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Volusia County, FL - Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit in Volusia County on behalf of homeowners Daryl and Kimberly Ward, claiming they were targeted for displaying political signs supporting President Donald Trump.
The civil complaint alleges that the Wards faced legal threats and retaliation from their neighbor after they displayed the signs on their private property.
According to the lawsuit, the Wards began displaying political signs and “Let’s Go Brandon” banners in 2022.
The attorney general’s office states that their neighbor allegedly threatened to sue the couple if they did not remove the signs.
When the Wards refused, the neighbor filed a separate lawsuit concerning two structures on their property, which the attorney general’s office describes as retaliation disguised as covenant enforcement.
The complaint further claims that the neighbor selectively enforced neighborhood covenants, pointing out that similar violations by other neighbors were ignored.
The lawsuit seeks relief under Florida Statute 760.51, which prohibits threats, intimidation, or coercion that interfere with constitutional rights.
Uthmeier’s office has stated that it will continue to pursue legal action to protect free speech under both the U.S. and Florida constitutions.
The lawsuit highlights concerns about political expression and legal retaliation in residential communities, with the attorney general emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals’ rights to express their political views on their property without fear of legal consequences.
The legal case is ongoing, and the neighbor has not publicly commented on the allegations.