A half century ago, the Florida Legislature was considered one of the best in the country and the most independent. Today it’s in thrall to special interests and a tight cadre of leaders.

Moody, the state's attorney general, is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ pick to replace U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who is poised to be the next Secretary of State for President-elect Donald J. Trump. DeSantis made the ...