Executive Order 26-52: Extension of State Attorney Assignment

FL Governor Executive Orders

Published March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-52, extending the assignment of State Attorney William M. Gladson for one year, until April 3, 2027. This extension is necessary to complete duties related to charges pending against Dane Patrick Abdool.

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What changed

Executive Order 26-52, issued by the Governor of Florida on March 2, 2026, extends the executive assignment of State Attorney William M. Gladson for an additional year, until April 3, 2027. This extension pertains to his representation of the State of Florida concerning charges against Dane Patrick Abdool and is a continuation of assignments previously made by multiple executive orders dating back to 2017. The extension is deemed necessary as the case remains pending and the assigned State Attorney has not yet completed their duties.

This executive order reaffirms and extends the prior assignment, requiring the Assigned State Attorney to notify the Governor by March 3, 2027, if further time is needed. For legal professionals and government agencies involved in the Florida judicial system, this means the existing assignment and responsibilities continue as outlined. There are no new obligations imposed on external entities, and the primary impact is on the continued allocation of prosecutorial resources for this specific case.

What to do next

State Attorney to notify Governor by March 3, 2027, if additional time is required.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF FL OR I D A OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-52 (Extension of State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable WILLIAM M. GLADSON, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, was previously assigned by Executive Order 17-98, as extended by Executive Orders 18-108, 19-67, 20-64, 21-56, 22-68, 23-100, 24-57, and 25-38, to represent the State of Florida concerning charges pending against Dane Patrick Abdool; and WHEREAS, the Assigned State Attorney has advised the Governor that the duties required by the previous executive assignment have not yet been completed as the case is still pending; and WHEREAS, the Assigned State Attorney has further advised the Governor that an extension of this assignment is necessary in order to complete the assigned duties; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the State of Florida and of the ends of justice that the assignment of the Assigned State Attorney be continued with respect to the above matters, 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: Section 1. Executive Order 17-98, as extended by Executive Orders 18-108, 19-67, 20-64, 21-56, 22-68, 23-100, 24-57, and 25-38, is reaffirmed and the executive assignment is extended for an additional period of one (1) year, to and including April 3, 2027.

-- Section 2. The Assigned State Attorney shall notify the Governor on or before March 3, 2027, if additional time is required. ATTEST: 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. Cl UWi!-a CD