of the severance provision. He noted that the contract’s reference to payment from “non-public funds” appeared to acknowledge the statutory limits at issue and raised questions about whether the agreement was structured in an attempt to avoid those restrictions.

His comments highlight the importance of transparency, proper board oversight, and strict compliance with state law when public institutions negotiate executive employment agreements.