Florida Executive Suspension & Senate Removal Explorer

Case Scenarios PRESETS

Official Target Profile

Constitutional / County Office

Incumbent Official Name

Constitutional Grounds for Suspension (Art. IV, § 7(a))

Commission of a Felony Includes criminal arrests, indictment, or formal charges under §112.51 / §112.42

Malfeasance Performance of an unlawful act or evil-doing in official capacity

Misfeasance Improper performance of a lawful duty with negligence

Neglect of Duty Careless or intentional failure to execute statutory obligations

Incompetence / Habitual Intoxication Gross inability to satisfy qualifications or sobriety standards

Gubernatorial Interim Appointee (Art. IV, § 7(a))

Constitutional Rules

Governor's Power: Can only suspend, never permanently remove independently (Art. IV § 7(a)).
Senate Authority: Has exclusive jurisdiction to remove or reinstate (Art. IV § 7(b)).
Judicial Review: FL Supreme Court only reviews facial sufficiency of Executive Order, not gubernatorial discretion.
Compensation: Suspended officials receive backpay only if the Senate formally reinstates them (§ 112.40).

Stage 01 Active

Executive Suspension

Executive Order issuance, constitutional grounds & interim appointment.

Stage 02 Pending

Judicial & Administrative

Facial sufficiency challenge & writ of quo warranto petitions.

Stage 03 Pending

Senate Special Master

FL Senate Rule 12 evidentiary hearings, discovery, & findings report.

Stage 04 Pending

Full Senate Trial & Vote

Floor debate, 2/3 removal threshold vote, or reinstatement.

Stage 1: Executive Order Ground: Commission of a Felony Clerk of Court

Gov. Term Authority Active

STATE OF FLORIDA

State of Florida • Executive Office

TALLAHASSEE • EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-188

WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 7, Subsection (a) of the Florida Constitution vests in the Governor the executive authority to suspend from office any state officer not subject to impeachment, or any county officer;

WHEREAS, Joseph Abruzzo serves as the duly elected or commissioned Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller in and for Palm Beach County, Florida; and

WHEREAS, evidence and formal documentation demonstrate sufficient legal cause under the grounds of Commission of a Felony, specifically involving severe criminal allegations and statutory violations contrary to the public trust and welfare;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, Governor of Florida, by virtue of the constitutional authority vested in me, do hereby issue this Executive Order:

Section 1. Joseph Abruzzo is immediately suspended from the public office of Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller.

Section 2. Pursuant to Article IV, Section 7(a), Governor Appointed Interim Official is hereby commissioned to fill the vacancy and perform all statutory duties of the office during the period of suspension.

Attest: Secretary of State of Florida • Filed with the President of the Senate

Stage 1 Decision Paths SELECT BRANCH