TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—The Florida Attorney General’s office has initiated legal action in Volusia County to defend two homeowners’ rights to political expression. The suit was filed on behalf of Daryl and Kimberly Ward, who were allegedly targeted for displaying political signs supporting their chosen candidates on their property.
Attorney General James Uthmeier stated, “Using lawfare to retaliate against political speech is wrong and unlawful. These homeowners should be free to support President Trump without fear, and we will protect their right to do so.”
The complaint outlines that the Wards’ neighbor, Jason McCormick, objected to their political signs starting with “Let’s Go Brandon” banners in 2022. It alleges McCormick escalated his objections into threats and a lawsuit aimed at suppressing the Wards’ First Amendment rights.
Uthmeier claims McCormick engaged in actions including threatening litigation unless the signs were removed, filing a covenant enforcement lawsuit regarding buildings on the Wards’ property after they refused to take down their signs, using restrictive covenants as retaliation against protected speech, and selectively enforcing these covenants against the Wards due solely to their political expression.
The lawsuit seeks relief under Section 760.51 of Florida Statutes, which prohibits threats or coercion infringing upon constitutional rights. The Attorney General’s Office aims to utilize all available legal measures in Florida law to uphold these rights.
