Executive Order 26-43: State Attorney Assignment for Hyder, Synrex Cases

FL Governor Executive Orders

Published March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-43, assigning State Attorney R.J. Larizza of the Seventh Judicial Circuit to investigate and prosecute cases involving Joshua Julius Hyder and Amanda Lee Synrex. This assignment is due to a conflict of interest declared by the original State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. The assignment is effective immediately and lasts for one year, with a possibility of extension.

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What changed

Executive Order 26-43 formally assigns State Attorney R.J. Larizza of Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit to handle the investigation and prosecution of cases involving Joshua Julius Hyder and Amanda Lee Synrex. This action is necessitated by the recusal of the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, William M. Gladson, who cited a conflict of interest as he is a victim in one of the cases. The order vests authority in the assigned State Attorney and their designees to proceed with the duties, directing cooperation from residents and public officials within the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

This executive assignment is effective immediately and is set to conclude on March 2, 2027, unless an extension is requested by February 2, 2027. The primary implication is the transfer of prosecutorial responsibility for these specific criminal matters. Legal professionals and law enforcement agencies within the Fifth Judicial Circuit must now coordinate with the Seventh Judicial Circuit's State Attorney's office. While no direct penalties for non-compliance with the executive order itself are stated, failure to cooperate could impede the judicial process and potentially lead to contempt of court proceedings.

What to do next

Cooperate fully with the Assigned State Attorney (R.J. Larizza) and their designees.
Provide necessary assistance to the Assigned State Attorney for the investigation and prosecution of cases involving Joshua Julius Hyder and Amanda Lee Synrex.
Monitor for any extension requests filed by the Assigned State Attorney by February 2, 2027.

Penalties

null

Source document (simplified)

STATE O F FL OR I D A OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-43 (State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable WILLIAM M. GLADSON, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised Governor RON DESANTIS that Joshua Julius Hyder has been charged with burglary of a structure, petit theft, dealing in stolen property, grand theft, fleeing or attempting to elude, driving while license suspended, resisting law enforcement without violence, and possession of paraphernalia, and his co-defendant, Amanda Lee Synrex has been charged with bur g lary of a structure and petit theft; and WHEREAS, the Honorable WILLIAM M. GLADSON has also advised the Governor that he is a victim in one of the cases; and WHEREAS, the Honorable WILLIAM M. GLADSON, to avoid a conflict of interest or any appearance of impropriety, has voluntarily disqualified himself and has requested the executive assignment of another State Attorney regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Joshua Julius Hyder and Amanda Lee Synrex; and WHEREAS, the Honorable R.J. LARIZZA, State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, has agreed to accept an executive assignment in this matter; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the State of Florida and of the ends of justice that the Honorable R.J. LARIZZA discharge the duties of the Honorable WILLIAM M. GLADSON, pursuant to section 27.14, Florida Statutes. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, Governor of Florida, in obedience to my solemn constitutional duty to "take care that the laws be faithfully executed," and pursuant to the

Constitution and Laws of the State of Florida, issue the following Executive Order, effective immediately: Section 1. The Honorable R.J. LARIZZA, State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, referred to as the "Assigned State Attorney," is assigned to discharge the duties of the Honorable WILLIAM M. GLADSON, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Joshua Julius Hyder and Amanda Lee Synrex. Section 2. The Assigned State Attorney or one or more Assistant State Attorneys and Investigators, who have been designated by the Assigned State Attorney, shall proceed immediately to the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, and are vested with the authority to perform the duties prescribed herein. Section 3. All residents of the Fifth Judicial Circuit are requested, and all public officials are directed, to cooperate and render whatever assistance is necessary to the Assigned State Attorney, so that justice may be served. Section 4. The period of this Executive Assignment shall be for one (1) year, to and including March 2, 2027.

Section 5. The Assigned State Attorney shall notify the Governor on or before February 2, 2027, if additional time is required. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, this 2nd day of March, 2026. ATTEST: CJ,...., Pl,.._,, = ~:p er- r::,:~.,:JC "':<;I 1-··-::c> - i!::::0 J>-·...,..~,...... r:·\ I l>:-:: N r W--' rr~ U)c -0 rn:x ri,-ri. Cf) ~.. 0.,,-<,)> -I -.J f'Tl