After graduation, Tom and Tara spent over four years in the United States Army JAG Corps. Most notably he served as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney on Fort Hood, TX prosecuting all civilian crimes on post. In 2002, Tom was selected to teach Constitutional and Criminal Law at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

In 2004, Tom returned to Florida and went to work as an Assistant Attorney General. After leaving the Attorney General's office, Tom became CEO of "The Children's Place at Home Safe," a home for abused and neglected children. Tom was later appointed by Governor Bush to the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County Board of Directors. In 2006, Tom entered private practice and joined a Stuart law firm.

On November 4th 2008, Tom was elected to represent Florida's 16th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tom currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Agriculture Committee, and the Select Committee on Intelligence. For the 112th Congress, Tom will Chair the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry. He will also serve as a Deputy Whip for the Majority.

Tom and Tara reside in Tequesta and with their three young sons- Tommy Jr., Sean, and Seamus.