Executive Order 26-21 (2026) — State Attorney Executive Assignment

EO 26-21

Florida Executive Orders

STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-21 (State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable BRUCE BARTLETT, State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised Governor RON DESANTIS that Anthony Edward Zilly has been arrested for driving under the influence; and WHEREAS, the Honorable BRUCE BARTLETT has also advised the Governor that Anthony Edward Zilly is an employee of the state attorney's office; and WHEREAS, the Honorable BRUCE BARTLETT, 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 Anthony Edward Zilly; 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 ofthe State of Florida and of the ends ofjustice that the Honorable SUSAN S. LOPEZ discharge the duties of the Honorable BRUCE BARTLETT, 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 BRUCE BARTLETT, State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida, regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Anthony Edward Zilly.

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 Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida, and are vested with the authority to perform the duties prescribed herein.

Section 3. All residents of the Sixth 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 ofthis Executive Assignment shall be for one (1) year, to and including January 30,

Section 5. The Assigned State Attorney shall notify the Governor on or before December 30, 2026, 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 30th day of January, 2026.

Document details

Collection	Florida Executive Orders
Citation	EO 26-21
Type	executive_order
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	FL_EO
Identifier	135e973078613b1c60996fa3e7cae5f7585f55db

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).