Scarlet Sammons

Written by Scarlet Sammons

Published: 19 Jan 2025

30-facts-about-ashley-moody
Source: Tampabay.com

Who is Ashley Moody? Born on March 28, 1975, in Plant City, Florida, Ashley Moody is a fifth-generation Floridian who has made significant strides in law and politics. She attended the University of Florida and Stetson University College of Law, earning degrees in accounting, law, and international law. Moody's career began in commercial litigation and later as a federal prosecutor. At 31, she became Florida's youngest judge. Elected as Florida's Attorney General in 2018, she has focused on law enforcement, opioid abuse, and human trafficking. Recently, she was appointed to the U.S. Senate, continuing her commitment to public service.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ashley Moody's impressive career journey began in Florida, where her deep roots and academic achievements laid the foundation for her legal and political success, earning respect across party lines and leaving a lasting legacy.
  • From her early legal career to becoming the 38th Attorney General of Florida and now a U.S. Senator, Ashley Moody's commitment to justice, community, and family values has shaped her impactful contributions to law enforcement, human trafficking awareness, and social media regulation.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Ashley Moody's journey began in the heart of Florida. Her roots and academic achievements laid the foundation for her impressive career.

  1. 01

    Birth and Early Life: Born on March 28, 1975, in Plant City, Florida, Ashley Moody is a fifth-generation Floridian. Her deep connection to the state has influenced her career and values.

  2. 02

    Education: Moody attended the University of Florida, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees in accounting and law. She later pursued a Master of Law in International Law at Stetson University College of Law.

Legal Career

Moody's legal career showcases her dedication to justice and her community. From private practice to federal prosecution, she has worn many hats.

  1. 03

    Legal Career: She started at Holland & Knight, focusing on commercial litigation. In her spare time, she volunteered to help domestic violence victims in court.

  2. 04

    Federal Prosecutor: Moody joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecuting drug, firearm, and fraud offenses. The DEA commended her for prosecutorial excellence and initiative in drug law enforcement.

  3. 05

    Operation Round-Up: She led "Operation Round-Up," targeting violent and repeat offenders, earning recognition from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Judicial Career

At a young age, Moody transitioned to the judiciary, making significant contributions to the legal system.

  1. 06

    Judicial Career: In 2006, at 31, Moody became the youngest judge in Florida, elected as Circuit Court Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County.

  2. 07

    Attorney Ad Litem Program: As a judge, she founded this program to recruit volunteer attorneys for children whose parents did not appear in court.

  3. 08

    Mentoring Program: Moody developed a mentoring program for at-risk children in the juvenile delinquency system.

Contributions to Education and Pro Bono Work

Moody's commitment to education and pro bono work highlights her dedication to the legal community and public service.

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    Adjunct Professor: She served as an adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law and on the judicial faculty for Florida’s New Judges College, Advanced Judicial Studies, and the Circuit Judges Conference.

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    Pro Bono Service: In 2015, the National Legal Services Corporation recognized her significant contributions to pro bono legal service. She also received the Florida Supreme Court’s Distinguished Judicial Service Award.

Political Career

Moody's political journey has been marked by her commitment to justice and public service.

  1. 11

    Party Affiliation: In January 1998, Moody switched her party affiliation from Democratic to Republican.

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    Board of Regents: Governor Jeb Bush appointed her as the student representative on the Board of Regents, which managed the state's university system.

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    Assistant U.S. Attorney: She was appointed an assistant U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida.

  4. 14

    Election to Circuit Court Judge: In 2006, Moody was elected to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, covering Hillsborough County.

Family and Personal Life

Moody's personal life reflects her strong family values and community ties.

  1. 15Family Background: She is married to Justin Duralia, a federal law enforcement agent. They have two sons, Brandon and Connor. Their eldest son, Brandon, serves in the United States Army.

Attorney General of Florida

As Attorney General, Moody has tackled various issues, from law enforcement support to combating human trafficking.

  1. 16

    Political Career: In 2018, Moody was elected as the 38th Attorney General of Florida, defeating Democrat Sean Shaw in the general election.

  2. 17

    Re-election: In 2022, she earned a second term as Attorney General, winning with nearly 61% of the vote, attracting more votes than Governor Ron DeSantis or U.S. Senator Rick Scott.

  3. 18

    Priorities: Moody has prioritized supporting law enforcement, tackling the opioid epidemic, combating human trafficking, and protecting children from federal overreach.

  4. 19

    Legislative Slogans: Two of her legislative slogans have been “Fighting for a safer Florida” and “Building a strong Florida.”

National and Federal Involvement

Moody's influence extends beyond Florida, impacting national policies and legal battles.

  1. 20

    Support for President Trump: She supported then-President Donald Trump during the 2020 presidential election, joining the Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit to overturn the election results.

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    Challenges to Biden Administration Policies: Moody has joined other Republican-led states in challenging Biden administration policies, suing over changes to immigration enforcement, student loan forgiveness, and vaccine mandates for federal contractors.

  3. 22

    Social Media Platforms: Recently, she has targeted social media platforms, alleging they harm young people's mental health. She asked the U.S. Surgeon General to add a warning to all social media platforms.

  4. 23

    H.B. 3 Support: Moody supported H.B. 3, which restricted the age for social media use and required websites to create age-verification systems to protect children from inappropriate content.

Leadership Roles and Recognition

Moody's leadership and dedication have earned her numerous roles and accolades.

  1. 24

    Leadership Roles: She has served as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, Chair of Florida’s Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse, and continues as Chair of Florida’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking.

  2. 25

    Appointment to U.S. Senate: On January 16, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Moody would replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate, aligning with her commitment to public service and Florida roots.

Personal Philosophy and Community Involvement

Moody's personal philosophy and community involvement reflect her dedication to her constituents and her roots.

  1. 26

    Personal Philosophy: She believes every decision should be guided by the understanding that her opportunity comes from the people of Florida, emphasizing her commitment to her constituents.

  2. 27

    Community Involvement: From being the Strawberry Queen in Plant City to becoming a top university student, federal prosecutor, judge, and now U.S. Senator, Moody has always remained grounded in her roots.

Respect and Legacy

Moody's career has earned her respect across party lines and left a lasting legacy.

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    Respect Across Parties: Despite being a Republican, Moody has garnered respect from both sides of the aisle. Former Hillsborough Chief Judge Ronald Ficarrotta, a Democrat, has expressed admiration for her dedication and professionalism.

  2. 29

    National Stage: With her appointment to the U.S. Senate, Moody is now on a national and global stage. Her ascent from local politics to federal office reflects her hard work and dedication to public service.

  3. 30

    Legacy: Ashley Moody’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and commitment to justice. Her contributions to law enforcement, opioid abuse prevention, human trafficking awareness, and social media regulation will continue to shape Florida and the nation in meaningful ways.

Ashley Moody's Impact and Future

Ashley Moody's journey from Plant City to the U.S. Senate showcases her dedication to public service. As Florida's Attorney General, she tackled issues like the opioid crisis, human trafficking, and social media's impact on mental health. Her work earned her respect across party lines, reflecting her commitment to justice and community.

Moody's new role in the U.S. Senate promises to bring her leadership to a national stage. Her focus on law enforcement, children's safety, and challenging federal policies will continue shaping Florida and beyond. With a strong connection to her roots and a history of impactful service, Moody's legacy is one of resilience and dedication.

Her story inspires future leaders, showing that hard work and commitment can lead to significant change. As she steps into this new chapter, Ashley Moody's influence will undoubtedly grow, leaving a lasting mark on American politics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Ashley Moody's background in law enforcement?
Before stepping into her current role, Ashley Moody served as a federal prosecutor and a judge in Hillsborough County, Florida. Her extensive experience in the courtroom and her dedication to upholding the law have been pivotal in her career.
How did Ashley Moody become Florida's Attorney General?
Ashley Moody's journey to becoming Florida's Attorney General began with her election in 2018. Her campaign focused on her strong legal background, commitment to public safety, and her vision for tackling the state's most pressing legal issues.
What are some key initiatives Ashley Moody has worked on?
Since taking office, she's launched several initiatives aimed at combating the opioid crisis, strengthening consumer protection, and enhancing public safety. Her efforts to crack down on human trafficking and support law enforcement have also been notable.
Has Ashley Moody received any awards for her work?
Yes, indeed. Her dedication to justice and public service has earned her numerous accolades. These awards highlight her contributions to law enforcement, her fight against the opioid epidemic, and her efforts to protect Floridians.
What's Ashley Moody's stance on the Second Amendment?
Ashley Moody is a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment. She believes in the right to bear arms and has been vocal about protecting this constitutional right, ensuring that law-abiding citizens have the ability to defend themselves.
How does Ashley Moody engage with the community?
Engagement with the community is a cornerstone of her tenure. Through town hall meetings, public forums, and social media, she keeps the lines of communication open, listening to the concerns of Floridians and working on solutions that benefit the entire state.
What's next for Ashley Moody?
While her future plans are always subject to change, Ashley Moody remains focused on her role as Attorney General. She continues to tackle legal challenges facing Florida, with an eye on making the state a safer, more just place for all its residents.

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