TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier has initiated legal action in Volusia County on behalf of two homeowners who claim they were targeted for their political expressions. The lawsuit aims to protect their constitutional right to political speech.
“Using lawfare to retaliate against political speech is wrong and unlawful,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “These homeowners should be free to support President Trump without fear, and we will protect their right to do so.”
The complaint details that Daryl and Kimberly Ward displayed signs supporting their preferred candidates on their property, an act protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution. Despite this protection, a neighbor, Jason McCormick, objected to these signs starting with “Let’s Go Brandon” banners in 2022. This disagreement escalated into threats and eventually led to a lawsuit.
Attorney General James Uthmeier claims McCormick engaged in actions intended to suppress the Wards’ political speech through threats and intimidation tactics including:
– Threatening litigation unless the signs were removed
– Filing a covenant enforcement lawsuit regarding buildings on the Wards’ property after refusal to remove signs
– Using restrictive covenants as retaliation against protected speech
– Ignoring similar issues with other neighbors but targeting the Wards due to their political expression
The suit seeks relief under Section 760.51 of Florida Statutes, which prohibits any threats or coercion infringing upon constitutional rights. The Office of the Attorney General emphasizes its commitment to using all available legal tools in Florida law to defend these rights.
The filed complaint is available for public viewing.
