The timetable is now set for Andrew Warren’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The expedited process will see all paperwork and hearings completed by September 20, with a ruling expected soon afterward.
Both parties in the lawsuit agreed to the joint proposal. Judge Robert Hinkle of the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida approved and signed the order. Warren is the twice duly elected state attorney for Tampa and Hillsborough County, Florida. DeSantis signed an order suspending him on August 4, and Warren filed a lawsuit to challenge the suspension on August 17.
The Judge’s order sets the following dates and deadlines:
- September 2: Deadline for DeSantis’ attorney to file a Response to the lawsuit
- September 9: Deadline for Warren’s attorney to file a Reply to the Response
- September 19 or 20: Oral arguments before the Judge in Tallahassee
The lawsuit makes two central claims—that DeSantis’ order violated Warren’s First Amendment right to free speech under the U.S. Constitution and exceeded DeSantis’ authority as governor under Florida law. It asks the Judge to compel the governor to rescind his illegal order, which would restore Warren to office.
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To cover the costs of his court fight to reverse DeSantis’ abuse of power, Warren has established a legal fund. Contributions to the Andrew Warren Legal Fund can only be used for expenses directly connected with Warren’s legal case and are not tax deductible. Under Florida law, contributions above $100 will be reported on Warren’s quarterly gift disclosure form.
“I didn’t exactly have a piggy bank sitting on my dresser labeled, ‘In case Ron DeSantis illegally suspends me.’ Meanwhile, he’s bankrolling his attempt to overturn the will of the voters with your taxpayer dollars,” Warren said. “Everyone knows legal representation costs money, and winning this case is about so much more than my job—it’s about democracy—making it clear that no governor can simply overturn an election because he doesn’t agree with who won.”
On August 4th, Governor Ron DeSantis suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren of the 13th Judicial Circuit due to neglect of duty.
“The Governor has the authority to suspend a state officer under Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Florida,” according to DeSantis’ office.
“State Attorneys have a duty to prosecute crimes as defined in Florida law, not to pick and choose which laws to enforce based on his personal agenda,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “It is my duty to hold Florida’s elected officials to the highest standards for the people of Florida. I have the utmost trust that Judge Susan Lopez will lead the office through this transition and faithfully uphold the rule of law.”
DeSantis appointed Hillsborough County judge Susan Lopez to take Warren’s place during his period of suspension.
“It is my promise to the people of Hillsborough County that I will faithfully execute the duties of this office and to ensure that we are fulfilling its purpose to prosecute crimes and protect the people” of the county, Lopez said.
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