Governor DeSantis Orders Prosecution of Adriana O'Hara

FL Governor Executive Orders

Filed March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an Executive Order assigning the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit's State Attorney to prosecute Adriana O'Hara for stalking. This action is taken to avoid a conflict of interest, as O'Hara is a former employee of the state attorney's office. The assignment is effective immediately and will last for one year.

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What changed

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 26-35, assigning the State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Susan S. Lopez, to investigate and prosecute Adriana O'Hara for stalking, harassment, and cyberstalking. This assignment is a direct response to a recusal by the State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Ed Brodsky, due to O'Hara being a former employee of his office, aiming to prevent any conflict of interest or appearance of impropriety. The order is effective immediately.

This executive assignment mandates that the assigned State Attorney and her designated staff proceed to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to perform their duties. The order directs all public officials and residents to cooperate with the assigned prosecutor. The assignment is set for a period of one year, concluding on March 2, 2027, with a provision for requesting an extension if necessary. This action requires immediate attention from the assigned State Attorney's office to initiate the investigation and prosecution.

What to do next

Initiate investigation and prosecution of Adriana O'Hara.
Cooperate fully with the assigned State Attorney's office.
Notify the Governor by February 2, 2027, if additional time is required.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF FL O RI D A OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-35 (State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable ED BRODSKY, State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised Governor RON DESANTIS that a complaint has been filed against Adriana O'Hara for stalking-follow, harass, and/or cyberstalk another; and WHEREAS, the Honorable ED BRODSKY has also advised the Governor that Adriana O'Hara is a former employee of the state attorney's office; and WHEREAS, the Honorable ED BRODSKY, 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 Adriana O'Hara; and WHEREAS, the Honorable SUSAN S. LOPEZ, State Attorney for the Thirteenth 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 SUSAN S. LOPEZ discharge the duties of the Honorable ED BRODSKY, 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 SUSAN S. LOPEZ, State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, referred to as the "Assigned State Attorney," is assigned to discharge the duties of the Honorable ED BRODSKY, State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida, regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Adriana O ' Hara. 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 Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida, and are vested with the authority to perform the duties prescribed herein. Section 3. All residents of the Twelfth 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.,...,,..., =,:;;r,:x -n:00, -:;Q I r- N -0:x m.r:- 0..