Executive Order Extends State Attorney Assignment

FL Governor Executive Orders

Published March 12th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-65, extending the assignment of State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden for one year until March 4, 2027. This extension is necessary to complete duties related to a case involving Samantha Rae Butler.

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What changed

Executive Order 26-65, issued by the Governor of Florida on March 12, 2026, extends the executive assignment of State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden for the First Judicial Circuit. The original assignment, established by Executive Order 25-52, concerned allegations against Samantha Rae Butler. The extension is for one year, concluding on March 4, 2027, as the case is still pending and requires additional time for completion.

This action reaffirms and extends the previous executive assignment, ensuring continuity in the legal proceedings. The Assigned State Attorney is required to notify the Governor by February 4, 2027, if further time is needed. This order falls under the authority of Section 27.14, Florida Statutes, and is intended to uphold the faithful execution of laws within the state.

What to do next

Note the extension of the State Attorney's assignment until March 4, 2027.
Ensure internal legal teams are aware of the extended assignment for case management.
Prepare to notify the Governor by February 4, 2027, if additional time is required.

Source document (simplified)

STATE OF FLO RIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-65 (Extension of State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable GINGER BOWDEN MADDEN, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, was previously assigned by Executive Order 25-52 to represent the State of Florida concerning allegations made against Samantha Rae Butler; 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 ofthis 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 2 7 .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 ofthe State of Florida, issue the following Executive Order: Section I. Executive Order 25-52 is reaffirmed and the executive assignment is extended for an additional period of one (1) year, to and including March 4, 2027.

Section 2. The Assigned State Attorney shall notify the Governor on or before February 4, 2027, if additional time is required. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Great Seal ofthe State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, this 12th day of March, 2026. r, "' --{"t" =r-..:> c;,-.:r::;:.. :xr ·-,--r-:'::\ > • t """""' ::::0 _,;>=-~-:!:t"·r·! Nl>:::: r (./)--, ... U,O ..., .,. f"'l1-,-:xf'T1 I. U) r-CJ.."'1"1-! u,r-l> ---! CJ1fTl