May 12, 2025
GrayRobinson Jacksonville Managing Shareholder Ken Jacobs recently achieved a noteworthy result on behalf of U.S. Representative Randy Fine (R-FL), securing the dismissal of a defamation action brought by Plaintiff Maleana Gay before the Fourth Judicial Circuit for Duval County. The lawsuit arose from public statements made by Congressman Fine during the plaintiff’s campaign for state committeewoman. Ken filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to Florida’s Anti-SLAPP statute, arguing that the claims were based on protected political speech connected to a public issue – namely commentary on a candidate for public office. The statute is designed to prevent the chilling of constitutionally protected expression through meritless litigation. As a result of Ken’s motion to dismiss, including the risk of having to pay an award of Congressman Fine’s attorneys’ fees, the plaintiff dismissed her complaint with prejudice in its entirety. The case is now closed. This result highlights the effectiveness of early dispositive motion practice in Anti-SLAPP cases and reflects Ken’s strategic approach to defending free speech in the political arena.