TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier has initiated legal action in Volusia County on behalf of two homeowners who claim they were targeted for expressing their political views on their property.
“Using lawfare to retaliate against political speech is wrong and unlawful,” stated 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 involves Daryl and Kimberly Ward, who displayed political signs supporting their preferred candidates on their private property. This expression is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution. Despite this protection, neighbor Jason McCormick reportedly objected to the Wards’ signs starting with “Let’s Go Brandon” banners in 2022, escalating his actions to threats and a lawsuit.
Attorney General James Uthmeier claims that McCormick engaged in a series of actions intended to suppress the Wards’ political speech. These actions include:
– Threatening legal action unless the Wards removed their signs;
– Filing a covenant enforcement lawsuit concerning two buildings on the Wards’ property after they refused to remove their signs;
– Using restrictive covenants as retaliation against protected speech; and
– Overlooking potential covenant issues with other neighbors while targeting the Wards due solely to their political expression.
The lawsuit seeks relief under Section 760.51 of Florida Statutes, which prohibits threats, intimidation, or coercion infringing upon constitutional rights. The Office of the Attorney General intends to utilize all available tools under Florida law to protect these rights.
The filed complaint can be viewed here.
