STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 26-125 (State Attorney Executive Assignment) WHEREAS, the Honorable LARRY BASFORD, State Attorney for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised me that allegations have been made against Jim Norton for simple assault; and WHEREAS, the Honorable LARRY BASFORD has also advised me that Jim Norton is a supporter and has a personal relationship with the state attorney's office· and WHEREAS, the Honorable LARRY BASFORD, 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 Jim Norton; and WHEREAS, the Honorable GINGER BOWDEN MADDEN, State Attorney for the First 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 GINGER BOWDEN MADDEN discharge the duties of the Honorable LARRY BASFORD, 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 GINGER BOWDEN MADDEN, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, referred to as the "Assigned State Attorney," is assigned to discharge the duties of the Honorable LARRY BASFORD, State Attorney for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Jim Norton.

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

Section 3. All residents ofthe Fourteenth 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 June 30,

Section 5. The Assigned State Attorney shall notify me on or before May 30, 2027, 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 June, 2026.